Formed in the early eighties, the Ipswich Town FC Supporters London Branch is officially affiliated to the Ipswich Town Supporters Club. Membership currently stands at about 120 with subscription fees as follows: individual £5, additional members of same family 50p extra and students, senior citizens and UB40 holders £4.

As the club aims to break the three year play-offs hoodoo this season, the London branch has started this season with the aim of reinventing itself to appeal to the growing community of London-based fans. The branch was originally formed as a means of helping organise travel to away matches for Town fans exiled in and around London, but the changing structure of rail fares, the proliferation of ticket deals and the increasing use of cars to travel to matches has reduced demand for such a service. As a result, a travel secretary has yet to be appointed for the current season.

As a result, at the branch's AGM last August, members voiced interest in giving the branch a make over by developing a more pro-active fans' representative body. Among the plans being developed are naming a designated London pub for Town's TV matches, organising a London 'away day' get together at an away match in the capital and organising a Christmas party. Other ideas under consideration include branch merchandise, a website and e-mail membership renewal system.

The branch continues to run its own APFSCIL-affiliated darts team (venue: The Angel, 61-62 St Giles High Street, London WC2H 8LH, near Tottenham Court Road station), publishes the 'Suffolk Punchline' newsletter which brings together match reports, news and views every couple of months and the AGM remains the focus of the branch's year.

In August last year. Club captain and Republic of Ireland international Matt Holland attended the AGM with former player Simon Milton and answered questions and supped soft drinks with branch members.

Last updated: March 2000