Apologies: Julia U, Paul I, Andy K, Nick C
1.Minutes of previous meeting
No matters arising
2. Treasurer’s report
Phil C advised the Trust’s current balance is £9,853.00, which includes advance payments on future coach trips. The Trust has paid £150 in player sponsorship for Matty McGinn and £190 for the first eight “next match” signs this season.
The recent race night raised £762, and Liam Watson and the first team squad were thanked for their attendance and participation. A loss of £188 has been made on coaches for the first five away trips of the season.
The Trust has paid the total sum of £11,694 for the funding of last season’s reserve team and has now received all shares that were due in return. The Trust currently holds 12,194 shares in the club, equating to around 4% of the club’s issued capital, making it the fifth largest shareholder.
3.Memberships
Bill S reported the current membership is just short of 190. A number of renewals were due in August and September, and several remain outstanding. It is pleasing that a number of memberships that had lapsed in recent years are now being renewed.
4.Progress of joint long-term project with the club
It was confirmed to members that this project will be to raise money for new floodlights at Haig Avenue. The scheduled meeting with representatives from the club on 2 October was cancelled at the request of Charlie Clapham to allow the club to obtain further quotes for new floodlights. The delay in meeting the club is frustrating, however opportunities for a meeting are limited as Sam Shrouder is only usually available before Saturday home matches.
5 Fundraising
Specific fundraising events should begin to take shape once the meeting with the club’s board has taken place. One activity suggested was a golf day, while members were reminded that the Trust can earn commission if they join the club’s Goalden Lottery through the Trust. The floodlights project will require a lot of fundraising and ideas from all members are welcome.
6 Players’ Reunion, 2011
This reunion takes place every 10 years and has traditionally been reserved for the club’s former Football League players. However, as discussed at the previous board meeting, the Trust is keen to now open up the event to Non-League players and supporters. Arrangements will continue to be discussed with Geoff Wilde. The Floral Hall is the likely venue.
7 Coach Travel
The coach to Grimsby Town on Saturday is full after successfully publishing a special price for members. It was decided that the coach to the FA Cup match at Wrexham on 23 October will be published in a similar way, despite the lack of a home match beforehand. Prices will be £8 members if paid in advance, £12 non-members, departing Haig Avenue at 12 noon. If enough interest is shown, a second coach will be considered.
8.AOB
The Trust will not be buying a table at the club’s upcoming Sportsman’s Dinner. The possibility of placing a “next match” sign near Vincent’s Garden Centre on the approach to Kew will be looked into, while the Trust will look to sell the heart monitors it purchased a few years ago. A Meet the Manager session with Liam Watson and an open forum with possibly Haydn Preece and Russ Broadbent will take place, with 18 November set as the provisional date.
9. Dates of next meetings
18 November (Meet the Manager and Open Form, provisional), 25 November (board), 9 December (members).
