Supporters' Trust Meeting Minutes
Mike Warrick sent his apologies, as did Tony White, Merrin Molesworth and Cheryl Gillan MP.
1. The Meeting opened with the news that striker Dean Brennan had just signed a contract with Chesham United, to the obvious delight of the assembled, and there was much rejoicing.
2. Mike Elliott announced that Trust Membership was now at 87 (including 14 Youth Members). 51 members from the 2005/2006 season had renewed. Again, there was much rejoicing. [Note: since the meeting Trust Membership is now 137 (including more then 50 Youth Members)]. Membership cards for all members were available on the night. For those unable to make it, and for recent members, cards can be collected from the Club Shop or from James Allen directly.
3. Colin Beton outlined the proposed plan for a loan application to cover necessary repair work on the roof. Since the Trust became active a lot of refurbishment work has taken place, including new carpets, new seats in the Chess Suite, new Gents toilets. But the work must continue - especially if we wish to continue letting out the club house for private functions (weddings, birthday parties, etc). Colin stressed the need to proceed with repairs to the roof as even a light shower can result in the kitchen and parts of the main Chess Suite being out of action. Quotes have been received (ranging from £8k to £14k). The feeling from the Trust Committee is that this needs to be done. With the work done and word of mouth the Chess Suite could be let out each week. Unfortunately neither the Trust nor the Club can afford to do it. The Trust could put some money towards it but a loan in the region of £6k would be needed in order to proceed. The repair work would involve removing all the old roof surface, stripping back the felt, replacing boards where necessary and recovering.
Charles Manchester stated that in an ideal world the club would renovate the whole building. An architect has already looked into it and the main Board is working on it. This includes looking into income streams over the next year(s), raising money through grants, discussing with the council and the landlord. It could take up to three years, and the financial impact would be substantial.
The loan would be borrowed on behalf of a limited company, and Charles has agreed to guarantee the loan. The aim would be to pay if off within a year, with monthly income from the snowball (£275) going towards the monthly repayments. Estimated interest (2.5%) over a year would be £400.
Len Vockins proposed that we go ahead with the loan. This was seconded by several people and the motion was passed unanimously. It was also agreed that Colin would get some more quotes. The following companies were mentioned: The Roof Doctor, Broadlands, Housemartins.
Anyone wishing to offer a loan of at least £500 to the Trust towards this work, and independently of the bank, should contact Colin Beton as soon as possible.
4. Graham Bayliss raised the issue of damage caused by water draining in from the car park, and asked whether the club had plans to correct this. Charles Manchester confirmed that a professional firm had been called in. Len Vockins is co-ordinating and this should be completed in the next month.
5. Colin provided a financial update. Firstly he outlined the donations accrued with membership renewals:
£91 was donated to the Mens team
£10 was donated to the Youth team
£16 was donated to the Ladies team
£45 was donated to the Youth / Mini-League
The Trust Funds currently stand at £4200. This is excluding the £1200 raised through Club Shop sales.
Colin also announced that there are currently 143 snowball participants, and this number continues to rise.
6. Dave Jeffrey provided the Marketing update. He started by providing feedback on the first Comedy Night in August. It was intended as a test mainly, to see whether the Chess Suite was capable / suitable of staging such events. All those involved in the organisation of the night learned a lot (including the need for spotlights!) but despite this it was a great success. To break even the Trust needed to sell 50 tickets. In the end, 70 were sold with £700 raised through bar takings. The next Comedy Night will take place on 26th October, and Dave urged everyone to come along and spread the word. All acts booked are of the highest quality and are regulars on the London comedy circuit. This is also a good (and important) revenue stream and means we can expand and put on other events (live music, e.g.).
7. Another sponsored walk & cycle ride has been proposed following the success of last year's (which raised over £3k). The proposed date is Saturday 27th January 2007, when Chesham play away to Burnham. Dave Jeffrey introduced the possibility of approaching the Iain Rennie Hospice charity with joint fundraising in mind, and this has now been agreed with them. It will be tied in with the Bucks Examiner campaign, and will be promoted at the charity match at The Meadow on Sunday 29th October. We want to get as many people walking as possible and the walk should be seen as inclusive where participants should not feel as though they should not participate if they had not raised sponsorship money.
8. Matchday volunteers are needed as it is crucial to have people to cover in the case of absence.
People are also needed to man the gates to prevent people from getting in free at half time.
9. Ballboys and ballgirls have been slow to get off the ground this season for a number of reasons, but they will return. However, 8 matchballs have been lost since the beginning of the season, so if one does go near you as a result of a scuffed clearance then please do your best to retrieve it.
Forthcoming events :
Thursday 26th October – Comedy Night
Friday 3rd November – Fireworks Night
Friday 24th November – Race Night
