Board Meeting online using Zoom
Wednesday 9th October 2024, 7:00pm
Minutes
PRESENT
Board: Stuart Rogers SR (chair), Mike Adams MA (minutes), Jon Darch JD, Marie Day MD, Terry Hamlin TH, Shahan Miah SM, Mark Newman MN, James Nicholls JN, Jon Watts JW, Katrina Watts KW, D-M Withers DM.
Supporters: Chris Chard CC, Wendy Rowlands WR, Matt Seaward MS.
Bristol City: Jerry Tocknell SLO
Avon & Somerset Police: Tom Williams ASP.
APOLOGIES: Paul Binning PB, Miles Hendy MH, Paul Hunt PH, Diane Rowlands DR
1. MINUTES & MATTERS ARISING
The September minutes were accepted as a true record. Matters arising:
a) SC&T flags on matchdays – their display is intermittent. No reply as yet from Section 82 regarding their assistance.
b) Honours Boards in Supporters Bar – MA presented his final data; to be finalised without delay by email. [ACTION MA]
c) 75th anniversary of the Supporters Club (latest guise) – an observance of the anniversary will be made at our AGM. The special logo to be used this year was agreed.
d) AGM 2024 – MA had circulated draft minutes from previous AGM; no comments had been received. The text of an alternative constitution will be included with AGM papers. The treasurer James Thomas will be asked to produce accounts for 2024 [ACTION JD].
TH agreed to read the treasurer’s report, D-M agreed to give a Bristol City Women report and JN will set up the microphone. President Marina Dolman will be invited.
e) OTIB – as the perceived problem had died down, it was agreed there was no need to change the rules at this time
2. SLO & POLICE OVERVIEW
ASP reported:
Oxford H – well attended, some disorder in Ashton Road post-match with three arrests, two OUFC and one BCFC.
Swansea A – reasonable day, One BCFC arrest (threw can of cider); dealt with out of court.
Sheffield Wednesday H – member of Ashton Gate security staff arrested.
Cardiff H – no arrests, a few missiles across the Atyeo/Dolman divide, a few seats damaged.
Leeds H upcoming – graded as high risk
MA commented how usually the home & away fans streams merge in Ashton Road without incident.
TH assumed Sky TV ruled the 3pm kick-off. ASP replied that around the SKY TV kick off times/moving of fixtures, the police always work very closely with BCFC and that decisions are made in the interest of public safety and reducing crime/disorder. SLO reported next fixture changes will be announced first week November for Jan/Feb matches. Problem at Cardiff home game when steward in Lansdown stand celebrated Cardiff goal. At Swansea the stewarding was “terrible” with supporters prevented from accessing the upper tier. The police are well aware of what happened.
3. PROBLEMS AROUND THE STADIUM
Food – SLO reported one supporter asking for a vegan pie and receiving first beef then having returned it, was accidentally given a chicken pie.
Lifts – many have been out of order for a long period.
Luggage storage – little progress has been made; the matter arising because of increased security levels.
Parking charges – charging at events has been very unpopular. SLO advised that AG were planning on charging Fans Forum attendees to park, but got permission from Jon Lansdown to have parking charges removed. If stadium attendees had to use the surrounding area for Fans Forum parking, it could be an ‘own goal’ in public relations. [ACTION SLO to approach Ross Wormald]
Supporters Bar – The beer supply has many faults among other matters, which have been reported repeatedly but without result. [ACTION MD to compile list of problems]
4. BRISTOL CITY WOMEN
D-M, SM & SR had met with Head of Women’s Football, Romaney Pinnock, for informal intros. The structured meeting been Club & SC&T was scheduled for Friday October 18th. SLO has advised that the Club’s budget this season is competitive for the league.
We note that Bristol Bears have held a ‘double header’ with both men’s teams playing Saracens’ teams at AG. Would it be possible for the football teams to do likewise? [ACTION D-M/SM to pursue].
Sheffield United away coach was cancelled but coach for Charlton Athletic is still going ahead; the break even price would be £36.
In November it will be the 10th anniversary of Bristol Academy’s two-legged victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. It was suggested that Nikki Watts, who scored the equalising goal in the second leg, be invited as a guest of honour to a suitable game [ACTION DM].
5. FAN ENGAGEMENT
Michelle Dring from BCFC has been consulting the FSA over setting up a Fans Advisory Board
6. IMPROVING MATCH ATMOSPHERE
Extending safe standing to the South Stand is not imminent.
7. END OF SEASON AWARDS DATE FOR 2024/25
We need to nail this early. [ACTION SR to approach Tom Rawcliffe]
8. HERITAGE ASSETS
We need to specify major items at stake. [ACTIONS JD to develop by email, SR at Heritage Group]
9. PRINT AT HOME TICKETS
The option still exists only if requested by contacting Supporter Services, the default being digital phone tickets.
10. LIGHTING IN STANDS/VOMITORIES
Disturbing for some but necessary for security cameras to work properly
Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 13th November. Unable to meet on first Wednesday of the month (6th November)