Growing up in Hertfordshire (now living over border in Bedfordshire), I've never had any Charlton 'mates' as such, and it's just me & my Dad who've been going to the Valley for the last 25 years. Charlton Life has therefore been a brilliant way for me to read opinions of, and engage with other fans away from match-days on a daily basis, which I wouldn't have otherwise. I don't 'know' and other Lifers personally but since joining in 2010 I without doubt feel like I know all the different characters!
Massive thanks to @AFKABartram and @LoOkOuT - the comments on this thread are testament to their hard work and the positive effect it has had on hundreds of us over the last 10 years, and this goes way beyond football.
10 years, cant imagine supporting Charlton without CL now.
I remember when it was set up, being the loyal chap I am I stayed on netaddicks until in December 06 i realised i was talking to myself on there as everyone had come over.
CL come about at a time that due to personal issues I had lost a bit of interest in Charlton and had become a bit distance from it, but this site was and is a major factor in getting me back.
The premiership relegation season was when this site started and after giving up my season ticket the year before found this site great in keeping in touch with the feeling of Charlton, It come around to that game at Home v West Ham and I could not get a ticket after posting offering £100 the very kind @LargeAddick stepped in and arranged use of his spare ticket not even wanting a penny for it. It was then when you realise how great this forum is and how the people that post on it.
Despite relegation that year I had found my love for Charlton back and although could not afford a season ticket at the time started attending home games again and then started wanting to do do away games, it was then again that this site come up again and from messaging on here with @Ketman he arranged for me to join him for a away day to Coventry and I meet with @CAFCBourne@WSS@Stu_of_Kunming@Medders@Carter@Gumbo and still see most of them around at games and stop and have a chat.
It was the next season I got my season ticket back and have had since then and I really do think that if it had not of been for this site, I may not have got back into Charlton in the same way.
I have since meet many people from here at various away games and have managed to buy @ElfsborgAddick a beer for all his many saving train tips.
Loads has changed for me in the last 10 years, I used to think @oohaahmortimer was a wind up, putting down Charlton travel numbers week in week out, I now worrying find myself agreeing with in regards to ratio, although he may be wrong this year.
@AFKABartram & @LoOkOuT, Thank you providing this great platform that has really changed my experience of supporting Charlton over the last 10 years and thanks to all other lifers who make it what it is.
Order of Top 20 recorded areas of UK usage: London, Dartford, Croydon, Poplar, Brighton, Maidstone, Swanley, Canterbury, Gravesend, Manchester, Newham, Birmingham, Chatham, Norwich, Sheffield, Leeds, Tumbridge Wells, Bristol, Southampton, Basildon
Might want to remove this bit from the OP... Gravesend / Charham / Maidstone all clear proof that we're stealing more Gillingham fans!!
My wife and daughters might not thank the pair of you as one or more of them invariably says 'you're not on Charlton Life AGAIN are you?'
This site is invaluable both for its football and non-football content.
Like many I've had some lively exchanges on here over the last 10 years and actually physically met a number of my adversaries too thanks to this site 'in the flesh.' (careful @DaveMehmet ). They come across as very pleasant people.
Thank you @AFKABartram and @LoOkOuT by creating Charlton Life you have enriched the lives of many people some of whom may never or no longer post but find the content fascinating when they read it.
As a regular visitor and reader but a very infrequent contributer I send my thanks too. Vital when abroad especially the match threads so a special thanks to those who do that. As my adult daughters are now introducing their partners to our club it should be a happy time for me as my Charlton family is growing. Of course, this is not the case as every day our Charlton lives are tainted by the regime, sometimes to the point of it better not to discuss it any more. Keep the faith in your own way. We will all be back together one day.
10 years, wow! I think I may have been one of the original 30?! Depending on workload I drift in and out of participating but rarely do I go long without at least checking in.
I'd be very surprised if there's a better or more influential football forum out there - Lookie and AFKA should be very proud of what they've achieved with this site.
Obviously the highlight for me has to be THAT match. Not just for what it meant to me personally at the time, or because of what transpired in the game, (see @BDL I didn't really mention it) :-) but for what the occasion meant and being part of the incredible contributions made by all, still makes me proud.
Add to that the amazing support given by those on here to the Upbeats and other worthy causes, just proves that Charlton Life is a vehicle for everything that makes me glad to be an Addick.
I don't think there can have been to many times in the last ten years, when I haven't been on this site on a daily basis, even though my contributions have dried up a little of late and this shows just how much of an important part of my Charlton life this place has become.
Lurked on here for a long time before signing up. Had previously used the old BBC 606 site and then Not606. Have enjoyed it immensely and have spent way too much time on here. Had advice on everything from parking to burglar alarms and many a right good laugh to boot. As with all good things there are occasional down moments (like being flagged for posting a picture of a cream cracker or, more disturbingly, being cast as a racist for saying that Calum Harriott had a footballing brain the size of a peanut!). But, as the saying goes, in every bunch of roses there will be an occasional prick. I'm pleased to say that the roses by far outweigh the others on here and, despite our difficult backdrop at the moment, it's still my go-to place when I pick up the iPhone.
Thanks @afkabartram and @lookout for all that you do and here's to the next ten years.
I joined in Dec 06, having been on netaddicks. Hardly a day goes bye without me checking on the site. Currently sitting in Carrick on Shannon posting this.
The match at The Valley was the last time I've played football, I made first appearance at the old Valley in 1981, only Kieth Peacock has a longer record than I think. If another game was to be arranged I would jump to it, can't see it happening under this regime.
Another funny moment was a pre season friendly at welling. It was an evening game and I was in the Guy after the game with AFKA, Curb it, MCS and a few others. Managed to get quite pissed and ordered a cab home. It turned up and I sling open the door, crashed into the seat and said my address. A voice replied, "Russ you donut, I'm here to pickup B". It was Tavern.
Another funny moment was a pre season friendly at welling. It was an evening game and I was in the Guy after the game with AFKA, Curb it, MCS and a few others. Managed to get quite pissed and ordered a cab home. It turned up and I sling open the door, crashed into the seat and said my address. A voice replied, "Russ you donut, I'm here to pickup B". It was Tavern.
Similar thing happened to me Dave.
I was sitting outside a supermarket waiting for my wife when I heard the boot open, thinking the wife was putting the shopping bags in the boot I took no notice. The boot then slammed shut and the back door opened and a women then started telling me her address. When I looked round it was a complete stranger.
I told her I was not a cab and we both had a good laugh. I jumped out and opened my boot and she had filled it with her shopping bags so I helped her get it back out again by which time my very confused wife had appeared.
Another funny moment was a pre season friendly at welling. It was an evening game and I was in the Guy after the game with AFKA, Curb it, MCS and a few others. Managed to get quite pissed and ordered a cab home. It turned up and I sling open the door, crashed into the seat and said my address. A voice replied, "Russ you donut, I'm here to pickup B". It was Tavern.
I learned a lesson in honesty that day. Already about 2hrs late for dinner, I decided to tell a little white lie to the missus that I'd left the pub and was waiting for a bus. I worked out this would allow me enough time to get another pint in and get a taxi home.
Anyhow, eventually got home to a fuming missus and ruined dinner which i tried covering up with how long I had to wait for a bus, how long the bus journey was etc when all of a sudden I shouted out "sh*t, I left my mobile in the cab". She then said "what cab, you got the bus" and it all unraveled from there. Managed to get the phone back from Carlton Cars the next day.
I vowed that day I would always be honest with my wife, and I can honestly say i have never told even the most trivial lie since.
I was in an 'Internet Cafe' on holiday in Turkey in August 2006 when I stumbled across a very new Charlton Life - and joined as soon as I got home again.
Back then we were discussing Traore's dazzling debut at West Ham and the idiot Dowie - and the slide began to descend beyond mid-table mediocrity in the Prem towards the shambles of today. Somewhere along the way Golfie earned a reputation for being a miserable defeatist ('realist' he called himself); and me for wearing 'rose tinted glasses' - I even turned up for one game wearing them, if anyone remembers?
I've had discussion with some cracking people on here and, despite living in Cornwall, met quite a few other posters before games at The Valley and at away grounds. One of them was March 51 (Terry), sadly no longer with us, with his gentle humour and stories of trains and trams in the best Addicks tradition.
We had a good few laughs playing together as Charlton Life FC, with Uncle Shelvey believing he was our stand out player, but actually it was a toss up between Dazzler's electric pace or Gumbo playing striker for our opponents and scoring against us. I nearly forgot Nathan Prior turning up pissed halfway through the 2nd half, without any boots and demanding to play.
The highlight for me was finally playing on The Valley turf, just days before my 52nd birthday - a boyhood dream come true. And all thanks to everyone connected to Charlton Life for making it happen. Maybe if it wasn't for the Duchatelet debacle, we could have had a 10 year CL anniversary match at The Valley and raised more funds for Demelza?
Anyway, just want to express my thanks to all on here who have made CL what it is, especially of course to AFKA and LoOkie. And even Henry Irving, who once bought me a drink at the Lib, and is still waiting for me to buy him one back.
Another funny moment was a pre season friendly at welling. It was an evening game and I was in the Guy after the game with AFKA, Curb it, MCS and a few others. Managed to get quite pissed and ordered a cab home. It turned up and I sling open the door, crashed into the seat and said my address. A voice replied, "Russ you donut, I'm here to pickup B". It was Tavern.
I learned a lesson in honesty that day. Already about 2hrs late for dinner, I decided to tell a little white lie to the missus that I'd left the pub and was waiting for a bus. I worked out this would allow me enough time to get another pint in and get a taxi home.
Anyhow, eventually got home to a fuming missus and ruined dinner which i tried covering up with how long I had to wait for a bus, how long the bus journey was etc when all of a sudden I shouted out "sh*t, I left my mobile in the cab". She then said "what cab, you got the bus" and it all unraveled from there. Managed to get the phone back from Carlton Cars the next day.
I vowed that day I would always be honest with my wife, and I can honestly say i have never told even the most trivial lie since.
Hi babe :-)
When I first joined this comment would never have appeared from anyone and definitely not Carter however now unfortunately he too has become one of the watched over few
Another funny moment was a pre season friendly at welling. It was an evening game and I was in the Guy after the game with AFKA, Curb it, MCS and a few others. Managed to get quite pissed and ordered a cab home. It turned up and I sling open the door, crashed into the seat and said my address. A voice replied, "Russ you donut, I'm here to pickup B". It was Tavern.
I learned a lesson in honesty that day. Already about 2hrs late for dinner, I decided to tell a little white lie to the missus that I'd left the pub and was waiting for a bus. I worked out this would allow me enough time to get another pint in and get a taxi home.
Anyhow, eventually got home to a fuming missus and ruined dinner which i tried covering up with how long I had to wait for a bus, how long the bus journey was etc when all of a sudden I shouted out "sh*t, I left my mobile in the cab". She then said "what cab, you got the bus" and it all unraveled from there. Managed to get the phone back from Carlton Cars the next day.
I vowed that day I would always be honest with my wife, and I can honestly say i have never told even the most trivial lie since.
Hi babe :-)
When I first joined this comment would never have appeared from anyone and definitely not Carter however now unfortunately he too has become one of the watched over few
Another funny moment was a pre season friendly at welling. It was an evening game and I was in the Guy after the game with AFKA, Curb it, MCS and a few others. Managed to get quite pissed and ordered a cab home. It turned up and I sling open the door, crashed into the seat and said my address. A voice replied, "Russ you donut, I'm here to pickup B". It was Tavern.
I learned a lesson in honesty that day. Already about 2hrs late for dinner, I decided to tell a little white lie to the missus that I'd left the pub and was waiting for a bus. I worked out this would allow me enough time to get another pint in and get a taxi home.
Anyhow, eventually got home to a fuming missus and ruined dinner which i tried covering up with how long I had to wait for a bus, how long the bus journey was etc when all of a sudden I shouted out "sh*t, I left my mobile in the cab". She then said "what cab, you got the bus" and it all unraveled from there. Managed to get the phone back from Carlton Cars the next day.
I vowed that day I would always be honest with my wife, and I can honestly say i have never told even the most trivial lie since.
Hi babe :-)
When I first joined this comment would never have appeared from anyone and definitely not Carter however now unfortunately he too has become one of the watched over few
Congratulations on 10 years. Don't post much on here as somebody has usually said what I was thinking and done it far more articulate way than I could. I need Charlton Life at the moment to keep a sense of what it means to be a Charlton supporter as its bloody difficult at the moment. However the real strength is the non-footy related posts. I joined rather than just read the night Henry posted Leven Helm had died so I could post my own little tribute. Here's to another 10 years, God knows what it will be like to be a addick by then.
Comments
Happy Birthday :-)
Massive thanks to @AFKABartram and @LoOkOuT - the comments on this thread are testament to their hard work and the positive effect it has had on hundreds of us over the last 10 years, and this goes way beyond football.
Here's to the next 10!
#RolandOut
I remember when it was set up, being the loyal chap I am I stayed on netaddicks until in December 06 i realised i was talking to myself on there as everyone had come over.
CL come about at a time that due to personal issues I had lost a bit of interest in Charlton and had become a bit distance from it, but this site was and is a major factor in getting me back.
The premiership relegation season was when this site started and after giving up my season ticket the year before found this site great in keeping in touch with the feeling of Charlton, It come around to that game at Home v West Ham and I could not get a ticket after posting offering £100 the very kind @LargeAddick stepped in and arranged use of his spare ticket not even wanting a penny for it. It was then when you realise how great this forum is and how the people that post on it.
Despite relegation that year I had found my love for Charlton back and although could not afford a season ticket at the time started attending home games again and then started wanting to do do away games, it was then again that this site come up again and from messaging on here with @Ketman he arranged for me to join him for a away day to Coventry and I meet with @CAFCBourne @WSS @Stu_of_Kunming @Medders @Carter @Gumbo and still see most of them around at games and stop and have a chat.
It was the next season I got my season ticket back and have had since then and I really do think that if it had not of been for this site, I may not have got back into Charlton in the same way.
I have since meet many people from here at various away games and have managed to buy @ElfsborgAddick a beer for all his many saving train tips.
Loads has changed for me in the last 10 years, I used to think @oohaahmortimer was a wind up, putting down Charlton travel numbers week in week out, I now worrying find myself agreeing with in regards to ratio, although he may be wrong this year.
@AFKABartram & @LoOkOuT, Thank you providing this great platform that has really changed my experience of supporting Charlton over the last 10 years and thanks to all other lifers who make it what it is.
Apart from @bertpalmer
This site is invaluable both for its football and non-football content.
Like many I've had some lively exchanges on here over the last 10 years and actually physically met a number of my adversaries too thanks to this site 'in the flesh.' (careful @DaveMehmet ). They come across as very pleasant people.
Thank you @AFKABartram and @LoOkOuT by creating Charlton Life you have enriched the lives of many people some of whom may never or no longer post but find the content fascinating when they read it.
Keep the faith in your own way. We will all be back together one day.
I'd be very surprised if there's a better or more influential football forum out there - Lookie and AFKA should be very proud of what they've achieved with this site.
Add to that the amazing support given by those on here to the Upbeats and other worthy causes, just proves that Charlton Life is a vehicle for everything that makes me glad to be an Addick.
I don't think there can have been to many times in the last ten years, when I haven't been on this site on a daily basis, even though my contributions have dried up a little of late and this shows just how much of an important part of my Charlton life this place has become.
Thanks guys!
Mind you I'd demolish any cake.
Thanks @afkabartram and @lookout for all that you do and here's to the next ten years.
I joined in Dec 06, having been on netaddicks. Hardly a day goes bye without me checking on the site. Currently sitting in Carrick on Shannon posting this.
The match at The Valley was the last time I've played football, I made first appearance at the old Valley in 1981, only Kieth Peacock has a longer record than I think. If another game was to be arranged I would jump to it, can't see it happening under this regime.
Looking forward to the next ten years.
Well done and thank you @AFKABartram & @LoOkOuT
Which is kind of apt when you consider the amount of tinhats on here.
Happy Anniversary.
Nothing like a good ole fashion CL right vs left, heated debate.
I was sitting outside a supermarket waiting for my wife when I heard the boot open, thinking the wife was putting the shopping bags in the boot I took no notice. The boot then slammed shut and the back door opened and a women then started telling me her address. When I looked round it was a complete stranger.
I told her I was not a cab and we both had a good laugh. I jumped out and opened my boot and she had filled it with her shopping bags so I helped her get it back out again by which time my very confused wife had appeared.
Anyhow, eventually got home to a fuming missus and ruined dinner which i tried covering up with how long I had to wait for a bus, how long the bus journey was etc when all of a sudden I shouted out "sh*t, I left my mobile in the cab". She then said "what cab, you got the bus" and it all unraveled from there. Managed to get the phone back from Carlton Cars the next day.
I vowed that day I would always be honest with my wife, and I can honestly say i have never told even the most trivial lie since.
Hi babe :-)
I was in an 'Internet Cafe' on holiday in Turkey in August 2006 when I stumbled across a very new Charlton Life - and joined as soon as I got home again.
Back then we were discussing Traore's dazzling debut at West Ham and the idiot Dowie - and the slide began to descend beyond mid-table mediocrity in the Prem towards the shambles of today.
Somewhere along the way Golfie earned a reputation for being a miserable defeatist ('realist' he called himself); and me for wearing 'rose tinted glasses' - I even turned up for one game wearing them, if anyone remembers?
I've had discussion with some cracking people on here and, despite living in Cornwall, met quite a few other posters before games at The Valley and at away grounds.
One of them was March 51 (Terry), sadly no longer with us, with his gentle humour and stories of trains and trams in the best Addicks tradition.
We had a good few laughs playing together as Charlton Life FC, with Uncle Shelvey believing he was our stand out player, but actually it was a toss up between Dazzler's electric pace or Gumbo playing striker for our opponents and scoring against us. I nearly forgot Nathan Prior turning up pissed halfway through the 2nd half, without any boots and demanding to play.
The highlight for me was finally playing on The Valley turf, just days before my 52nd birthday - a boyhood dream come true. And all thanks to everyone connected to Charlton Life for making it happen.
Maybe if it wasn't for the Duchatelet debacle, we could have had a 10 year CL anniversary match at The Valley and raised more funds for Demelza?
Anyway, just want to express my thanks to all on here who have made CL what it is, especially of course to AFKA and LoOkie.
And even Henry Irving, who once bought me a drink at the Lib, and is still waiting for me to buy him one back.
Oh where the young carefree years have gone
I need Charlton Life at the moment to keep a sense of what it means to be a Charlton supporter as its bloody difficult at the moment. However the real strength is the non-footy related posts. I joined rather than just read the night Henry posted Leven Helm had died so I could post my own little tribute.
Here's to another 10 years, God knows what it will be like to be a addick by then.