Tonbridge Angels FC

Tonbridge Angels FC has improved the clarity and reliability of match-day communications across Yeomans Community Stadium following the installation of a new Baldwin Boxall public address system, free of charge, to the club.

The project began after supporter feedback highlighted inconsistent audio coverage around the ground. Announcements could be difficult to hear in some areas, while fluctuating sound levels and intermittent broadcasts affected the overall match-day experience.

Tonbridge Angels is based close to the company’s headquarters in Crowborough, making the project a natural opportunity to support a community-focused organisation with practical life safety communications expertise.

Assessing the existing installation

A chance conversation sparked the project when Steve Bladon, Baldwin Boxall’s Engineering Manager, learned about the limitations of the club’s existing PA system, while travelling to a match with a Tonbridge Angels supporter.

After Steve raised the idea internally, Baldwin Boxall agreed to investigate how it could help. An independent assessment by sound consultant John Ellis, confirmed uneven coverage across the stands, background music overpowering spoken announcements, occasional fluctuations in audio level and intermittent loss of broadcasts.

Steve and Tony Shettle, Voice Alarm and Loudspeaker Engineer then visited the ground to review the installation and develop a suitable replacement. The club also outlined plans for a future marquee, which would require an additional audio zone, which was factored into the system design.

The assessment led to three recommendations: replace the existing amplification equipment, repair or replace faulty loudspeakers and install additional loudspeakers to improve coverage in the main stand and directors’ box. The report found that the loudspeakers had been subjected to adverse weather conditions, contributing to their eventual failure.

“Tonbridge Angels is a well-supported club close to our base in Crowborough, so this was a good opportunity to use our expertise in a practical way. Clubs at this level play an important role in their communities and reliable communication makes a real difference to both the match-day experience and the way the ground operates.”

Steve Bladon

Engineering Manager

A flexible system for the ground

Baldwin Boxall designed and built a new 25U VIGIL3 PA rack to provide dependable match-day coverage and a flexible platform that can grow as the venue develops.

The system includes six weatherproof end-of-line monitoring, battery backup, a handheld radio microphone, which provides coverage over the entire pitch and a touchscreen paging microphone for straightforward control. Three 300W dual amplifiers and automatic amplifier changeover support reliable operation.

Eight new IP55 horn loudspeakers have been installed to improve coverage around the ground and to replace existing speakers that were found to be faulty during the site survey. The completed system serves five zones: the North Stand, South Stand, West Stand and Media Side (future) Marquee. The radio microphone provides coverage over the entire pitch, which exceeded the club’s expectations.

Local electrician and Tonbridge Angels supporter Scott Green completed the on-site electrical installation, while Baldwin Boxall designed, supplied and commissioned the system.

Clearer, more consistent match-day audio

The system was installed and commissioned between fixtures. It has since been used during pre-season friendly matches with the club reporting a clear improvement in audio quality and coverage.

The intelligibility problems previously experienced in the directors’ box have been resolved, while properly balanced sound levels mean that music and spoken announcements no longer compete to be heard. Club staff are also becoming increasingly confident in operating the new controls.

Since the system was installed in June, it has been used for all of the clubs’ preseason friendlies, five in total, and the first league game. The club has received only positive comments about the quality of the match-day audio and we’re confident that future matches will be no different.

“Before the upgrade, announcements could be difficult to hear, or sometimes not at all, in many parts of the ground. The new system has made the audio much clearer and more consistent, which has made a noticeable difference for supporters, guests and our match-day team.”
Geoff Curtis, Director, Tonbridge Angels FC.

Ready to adapt as the club develops

The VIGIL3 platform gives Tonbridge Angels the flexibility to expand the system as its requirements change, including the proposed marquee zone. It also provides scope for monitored loudspeaker circuits and bespoke match-day, security and emergency messages in the future.

Any future use for emergency communications would need to form part of the club’s wider safety and preparedness arrangements, with the system configuration and messages reviewed for the intended application.

The project reflects Baldwin Boxall’s commitment to supporting organisations that make a positive contribution to their communities. For Tonbridge Angels, that support has delivered clearer and more dependable match-day communications, with a system that can adapt as the ground and the club’s operational needs develop.

Thanks to this remarkable combination of generosity and community spirit, Tonbridge Angels supporters now enjoy state-of-the-art communication and entertainment at Yeomans Community Stadium.