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Silkmen Supporters Trust - October 2007 Open Meeting Report

The Silkmen Supporters Trust held an Open Meeting in the McIlroy Suite at the Moss Rose on Saturday 20th January

Attendees

Approximately 25 SST Members and fans attended including Club director Derek Astbury.

SST 5 Year Plan

An abbreviated plan showing the strategic aims to 2012 was drawn to the attention of the meeting. Generally it was welcomed and the SST Chairman indicated that it set the agenda for the foreseeable future of the Trust. The full text of the Strategic Plan can be found on the Trust Website.

Merchandising

What?

Merchandise - alarm clock, books, lapel pins, greeting cards, fridge magnets, tea towels, scarves, hats, individual player pictures, sock-ties, match DVDs, mouse mats, ground photos, travel bags, wallets, car stickers, flags etc. These represented a possible 'stock list' for further development.

Where?

Various ideas were offered - conversion of the old London road offices, refurbishment of the former SLE cabin, sub-contract with in-town shop (possibly but not necessarily Olympus Trophies; another example was a deal with a market trader), on-line, 'round-the ground'.

When?

There was much discussion on this point and the problem of staffing a shop full (or even part) time was recognised. As a starter, it was suggested that activity be started on match days.

Who?

A small group had already been identified but any fans or members especially with retail planning experience would be welcome (contact Chairman Andy Worth).

Next steps

Canalside Radio

Developments in the local radio station were outlined and the SST/Club were invited to take on a permanent slot for a pre-match review. This exciting opportunity was welcomed by all and Chairman Andy Worth would pursue it with the Club.

Blues Bar/ SLE Bar

Derek Astbury updated the meeting on the fraught progress with the SLE Bar. Major delays outside the control of the Club had been encountered with the Ground Safety/ Licensing authorities. Even at this late stage, it was still not clear whether permission would be granted. However, it had been made clear to the Club (and this had been passed to the SST Board) that a fully functioning bar was unlikely to be an achievable solution because of space considerations. A bottle beer/lager operation was the only solution. Whilst recognising the disappointment that would be felt by all SLE fans, these decisions were entirely outside the control of the Club.

The meeting felt that it might be necessary to reconsider the whole concept of the bar.

The meeting Chairman thanked Mr Astbury for being so open on the matter.

On the Blues Bar, arrangements had been made to repaint Monday 29 October at 7.00pm. All volunteers welcome.

Away Coaches

The meeting Chairman stressed the importance of the away coaches beginning to break even and recover the losses incurred to date.