Silkmen Supporters Trust AGM Report

The Silkmen Supporters Trust held it's first AGM in the President's Bar at the Moss Rose on Saturday 18th November.

1. Introduction and Apologies

Andy Worth (Chairman) introduced the current members of the interim board present - Myra Clark (Silk Alliance Rep), Dave Ellis (Legal Matters), Bill Milligan (Treasurer), Steve Mundy (Secretary), Tom Rance (Media and PR), Andy Thomas (Club Liaison), Rob Wilson (Membership Secretary) and gave apologies for those unable to attend - Dean Bamford (Youth), Ray Bamford (Community), Robb Kerr (Supporters Club Rep), Dave Taylor (Fans Forum Rep).

2. Chairman's Report

Andy Worth gave a summary of the Trusts activities since its formation in January 06 and its efforts to raise funds to help pay the FA and Football Foundation fines. These included collections at the Northampton away and Carlisle home matches and the sponsored walk to Stockport. He also thanked the generosity of the members for their donations and in particular the Silk Alliance and Gary Jackson of the Silkweb for his pixsale initiative. The money was used to make the Trust one of the top ten share holders in the club with 25,110 (plus a further 2,000 planned)

The efforts made by the Trust to try and unite the existing fans' groups - Supporters Club, Silk Alliance and Fans Forum in an effort to obtain a more co-ordinated approach to representing the fans were then mentioned.

He also re-iterated the dedication to transparency and democracy in the membership of the Trust Board.

3.Treasurer's Report

Bill Milligan gave a run-down of the annual finances. The Trust have raised a total of £30,283.39, the majority of which has been used to buy shares.

The remainder has been used for running costs, t-shirt and calendar purchases or remains in the bank.

4. Membership Report

The Trust has 240 members.

• Adults: 161
• Over 60: 62
• Under 16: 8
• Students: 8
• Disabled: 1

5. Election Results

John Narraway, Returning Officer on behalf of the Election Working Group, briefly outlined the election procedures and listed the other members of the EWG, Mr C Fisher, Mrs J Mitchell, Mrs H Wooliscroft and Mr D Woolliscroft.

John explained that 7 correctly completed nomination forms had been received and as there were 12 vacancies, the following seven nominated people were duly elected:

Andrew Worth, Robert Wilson, Stephen Mundy, William Milligan, Andrew Mellor, Thomas Rance and Myra Clark.

6. Aims and Objectives for the Coming Year

Steve Mundy explained the aims for the forthcoming year

• Retention of Current Members - It has been the experience of several Trusts that Membership falls significantly in the second year.
• Try and recruit new members. Particularly younger members.
• Try and increase shareholding by proxy and share transfers.
• Formation of new sub groups for attendance and promotion and an 'events group' to organise events and fundraising ideas.
• Provide regular open meetings for the fans and provide a voice/link to the Club

7. Questions and Ideas from the floor

• Trust Leaflets could be given out by Turnstile operator
• It was pointed out that the Trust had purchased £25,110 worth of shares, yet had still only received certificates in respect of £5,000.
• The issue of the Trust organising merchandise was raised. The Trust have looked into a number of options including, clocks, watches and scarves, however the decision had been taken to concentrate on the Legends Calendar for the time being. The issue had been taken up with the Club, however they have a large amount of stock to sell.
• The Trust have receive a proposal from Football in the Community suggesting that we form a partnership. It was agreed that the board discuss the matter with the FITC.

Andy Worth then thanked all those present for their support and attendance and the meeting was closed.