SSC Meeting 18/01/2010

[Tugboat]

Supporters’ Steering Committee

Monday, 18th January 2010.

Agenda

1. Introduction and apologies.
2. Acceptance of minutes.
3. PA System.
4. Snack Bar/Food
‘Could you ask the club to consider some non meat products for match day, such as a few quorn burgers or sausages as there is very little choice if you do not eat meat.’
5. Fans’ Charter – Discuss document provided by the Trust.
6. Update on merchandise. When is it due in etc.
7. Hall of Fame.
8. Questions from supporters;

1) Speaking to the club grounds men they mentioned that the pitch really needs to be treated with a fertilizer that will encourage stronger roots and consequently a good covering of grass. It was noticeable that the areas of the pitch with grass would have been playable on Saturday; it was the worn parts that caused the problem.
The remaining fixtures will certainly be a test for the ground, let alone any rugby fixtures.
The fertilizer is expensive and likely to cost around £3.5k to £4k. Ideally it needs to be applied in the next month or so.
Wondered if one of the Supporters Groups could try and raise a contribution for a 'Grass Roots Fund' at a forthcoming home game, via say bucket collection, contribution from 50/50? Prior publicity would be required. Maybe Phil and John could get involved with any collection to personalise appeal.
Appreciate there are many demands for cash, however, a good pitch is essential.

2) Loss of recent fixtures and the New Year game last year raises the question as to whether the club have a Contingency Plan to try and get games played following adverse weather. I am certain that if the club had more volunteers and equipment then the ground would have been cleared by Thursday, increasing the chance of the game being played Saturday.
Even if we have no more bad weather this year the plan could kick in in the future.
e.g. Have we any relationship with Bramcote Barracks ?, could possibly provide emergency volunteers and items such as covers. Contacts at Young Offenders Centres, believe they have helped out in the past. Community Groups, Fan Volunteer list, Rugby Club ? Once plan is in place merely needs a few calls to put into action rather than hope sufficient fans respond to appeal for help.

9. Any other business.
10. Set date for next meeting.

[Tugboat]

Supporters’ Steering Committee Meeting.

Friday 18th January 2009 at the Crow’s Nest Public House.

Present: Jim Astley, Mark Axon, Roger Barnes, Andy Briggs, Ben Cooper, Dave Hall, John Hobson, Pete Fellowes, Ian Neale.

Apologies: Brian Clarke, Judy Majors.

3. PA System.

Ian said that the PA system had not been fitted due to adverse weather conditions but should be in place at the earliest time, some delay has been due to bad weather. A new volunteer has stepped forward to do the PA for games. Ian added that he would like to thank John, who had to step down from operating the PA due to work commitments. Roger asked if some of the songs could be Boro’ related. Ian replied that keeping all ages happy with music choices was difficult, but hopefully some middle ground could be found.

4. Snack Bar/Food
‘Could you ask the club to consider some non meat products for match day, such as a few quorn burgers or sausages as there is very little choice if you do not eat meat.’

Ian said that the main problem with offering vegetarian alternatives is that a whole area of kitchen work and cooking space has to be divided up to prevent any cross contamination. In his opinion (and the opinion of kitchen staff) it was not worth the extra hassle, in particular as this was the only time he had been asked. There is food such as chips and batches available that are suitable for vegetarians.

5. Fans’ Charter – Discuss document provided by the Trust.

The SSC talked there way through the document, making the odd amendment. The altered document will be added to the website and any suggestions/additions will be encouraged. The charter will be a working document that will be added to as the Club moves forward.

6. Update on merchandise. When is it due in etc?

Ian said that the pin badges had arrived and revealed that he was in talks with two kit manufacturers for next season with emphasis on offering a larger variety of branded leisurewear for supporters. The home kit will be more subjective and could be linked to the away kit, which will retain blue and white striped shirts. Mark asked if Ian had received his email about the different types of scarves, Ian said he had not and asked Mark to re-send it.

7. Hall of Fame.

Jim asked if the supporters’ groups present would like to take a more ‘hands on’ approach to this years Hall of Fame, using their skills to make it a more cross-group event. John Hobson from the Supporters’ Club and Roger and Dave from the Trust said they would like to be involved and to get in touch to discuss how this could be achieved.

8. Questions from supporters;

1) Speaking to the club grounds men they mentioned that the pitch really needs to be treated with a fertilizer that will encourage stronger roots and consequently a good covering of grass. It was noticeable that the areas of the pitch with grass would have been playable on Saturday; it was the worn parts that caused the problem.
The remaining fixtures will certainly be a test for the ground, let alone any rugby fixtures.
The fertilizer is expensive and likely to cost around £3.5k to £4k. Ideally it needs to be applied in the next month or so.
Wondered if one of the Supporters Groups could try and raise a contribution for a 'Grass Roots Fund' at a forthcoming home game, via say bucket collection, contribution from 50/50? Prior publicity would be required. Maybe Phil and John could get involved with any collection to personalise appeal.
Appreciate there are many demands for cash; however, a good pitch is essential.

Ian began by saying that the volume of rain and snow was ridiculous and could not really be planned for, and added that the Rugby had only played a couple of games on the main pitch, so they could not be held responsible for any damage. Ian said that if he had the money, an absolute fortune could be spent on the pitch, and tough decisions had to be made to balance the books. Unfortunately, there are more important things to spend the money on. Ian said that there is a maintenance and feeding programme in place followed by the grounds men and we bring in outside contractors to verti-drain and offer other expert advice. Systems are in place (such as sending soil samples away to be analysed) and a line has to be drawn somewhere. Ian said that the current ground staff is doing a great job, and the one thing that could help would be the donation of large tarpaulins to cover and protect the pitch.

2) Loss of recent fixtures and the New Year game last year raises the question as to whether the club have a Contingency Plan to try and get games played following adverse weather. I am certain that if the club had more volunteers and equipment then the ground would have been cleared by Thursday, increasing the chance of the game being played Saturday.
Even if we have no more bad weather this year the plan could kick in in the future.
e.g. Have we any relationship with Bramcote Barracks? could possibly provide emergency volunteers and items such as covers. Contacts at Young Offenders Centres, believe they have helped out in the past. Community Groups, Fan Volunteer list, Rugby Club? Once plan is in place merely needs a few calls to put into action rather than hope sufficient fans respond to appeal for help?

Ian said that appeals were made on the website, newspapers and radio for assistance and he was pleased with the turnout. More may have made a difference but there were no guarantees. Jim asked if incentives could be used as he had seen a story on local news about Shrewsbury offering free tickets in return for helping to clear the pitch. Ian said he does not believe that offering free tickets at our level of football. Fans are invited to support the club and not gain financial benefit; everyone needs to make a contribution for it to work. Mark expanded this by saying that if the Club had a list of specific jobs that needed doing, it may be easier to attract volunteers. Andy agreed and Ian said he would look into it.

Mark added that the College would be a good place to look for help, as students need to gain experience. Roger said that there restaurant was excellent.

9. Any other business.

a) Ian said that he had recently met with Nuneaton’s town centre manager with the aim of working more together in the future.
b) Ian was still working on plan of having a multicultural day.
c) The website was improving as Ian Brown updated it on a more regular basis.
d) Ian said that the Club are talking with the Council in the hope of persuading them to provide the Boro’ with some land somewhere in the town. The Club would then look to build a Nuneaton Town Football Development Centre with all weather pitches and other facilities to be used by the town. Discussions are still in the early stages but it is hoped that some sort of partnership would see the Council and the Football Club both benefit. (Following this meeting Nuneaton and Bedworth Council have advised they were going there own way).
e) Ian said that the seated stand would be moved and that decking would be built in front of the new portacabin to create a hospitality area. The new portacabin would be fitted out soon, and a big thanks to Stuart from Stuart’s Plumbing for providing all the sanitary ware as part of sponsorship. It was intended that the Tribune Lounge would be used as a season ticket holder’s bar but needs fully examining.
f) Entrance for the Birmingham Senior Cup and the Red Insure Cup would continue to be reduced.
g) Sky was costing the Club £500 per month and Ian was unsure of its value for money. Jim suggested getting a box that showed Premier League games at a much lower cost. They were perfectly legal as long as no 3pm kick offs were shown on a Saturday, and were a fraction of the price. Ian said he would make some enquiries.
h) Mary Mills was working with the Club one day per week, pursuing sponsorship opportunities.
i) The Club had commissioned a feasibility study to look at the possibility of building a seated stand on the Rugby Club side between the turnstiles and the end of the Rugby Club’s building

Ian then had to leave but passed us onto Pete to talk about upcoming events at the Boro’ Club.

Pete gave us a list of the following events to be held:

1. Valentine’s Day. £30 a couple for wine and a meal, all ticket.
2. 20th March, St. Patrick’s Day with a Diddly-diddly band.
3. St. George’s Day. Mod/scooter band. All ticket.
4. Major bonfire/firework night.
5. Darts Open, date tba.

Pete then asked if anyone had any suggestions.

Roger said that Sportsmen’s Evenings had proved popular in the past. He also offered to look at holding an antiques road show type event, where people could bring bits and pieces down and have them valued for a small fee.

Jim suggested a World Cup fan zone like they have abroad, with lots of beer, food, Swedish birds and stuff for the kids, and lots of screens showing the games. Events to be announced shortly.

Pete added that the pump for the guest ale was being fitted on the 25th January and would hopefully be in use for the Rugby game. He said he welcomed suggestions for guest ales. He also added that the brewery had now allowed them to add a Guinness pump to the bottle bar. (This is now in place).

Roger said that the Trust’s sponsored walk (which had been postponed) was now looking to be held in April, more information to follow.

Preliminary Date for next meeting, Monday 15th February 2010.