Board Meeting online using Zoom
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 7:00pm
Minutes
PRESENT
Board: Stuart Rogers (SR), DM Withers (DM), Jon Darch (JD), Miles Hendy (MH), Marie Day (MD), Shahan Miah (SM), Terry Hamlin (TH).
Supporters: Chris Chard (CC), Paul Hunt (PH), Matt Seaward (MS), Alan Payne (AP), Dave Clarke (DC)
Bristol City: Jerry Tocknell (SLO)
Apologies: James Nicholls (JN), Mark Newman (MN), Wendy Rowland (WR), Diane Rowland (DR), Jon Watts (JW), Katrina Watts (KW), Tom Williams (TW) (Avon & Somerset Police)
1. Welcome
Chairperson SR opened the meeting, thanking those in attendance and acknowledging the recent passing of board member Mike Adams. SR reflected on Mike’s contributions and the celebration of his life event.
2. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
· The creation of a webpage listing board members was discussed. Consent from board members is needed before proceeding.
· SR to email board members for consent to display their names and positions on the website.
3. Tribute to Mike Adams
· Various suggestions were made to honour Mike Adams, including:
· A picture and words displayed at Ashton Gate, either a fixed frame or a revolving images of Mike and other members who have passed.
· Naming an end-of-season award after Mike.
· Inaugurating a new Hall of Fame player in Mike’s name.
· A special recognition award presented to a family member.
· It was agreed to discuss these ideas further with the football club and look at available wall space in the Supporters Bar.
4. Police and Safety Updates
· SLO provided updates on police activities and safety measures at recent matches. We will get charged for the inappropriate chants against Cardiff, where there was also 1 arrest.
· The Norwich game was moved to a Friday night to launch Green Football Weekend nationally, as the club are the current winners.
· Discussions on ticket sales and potential fixture changes were held. Interesting to get feedback from attendees on why they purchased their season tickets. Lots of reasons including securing the seat around friends and family, priority away ticket sales, always done it, great view, a better facilities meaning a better day out now, matchday discounts and for other football and rugby games. Price per match was not a driving determinant.
· We agreed to renew our Fans for the Future season tickets for next season before 9th April. SLO will secure the seats and inform JN about payment.
5. Bristol City Women
· DM & SM expressed concerns about engagement with the women’s team management.
· A fans forum is finally scheduled for next Wednesday, with not all key representatives attending.
· The need for better communication and engagement with supporters was emphasised.
· DM & SM will plan a stand on the concourse for the Sheffield United game on 30th March.
6. Financial Updates
· SR and JN met with the SC&T Treasurer to review accounts, which are now ready for auditing.
· Plans to set a longer-term financial budget were discussed. This will happen when the people with the expertise have capacity to do this in about 6 months.
7. Sensory Room
· The sensory room at Ashton Gate was launched, with very positive feedback from users.
· Board members were invited to visit the sensory room.
8. Improving Matchday Atmosphere
· SR provided a debrief on recent discussions with the football club about safe standing and improving matchday atmosphere.
· Our proposal to invest £25k towards safe standing was passed on to the Football Club, pending further discussions at a future BCFC board meeting.
9. Fan Advisory Board
· The establishment of a Fan Advisory Board (FAB) was discussed, with JD selected as the main representative and JN as the deputy through a closed nominations process.
10. AOB
· A suggestion that future matches this season be dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the SC&T. Agreed to invite head of communications Sheridan Robins to the next meeting as part of widening awareness of what supporter group events are happening,
· The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 2nd April 2025.
ACTION POINTS:
1. SR to email board members for consent to display their names and positions on the website.
2. SR to discuss the tribute to Mike Adams with the football club and recce the Supporters Bar for available wall space.
3. SLO will secure the Fans for the Future seats and inform JN about payment.
4. SR to invite Sheridan Robins to the April meeting.
Minutes compiled by: Zoom transcript and Artificial Intelligence tools on 05/03/2025.
Minutes reviewed and agreed as correct by: Stu Rogers on 06/03/2025.