SSC Meeting 12-05-2010

[Tugboat]

Supporters’ Steering Committee Meeting

Wednesday, 12th May 2010 at Liberty Way.

Meeting began at 7:40pm.

Present: James Astley, Mark Axon, Roger Barnes, Ian Brown, Ben Cooper, Pete Fellowes, Dave Hall, John Hobson, Ian Neale.
Apologies: Andy Briggs, Brian Clarke, Judy Major.

· Ian began by explaining the new admission prices for the upcoming 2010/11 season;

Adults - £10, Concessions - £7, Children Under 12 - £2.

Ian added that it was the same price for adults as the last time we were in the Conference North three years ago, despite the fact the Club will inevitably have higher costs.

Ian said that there would be an early bird offer available (purchased before July 1st) for season tickets as per previous season;

Early bird Terrace for Adult - £160, after July 1st - £180.
Early bird Seating Stand for Adult - £185, after July 1st - £205.
Early bird Terrace for Concession – £115, after July 1st - £129.
Early bird Seating Stand for Concession - £135, after July 1st £149.
Early bird Terrace for Child under 12 - £30, after July 1st - £35.

Ian said that the season ticket package will include entrance to all 21 league home games, ten pence per draught pint discount for over-eighteens or ten pence per pint discount for under-eighteens in the Boro’ Bar, a birthday card and five per cent discount in the club shop on production of card.

Ian added that the Club had retained photographs from previous season ticket holders so renewing would be easier. He asked what people thought of the increases. Mark said it was expected and understandable. Dave asked if there would still be an over 80’s season ticket, Ian said he would look into it. Jim asked how much a car parking season ticket was, Ian said he would find out.

John asked if there would be special evenings for fans to go to Liberty Way and sign up for season tickets. Ian said there would be; dates to be finalised.

· Ian asked if anyone had any ideas on how to boost attendances. Dave Hall suggested producing posters for local businesses to display. Roger added that posting them would be a quick and cheap way of distributing them.

· Ian said that the new Board Room would be for visiting directors and match sponsors. This means that the Tribune Lounge would be available to be used on match days. Ian said his preference would be to re-create a form of Vice-Presidents’ Club called the Tribune Premier Club. Dave added that at one point at Manor Park there were forty VPs and people on a waiting list. Ian said he would like to introduce a ‘three tier entry system’ to the ground. Firstly, a basic pay-on-the-gate, secondly, a more expensive ticket offering a buffet and access to the Tribune Lounge, and thirdly the match sponsor package. This would give fans choice and opportunity. Ian said he would like to have a core of people who purchase a season ticket for the Tribune Lounge, and also to be able to offer it on a match-by-match basis. Ian thought that a dress code would be enforced and Roger added that it was important that people in the Tribune Lounge had access to players and staff, as many people enjoyed the access.

· Ian said that the new website was imminent and showed the SSC some designs. The new website would be linked into Twitter and Facebook.

· Ian said the Club were planning on having a sponsors’ evening at Liberty Way to attract new businesses for the upcoming season.

· Jim asked if we would be having a new kit this season. Ian replied that we would be, and that the Club were currently in talks with Puma and Joma. He hoped it would all be sorted within the next two weeks. Jim suggested holding a shirt launch evening the same night as a season ticket ‘signing-up’ evening. Ian said he would bear it in mind.

· Roger said that for the Memorial Garden to progress, he needed a paper invoice to show the BISC. Ian said he would provide one.

· Mark said that several people had asked him to bring up some issues that arose from the Chippenham game. Ian said that although the top turnstiles by the away end had no actual metal turnstiles in them, they could still be operated as turnstiles with a few allowances. He had requested this but on arrival at the ground he discovered they were still closed. Ian said that there were six turnstiles open and they should each have allowed 600 people in per hour, so there were adequate turnstiles open. Ian added that Chippenham had made an official complaint to the FA that was being investigated, although he thinks that the Club did well on the whole. Mark asked if there would be a problem segregating next season and Ian Brown said there would definitely not be. Mark said games against Telford, Boston and Hinckley may attract big crowds and segregation may be required. Ian Brown promised it will be looked into properly next season.

· Ian Neale said that there would be a new temporary stand for the next season. It would be placed nearer to the away end so some minor work would be done over the summer to create a path to the stand. The decking in front of the new boardroom would also be extended. Ian added that the Club were intending to build a permanent 500 seat stand with roof over the next three years. This would not have all the conferencing facilities yet but they could be added on in due course to build a bigger stand.

· Ian said the Club were intending to purchase a tractor to help with the pitch. This would cost around £3000. The pitch will be re-laid on the 31st May and will cost around £5500.

· The following friendlies have been agreed;

14th July Home to Coventry City.
17th July Home to Kidderminster.
24th July Home to Mansfield.
28th July Home to Northampton
31st July Away to Leamington.

TBC Nuneaton Griff at Liberty Way (the Griff keep all gate receipts)
TBC Alvechurch Away.

The first league game will take place on 14th August.

· Kevin and Ian have discussed taking the squad on a teambuilding exercise and doing the Three Peaks Challenge. This will be beneficial for the squad and should also get the Club some national press attention.

· Ian said they will soon be advertising for a new kit man. The Club thought it respectful to wait until the end of the season.

Meeting ended at 9:45pm

[Moley]

Ian said that the season ticket package will include entrance to all 21 league home games, ten pence per draught pint discount for over-eighteens or ten pence per pint discount for under-eighteens in the Boro’ Bar,

without sounding stupid, does this mean over 18's don't get discount on non alcoholic drinks?

[Moley]

· Jim asked if we would be having a new kit this season. Ian replied that we would be, and that the Club were currently in talks with Puma and Joma. He hoped it would all be sorted within the next two weeks.

any more on this?