After discussion with members it has been decided that we should run a weekend trip to the match at Torquay in March.

The dates will be from Friday, 18th March to Sunday, 20th.
The quote we have had is from ALFA who not only run coaches but can organise hotels in certain resorts including Torquay.We would leave early on the Friday morning as obviously it is a much longer trip.The hotel is the Regina which is near the seafront.The price of bed and breakfast in a double or twin room and including coach travel to and from Torquay and during the weekend is:-
£84 (if 40 book) and £94 (if 30 book). There would also be a charge of £12 for insurance unless you had proof you had your own travel insurance   (A single room would cost an extra £15)
We require firm bookings by Tuesday 19th January with a deposit of £40 within seven days of that to meet Alfa’s terms and conditions. We would require a minimum of 30 people to be able to make the booking.Deposits would be lost if the bookings were cancelled due to postponement because of bad weather or either team being in the FA Trophy semi-final which is on that day.
If you require any further information please call it at the Trust Office on match days or contact Martin Robinson at dmjrobinson@btinternet.com  

1. Apologies for absence

None

2. Brief review of Trust's activities during the year

The meeting began with a minute's silence in memory of Phil Carder. Martin then gave a review of the last year explaining the impact Phil’s death had had on the Trust not only on a personal level but also on an organisational level. He then told members how the Trust had rallied round since then with the floodlights project now being completed, a regular programme of monthly events and much improved communication.

3. The new floodlights

Before a demonstration of the new lights, Charlie Clapham addressed those present and thanked all those involved for their hard work. He spoke passionately about his role as, first and foremost, a supporter of the club and said lessons had been learned about the length of time this project had dragged on for. He then took a variety of questions from supporters, not only about floodlights but also concerning communication, health & safety regulations and the club's own vision for stadium development. Charlie stated that once the next project had been decided on between club & Trust, a deadline for completion would be decided on and the club would match any amount raised by the Trust. There then followed a demonstration of the impressive new lights which will hopefully be ready for use in time for the Chester game although Charlie did stress that the club will not accept ownership from the contractor until they were 100% satisfied they were operating at peak efficiency.

4. Treasurer's report

Colin reported that the Trust’s current balance stands at £24,376.18 including net funds available of £24,121.18. A total of £7174 has been paid to the club as part of the Trust's contribution to the floodlights project, which represents 25% of initial costs. The funds in the Cambridge & Counties term deposit have now been transferred to the Trust's account and earned £202.25 in interest. Colin also explained that Paypal charge an admin fee of 54p for each £10 membership renewal completed online.

5. Membership report

Bill reported that active membership stands at 215 although there are almost 30 memberships which have recently expired so this number will hopefully grow again in the coming weeks. The target for membership this season is 250 which will be promoted at Trust events and it was encouraging that there have been 34 new members joining since January.

6. Election of board members

Howard Birch and Rob English were elected onto the Trust board, whilst Martin Robinson, Howard Birch and Andy Kelly were all re-elected.

7. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

A plaque in memory of Phil Carder will be put up in a couple of weeks on the wall behind the club shop. Phil’s nephew Jacob Smith ran the Great North Run raising over £520 for Leukaemia charity Bloodwise. There was a break in at the Trust office last week but fortunately nothing was stolen.

8. Future events and Fundraising activities

Noel spoke about the Trust's programme of events and reiterated what a superb day the 04/05 Reunion was. The Quiz Night was also a success and all horses and jockeys have now been sold for the Race Night which will hopefully be well attended and raise some money for the Trust. Howard informed those present of the Mark Heaton tribute night in November which will raise funds for Marie Curie. The Trust’s programme of events for the New Year will be confirmed in the next couple of months.

9. Coach Travel including weekend trip 2015/16

Members present were given a sheet detailing possible destinations for this season's weekend trip and the risk that goes with some of them with regards to clashes with the FA Trophy. The Trust will gather members' feedback and look to make a decision around December time. With regards to regular travel this season coaches have been run to five of the eight away fixtures so far albeit at a small loss. It is hoped that an upturn in results will boost travelling numbers.

10. Future projects and priorities for the Trust

There was a discussion with members about what they would like the Trust's next project to be. The most popular suggestions were improved disabled facilities and a bar behind the Jack Carr Stand. Both of these would improve the matchday experience, attract floating supporters and the bar would generate revenue. Also mentioned was improved toilet facilities and cover for the Blowick End and Popular Side, although the latter would have a much longer timescale for completion. The Fans Fund Small Grant Scheme is an option to provide funding for some of these projects although total costs must not exceed £50,000 to be eligible.

11. Any other business

The Trust has been given a Friday evening slot on the new Sandgrounder Radio to promote activities and there will also be live updates from matches whilst the station is broadcasting. The Trust in Yellow username has now been registered on Portchat also to help with promotion and communication. A question was raised about the effectiveness and value for money of the next match signs and it was reiterated that this is something that the Trust is looking into long term.

12. Dates of next meetings

Tuesday 3rd November - Board

1. Apologies for absence

Katrina, Alan S, Colin

2. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

All were covered elsewhere on the agenda.

3. Organisation of coach travel to away matches next season

Before the discussion got underway Martin placed on record the Trust's thanks to Alan Scarisbrick and Phil Carder for all their efforts in organising the coaches since the Trust's formation.

The first part of the discussion focussed on why people weren't travelling on the coaches. The main reasons given were:

• The availability of cheap train tickets and the increased freedom of travelling by rail and car.

• The cost of the coach fare.

• Departure times for midweek games being too early for some people who are working.

A number of suggestions were then given on how to increase the number of supporters travelling by coach:

• Vouchers for a set number of games eg 5 – Would allow those who intend to use the coaches regularly to save money and would generate income enabling the Trust to budget more in advance.

• More flexibility after games – Members present were split evenly with some wanting to leave immediately after the match and some wanting to stay for a drink.

• Prioritise popular destinations – Taking into consideration when running a special offer how popular the destination is and not just with the most local fixtures eg Kidderminster may be more popular than Gateshead.

• More pick up points – eg The Liverpool area (when travelling to Wrexham or Tranmere) and Manchester area.

• Ensuring the cheapest possible price – Requests for quotes will once again be sent to several local companies. Some companies are more eager for one off big games such as Derby.

• Pricing and Incentives - Ideas were put forward about the pricing structure for members in general and junior members in particular. Also some ideas for offering incentives for regular travellers.

All of these points and suggestions will be discussed at the next Board meeting along with any other suggestions received in the meantime which are always welcome.

4. Treasurer's Report

The Trust's current available funds stand at £28,707.66. This figure includes £500 which has been received for the 2005 Reunion and members were reminded that £25,000 of this figure is set aside for the floodlights project.

5. Membership

A quiet time of the year but a busy period is expected shortly with many renewals due in August. The Trust's target is to reach 250 members over the course of the season with membership currently standing at 210.

6. Future Trust Events

There are currently 12 players in the Trust team to face Churchtown CC on Sunday 26th July. The match will be 20 overs and there are still spaces left for substitutes and reserves.

Arrangements for the 2005 Reunion are progressing well with all places on the supporters' team sold out in a day. The response from the 04/05 squad has been excellent with 16 having confirmed their attendance to date. The training sessions held by Richard Brodie have been very popular and volunteers are being sought to help with the running of the event on the day.

There will be a Meet the Manager session on Saturday 1st August following the friendly against Bolton which will be held in the Grandstand Bar.

Noel outlined to members present the Trust's calendar of events for next season with one event taking place after the first home game of each month.

7. Relations with the club

Martin had e-mailed Haydn requesting a statement to be made by the club regarding the floodlights. (Since the meeting the club has issued a statement on its official website stating that the pylons will be erected in August.)

8. Any other business

Ben Highton will be running the Southport Half Marathon on Sunday 5th July to raise money for the Trust and all supporters are encouraged to donate. The Trust intends to hold one of its events next season as a tribute to Mark 'Batman' Heaton who sadly passed away recently. The Prediction League for 15/16 has been launched and this time there will be no random entries. Congratulations went out to Nicola Hudson on her new role with Supporters Direct.

9. Next meetings

Thursday 16th July - Board

1. Apologies for Absence.

2. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

3. Organisation of coach travel to away matches next season.

4. Treasurer's Report.

5. Membership.

6. Future Trust Events.

a) Cricket match against Churchtown

b) Reunion of 2004/5 Championship Winning team

c) Series of events for new season.

7. Relations with the club.

8. TIY Targets and Objectives for 2015/16.

9. Any other business.

10. Next meetings.

a) Board

b) AGM

1. Apologies for absence

Katrina

2. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

Luke George will be presented with his honorary membership at the Presentation Evening. In total around £1200 was raised with £900 of this going to Diabetes UK. All those who had paid for the Bristol weekend have now been refunded.

3. Phil Carder

The closing date for the Phil Carder Goal of the Season award is on Friday 17th April and there has been an excellent response so far. Churchtown Cricket Club will be in contact about a possible date for a cricket match in the summer. Bill will look into a plaque for the office and has also ordered a replacement trophy for the Goal of the Season award. Progress with the celebration wall is ongoing.

4. Finances Report

Steady progress is being made and it is hoped that full access to the bank account for the new signatories will be granted in the next week. Thanks to Colin's efforts the FCA have been kept in touch with the changed at the Trust and all creditors have now been paid. The £15,000 in the Cambridge & Counties 30 day notice account will be left where it is for now.

5. Membership

There has been very little change in what is a slow time of the year for membership. The Trust were, however pleased to welcome its first Polish member last week.

6. End of season Awards and Presentation Evening

The evening will start at around 5.30pm following the Grimsby match to allow the players to get changed etc. Noel will sort out the sound system with James and Nicola. A running order will be organised once the awards to be presented have been finalised. The Trust have received reassurances from the club that there should be no issues with regards to the extraordinary away following expected from Grimsby.

7. Other Trust Activities including outline of programme of events for next season

The 04/05 reunion will hopefully take place on one of the first couple of Sundays in August. This will be publicised at least 2 months in advance allowing proper arrangements to be made. The programme of events for next season will be launched at the Presentation Evening and dates will be booked as soon as next season's fixtures have been released. There will be a special event next Spring to celebrate the Trust’s 10th birthday.

8. Relations with the club

As usual the level of communication received from the club has been very poor. The issue of safety with the current floodlights was raised with over 2000 fans expected from Grimsby next week. It was agreed that because of the difficulties with the floodlights project, in the future the Trust would only want to be involved in projects over which it had control.

9. Coach Travel

A coach will definitely be running to Bristol but whether one runs to Welling will almost certainly depend on the importance of the match. For next season an acceptable level of tolerance for losses will be agreed to ensure that expenses don't get out of control. The coach to Altrincham ran at a small profit. Martin will send out for the usual quotes from coach companies for next season's fixtures.

10. Any other business

Ben Highton is running the Southport Half Marathon on Sunday 5th July and is very kindly donating all sponsorship monies to the Trust. Forms will be available in the Trust office.

11. Next meetings

Tuesday 5th May - Board