Paul opened the meeting with apologies from John Coats and Rob Ashcroft.
Paul then gave a brief roundup of his recent work on behalf of the football club explaining why we were promoted and that financially we are in a good position and the accounts will show this once they are audited and released for the AGM in November. We are currently not VAT registered but this may need to change if our turnover increases to over £77,500. With increased away following this season and increased admission prices this is a distinct possibility.
Brian Edge gave a brief resume of football matters and explained that one of the friendlies has now been changed to reflect our promotion. Also the season review booklet is hoped to be on sale at the beer festival. Brian then moved onto the kit and revealed a new “alternative” kit, being claret and blue. The ground situation filled up a good chunk of the meeting however there was common agreement that this is not going to something which can be sorted in say 1-3 years. James and Alex explained that the subcommittee are meeting next week. Currently 11 options were considered and this has been whittled down to 5 options and meetings have been held with key organisations in relation to a number of these 5 options. The funding for this stadium will be sourced through availability of grants and a Community Share Option. Dialogue is also being held with other clubs such as Runcorn Linnets, Rushden and Enfield. We still have one year left at Winsford with an option for a further year 15/16.
The superb help the board and club receive from the supporters was gratefully acknowledged but stressed that we are always looking for more!!
Guy reported on the fundraising situation with the 200 club membership now standing at 270. Events coming up, Beer festival, Toddy’s world cup sweepstake and the walk up Snowden.
Tony Fallows reported that membership currently rests at 230 with 70 silver and 230 bronze. It was explained that the board are looking at ways to enhance the silver membership currently on offer.
Paul reported that through Ros and Peter Grimes we will be carrying out market research of the fan base to see how we are faring and what we could improve, change etc.
It was acknowledged that communication is running well with all forms, Twitter, website, newsletter and programme all being well received however Mark Riding did comment that the website needs to be more prominent.
The Barton Stadium came up for discussion and Paul reported that all the floodlights are now working and work on the pitch will begin this week. There was a request for supporters to help with painting this Sunday. The dugouts were to be lowered to enhance the view from the Kingsway side however if this work was carried out it would have exposed a drain.
Questions from the floor were numerous and varied and included:
The “disappointing” evening attendances. The Board will look into this.
The possibility of a car share to be advertised more.
Taking on a shop unit within Northwich in the run up to Christmas. It was reported that this is unlikely to happen as funding provided by CWAC (rent free) has been used up.
Whether any funds were ring fenced for the stadium development and whether in relation to this maybe we could have a collection point for peoples loose change and be known as the “Bin for Bin”. The club was thanked by Rudheath JFC for the presentation of the defibrillator.
Junior football/set up. This was something for the board to look at however it is a complex issue in relation to age groups, ladies U19’s etc. and do we take a club on who already exist or start from scratch.
There were approximately 90 in attendance.