Southport supporter Andrew Bostwick has been named the first Trust in Yellow Fan of the Season.

Andrew, who is an ever-present at the Merseyrail Community Stadium this season and a regular at the Sandgrounders’ away games, was announced as the award-winner at the final home match of the season against FC Halifax Town on Monday.

He was presented with a signed home shirt and a trophy having been nominated by his daughter Sophie.

“My dad has brought me up from a young age coming to watch Southport and hardly ever misses a game,” said Sophie.

"He works seven days a week but always makes time and space so he can come and watch Southport. The club means so much to him and works very hard to get to the matches.

“He always goes to away games and will find transport to get there to see his favourite players.

“My dad has always been by my side and no matter what he will make time to go and watch Southport play.

“He always goes for a beer at the club before the match to talk to other fans which he really loves doing.”

Andrew is pictured receiving his award from Trust chairman Alan Scarisbrick and daughter Sophie.

The Trust introduced the award this season as a way of recognising an unsung hero and a fan who demonstrates the sort of passion that sums up what it means to follow Southport.

The Trust would like to thank everyone who made a nomination for this season’s award and entries will open again at the start of the next campaign.

1. Apologies for absence

Katrina

2. Matters arising from last meeting

All were covered elsewhere on the agenda.

3. Treasurers report

The Trusts balance currently stands at GBP24439. A payment of GBP1500 has been made to the club for primary school coaching and next match signs have cost a total of GBP600 this season. A cheque for GBP200 is expected from The Champion shortly for the use of Julias photos and the six month fixed rate deposit of GBP15000 has now matured gaining GBP130 interest. Coaches have run at a net loss of GBP411 thus far although most of this was down to the heavily subsidised Tamworth trip back in September.

4. Membership

Membership is hovering at around the 200 mark with not much activity expected at this time of year. E-mails will be sent out to those who havnt renewed and the possibility of increasing the Trust’s presence at either the first home match of next season or at a high profile friendly was discussed. It is hoped the completion of the floodlight project in the summer will encourage both potential and lapsed members to sign up.

5. Floodlights, community coaching, future projects with the club

The Football Stadia Improvement Fund will be meeting on 23rd April where the application for a grant for the new floodlights will be discussed. It was agreed that the Trust must review its expenditure following the completion of this project and then seek a meeting with the club before deciding on any definite future projects.

6. Coach Travel

The coach to Gateshead was filled yet there were only 3 people on the standby list at the time of this meeting despite the bargain GBP10 price for members following Charlie Claphams generous subsidy. Arrangements for Welling will be dependent on results from over the Easter weekend so an announcement will be made after then.

7. End of season awards, arrangements for presentation, etc

The end of season awards have been put on the backburner due to the clubs current predicament on the pitch. The Fan Of The Season award however will be presented at half time on Easter Monday.

8. Fundraising and other events over the close season

Around GBP40 has been raised from Easysearch so far with some of this being carried over from the old webshop. The Easysearch engine is raising around GBP2 per week at the moment and its earning potential is shown by the fact that Chesters supporters trust has raised over GBP3000 in the last 2 years solely from searches made on Easysearch by their supporters. Rob will wear a Liverpool shirt at the first home game of next season if GBP1000 is raised.

9. Any other business

The Trust has received a generous donation of 25 yellow footballs from Alan Drury. It was suggested that these could be signed and used for competitions etc.

10. Next meetings

Members – Thursday 15th May

The minutes from tonights meeting will be online in the next couple of days.

1. Apologies for absence

Colin, Katrina

2. Matters arising from last meeting

The meeting with the club has been re-arranged for Saturday 15th February following the postponement of the Braintree match. A next match sign will be placed outside Karen Potter estate agents on Hill Street. The sponsored walk in memory of Paul Comstive was a success and the refreshments provided were appreciated by the walkers.

3. Treasurers report

The Trust’s balance currently stands at GBP25,476. A total of GBP15000 remains in a six month fixed rate deposit which will yield interest of GBP130 when it matures in April. The sum of GBP1,604 has been raised from membership renewals and donations since June. The cost of next match signs for the first 18 games and new sponsor signs has amounted to GBP420.

4. Membership

Membership stands at 225 with 37 of those new members, many of them juniors who have joined on away trips.

5. Meeting with the club

As mentioned above this has now been re-arranged. Items due for discussion include floodlights, community coaching and the Asset of Community Value.

6. Fundraising

Martin reported that GBP2.98 has been raised so far from Easyfundraising and Easysearch with the Trust receiving half a penny every time a search is made. This has now been promoted on the Trusts website so with more supporters signing up this could be a decent annual fundraiser. Also promoted on the website is the Co-op energy scheme whereby the Trust will receive GBP25 for each supporter referred to their dual fuel tariff. It was also agreed to pursue the buy a brick scheme.

7. New website/other social media

The website continues to be updated on a regular basis. The Twitter account maintained by Colin now has 514 followers.

8. Coach travel

A special offer double header has been advertised for the Forest Green and Woking games at GBP45. This would require 36 people travelling. Unfortunately poor form on the pitch and cheap train tickets to the long distance games has meant that not many coaches have run lately.

9. Player of the month/fan of the season

Danny Hurst won the January player of the month award by a clear margin and will be presented with this before the Salisbury game. There have been quite a few nominations received for fan of the season.

10. Any other business

The possibility of a balloon race was discussed although nothing was agreed going forward at this point.

11. Dates of next meetings

Thursday 20th March - Members

1. Apologies for absence

Alan S, Christian

 

2. Matters arising from last meeting

The water hog has arrived and will be ready for use after a handle is fitted. The recent Race Night was a success and raised £870.