Chesterfield Football Supporters Society

Notes of the meeting of Wednesday 4^th January 2005

Venue: CFC Boardroom

Present: P.Tooley (Chair), D.Bowler, R.Willett, P.Whiteley, M.Cook, C.Young, I.Browes, A.Fantom, A.Wheatcroft, J.Croot, P.Taylor, R.Pearson

Apologies:

Secretary: R.Busby

1. Minutes of the previous meeting and Matters Arising

The minutes were accepted.

Matters Arising:

1.Co-optees - discussion has taken place with the Ground Staff - they are to consider the offer at their next meeting

2.Lapsed members - AW to produce a list of lapsed members for follow up

3.Shares - CFC Annual Report and Accounts has just been published. CFSS holds 63%.

The CFSS Board records a note of thanks to the CFC Board for their steady financial management of the Club over the past year.

2. Proposal to Appoint a Full-time Officer

JC presented a report proposing to appoint a full-time fund raising officer.

The idea had first been mooted 12 months ago and agreed in principle at that time. The post would be funded by CFSS and report to CFC/CFSS Community Director.

The objectives of the post:

To become self-financing within 12 months by raising income via partnerships, sponsorships, seeking and obtaining grants, organising major events, participating in the organisation and promotion of match day offers etc.

Increasing the role and importance of CFC/CFSS within the wider community

Increasing community awareness of CFC/CFSS as a precursor to the Club's the Hub strategy

Estimates of achievable income indicate a target of £37,000 at the end of 12 months, with prospects of further improvement in subsequent years.

Discussion followed.

It was agreed unanimously that the idea was worthy of further consideration and would be presented to the next CFC Board with a recommendation from the CFSS Board that a full business case should be developed.

3. Club/Ground Report

PT gave an update.

A few changes have been made to the Local Plan, particularly that it has been decided that no full planning permission for development of the Saltergate site will be given until a new stadium has been built. Consultation on the Local Plan has now closed.

CFC has been drawing up draft plans and talks with Mcalpine about them building the new stadium have commenced. Wilson Bowden have put proposals to the Council, but no details are known.

PT restated that the Club's aim is to own the land and the stadium at the new site.

4. Treasurer's Report

Another quiet month. Xmas Raffle income is coming in as expected and it should be possible to make a payment to the club next month.

The Treasurers report was accepted.

5. Membership Report

AW updated the Board

Life Members473

Full Annual280

Full Triennial211

Concessionary Annual130

Concessionary Triennial181

Total 1275

Current membership is at 91.5% of last year

Of 264 reminders sent out 91 had renewed

Recent Donations total £40

The Membership director's report was accepted.

6. Young Spireites

IB reported that the 30^th December meeting had been a great success. Players joined the youngsters after the training session and the highlight was Reuben Hazell signing his contract. Alan Walters, Roy McFarland and Lee Richardson were also in attendance. The CFSS Board records its thanks to all those who took part.

Young Spireites now has 74 members, with an age range of 2 months to 15 years.

IB presented a statement of accounts. Next month Young Spireites will repay a £300 loan to CFSS

IB's report was accepted.

7. Community Update

The Chair now has copies of the published Focus Report on CD ROM. These are available on request.

The presentation of the report and the Club's the Hub strategy to Chesterfield borough Council can now go ahead - date to be fixed.

Events

Next Volunteers Meeting - Monday 9^th Jan at 7:00pm in the Boardroom

Anglo-Scottish Cup 25^th Anniversary Meeting

To be held on 19^th March at the Winding Wheel.

At least 10 players will take part in a Q&A session

Those present will be able to have their photo taken with the Cup (thanks to Rob Pearson for loaning the studio lights)

Pie & Peas

A2 Posters (thanks to Dean at Printability for doing these for free and donating £150)

£5 per head, tickets go on sale on 5^th Jan. (max 500 places)

Player of the Year Award

To be held on 30^th April at Sheffield Park Hotel

Comedian and Host - Wilf McGuiness

3 course meal

No Disco

Discounted rooms available (£70 per room, includes breakfast)

£25 per head - tickets go on sale end Feb (max 275 places)

Garden Party

Still lots to do!

To be held on Friday July 7^th (same weekend as World Cup Final)

Bolsover Castle venue dropped - too expensive

Queen's Park now being discussed

Chesterfield Borough Council interested in supporting the event

Potential corporate and commercial opportunities being explored

Al Needham Band already booked

Gala Day

On the agenda for the next Volunteer Meeting

9.Any Other Business

Chair

(i) VIP Seats - to be raised at CFC Board

Possibiity of 2 half-season tickets to be secured to guarantee seat availability

AW to organise CFSS member random draw

(ii) Christmas Cards from other Football Clubs to be auctioned on e-bay

DB - have there been any further reports of people climbing in to the ground (to avoid paying on match days) behind the Saltergate Club?

JC - nothing seen at last game - situation being monitored

RP - questions about the CFC Annual Statement of Accounts

(i)Do the "Retained Profits" include Evatt's sale?

Answer -Yes

(ii)What is included in the £467,000 "Accrued Expenses" (page 15).

Answer - To be raised at the Shareholder's Meeting

(NOTE- Was raised, it is the new seasons' season ticket money, received in the 'old' financial year but providing a product in the 'new' year, hence the accrual)

RP - it has been reported that a local solicitor with land adjacent to the Saltergate site has stated that the ground cannot be sold without his agreement - is this true? The Chair stated that to his best knowledge when the ground was sold to CFC 2001 Ltd, it was transferred "unencumbered", thus there are no obstacles to sale of the ground should CFSS/CFC decide to sell.

Meeting closed at 22:12

Next Meeting:Wednesday February 1^st2006, 7:30pm.