Trust Board Meeting, 5th November 2001

Present: James Proctor, Blair White, Garry Fyfe, George Howie, Tom Phillips, Neil Langtree

Minutes of previous meeting (23 May 2001)

Meeting agreed they were a true record.

Treasurer’s report

Reported £5,822 in the account, with income of approximately £480 per month from standing orders. This was adequate to cover the Society’s stated commitments (approximately £1,000 for legal fees and £4,200 for Youth Development)

Membership update

Membership now stood at 65. Secretary stated that he had written to everybody who had made an initial one-off contribution inviting them to join as full members. Chairman had confirmed he had received a list of the “Friends of the Rovers”. He would now write to those who were not already members of the Trust.

Constitution update

Chairman stated that he had received a letter from RRFC Board permitting use of “Raith Rovers” in the Society’s name.

Had received letters from three local solicitors agreeing to the request to use their premises as the Society’s Registered Office. Chairman would contact each of them and make a final decision.

Feedback on general meeting

Board felt that meeting had been successful. Approximately 40% of the members had attended and the level of debate had been good with more or less everybody taking the opportunity to speak on the proposals.

The Society Board had been given clear direction on the total amount to invest in Youth Development at the club (£1,000 + 8 x £400). Meeting had been arranged with RRFC Board on Sat 10 Nov to discuss how the Society could ensure that money would be channelled into the Youth Development programme.

The Board agreed that in the main the funds should be directed to the U18s. They had the highest profile and under the current rules it was the only age group which could be sponsored.

Co-opted Society Board member

The Society Board noted the membership’s lack of enthusiasm for its efforts to co-opt a local councillor. It was acknowledged that the Society Board was lacking in contacts with the local business community. It was agreed that the Board should approach a local businessman to inquire whether he would be prepared to join the Society Board, or possibly act in an advisory capacity.

Next Project

The Board noted that if the monthly income remained at the present level then there would be an opportunity to prepare the ground for another project.

It was agreed that there was still a need to increase the membership. Any publicity associated with the investment in the Youth Development might generate new members.

Any other business

The Trust’s website was now active. There was a real need to use it in a positive manner.

The Trust logo – this would be pursued.

The Chairman reported that there would be an ad hoc meeting in the Novar Bar on Sat 10th Nov. Purpose was to discuss areas of mutual interest.

Date of next meeting

4 Dec 2001