Board Meeting online using Zoom
Wednesday 7th May 2025, 7:00pm
Minutes
PRESENT
Board: Stuart Rogers (SR), Jon Darch (JD), Miles Hendy (MH), Marie Day (MD), Shahan Miah (SM), Terry Hamlin (TH), James Nicholls (JN), Jon Watts (JW), Mark Newman (MN)
Supporters: Chris Chard (CC), Matt Seaward (MS), Alan Payne (AP), Wendy Rowlands (WR), Leah Davis (LD), Dave Clarke (DC)
Apologies: Jerry Tocknell (SLO), Tom Williams (Avon & Somerset Police), Sheridan Robins (Bristol City), Paul Hunt
1. Welcome
Chairperson SR opened the meeting, thanking those in attendance.
2. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
· All actions completed
· D-M Withers has resigned from the SC&T Board. Members expressed their appreciation for all they had done for the SC&T
· There are now two Board vacancies: new members can be appointed either at the AGM or co-opted between AGMs. SR invited all to give some thought to potential members.
3. Police, Safety & Club Updates
· No Police or SLO attendance at this evening’s meeting due to the demands of tomorrow evening’s Play-Off game at Ashton Gate.
· Head of Communications Sheridan Robins had been invited to the meeting but unable to attend for the same reason.
· There had clearly been significant issues with the ticketing system for the Play-Off home leg. An element of ‘user error’ but also some technical faults which had caused problems, particularly for Members. Most present reported no major issues, but those who had experienced problems were Members. JD suggested that there had been poor design of some elements of the system and inadequate testing.
· One result was long telephone queues for Supporter Services: staff had worked both Sunday and the Bank Holiday.
4. Sub Group Updates
· Robyns Round. LD gave update: successful launch on International Women’s Day. Since then, meet ups at matches and outside, a WhatsApp group and plans for a summer event. Positive feedback from those involved. LD will continue to update future SC&T meetings
· It was agreed that SC&T fund a flag for the group. Also that MN help set up OTIB account for the group. Action MN
· Robins Memories. SR reported that the group was up and running and proving very successful. They would like old shirts, programmes etc and JN will see what SC&T can lend. It was noted that the group is for all and not limited to those with dementia. Action JN
· Section 82. SC&T has contributed £300 to the fundraiser and the group is working hard on the choreography planned for tomorrow’s Play-Off game.
5. Bristol City Women
· SM reported that Bristol Sport ticketing have agreed to provide data to help determine whether away coach travel is cost effective: they have committed to do this when their busy period during May ends.
· Crowd numbers have been holding up and 2025/26 season ticket numbers are awaited.
6. End Of Season Awards
· Women’s Awards: thanks to SM for representing SC&T. Voting next year may be separate from the Men’s awards as there is evidence of voting without any real understanding. It’s made clear that a vote is not required in every category, but some are ignoring this.
· Men’s Awards: chaotic due to the pitch invasion after the game, and that also meant that the awards ended up being delayed & competing with The Wurzels performing outside the stadium. Discussion about whether the event should be held elsewhere (HPC?) but it was agreed that it should be a ’live’ event for fans.
· Men’s Golden Boot has been delayed due to the Play-Offs.
· The club’s agreement to the SC&T’s proposal for a special award for Mike Adams was welcomed. MD reported that his wife Jean is overwhelmed with clearing Mike’s football related belongings and agreed that SC&T would help if it could.
· SM to contact Sheridan Robins about photos of the events and also Signet Signs to update the board with this seasons winners. Action SM.
6. AOB
· Fans Advisory Board. After discussion it was agreed that feedback to the club should highlight a) onerous application form, b) unclear when/where meetings to be held and c) no closing date provided.
· SC&T had been involved in designing the Terms of Reference but not the application process. SR encouraged by the club’s agreement to involve and bring together existing supporter groups.
· After discussion about the use of the SC&T bar by non-members, and consequent overcrowding, it was agreed that an email be sent over the summer reminding members that access on matchdays is for members only. Action SR
· Google account and Gmail. These were set up years ago and are little used now. There is a Google drive folder with archive pictures and content and a Gmail account. We could just leave these dormant. Agreed that SM will forward account details to JD and SR to view the content. Action SM.
· There is no June meeting date set: all to provide views on whether we meet to SR who will make a decision. Action ALL
ACTION POINTS:
1. Set up OTIB account for Robyns Round. Action MN
2. Old shirts, programmes for Robins Memories Group. Action JN
3. End of season awards: contact Sheridan Robins for photos and Signet Signs for board update. Action SM
4. Summer email to SC&T members – to include bar members only message. Action SR
5. Forward Google log in details. Action SM
6. Thoughts on June meeting. Action ALL
Minutes recorded by Dave Clarke, reviewed and agreed as correct by: Stu Rogers on 26th May 2025