Next Meeting / Calendar of meetings?

[tinfoilhatman]

Hello, 

I am just making a request for the date of the next Supporter's Trust meeting and a set calendar of meetings for 2021.

As a membership organisation, I recognise that there would be a minimum of 4 meetings per year, as per the constitution. However, I feel that a more regular and structured calendar, would increase fan involvement in what may be a difficult season. Also there is no opportunity for younger fans / existing members to get involved other than to stream games, buy lottery tickets, and air opinions on the message board. A trust member is surely more than this? ( A gym membership does not an athlete make )

With a direct link to the boardroom, not having regular meetings could be regarded as an opportunity missed - in airing both constructive criticism and having a real dialogue about where the club and trust is, and where it is going.

Much has been made of the existing structure of the club and shareholding over the years, but this is to deny reality of two former members of the Supporters Trust on the board; and a generally positive relationship between the two entities.  

As a solitary member, this can be no more than a suggestion- yet again I feel that the lack of formal meetings and resultant lack of reported group action, rests squarely upon us as members.


 
 

[Rovergrant]

Well said...can I suggest that you repost on the General Discussion part of the MB.....

[chris]

I think the problem currently would be covid laws banning the meetings face to face

[new2rovers]

Hi tinfoilhatman, we normally do post the meetings in advance. However, the current climate and restrictions on gatherings of more than one household have put paid to any face to face meetings. We did try a telephone/conference call meeting and have suggested Zoom meetings but the feedback that we've had from our members is that this doesn't work for them.

We were also due to have our AGM in June/July but again COVID restrictions have put paid to that. We will be emailing all of our members (that we have an email address for) next week to send them a copy of the accounts, treasurers report and chairperson report.

Thanks

[new2rovers]

Just picking up on a couple of the points you raise. You're spot on that the trust meetings are a forum for fans to share their views, opinions and ask questions. Since we took over the running of the trust we have had engagement and attendance at each meeting from both the Chairman of the club and the first team manager. Certainly Brian Kerr, John Brogan and Kevin Harper happily attended and fielded questions. I see no reason why the same wouldn't apply with our current first team manager.

[tinfoilhatman]

Yes the Trust has been a great way to find out what is going on at the club and evidently has raised and contributed thousands to keep it going. Hearing Kevin Harper tell fans in person, if players didn't pick up their performances, they would be out the door was an insight that will stay with me for a while . I don't think anyone present would have doubted he was serious about his job. An input from Brian as well would I'm sure be a chance to hear from him directly.

Although hardly being involved in any manner over the years, I am more than happy to create and help with a calendar of speakers and events for the coming year. My fear is by not looking at alternative means of meeting, until face to face is possible, the trust will stand still. In addition to ordinary business, there are a few areas which could be of potential interest..

Firstly the status of the James Anderson / Football Partnership money and future settlements, which placed a firm focus on supporting communities / fan involvement.

The experience of Motherwell and more recently Morton's Supporter's trust looking at the successes and pitfalls of their moves to fan ownership, could be a fruitful.

The scope of North Lanarkshire Council's £3.5bn (yes £bn) town regeneration fund and if the club could get involved in any aspect of Community Planning / Regeneration, to ensure medium to long term security.
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/regeneration-and-investment/towns-and-communities/place-vision/introduction

I also believe the Scottish Football Supporter's Association is looking for representation from the club and would be more than happy to talk to the group about its aims and potential link in. scottishfsa.org/

As said I am willing to take this on, working with members. This would be using Zoom / Skye conference etc and opening up events to current and potential trust members to emulate the 'Ton trust's approach.

Best regards
David