Apologies: Paul I, Martyn O.
1. Minutes of previous meeting and matters arising
The Trust has spoken to Liam Watson about recognising the players’ achievements this season, including the record-breaking away run. Liam has said he would prefer this to be done on the last day of the season.
It is unlikely that the Trust will proceed with the brochure in memory of Sally Devine. However, the Trust still wants to mark Sally’s contribution to the club and the legacy she left to the Trust, possibly by using her photographs in future Trust publications and when the floodlights project is completed.
2. Treasurer’s Report
The Trust’s current balance is £22,142, including £977 held for future coach trips. Net funds available to the Trust are £21,165.
A surplus of £351 has been made on away travel and this will be used mainly to subsidise the coach to Grimsby. Around £1,800 has been generated in new memberships and renewals since July.
3. Memberships
The current membership is around 230 and has continued to rise gradually.
4. Sponsored run to Grimsby
Colin Aindow reported that his training is going well ahead of his run to Grimsby on the final day of the season. Recent weeks have seen coverage for Colin’s run in the local press, around the ground and on the internet.
Colin said that he has received good feedback, although getting sponsorships from people has been difficult. The Trust will contact a number of local businesses in the hope of getting corporate sponsorships on board.
5. Weekend visit to Braintree and other coach trips
There are only a few spaces left on the weekend trip to the match at Braintree Town on 11 February. The coach will leave on the Friday morning, with an overnight stay in Southend on the first day and Braintree on the Saturday. Southend United have agreed let the Trust have a number of discounted tickets for their game on the Friday night.
6. Floodlights project
The Trust is disappointed with the lack of communication from the club about the progress of the floodlights project. It is not clear whether the application for a grant from the Football Foundation has been submitted. The Trust has written to Charlie Clapham three times for an update but has yet to receive a response.
It is still thought that the new floodlights are unlikely to be installed before the close-season. The Trust has also asked for a meeting with representatives from the club.
7. Other events
Following the success of last summer’s cricket match against a team put together by Liam Watson, the Trust has agreed to arrange another match for 22 July. Possible venues are being explored.
Enquiries will be made about arranging a programme fair and the possibility of holding a quiz night was discussed.
8. Stockport County supporters’ sponsored bike ride
The Trust has been contacted by the Stockport County supporters’ co-operative, who are arranging a bike ride to the match at Haig Avenue on 17 March. Any Southport fans wanting to take part are invited and the Trust has put the organisers in contact with the club regarding their request for free entry to the game.
9. AOB
The Trust was saddened to hear of the death of Anita Shaw, who served local football in various roles and was also the reserve team secretary during the season it was funded by the Trust.
10. Next meetings
23 February (board), 22 March (members).
