Minutes from the August BLC Meeting

[ray.hitchinson]

BLC MINUTES

Attendees
BLC: IN ATTENDANCE: Fred Taylor, (Chairman, Boldon), Stan Hall (Vice Chairman, Newton Aycliffe) Brian Hallimond, (Treasurer, Central Scotland) Freda Oyston, (Disabled & Escorts), Grahame Anderson (Disabled & Escorts) Eileen Hallimond, (Central Scotland) Jim Gilling, (Coxhoe) Jeff Aldworth, (Sedgefield) Mike Love, (SENSSA) Jim Douglass (CAER URFA) Sylvia Douglass (CAER URFA), Doreen Fowler, (Senior Supporters) David Saunders, (Feyenoord Mackems), Peter Rippon, (Feyenoord Mackems), Neil Patterson, (Easington Branch), GM Thompson, (Close House).

SAFC: Louise Wanless, Phil Clarkson, Lynsey Thompson (SAFC Foundation)
Apologies
Steve Dean, (Secretary, Jarrow), Rebecca Barr, (Boldon)
Date
SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST AT 11.45AM
Venue
SAFC FOUNDATION CENTRE OF LIGHT



APOLOGIES:

The Chairman formally opened the meeting at 11.47am

MATTERS ARISING:

1: Phil Clarkson informed everyone though it had yet to be officially confirmed, it is anticipated that 2,500 tickets would be allocated to Sunderland fans for the match at Newcastle. Though this didn’t affect the branches directly, it was possible the required points total for individual applications could go up to as high as 12. Security issues had already been raised with regard to policing the game and further discussions were due to take place. More later.

2: Louise Wanless informed everyone the VIP day for Branches would very probably be the West Brom game on April 9th next year. Further details would be confirmed in due course.

3: A further discussion took place over the match day atmosphere within the stadium. Jim Gilling suggested a supporter could carry the flags of both teams around the stadium before kick off. Paul Newby suggested it could be made into a community event. The present pre match format would be monitored and the ideas would be taken into consideration.

4: Louise Wanless confirmed every effort had been made by the club to ensure the 2018/2022 World Cup Bid had met its aims. The six visiting delegates on August 25th had been warmly received and had been impressed with what they saw at the Stadium of Light. Everyone hopes that the announcement in December will be positive.

5: With regard to the ongoing problems regarding the exiting of supporters coaches from the car park correspondence had been received from the Heart of England Branch. Malcolm Dawson expressed concerns over organisers impatience to leave quickly after the Birmingham City Match and the safety and comfort of fans in future. This was duly noted by everyone and the Secretary would respond in due course.

With regard to the coach traffic problems Louise advised branches their own policing could help as the club and Paul Weir had done everything they could. Everyone agreed common sense and patience would be a big help. It was agreed 20 minutes should be time enough to get everyone onto the coaches after the final whistle. It was noted coach passes also carry a big responsibility toward the safety of others. Cameras would help the club monitor the situation and Paul Weir would report back.

6: The Chairman asked for nominations from the branches for this years’ recipient charity and three were forthcoming. The North East Air Ambulance, Cancer Research and Help For Heroes. Fred confirmed a ballot would take place soon to choose the charity.




TREASURERS REPORT:

Brian reported there was a total of £2,718-14 in the account with £1, 571 to come out for the Percy Hedley Foundation. (the cheque hadn’t yet been cashed). £200 had been set aside for a Player of The Year Raffle Prizewinner. That leaves £947-14.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

1: Lynsey Thompson gave branches an insight into the work of the SAFC Foundation, and a discussion was held as to how everyone could help spread the word. A registered Charity, the Foundation harnesses football to engage children, their families and the greater community. Jeff Aldworth proposed the BLC should pay the annual membership fee of £250 + VAT to get officially involved and to help with fundraising and the various events organised throughout the year. The motion was seconded by Fred Taylor and passed with a 100 per cent majority. The Chairman proposed a member of the BLC should be nominated to liase with the Foundation and nominated Freda Oyston. The motion was seconded by Brian Hallimond and passed with a 100 per cent majority. Freda accepted.

2: Jim Gilling asked for clarification on booking fees for match tickets. Phil Clarkson had confirmed a charge of £1.25 would normally be made for telephone and web bookings. If six people booked together on the web however, a charge of only 50 pence would be made. The booking fees followed normal procedure

3: Jim Douglass confirmed the Legends Talk In at Westoe Miners Social Club would be held on Fri 29th Oct involving Stan Anderson, Micky Gray, Martin Smith and Gordon Armstrong. Tickets were £20 and available through Jim Hunter on 0191 4563013 0r 07954189826.

4: Fred confirmed a fund raising Sportsman’s Dinner for local disabled and non-disabled athletes would be held at the Stadium on Thursday 11th November with special guest Steve Bruce. For a table of 10 the cost would be £350. The event was being organised by Len Ashurst.

5: Brian Hallimond has a list of answers regarding complaints about catering problems in the stadium.

The Chairman Formally closed the meeting at 1.05pm - 20 people were present

Next meeting Saturday 23rd October 2010 - SAFC Foundation Centre Of Light 11.-45am.