01 Apr 08

Utility Warehouse
This is a new development undertaken by the Trust as a fund-raising project and it is seen very much as a win/win situation for the Trust and our members.

Essentially, the Utility Warehouse is a Discount Club which provides cheaper bills for utilities such as gas, electricity and phone, including broadband for Internet connection. So anyone signing up with the Trust will cut their bills and the Trust will also receive commission.

This has been made possible by the deregulated environment for supplying essential utility services. The Utility Warehouse Discount Club is operated by Telecom plus, which is a major British PLC, successfully operating since 1997 and which has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK. Its shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market value in excess of £100M – so we are dealing with a very reputable company.

Have a look at http://www.storeplus.co.uk/?exref=089578 which is the Trust’s own site explaining more about the Utility Warehouse and what it has to offer. It is suggested that you click on the link on the left-hand side for Utilities and then follow the links to tell you more about each one.

For more information, or to ask about signing up to switch your supplier, please email info@htst.info. Alternatively, if you contact the Utility Warehouse directly, please quote 089578 which is the Trust’s unique reference number and will ensure that the Trust receives credit for your future business.

18 Mar 08

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2008 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL, HUDDERSFIELD
PRESENT:
Trevor Ellis TE
Mary Harrison MH (Minutes Secretary)
Andrea Lohmann AL (part)
Carlton Midgley CM (part)
Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Dave Kinder, Babs Metcalf, Marcus Garside

2. THE TRUST
2.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
2.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
2.3 Supporters Club
The result of the Ballot for amalgamation of the Supporters Club and the Trust was:-
Trust members:
128 yes
11 no
Supporters Club:
51 yes
19 no
The next Supporters Club meeting is the 10th March and it was agreed that a proposal would be put to the SC committee for members of the Trust board to attend that meeting, to start discussing a way forward. RP to action.
Topics to discuss would include:- financial matters / name / structure / membership benefits / website / DA representation.
Subsequent to the meeting the SC committee were unable to accommodate this proposal.
RP to contact Susan Graham to discuss writing to the club to advise them of the situation.
In addition it was agreed to propose to the SC that we hold a general meeting to generate new members / committee members / ideas for going forward. Date of 17th April was suggested. RP to contact Robert Page to see if he would attend.
2.4 Club Relationship
CM to draft an email to KD regarding a further meeting.
2.5 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 4th March. RP to advise TE of questions.
2.6 Storthes Hall
No further news. RP to speak to George Binns as soon as possible for an update.
2.7 Current Members
Annual – 188 / Life – 291 / Associates – 2. TOTAL – 481.
2.8 Current Funds
No update available.
2.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s – pending possible new web site.
2.10 New Fanzine
Ongoing.
2.11 Yorkshire & North East Regional Trust
The Northern Conference (Co-op funded) will be held on 20th April (location – Bradford or Leeds). All welcome.

3. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
3.1 The Trust had received £3k funding from the Co-op. RP had met with Paul France to discuss a “Pilot Midnight League”. Bill Swap of the Kirklees ASB Unit was very supportive of the initiative.
A draft “flyer” had been sent to Paul France – awaiting response. The target area would be the estate around the stadium.

4. FUND RAISING
4.1 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.
4.2 Utility Warehouse
Now open for business. A few enquiries had been received following the ballot letter.

5. PR
5.1 Programme
1st March : Ballot
15th March : Fanzine
18 March : Midnight League
25th March : 17th April Meeting
5.2 Examiner Column
21 Feb : Results of Ballot / United supporters group
As programme.
5.3 Website
To be updated - pending new amalgamation.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 None

7. NEXT MEETING
Monday, 31st March 2008 with SC Committee (as proposed by email subsequent to the meeting). Please note venue will be Stadium Leisure Centre.

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17 Jan 08

MINUTES OF THE HTST MEMBERS' MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY,
9 JANUARY 2008 AT THE PANASONIC SUITE, GALPHARM STADIUM
PRESENT:
Board Members : Robert Pepper (RP), Marcus Garside (MG), Babs Metcalf (BM)
Andrea Lohmann (AL), Carlton Midgley (CM)
plus 16 Trust Members

RP opened the meeting by summarising the position with regards to the Supporters Club (SC). Approximately six weeks ago the SC had advised that they were in a difficult position, they were short of committee members and the SC may have to fold. An idea was put forward that there could be an amalgamation with the Supporters Trust (ST). Susan Graham (nee Procter) attended the last ST Board Meeting. Following that it was agreed that a meeting would be held to discuss this possibility. The SC meeting in December agreed that amalgamation was an option and members would be balloted (as would Trust members).
An amalgamation could be seen as a step forward for two reasons:-
1) The SC is struggling to continue in its current format.
2) The view of most supporters is that it would be more sensible to have one group rather than several.

The Patrons would continue as a club organisation. The SC and ST joining together would create one independent group.

The meeting was then thrown open for discussion.A member asked what was the outcome of the meeting with Ken Davy which had been discussed at the Trust AGM.
CM responded that feedback from Ken Davy is that he would welcome fewer supporter groups. Another outcome was that the FFA group were to create an umbrella website linking to other fans sites and the Town website (still to be completed).
A further meeting is due to be held - date to be agreed.
A member expressed concern about the message not getting back to the Chairman that we were "supportive and we want the best for the club".
CM felt that this had been conveyed to the Chairman

.A question was raised about how the finances would operate, particularly in view of the fact that the Trust funds go direct to the Academy.
RP's view was that this was possibly the most difficult part of the amalgamation. Going forward could be resolved by agreement but the problem would be the historical finances. The ST is in a positive financial position whilst the SC is negative.
CM asked who would be eligible to vote in respect of funding for the Storthes Hall project.
RP gave an update on the current position with Storthes Hall. It was expected that £25k would be used for matched funding and £25k for general funding. If anything is radically different to when the original Trust vote was taken, we would need to establish what the difference was and it may be necessary to re-ballot the membership.
CM asked what the objective of the meeting was.
RP responded that if the general feeling was to go ahead, we would ballot the membership.
A question was raised about the difference between amalgamation and the SC disbanding and the membership joining the Trust.
RP responded that amalgamation would mean that the areas of activity for each group would continue.

A question was asked about the Heavy Woollen Branch (HW).
It was confirmed that the HW is a branch of the SC but that the finances are separate. They have been consulted but it was not known if they were in favour of the amalgamation or not.
A point was made that Life Members of the Trust should continue to be a Life Member of the "new" group.
RP responded that he saw no difficulty in this at all.

A question was raised about how the "new" group would be represented at the DA.
Currently the DA is made up of one representative from each supporters group (Patrons, SC, ST, Disabled Supporters Group, Young Terriers and the Sporting Club). Each group commits an amount of money to the Academy. RP felt that as an amalgamated group we should have two representatives.
A member asked how it was decided how much each group pays towards the Academy.
RP explained that the Patrons money is managed by the Club and after costs the balance goes directly to the Academy.
The Sporting Club raises money from a Sports Dinner.
The other committees/boards of the other groups agree the amount to be paid.

A question was asked about whether the Travel would continue.
RP felt that the amalgamation would not mean it automatically does not continue but it would be a topic for discussion.
It was pointed out that a benefit of being a SC member is that it includes insurance for away matches (whilst at the ground).
Currently Trust members do not have this cover and it would be something for discussion.
RP asked those present to indicate if they were in favour of the amalgamation by a show of red cards. All present were in favour.

The formal part of the meeting closed and RP introduced Neil Brophy who was given the opportunity to talk to those present about forming a "Fans Company". Discussion took part on Neil's idea during which it was made clear that this was not a Trust initiative.

Finally, a draw was made to select 3 members to present a Trust Cheque for £3K to the Development Association, probably at Half Time on Feb 9.
The winners were George Gamble, Andrea Lohmann and Neil Proverbs.

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16 Jan 08

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 9 JANUARY 2008 IN THE PANASONIC SUITE,
GALPHARM STADIUM
PRESENT:
Marcus Garside MG
Mary Harrison MH (Minutes Secretary)
Andrea Lohmann AL
Babs Metcalf BM
Carlton Midgley CM
Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)
Andrea Lohmann was welcomed onto the Board (AL was no longer a co-opted Supporters Club representative).
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Trevor Ellis, Dave Kinder

2. THE TRUST
2.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
2.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
2.3 Supporters Club
Following the Members' Meeting where all members voted in favour of an amalgamation with the Supporters Club, a Members' Ballot would need to be organised. RP to draft a covering letter (incl details of the Utility Warehouse) for circulation to Board Members, then to Maureen Procter and Susan Graham. This would be done by the weekend.
Date of return for ballot papers to be 8th February.
2.4 Club Relationship
CM asked if there was any update on the undertaking by the Fight for Answers group to develop a new website encompassing all the supporter groups. RP was not aware of any progress but would try to find out.
Still awaiting date for further meeting with Ken Davy.
The club acknowledged the Trust’s offer regarding the "beam back" via the Examiner and the Programme.
2.5 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 4th March. TE to attend
2.6 Storthes Hall
RP reported that the current position was that papers would be signed to set up the new organisation 15th or 16th Jan. Project is still waiting to be started. However, funding application is about to be put together and the £50k from the Trust is still required (£25k for matched funding and £25k for general funding). If the use of the money turned out to be radically different from the original intention, we would need to find out what it is and possibly may need to go back to the membership.
2.7 Current Members
Details pending.
2.8 Current Funds
Current Account £7,378.
Reserve Account £52,479 on deposit until Jan 28 (agreed to increase this to £55,000)
2.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s - RP to chase CJ.
2.10 New Fanzine
Ongoing.

3. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
3.1 RP had spoken to Linda Gomila (Coop), who was optimistic that funding would be made available to the Trust in 2008.
RP had met with Paul France who was happy with the idea. RP to liaise with PF.

4. FUND RAISING
4.1 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.
4.2 Utility Warehouse
Now open for business. RP to advise members via ballot letter.

5. PR
5.1 Programme
29th Jan : Ballot
9th Feb : TBA
16th Feb : TBA
5.2 Examiner Column
10th Jan : Members Meeting (9th Jan)
17th Jan : TBA
24th Jan : TBA
31st Jan : TBA
7TH Feb : TBA
14th Feb : TBA
5.3 Website
To be updated - pending new amalgamation.
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 None

7. NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 20 February 2008

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04 Dec 07

Utility Warehouse
This is also a new development undertaken by the Trust as a fund-raising project and it is seen very much as a win/win situation for the Trust and our members.
Essentially, the Utility Warehouse is a Discount Club which provides cheaper bills for utilities such as gas, electricity and phone, including broadband for Internet connection. So anyone signing up with the Trust will cut their bills and the Trust will also receive commission.

This has been made possible by the deregulated environment for supplying essential utility services. The Utility Warehouse Discount Club is operated by Telecom plus, which is a major British PLC, successfully operating since 1997 and which has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK. Its shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market value in excess of £100M – so we are dealing with a very reputable company.

Look out for more details in the press and on the Trust website and also at the January meeting on the 9th.

The Trust Board is also hoping that the Club will enter into a partnership with the Trust so look out for more news on this possible development too.

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03 Dec 07

Trust Members' Meeting Date
The following extract from the Trust Board meeting on November 28th is intended to bring members up to date with the latest developments involving a possible amalgamation of the Trust and the Supporters Club, which was represented at the meeting by Susan Graham (née Procter).
“RP welcomed SG to the meeting and explained briefly the background, i.e., that the Supporters Club (SC) Committee had appealed for more support and that an amalgamation of the SC and the Trust might be an option.
SG expanded on that by explaining that the Committee was too small to cover all the activities of the SC and that support for the SC Travel Club had waned at the same time. It wasn’t long ago that 3 coaches were sometimes used whereas now it was difficult to fill 1 coach.
One volunteer had come forward since the situation had been reported in the Examiner last week but more were needed and so the SC Committee were planning to invite all members to a meeting on Dec 13 to discuss the future.
The status of the Heavy Woollen Branch was clarified, i.e., they are part of the SC but administer their own membership, who would also be invited to the Dec 13 meeting as they had no meeting of their own on that date.
It was agreed that this meeting would be publicised in the Examiner column of Dec 6 and also at the Patrons meeting on that date.
There was a general discussion of the benefits of an amalgamation and it was agreed that the two major benefits would be better use of committee resources and the ability for a supporters group to speak with one voice on behalf of a greater number of supporters. A possible drawback would be the need to agree a stance for the new organisation on existing funds and liabilities.
It was also agreed that it would be essential to consult and ballot the respective memberships and that any ballots should be simultaneous.
It was therefore further resolved to hold a meeting for Trust members on Jan 9, subject to room availability, and that this meeting would be followed by a Board meeting. The result of these meetings would then be available for the SC Committee meeting on Jan 14, which could be a joint meeting if that were appropriate.”

The Panasonic Suite at the Galpharm has now been confirmed for Wednesday January 9th 2008 for a meeting to start at 7:30pm and it is hoped that as many members as possible will make the effort to attend such a crucial meeting.

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30 Nov 07

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2007 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL

PRESENT:
Trevor Ellis TE
Marcus Garside MG
Andrea Lohmann AL
Babs Metcalf BM
Carlton Midgley CM
Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)
Plus Susan Graham SG Guest, Supporters Club1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mary Harrison, Dave Kinder

2. THE TRUST
2.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
2.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
2.3 Supporters Club
RP welcomed SG to the meeting and explained briefly the background, i.e., that the Supporters Club (SC) Committee had appealed for more support and that an amalgamation of the SC and the Trust might be an option.
SG expanded on that by explaining that the Committee was too small to cover all the activities of the SC and that support for the SC Travel Club had waned at the same time. It wasn’t long ago that 3 coaches were sometimes used whereas now it was difficult to fill 1 coach.
One volunteer had come forward since the situation had been reported in the Examiner last week but more were needed and so the SC Committee were planning to invite all members to a meeting on Dec 13 to discuss the future.
The status of the Heavy Woollen Branch was clarified, i.e., they are part of the SC but administer their own membership, who would also be invited to the Dec 13 meeting as they had no meeting of their own on that date.
It was agreed that this meeting would be publicised in the Examiner column of Dec 6 and also at the Patrons meeting on that date.
There was a general discussion of the benefits of an amalgamation and it was agreed that the two major benefits would be better use of committee resources and the ability for a supporters group to speak with one voice on behalf of a greater number of supporters. A possible drawback would be the need to agree a stance for the new organisation on existing funds and liabilities.
It was also agreed that it would be essential to consult and ballot the respective memberships and that any ballots should be simultaneous. It was therefore further resolved to hold a meeting for Trust members on Jan 9, subject to room availability and that this meeting would be followed by a Board meeting. The result of these meetings would then be available for the SC Committee meeting on Jan 14, which could be a joint meeting if that were appropriate.
2.4 Club Relationship
CM suggested that, in view of the preceding discussion, it would be advisable to defer any further discussion on plans for supporting the Fans of the Future project and this was agreed.
RP then reported on a conversation with Sean Jarvis the previous day about possible involvement by the Trust in helping to finance the screening at the Galpharm of the Leeds match on Dec 8. The cost would be approx £20K and it was therefore very uncertain as to whether or not such an arrangement could attract sufficient support to cover the costs. AL also queried whether or not LUFC would exact any payment – not known. CM suggested that the interest earned by the Trust on its Reserve fund could be used and, after some discussion, it was agreed to propose to the Club that the Trust would underwrite 20% of any loss in return for 20% of any profit.
CM asked if there was any update on the undertaking by the Fight for Answers group to develop a new website encompassing all the supporter groups. RP was not aware of any progress but would try to find out.
2.5 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 17th December. RP to attend
2.6 Storthes Hall
RP to seek further details from Stephen Booth on the funding application that had been submitted.
2.7 Current Members
Details pending.
2.8 Current Funds
Current Account £7,388.
Reserve Account £51,968 on deposit until Jan 28
2.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s - RP to chase CJ.
2.10 New Fanzine
RP reported that Nick Towell was hopeful of some new sponsorship. A meeting had been arranged for last week to make further progress but had had to be postponed until next week.
AL suggested that any input from Danny Gee for such a Fanzine would almost certainly increase its appeal.

3. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
3.1 RP had spoken to Linda Gomila (Coop), who was optimistic that funding would be made available to the Trust in 2008. This would require a firm proposal but RP had been unable to arrange a meeting with Paul France (FitC) to discuss his ideas for a Midnight League project.
SG suggested that the SC might have some leverage on this regard.

4. FUND RAISING
4.1 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.
4.2 Utility Warehouse
RP confirmed that the Trust had now been accepted as a participant and reported on a meeting the previous day with Sean Jarvis with a view to entering into a partnership with the Club. SJ was interested in the possibility and would look into it further.

5. PR
5.1 Programme
15 Dec - Utility Warehouse
26 Dec - Trust Meeting Jan 9
29 Dec - Fanzine?
5.2 Examiner Column
6 Dec - SC Meeting Dec 13
13 Dec - Trust Meeting Jan 9
20 Dec - Utility Warehouse
27 Dec - Patrons
3 Jan - Fanzine?

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 None

7. NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 9 January 2008

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02 Nov 07

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD
HELD ON TUESDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2007 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL

PRESENT:
Trevor Ellis TE
Dave Kinder DK
Carlton Midgley CM
Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)
Plus Sean Jarvis SJ Guest1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Marcus Garside, Mary Harrison, Andrea Lohmann, Babs Metcalf

2. THE TRUST
2.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
2.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
2.3 Club Relationship
RP welcomed SJ to the meeting. He outlined the present imperfect relationship between the Club Chairman and the Trust and suggested that the recently-announced ‘Fans for the Future’ initiative might be an appropriate project for bridge-building.
SJ then summarised the main features of the project, building on the success of the Sevens scheme (c1500 participants in the last year) and aiming at attracting junior fans to either, or both, clubs. Six sponsors are backing the scheme so far.
It will also use a CRM system to hold details of all those children in the 0-16 age range who are registered. The software is likely to be acquired in the next couple of months.
SJ agreed that the timing wasn’t perfect but sponsorship agreements were in place and couldn’t be delayed.
He welcomed any possible participation by the Trust and would discuss the options with the Steering Group. These would then be considered by the Trust Board along with their own ideas. In the meantime, SJ was happy that the Trust publicised the outcome of this meeting.
SJ then left.
It was agreed to cover this topic in the Nov 6 programme and the Examiner of Nov 8.

CM had already circulated his notes from the supporters’ meeting with Ken Davy on Oct 1 and asked if there was any update following the action from that meeting to develop a new website encompassing all the supporter groups. RP said not as far as he was aware. He did, though, confirm that a new-look website for the Trust was being developed and could be operational by the end of November.
2.4 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 17th December. RP to attend
2.5 Storthes Hall
TE had already circulated an update from the last DA meeting, including confirmation that a funding application had been submitted.
RP to seek further details from Stephen Booth.
2.6 Current Members
Details pending.
2.7 Current Funds
Details pending.
2.8 Supporters Direct
RP briefly reported on a successful Annual Conference held in Manchester on Oct 19, including an encouraging keynote speech by James Purnell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in which he gave broad Government backing for the aims and objectives of Supporters Direct.
RP noted that next year’s conference would revert to London and that plans were being made for a Northern Conference in 2008. This was likely to be used as a launch pad for the formation of Trusts and Rugby League clubs.
2.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s - RP to chase CJ.
2.10 New Fanzine
RP reported that there had been a delay with this but that Nick Towell was now hopeful of some new sponsorship and would be in touch to set up a meeting in the near future.

3. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
3.1 TE and RP had had a meeting with Paul France (FitC) to try to find a suitable project which might attract Coop funding for 2008. PF had suggested using the concept of the Midnight League, which sounded very appropriate.
RP had discussed this briefly with Linda Gomila (Coop), who would be attending a planning meeting at the end of next week. She had confirmed that she would be proposing a continued partnership with the Trust and would get back in touch after her meeting.

4. FUND RAISING
4.1 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.

5. PR
5.1 Programme
6 Nov - Fans of the Future
24 Nov - Community Project
5.2 Examiner Column
1 Nov - SD Conference
8 Nov - Fans of the Future
15 Nov - Fanzine?
22 Nov - Community Project
29 Nov - Patrons

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 None

7. NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 28 November 2007

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07 Oct 07

Meeting with Huddersfield Town Football Club
On Monday 1st October 2007, a Supporters Trust representative attended a meeting with Ken Davy and Roger Armitage. Also invited were representatives from the Supporters Club, the Patrons Association and Fight For Answers.

The meeting lasted over two hours and covered a range of topics. As in July, the discussions were frank and constructive. All present were committed to further improving communications between the Club and the supporters.

Ken Davy began the meeting by circulating and discussing a prepared statement, which was published in the programme on the following night. The statement amplified his comments on the official HTFC website. It emphasised that Ken was ‘not interested in selling the club’ and that he believed that ‘the foundations for Huddersfield Town to have a “generation of success” ’ were being laid. In response to a question, Ken did say that if there were ‘lots of money on the table’ then he would be prepared to have a conversation.

Considerable discussion and debate then followed on how to streamline communications using an umbrella group of supporters. It was agreed that a ‘Fans Direct’ group should be set up with a new website – this would be driven by the Fight For Answers group. The idea was that this new ‘Fans Direct’ group would act as a conduit for supporters’ issues to the Club and for the Club’s responses to any queries. This two-way communication to be speedy and effective.

From this ‘combined fan group website’ there would be links to the websites of the Supporters Club, the Patrons Association and the Supporters Trust. These supporter group websites would be clear about the aims, objectives, activities and benefits of the respective organisation. There would also be a link from the official HTFC website to this new website.

• Other topics covered during the meeting included:

• The bonus scheme for players and the manager, geared towards promotion

• Monies from the sale of Pawel Abbott and GTF

• Ken’s loan of £600,00 and the loan of £400,000 from the Giants

• The loan signing of Ronnie Wallwork and the size of his wages

• The timing of the Giants recent signings

• The possible use of the South Stand by Town fans in January 2008 when we play Bournemouth

• The difficulty of finding a spare seat in the Antich Stand under the ‘Bring a Buddy’ scheme

• The possibility of a cut price half season ticket in the North Stand

• The possibility of dedicated smoking areas

A third meeting will be arranged in late January / early February 2008, as Ken valued these informal ‘face-to-face’ meetings.

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10 Sep 07

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2007 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL

PRESENT: Andrea Lohmann AL, Babs Metcalf BM, Carlton Midgley CM, Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Trevor Ellis, Marcus Garside, Mary Harrison, Dave Kinder.

2. BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
This was the first meeting since the AGM but after a brief discussion it was decided to retain the status quo pro tem.

3. THE TRUST
3.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
3.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
3.3 Club Relationship
CM summarised the outcome of the open meeting last month and his discussions that evening with FFA reps.
As agreed, he had contacted Ken Davy to update him on the proposal for an amalgamated committee of supporter group reps, to be discussed at this meeting. The response had been positive and another meeting was being planned, possibly for Oct 1.
AL reported that the Supporters Club had no objection to this proposal and CM undertook to produce a discussion document setting out the aims and objectives of the main groups, i.e., Patrons, SC, ST and FFA.
RP suggested that it might be possible to have a joint subscription for the SC and the ST and it was agreed to look at this as a possibility for next season but that this was secondary to the need to ask the groups to agree the discussion document asap.
3.4 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 4th October
3.5 Storthes Hall
Not discussed.
3.6 Current Members
Life - 291, Annual - 196, Associate - 2 (Total - 489).
3.7 Current Funds
£50,000 is currently on deposit until 28 November. The Current Account balance is £7,506.65.
By email, MG had asked that thanks be sent to Kevin Winterburn of Sheards for his work on the accounts in previous years.
It was also to be noted that the new auditors appointed at the AGM are Wheawill & Sudworth and Chris Nobbs is to be our contact.
3.8 Supporters Direct
It was agreed to renew membership for an annual fee of £50.
RP reminded everybody that the Annual Conference would take place in Manchester on Friday Oct 19 and asked if anyone planned to attend.
3.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s - RP to chase CJ.
3.10 New Fanzine
RP reported on a meeting held on Monday with Nick Towell, Alisdair Straughan and reps of the Supporters Club, Heavy Woollen group and the Disabled Supporters Association to consider a new supporters magazine.
The main proposals were for it to be produced in partnership with the Club but with an independent editorial board and for the content to include competitions and supporter-generated material, including information updates by the participating groups. All such groups would receive a share of any profits.
It would be sold mainly by subscription with a suggested price of £2.50 per copy – 6 a year.
Nick was hoping to get the first one ready for November but this would be very tight, bearing in mind that the various groups would need to endorse the plans first.
It was agreed that the Trust supported the idea, although doubts were expressed on what was an equitable price.
RP to liaise with Nick Towell.

4. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
4.1 RP reported that the CUP/Coop as originally planned had now finished but that CUP intended to continue the activities with a possible final event around the end of September.

5. FUND RAISING
5.1 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.

6. PR
6.1 Programme
15 Sept - Safe Standing Campaign
29 Sept - Community Update
2 Oct - Fanzine?
20 Oct - Supporters Forum 6.2 Examiner Column
13 Sept - Safe Standing Campaign
20 Sept - Community Update
27 Sept - Patrons
4 Oct - Forum Report
11 Oct - Fanzine

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 None

8. NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 17 October 2007

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06 Sep 07

Supporters Forum?
This was the name proposed at last night’s Supporters Trust Board meeting for a federation to represent the main Huddersfield Town supporter groups in their dialogue with the Club and represented a positive approach by the Board to the ideas put forward at last month’s open meeting.

The proposals also include a suggestion that each group will have up to two representatives in future meetings with the Club Chairman and his executives.

Of course these proposals will have to be discussed with each of the groups concerned, i.e., the Supporters Club, the Patrons Association and the Fight For Answers group. This will be facilitated by a discussion document to be produced as quickly as possible in order that the draft proposals are ready for the next meeting with Ken Davy in early October.

Supporters are reminded of tonight’s Patrons meeting at 8pm in the Panasonic Suite. The guest is Andy Ritchie and the meeting is open to all, so come along and get your burning questions answered!

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16 Aug 07

Trust AGM and Open Meeting
August 21st is the date of the Supporters Trust AGM and members should have received notice of that already.

The AGM will start at 7:30pm in the Panasonic Suite at the Galpharm Stadium and will be followed by an Open Meeting, to which ALL Town fans are invited. It is planned to start at 8pm, immediately following the AGM, and the first part will be an informal QandA with two players as our guests.

The second part is given over to a debate on the best form of supporter representation. Currently there are three major groups: the Patrons, which is a Club organisation, the Supporters Club and the Supporters Trust, which are both independent. Each has its own aims and objectives, albeit with support for Huddersfield Town as the unifying factor. How could these groups operate most effectively in order to build on the initial meetings between Ken Davy and the Fight for Answers group?

The meeting on August 21st is your chance to put your own views forward. Rest assured that these will be taken into account. Your opinion counts!

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13 Aug 07

Fan Mail - The FSF Newsletter (#1 August 2007)
Fan Mail is your new, free, monthly newsletter from the Football Supporters' Federation, and we sincerely hope its blend of news, views, features, competitions and further stuff and nonsense will enhance your enjoyment of the Beautiful Game.

EA Sports Competition: Win a Playstation 3 and FIFA '08
The definitive football game and the only place to play as your favourite team - from Accrington Stanley or Arsenal, from Wolverhampton Wanderers or West Ham. The new game is out in September with a whole host of new game-play additions and features bringing the game of football to life with player movement and realism like never before. And you could win a Playstation 3 and FIFA 08 (a prize package worth around £475) simply by answering the following question:
Which two players were featured on the front of FIFA 07?
Answers on a postcard with your name, address and contact telephone number to:
TFS/EA SPORTS Competition, The Fans' Stadium – Kingsmeadow, Jack Goodchild Way, 422A Kingston Road, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 3PB.
Or email your answers to tfs@fsf.org.uk.
Closing date - September 30th, 2007

Crazy Gang's Cup Goes Home To Merton
The FSF was proud to play its part in the successful conclusion of negotiations between supporters of AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons, which resulted in Wimbledon's historic collection of honours being returned to the Borough of Merton. And, on behalf on both clubs, the FSF respectfully requests that, with immediate effect, our media colleagues now refer to MK Dons in relation ONLY to matches played since their first Football League fixture was fulfilled, against Barnsley on August 7, 2004.
Chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation Malcolm Clarke said: "We were delighted to play our part in finally reaching a satisfactory conclusion to this problem, and one which is to the benefit of all parties."
Read More...

Onward, Ever Onward...
Last season was an extremely busy one here at the Football Supporters' Federation. We launched an on-line ticket petition calling for a reduction in the price of away tickets, that was signed by over 11,000 supporters, published the most thoroughly researched investigation to date into the issue of Safe Standing at football matches, supported Cardiff City fans in a demonstration against their away fan ban at Wolves, negotiated the return of Wimbledon's history and memorabilia to the Borough of Merton and compiled a dossier of evidence following the unfortunate events at the Champions' League Final in Athens.
Read More...

Clarke To Fight The Good Fight On FA Council
Last month saw FSF Chairman Malcolm Clarke elected to the FA Council - an appointment which represents real progress in terms of supporter representation within the game's governing bodies, and paves the way for fans to enjoy even greater influence over those who run our game in years to come. If the FA were looking for a "Yes" man, though, they've got the wrong bloke - because there's certainly no danger having friends in high places will change Malcolm's stance on any of the issues the FSF, Supporters Direct and NADS are currently campaigning on.
Read More...

Hot Off The Press... The New TFS
In case you haven't already witnessed its wonders, the brand new issue of our bi-monthly members' magazine The Football Supporter is hot (or, at least, still lukewarm) off the press. We've been beavering away all summer completely redesigning TFS, and hope you will agree it was time well spent.

TFS 06 features in-depth interviews with the Premiership's original eco-warrior, Pompey and England keeper David James, and Paul Hawkins inventor of Hawk-Eye, the goal-line technology system which is set to revolutionise the beautiful game. There's also a peek into the soul of Radio and TV presenter Mark "Chappers" Chapman, the musings of the Financial Times' football correspondent Jonathon Wilson. and predictions for the forthcoming season from a pick'n'mix of professional footballers. Plus plenty more stuff and nonsense besides.

Issue 006 out now
Featuring an exclusive interview with David James, the all new tfs is out now.
Next Issue:
The contributions deadline for tfs 007 is
September 3rd 2007

You can view a PDF of TFS 06 here but to ensure your very own free copy starts dropping onto your doormat every couple of months, do the decent thing and join the Football Supporters' Federation here.

Why Do We Do It?
It's a question we've all asked ourselves far too many times - generally during the return journey from a particularly depressing midweek away defeat, at the hands of undistinguished opposition, amid less than salubrious surroundings. Just what is it that makes our bond with our chosen team so unique? What makes the personal relationship each of us shares with our club unique - what makes us travel the length and breadth of the land simply to support them?

It's a question of such magnitude that the academics at one of England's leading seats of learning have decided it's one which requires a definitive answer - and have requested Fan Mail recipients' help in providing it.
Read More...

North & North Wales Division
Next meeting
TBA
Venue
TBA
Contact
Phill Gatenby

Midland Division
Next meeting
TBA
Venue
TBA
Contact
Rita Kirk

Southern Division
Next meeting
12pm 9th September
Venue
Madejski Stadium
Contact
Julie Beattie

South West & South Wales Division
Next meeting
TBA
Venue
TBA
Contact
Steve Darke

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07 Aug 07

Welcome to August’s SD News Update. Every month we bring you news from SD, the Trust Movement, from the governing bodies as well as other relevant news and information.
 
If you want to know any more about any of the stories, we’ve included links to relevant websites below. You can always contact us at press@supporters-direct.org if you have a query about this service, a relevant press release or news story, or community project or activity you want us to know about or would like us to publicise.
 
SD News
 
SD Cup 2007
Saturday 4th August saw the Supporters Direct Cup shared between Enfield Town v Cambridge City in the SD Cup 2007, at Brimsdown Rovers FC.
 
The match was entertaining from the off, and with two second-half goals – City taking the lead through Neil Midgley, with Andy Edmunds equalising for Town late on.
 
The day commenced with a match between the Enfield Town and Cambridge City Junior Girls teams, which set the tone for the day with a 1-1 draw, and with a boy’s penalty shootout at half time, it was a day for everyone to share the spoils. The day highlighted the work that Enfield Town have done in establishing teams playing under the Town name with over 400 kids participating across the Borough of Enfield, and City’s aim of not just protecting, but growing the club as a community asset.
 
Meanwhile, the first BBC London Radio Non League show debate was held after the game, and you can hear it in full here: www.bbc.co.uk/london/realmedia/radio/enfield_fansforum.ram
The first show proper is on tonight from 9pm, and every week. If you're not in London, you’re encouraged to take part, and you can listen to it on the web here too, and have your say, here: www.bbc.co.uk/london/sport/nonleague/
 
For a full match report, see the September edition of the SD Magazine.
 
SD Membership 2007-08
If you have not yet renewed your membership, can you please return the Application form to us, along with the membership fee of £50 and your most recent set of Audited Accounts (or an Independent Examination if you use that system).
 
Only full members will be able to take advantage of our insurance scheme, and with the forthcoming AGM and Elections at the National Conference, only full members will be eligible to nominate, vote and speak at the meeting.
 
If you haven’t yet received your renewal pack, or have any queries, please contact Dave Boyle on dave.boyle@supporters-direct.org
 
National Conference
This year’s National Conference will be in Manchester at the Gmex centre on Friday October 19th. We’ll have more details about speakers and sessions in the next news update, but keep the date in your diary.
 
In case you need to book travel to take advantage of advance purchase discounts, the conference will start at around 9.30am, and formally close at around 5pm. However, there will be a reception afterwards for networking, so you might want to arrange a later ticket!
 
Til I Die Book Project Launched
The ‘Til I Die series is a brand new collection of books that tells many stories supplied by the full spectrum of football supporters and custom made to suit clubs of all shapes and sizes. This unique project has already been a resounding success at West Bromwich Albion, Brentford, Watford, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers, with many more clubs about to add their names to the list. The stories included are all supplied by the clubs’ die-hard supporters; some will make you laugh, others cry, but all will give readers an insight into what it really means to call yourself a football fan at each club and make fascinating reading no matter who you support: Real football stories told by real football fans.
 
The project has many potential benefits. As well as producing the book, it will create new relationships, encourage a sense of belonging to the club and its communities, promote the trust and also be a potential good revenue raiser for your trust. 
 
If you are interested in finding out how your trust could get involved in an exciting book project of your own please contact Tom Hall on 020 72731657 or tom.hall@supporters-direct.org.
 
 
Affinity Marketing
Following on from the feedback we received in response to the last new email, we’ve selected Easyfundraising as our affinity marketing partner.
 
Several trusts already use Easyfundraising and the money they have received from getting their members and other visitors to their sites to purchase goods is impressive. Those trusts also had good things to report about how the organisation helped them market the facility, as the more effort that gets put into marketing, the greater the returns to the Trust.
 
We were impressed with their desire to work with us and the returns they make to organisations who sign up with them seem to be the best on the market.
 
In order to sign up, use this link to set up your referral page. www.easyfundraising.org.uk/4742 
 
From then on, you need to promote the scheme to your members, and encourage them to use the portal whenever they’re buying good online. Easyfundraising have an impressive range of suppliers, including all the internet’s top shopping sites, and high-street retailers.
 
Easyfundraising can also  supply you with free bespoke banners that will take website visitors straight through to your trust’s referral page when they click on it from your site, which helps trusts market the facility. The more its marketed, the greater your returns.
 
Happy fundraising!
 
Insurance Update
We know many trusts are eagerly awaiting the details of our new insurance scheme. We expect details to be with you in the next few weeks. We’re sorry for the delay, which has been caused by fine-tuning the application form to make it as user-friendly as possible.
 
Changes to access to a club’s shareholder registers
As a result of the new Companies Act 2006, there are important changes to what access shareholders will have to their club’s share register. As a result of concerns expressed by businesses over animal rights activists targeting shareholders in medical research companies, access will soon be restricted.
 
Any company submitting its Annual Return to Companies House after September 30th 2007 will be able to prevent access to the register; the Act will apply to all companies from 1st October 2008.
Once your club is covered by the Act, any request for access to the Register of shareholders, either to inspect it or to get a copy, must be accompanied by a payment of the prescribed fee, and the name, address of the person or organisation making the request. Crucially, they must also state the purpose of the request.
 
Upon receiving that, the club would have 5 days to either comply, or apply to a Court for a ruling that the request is not a ‘proper purpose’, and as a result, they do not wish access to be granted. The Court would then rule, and can award costs. Crucially, it also means that similar requests in future can also be prohibited without the need to go to Court.
 
Guidance formulated by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators indicates that they believe that obtaining a copy of the register to contact other shareholders about matters relating to the company are proper purposes, and have advised their members accordingly. However, the ultimate decision will be made by Courts.
 
In addition to the above, there are likely to be changes to the information which will be available from the Companies House website, as a way of circumventing the new provisions is to get previous year’s data from their. We are recommending two courses of action in response to this:
 
1) Any Trust wanting to get a copy of the register from their club, or from Companies House should do so before the Act comes into force. This will depend on when your club’s Annual Return is due with Companies House after 30th September 2007.
 
2) Should you be thinking of applying to see the register at your club after the provisions of the new Act have come into force, before doing so, please contact us. We’re anxious that if someone does end up having to defend their right of access in Court, the case in won, because precedents will be crucial in guiding future cases. If this applies to you, contact us beforehand.
 
We’ll be running a session on the implications of the new Companies Act for Trusts at the upcoming SD Conference in Manchester in October.
 
Don’t forget! We want to know about your community activities…
If your trust has secured any grant aid for its community activities please let Tom Hall at SD know.
Contact: tom.hall@supporters-direct.org/020 7273 1657

Time Banking Scotland launched
‘Time Banking Scotland’ – a partnership seeking to complement and strengthen traditional volunteering by breaking down the time barrier in order to reach out to those who don't normally get involved – has been launched.
 
The scheme operates by awarding credits to individuals for the time spent volunteering which can be saved and exchanged for help from others when needed.
 
Many in the voluntary sector view this as an excellent way of contributing to active citizenship and social justice. Martin Simon, executive director of Time Banks UK said: "Time Banking is a new way of reciprocal volunteering based on people sharing their skills and their time to build their community."
 
The model was introduced in the UK in 1998 and in Scotland there are currently 8 banks.
 
The Chief Executive of Volunteer Development Scotland, one of the supporters of the scheme, said: "As Scotland's centre for excellence in volunteering development we provide an authoritative point of contact for all volunteering matters.
"We are therefore as keen to get as many people engaged as possible - more people means more time, which will ensure people and their communities benefit from greater diversity and the creation of new opportunities."
 
With thanks to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. For more on this, go to www.scvo.org.uk
 
Football Fanatical Fundraiser
Grahame Lloyd is offering supporters’ trusts a fundraising opportunity. His widely acclaimed show – Football Fanatical: An A-Z of the Beautiful Game, is the freelance broadcaster and journalist’s brainchild. This mixed bag of commentary, quotation, poetry, prose and the occasional song – more-or-less 90 minutes long (depending on the amount of stoppage time added on for audience applause!) has received rave reviews across the country.
 
And it’s not just for the football fanatic either…
 
'Football fans love it and non fans love it even more! ‘Hilarious from the kick off ’ – Newark Advertiser
 
Dependent on ticket sales of course, any trust who books the show can make money for themselves. If you need any more information, please contact Grahame Lloyd on: 029 2056 4988/07980 541899 or on grahame@celluloid.freeserve.co.uk
 
Kick It Out’s ‘One Game One Community’ Week of Action: 18th – 30th October
The week of action is an opportunity to use football to make a stand against racism and to celebrate the contributions of all communities towards kicking racism out of both football and society through a series of community activities.
 
This year Kick it Out hope to offer about 30 grants of up to £1,000 for events that raise awareness of this week and also highlight issues of racism, diversity and inclusion. There will also be a few grants of up to £2,000 available.
 
For further information visit www.kickitout.org or call a member of their staff on 020 76844884.
 
 
Supporters’ Trust News
 
Northampton raises the stakes
NTFC Supporters Ltd have made a payment to Northampton Town FC of £7500 which has secured a further 2410 Shares from the Club. These Shares are held on behalf of our Members.
 
The payment was made possible as a result of funds raised from Club 250, Trust Travel and recent Car Boot Sales. NTFC Supporters Ltd would like to thank everyone who has contributed to and helped raise these funds.
 
Since it's formation in 1992 as Northampton Town Supporters Trust, payments to Northampton Town FC have been made to secure Shares as this not only helps strengthen the voice of our Elected Supporters Representative, Anthony Collett, on the Board of Northampton Town FC but means that our Members continue to hold a tangible stake in the Club we all support.
 
The latest payment will be used to support of the Youth Team and also cover part of the cost of the new Fixture Board.
 
For more information, go to www.ntfctrust.co.uk
 
Industry News
SD singled out in European White Paper on Sport- European Governing Bodies call for ‘Firmer Conclusions’ in EU Sport White Paper
 
SD has been singled out for inclusion in the launch and documentation of EU White Paper on Sport. The main EU White Paper which is a shortened summary of the working documents makes reference to the governing bodies becoming more representative of all their stakeholder groups including supporters, which again was a direct result of SD’s intervention and lobbying. SD has also been singled out in the main working document for the European Commission setting out its implementation, background and context. 
 
This is another significant step forward for the organisation to be recognised as a progressive force and a recommended means to encourage a greater degree of social dialogue between supporters and their clubs across Europe.
 
Meanwhile, UEFA and the worldwide governing bodies for ice hockey, basketball, handball, rugby and volleyball issued a joint statement calling for ‘firmer conclusions’ from the EU White Paper to aid sport’s future development.
 
In a joint statement, though the bodies welcomed the paper, they described the final version as ‘(unfortunately) a missed opportunity’
 
The statement went on to say; "As sports governing bodies, we are all committed to the protection of fair and open competition, to the promotion of player education and training, to the maintenance of competitive balance, and to the need to protect the integrity of our respective sports. These are all key features of the European sports model and we would like to see the European Commission work along side us to defend and nurture this model of sport - not just for the future development of sport but for the benefit of society as a whole.”
 
The bodies have committed to further involvement in the consultation process of the Paper, saying; ‘Looking forward however, we will continue to cooperate with the EU Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission, with particular attention to the appropriate inclusion of sport in the Reform Treaty."
 
For more on this story, visit www.uefa.com/uefa/index.html

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03 Aug 07

Town Talk Questions – Aug 2nd 2007
1. Has the Club been monitoring the season ticket sales at Bradford? Is there a case for introducing a similar scheme here, particularly in our Centenary Year? This might also encourage other clubs to follow suit and thus force prices down in an over-priced industry.
A. The Club are monitoring the Bradford situation, but have no plans for doing anything similar. They are reported to have sold 12,000, which probably equates to 8,000 at the original price. It’s seen as a gamble which will only really pay off if they get promoted in Year 1 – otherwise what do you do in Year 2? Would affect their ability to pay/sign players.

2. Has this Club, or any other club, made any representations to the Football League over the unprecedented moves to reinstate Leeds without an approved CVA?
A. The Club has not made any representations about the Leeds situation, though we are represented at the meetings where it would be discussed.

3. What are the staffing arrangements for keeping Town’s website up to date? Is there any cover for Alisdair?
A. The cover for Alisdair on the website is David – unfortunately he’s in hospital at the moment.

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25 Jul 07

Safe Standing?
The Football Supporters Federation has published a comprehensively documented and well researched report into the case for Safe Standing, including the result of visits to three German Bundesliga matches – the equivalent of the English Premier League.

It carries a very sobering Foreword by a survivor of Hillsborough, urging everyone with the best interests of football at heart to give it their careful and detailed consideration. It also carries an Appendix detailing the results of a national survey into Safe Standing by 2,046 fans, representing 159 clubs including all those in the Premiership and Football League. Most strikingly, 92% were in favour of supporters being given the freedom to choose whether to sit or stand (in ‘safe standing’ areas) at a football match.

The FSF believes that the case for Safe Standing areas to be permitted is overwhelming on the grounds of:
Choice
Equity
Proportionate and appropriate regulation
Social inclusion
and considers that the introduction of Safe Standing areas would:
Be extremely popular with supporters
Provide choice and promote social inclusion in our national game
Substantially assist in the relationship between supporters and stewards
Be safe
As Dr Anne Eyre says in her Foreword, the case needs to be carefully weighed and considered. The report is a reasoned contribution to the debate.
It is available on-line at www.fsf.org.uk/news/news0041-safestandinglaunch.html or by writing to FSF Safe Standing Report, c/o A19 Ltd., Ashmore Villa, 1 Ashmore Terrace, Stockton Road, Sunderland SR2 7DE.

Early Day Motion 101 has been tabled for a Parliamentary debate on the question of Safe Standing and so far it has been signed by over 100 MPs, including some of those with constituencies covering Town’s main support areas.

We have contacted those who have not signed as yet, i.e., Barry Sheerman and Kali Mountford and also Mary Creagh (Wakefield). The latter has replied to say that she is fully supportive of the sentiment of EDM101 but cannot sign it because of her status as a Parliamentary Private Secretary. Any further updates will be published here.

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24 Jul 07

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD
HELD ON THURSDAY, 19 JULY 2007 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL

PRESENT: Trevor Ellis TE, Marcus Garside MG, Babs Metcalf BM, Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mary Harrison, Dave Kinder, Andrea Lohmann (AL), Carlton Midgley (CM)
Darren Marsden had tendered his resignation for personal reasons and this was accepted with regret.

2. AGENDA
RP explained that it had been difficult to schedule a meeting this month because of holiday and work commitments and that this would be a short meeting, dealing with essential matters.
The AGM would be the first item, followed by Club Relationship but please note that the order of the Minutes is unchanged from the usual order.

3. THE TRUST
3.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
3.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
3.3 Club Relationship
CM and AL had attended a meeting on July 10 with Ken Davy and Roger Armitage and also attended by Marcus Middleton, Maureen Procter, Trevor Wainwright and Rob Wood,.
CM’s report of that meeting was very positive and had been published both in the Trust Newsletter and today’s Examiner.
Nothing specific had been discussed re the format etc of future meetings but it had been agreed to hold a second meeting at the end of August after the Open Meeting on Aug 21 which would follow the Trust AGM and which would give supporters an opportunity to discuss representation with the Club.
There was a general discussion about the number of supporter groups and whether this could or should be reduced. It was agreed to ask AL for feedback from the Supporters Club’s Committee meeting on Aug 13 and also to ensure that the FFA were invited to the Aug 21 meeting.
3.4 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 2nd August - RP will attend.
3.5 Storthes Hall
No further progress.
3.6 Current Members
Life - 291, Annual - 196, Associate - 2 (Total - 489).
3.7 Current Funds
£50,000 is currently on deposit until 28 August. The Current Account balance is £5,198.53.
It was agreed to compare the current rate for the deposit account with the rate available for a YBS Terrier account. (Prompted by a suggestion at the DA meeting that organisations could consider lodging funds with the YBS.)
3.8 Membership
An item had been included in the newsletter about alternative types of membership.
3.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s - RP to chase CJ.
3.10 AGM + Open Meeting (21 August)
The audited accounts had been received and were approved after some discussion on the best form of words for the Principal Activity.
RP had invited Andy Ritchie to attend as guest speaker and was awaiting a reply.

4. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
4.1 RP had received some sample flyers from CUP and would discuss them with Paul Lewis the following day. Suggested improvements included broadening the appeal to try to attract football starters and also to ensure that both sexes would be welcome.
The sessions are to be scheduled for four Sundays and RP would circulate the details – volunteers welcome!
RP to liaise with the Coop re publicity for the project, maybe outside a Co-op store and also possibly at one of the Sunday sessions.The scheme would be publicised in the DA Examiner column, with a separate news item on the launch.

5. FUND RAISING
5.1 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.
The e-lottery have a new initiative - a virtual world, called Evolution which launches in July. RP to investigate further.

6. PR
6.1 Programme
1 Aug - Aug 21 Meeting
11 Aug - Reminder 6.2 Examiner Column
26 July - Patrons
2 Aug - Aug 21 Meeting
9 Aug - Dev Ass meeting (Aug 2)
16 Aug - Supporters Club?
6.3 Trust Newsletter
Published the previous weekend, thanks to Mary Harrison’s efforts and Chris Johnstone’s timely editing.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 None

8. NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 21 August 2007 after the AGM.

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16 Jul 07

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD
HELD ON THURSDAY, 28 JUNE 2007 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL

PRESENT: Trevor Ellis TE, Mary Harrison MH (Minutes Secretary), Carlton Midgley CM, Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Marcus Garside, Dave Kinder, Andrea Lohmann, Babs Metcalf

2. ABSENT
Darren Marsden, Neil Waine

3. THE TRUST
3.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
3.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
3.3 Club Relationship
The FFA group had been contacted by the Club (Roger Armitage), with a view to setting up a meeting. He also contacted Maureen Procter (MP) of the Supporters Club. AL was asked to take this further, as a result of which it was provisionally agreed that a meeting would be held early in July. CM was invited to attend the meeting.
The meeting will be attended by AL, MP, CM, Marcus Middleton, Rob Wood, Ken Davy and Roger Armitage.
Discussion took place on what the Trust would want to come out of this initial meeting and the following was agreed:
Purpose
Constitution (who will attend)
Organisation (who will prep Agenda/Minutes)
Operation (how regular)
Dissemination of Outcomes (how will Minutes be distributed)
Subsequent to the meeting AL confirmed that it would take place on 10th July.
3.4 Development Association
The next DA meeting is 2nd August - RP will attend.
3.5 Storthes Hall
No further progress.
3.6 Current Members
Life - 291, Annual - 196, Associate - 2 (Total - 489).
3.7 Current Funds
£50,000 is currently on deposit until 28 August. The Current Account balance is £5,198.53.
It was agreed to compare the current rate for the deposit account with the rate available for a YBS Terrier account. (Prompted by a suggestion at the DA meeting that organisations could consider lodging funds with the YBS.)
3.8 Membership
Item to be included in the newsletter about alternative types of membership.
3.9 Trust Life Members
List of Life Members on web site still o/s - RP to chase CJ.
3.10 AGM + Open Meeting (14 or 21 August)
Agenda to include:-
Formal Accounts (expected by mid-July)
Update on Club /Trust relationship going forward
Raffle
RP will invite Andy Ritchie to attend as guest speaker.
Date confirmed subsequent to the meeting as Tuesday, 21st August 2007.

4. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
4.1 RP met with Paul France (PF). The meeting proved useful but PF continues to see CUP as competition.
Nigel Thewlis (NT) now doing day to day organisation of FitC. RP to contact NT to discuss CUP/FitC being complementary and to check availability of the inflatable goals for the AGM.
The Co-op are keen to organise some publicity for the project, maybe outside a Co-op store.
It was agreed that any PR should emphasise that the Co-op movement is keen to work with the Trust and that they are “natural partners” for the Co-op projects. Also stressing the long term objective being to benefit the club and that this project complements FitC.
Volunteers will be required to help with the project - these volunteers could be utilised by both CUP and FitC.
CM suggested free tickets could be offered to children taking part in the project and cheap tickets for their parents. Trust members and supporters in general would be asked to donate their Season Ticket vouchers to children on the scheme.
The scheme is costed at £5k and an element of this is for prizes. The Trust was committed to donating £600 and this money could be used to purchase tickets.
The scheme would be publicised in the DA Examiner column, with a separate news item on the launch.

5. FUND RAISING
5.1 Boothygram
Now closed. Payments of £100 would be made to both the Academy and Andy Booth Testimonial Fund.
5.2 e-Lottery Syndicate
Continues to earn a small amount each month.
The e-lottery have a new initiative - a virtual world, called Evolution which launches in July. RP to investigate further.

6. PR
6.2 Examiner Column
No column yesterday - RP to contact Examiner.
5 July - Community Project
12 July - FSF/SD
19 July - Update on meeting with Club
26 July - To be decided at next meeting
6.3 Trust Newsletter
Newsletter to be produced by Friday 13 July.
Content to include:-
Request for feedback on alternative types of membership
CUP project
Storthes Hall update
Notification of AGM
Invite applications for Trust Board
Appeal for volunteers for CUP / FitC
Appeal for “Friends for a Tenner vouchers”

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 RP had written to Andy Ritchie inviting him to become Honorary VP - awaiting a reply. He had accepted verbally at the recent Patrons meeting.

8. NEXT MEETING
7.30 pm, Thursday, 19 July 2007 at the George Hotel.

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03 Jul 07

Welcome to June’s SD News Update. Every month we bring you news from Supporters Direct, the Trust Movement, from the governing bodies as well as other relevant news and information.
 
If you want to know any more about any of the stories, we’ve included links to relevant websites below. You can always contact us at press@supporters-direct.org if you have a query about this service, a relevant press release or news story, or community project or activity you want us to know about or would like us to publicise.
 
SD News
Issue 26 of the SD Magazine out now!
 
You might notice a few changes in this edition. We have created a series of new permanent features, the first of which is a regular ‘Industry Feature’, which this month asks the question, ‘just how vulnerable are grounds to property speculators?’ We all know of cases where grounds have been sold off, and in a number of cases to pay of debts, but just how much has this got to do with the consistent rise in land prices, particularly the value of residential land? We also have a new SD in the Community section, which showcases trust’s community projects, also providing information on potential sources of funding and other information. We also feature a new Scottish Editorial section, SD Services, as well as other features and our usual roundup of news and information.
 
The magazine is available by going to: www.supporters-direct.org (opens in a new window)
 
Supporters Direct Launch Insurance Package for Trusts
SD has been working with several insurance companies with a view to them to coming up with comprehensive cover for supporters’ trust’s activities and to provide liability cover for board members. We have agreed to work with Heath Lambert who came back with the best cover at the best price.
 
We think the package is very competitive, and will provide peace of mind at a reasonable cost to all trusts. We'll be writing to all Trusts in the next few weeks with details and an application form.
 
Share Purchase Schemes
We have been working on a scheme to enable trusts to sign members up to make regular payments into a fund to be used exclusively to buy shares in their clubs. Where shares are available, they can be bought on a monthly basis, but if none are available, trusts can build up a lump sum to approach the club and ask them to make available. In addition, trusts could also get members who owned shares to place them into a nominee account to make it much easier to proxy them over to the trust to be voted as one bloc.
 
Although this is very much at the development stage, with several logistical hurdles to clear, a key issue is the number of trusts who would be interested, and how many members those trusts think would be interested. We have created a quick online survey to help get this information. If your trust is interested in participating, then please fill it in – it'll only take about 2 minutes to complete.
 
http://www.supporters-direct.org/sharesurvey.cfm
 
Anyone needing further information should contact Dave Boyle on dave.boyle@supporters-direct.org
 
Affinity Marketing
Several Trusts already have 'portals' to enable members and others to purchase goods from online retailers where the Trust gets a cut of the price paid. 
 
We've been in talks with one such service who is offering a deal for trusts. We want to get the best deal for trusts, and with many firms out there providing this service, we want to find out which firms trusts are using, and how much they're generating to see if the deal we've been offered is good value or not. If you use such a scheme, then please contact Dave Boyle on dave.boyle@supporters-direct.org
 
IPS Reform
As you will have seen in the latest edition of the magazine, the Government is soon to start a review of the Victorian legislation underpinning Industrial and Provident Societies. We're still waiting for the consultation document to be published, but as soon as it is, we'll be contacting trusts to get their views on what needs to change in the law to benefit trusts.
 
We want to know about your community activities
 
If your trust has secured any grant aid for its community activities please let Tom Hall at SD know. We are looking for examples of trust successes in this area and to share this across the trust movement. Also, if your trust would like advice about achieving its community objectives or about applying for grant aid then hopefully SD can help. The new funding for SD includes conditions to help Supporters’ Trusts in the next phase of their development, helping to re-orientate their clubs to their communities. As a result SD is developing a service to help clubs in this area.
 
For more on this, read upcoming editions of the SD Magazine, online at www.supporters-direct.org/englandwales/library.htm
 
Contact: tom.hall@supporters-direct.org/020 7273 1657
 
Supporters’ Trust News
Livingston Trust Gain Share Foothold
LiviforLife Supporters Trust is acquiring a 12,000 shares in Livingstone FC (a 1% shareholding), costing £12,000.
 
At a future meeting LFL and LFC will discuss details of specific projects which the £12,000 could be attached to, allowing trust members and the club to identify where this money, raised largely through fan fundraising and donations, will be used.
 
For more on this story, go to: www.liviforlife.co.uk
 
Gas Trust ‘Broadly Welcome’ Cheltenham Groundshare
The board of Bristol Rovers Gas Trust has ‘broadly welcomed’ the announcement that Bristol Rovers will groundshare with Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road during the redevelopment of the Memorial Stadium.
 
The short term move will entail an 80 mile round trip for home matches whilst the club’s Memorial Stadium is renovated. Another proposal had been to share at Swindon, however approaching 90% of fans surveyed by Swindon’s Trust STFC were against the proposal, as well as local residents, police and politicians.
 
For more on this story, go to www.gastrust.org
  
Two clubs one step closer to home
Both Runcorn Linnets and Slough Town are one step closer to returns home.
 
Trust owned Linnets – exiled from the borough of Runcorn for a number of years – have unveiled their proposed plans for a new community stadium and a link up with a local junior football club. Slough has also begun to make progress on an eventual return. The club – whose derelict Wexham Park ground is featured on the cover of this quarters’ SD magazine – met alongside the Trust’s Martin McCabe and local councillors as well as technical experts from the council. Roy Merryweather, the Club’s general manager welcomed the “Great strides” made.
 
For more on this story, go to: www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk and http://trust.sloughtownfc.net
 
Industry News
EU on ‘collision course with UEFA over European Sport White Paper
On the eve of the publishing of the European Sport White Paper, UEFA has, along with the European governing bodies of basketball, handball, volleyball and ice hockey, called for a ‘clear political orientation in favour of European sport’, and expressed ‘deep disappointment’ at the draft of European White Paper on Sport.
 
The statement condemned the weakness of the document, saying, ‘The proposed draft of the White Paper indeed initially refers to the Nice Declaration. However, it then goes on to ignore it and, in some respects, takes the opposite direction. We consider that the European Commission has a duty to take into account the Nice Declaration - the will of Europe's elected leaders - and work towards its implementation. This year's European Parliament Report on Professional Football [Belet Report] further supports this view. Instead, the White Paper, as it stands, maintains that each and every sports rule can only be judged on a case-by-case basis by EU judges - and leaves the European Courts to make the law rather than interpret it."
 
The White Paper is due to be published on 4 July. For more information on this story, go to www.uefa.com/uefa
 
FA Shareholders Adopt Burns Recommendations – SD Reponse
Chief Executive of SD, Phil French, said, “This vote is very much welcomed as an important step forward. Although it has taken nearly 2 years slog to deliver the Burns reforms, the FA Executive should be applauded for driving these proposals through in the face of continual opposition.  But this should be the start not the end of the process for ongoing, progressive reform of the FA. We look forward to continuing our discussions on the whole issue of how responsible supporter representation can be reflected at every level of the Football Association beyond the one place on the FA Council.”
 
For more on the recommendations themselves, go to: http://doiop.com/ee7176
  
For more supporters’ trust and SD news, please note our news site has now changed and can be found at www.supportersdirect.blogspot.com

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07 Jun 07

Welcome to May’s Supporters Direct News Update. Every month we bring you news from SD, the Trust Movement, from the governing bodies and other relevant news and information.
 
Supporters’ Trust News May 07
 
Posh Trust aim to make locals Smile
The Peterborough’s Posh Trust has joined Cambridge Fans United and Wednesdayite, The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust, in offering free Tickets for matches to the local community. The aim of the scheme, Posh Smile Tickets, is to raise money to purchase match day tickets at London Road which will be given to local community groups and nominated individuals. It is hoped the scheme will help increase income and gates for the club and at the same time give access to London Road to people who would not otherwise be able to experience it. The Trust will raise Posh Smile Ticket funds through a number of sponsored events. In addition the Trust is providing the initial seed funding of £500
For more on this story, go to: www.theposhtrust.co.uk (opens in new window)
 
Swindon Trust welcome signing of NDA
Swindon Town FC and the Bill Power/Trust STFC ‘Fans’ Consortium’ finally signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement on 10 April. The Trust has welcomed the submission of the NDA which ‘represents a significant step forward in the negotiations between the Club and the Consortium. Discussions will be ongoing between the Consortium and the Club's legal representatives, and TrustSTFC will be making no further comment until this process is complete.
For more on this story, go to: www.truststfc.co.uk (opens in new window)
 
Wrexham: Trust and Club reach crucial agreement
Following a meeting towards the end of April, Wrexham AFC and WST issued a joint statement, with the club reaffirming its commitment to the Trust's aims to protect long-term football at The Racecourse Ground. Geoff Moss, joint-owner, reiterated that once planning permission has been granted for development, the Club will receive funds that will make it virtually debt free, owning its Stadium and its own training ground at Colliers Park. He said: "We have asked the Trust to come back with proposals that we can consider regarding this future, perhaps based on the lines of other successful football club partnerships. We also call upon any local investors to come forward and express their interest in helping secure the long-term future of WFC."

Chairman Bruce Clapton said: "Following an excellent meeting we agreed to work with the Club to look at the many different options for the long term security of the Wrexham Football Club, these are to include all areas including further investment & commercial opportunities with a view to shaping the Club's future. "We feel the time is now right, following the successful exit from administration and subsequent continued improvement in both the Club's finances and infrastructure, to build on this success and to put in place a structure that will both continue this growth and provide long term security for the Club.
For more on this story, go to: www.wst.org.uk (opens in new window)

East Stirlingshire call for guarantees in ground sale 
East Stirling’s Shiretrust have issued a statement responding to the news that Firs Park could be sold for development by the Club’s deeply unpopular chairman, Alan Mackin. The statement doesn’t reject such a sale ‘in principle’, however it goes on to explain that they would only support it ‘if it secures the long term future of East Stirlingshire F.C. with the prospect of a new major shareholder and investment. However the trust would seek cast iron guarantees that there would be no long term ground sharing with another club and would urge the board to pursue as its No.1 priority a new home of its own.’
For more on this story, go to: http://shiretrust.netfirms.com (opens in new window)
 
Industry News
‘SPL 2’ on the back burner?
The prospect of an ‘SPL 2’ in Scotland, made up from Scottish Football League clubs appears to have receded, following the rejection of a plan put forward at a recent meeting of member clubs at Hampden Park.
 
The proposal, put forward by Livingston and Dundee, was rejected by 22 votes to 8, would have seen a second division of ten clubs established as part of the Scottish Premierleague. Clubs have been threatening to breakaway following the ending of the sponsorship with drinks company Bell’s, which hasn’t been replaced. The pressure also increased significantly when a report commissioned in February by the League’s management concluded that the SFL is "not suited to a modern-day business environment".
 
There have been other issues with outgoing Secretary Peter Donald, and as part of the changes, cash freed up from his impending retirement will now be spent on marketing.
The SFL has recently signed a deal with Diadora, with the company becoming the League’s official ball supplier.
With additional material thanks to the Herald on Sunday: www.sundayherald.com (opens in new window)
 
Rugby Union close to agreement in European Cup dispute
Only a month after English clubs joined the French in quitting Rugby’s European Cup, it is now claimed that the dispute is close to being resolved.
 
Premiership Worcester's chairman, Cecil Duckworth, told the Guardian, "I am not party to the discussions which have been going on, but I have kept in touch. The Heineken Cup is a significant event for all those who take part in it and I think there will be a proposal by next week's ERC meeting which will see the English clubs return."
 
With no European-wide governing body for the sport similar to UEFA in football, the four home nations plus Italy and France own the shares in the body that organises it, European Rugby Cup Ltd.  Both Bernard Lapasset, president of the French Rugby Federation, and Syd Millar, Chairman of the International Rugby Board are confident that between them they can also persuade French clubs to re-enter the competition.
 
With Premier Rugby having failed to persuade the Rugby Football Union to agree to a motion giving them half the RFU’s shares in the competition last week, they met Millar and RFU officials the following day with clubs reputedly are being sounded out this week.
With additional material thanks to the Guardian: www.guardianunlimited.co.uk (opens in new window)

For more supporters’ trust and SD news, please note our news site has now changed and can be found at www.supportersdirect.blogspot.com (opens in new window)

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04 Jun 07

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTST BOARD
HELD ON THURSDAY, 31 MAY 2007 AT THE GEORGE HOTEL
PRESENT:
Trevor Ellis TE
Andrea Lohmann AL
Babs Metcalf BM
Carlton Midgley CM
Robert Pepper RP (In the Chair)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Marcus Garside, Chris Johnstone, Mary Harrison
Chris Johnstone also tendered his resignation from the Board, which was accepted with regret.
He has agreed to continue to maintain the Trust website
2. ABSENT
Dave Kinder, Neil Waine

3. THE TRUST
3.1 The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record.
3.2 Business Plan
Ongoing.
3.3 Club Relationship
There was no progress to report and it was agreed to ask the FFA representatives for an update.
CM also undertook to contact Andrew Watson for an update.
BM expressed the view that it was only right to keep the Trust membership informed and it was agreed to do this in the next Newsletter.
3.4 Development Association
Two questions were submitted to the Town Talk session as follows – plus responses from Ann Hough:
How will the Club vote on the League’s request for an amendment to the Sporting Sanctions regulations? If in favour, what is considered an effective cut-off date?
Notification had only been received from the League about a week ago so no formal discussion had taken place but AH said the Club was in favour of the proposed amendment. This will be discussed by all FL clubs at the Chairman’s Conference to be held on 6/7th June.
How many other clubs have a similar policy to Town’s re agents?
The Club is committed to its policy and did not consider itself to be at a disadvantage. The League has intimated that new amended regulations will be published with regard to agents later this year.
RP also reported that today’s meeting had been critical of the Trust’s partnership with CUP on a community project which had been awarded funding by the United Cooperatives.
Prompted by AL, there was a detailed discussion about the Trust’s role re Football in the Community. It was agreed that the current project was valid but it was also agreed that RP should try to maintain a dialogue with Paul France of FitC
The next DA meeting is 2nd August - RP will attend.
3.5 Storthes Hall
SB is still progressing the funding application.
If it was at all possible, there would be an update on this in the next Newsletter.
3.6 Current Members
Life - 291, Annual - 196, Associate - 2 (Total - 489).
3.7 Current Funds
£50,000 is currently on deposit until 28 August. The Current Account balance is £5,198.53.
It was agreed to compare the current rate for the deposit account with the rate available for a YBS Terrier account. (Prompted by a suggestion at the DA meeting that organisations could consider lodging funds with the YBS.)
RP reported a conversation with the CIS regarding a reduction in the insurance premium for the removal of cover for personal injury to employees and/or volunteers. This was accepted.
3.8 Annual Fans Parliament
This would be held at Crewe, 8/9/10 June.
RP to contact Dave Kinder to see if he was still interested in attending.
3.9 Membership
Discussion deferred to the next meeting.
3.10 Trust Life Members
Mary had produced a list of Life Members and RP would pursue with Chris Johnstone .

4. WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY
4.1 Discussed under Development Association but stressed again that the proposed project could and should be complementary to FitC activities.

5. FUND RAISING
5.1 Boothygram
- no response from the Benefit website. RP to clarify a closing date.
5.2 e-Lottery Syndicate
- continues to earn a small amount each month.

6. PR
6.1 RP reported that an update had been provided to David Sykes at the Club for the ‘new-look’ website.
6.2 Examiner Column
June 7th - Safe Standing or the Burns recommendations
14th - Supporters Club: FSF and AGM
21st - Community Project
28th - TBA
6.3 Trust Newsletter
Agreed to finalise a production schedule at the next meeting. This would require up-to-date info re accounts etc.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None.
8. NEXT MEETING
7.30 pm, Thursday, 28th June 2007 at the George Hotel.

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30 May 07

Supporters Direct welcomes adoption of Burns recommendations
Supporters Direct today issued the following statement in response to the news that the FA has adopted the recommendations of the Burns Review.

Chief Executive of SD, Phil French, said, "This vote is to be welcomed, although the delays have meant that the much needed reform now commences two years after the report was completed. Although in our view the proposals adopted by the FA Council today do not go nearly far enough, particularly in not more fully engaging with supporters' trusts, the appointment of an independent Chairman of the organisation will at least begin to provide some much needed balance in the organisation's strategic focus."

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22 May 07