By Murray Carr
October 30 2003

The first AGM of Airdrie United Supporters Society was held in the Working Men’s Club on 29th October. 65 people attended the meeting

Trust A.G.M Minutes
For 30/1003

There were apologies for absence from 3 Board members – Jim MacGregor (Secretary), Bobby Reid (Treasurer) and Chris MacMillan.

Veronica MacGregor chaired the meeting and explained that the interim Board had been comprised of volunteers. It was now the duty of the Board to resign and seek re-election. Any member present at the meeting could be proposed and seconded to gain a seat on the Board. The meeting then re-elected the entire Board.
The Board will therefore comprise of – Veronica MacGregor (Chairperson), Bobby Reid (Treasurer), Jim MacGregor (Secretary), Mairi Campbell, Mark Allison, Murray Carr, Craig Hamilton, Chris MacMillan, James Vallely, Clark Steel (co-opted for Disabled supporters) and Graeme Dalziel (co-opted for Junior members).
It was decided after discussion that the Board will serve for a period of 2 years.

At the present time Veronica was the Chairperson of the Board and also the fans rep to the football club. The suggestion was made that in future whoever held the post of Chairperson to the Board would automatically be the fans rep. The meeting agreed to this unanimously.

Veronica then gave a brief overview of the aims of the Society (or Trust as it is frequently referred to). The main focus is to promote both the Trust and the Club within the community. By doing so in a positive manner it is hoped that more people will support the club and attend the games. It is important that young people in particular be identified as potential supporters. The Trust now had the use of a small area next to the food stall at the ‘home’ end of the main stand. This will be manned on match days from around 2p.m. and fans can take the opportunity to join the Trust at this site or raise any matters for consideration by the Trust Board.

Chairperson’s report – Veronica thanked the meeting for allowing her to continue in her post. While the job has been very rewarding it has not been without difficulties. She often found herself in the position of being unable to discuss certain matters with fans as to do so would require her to reveal facts she had been told in confidence at Board meetings of the Club. She has been made to feel a valuable part of the Board of the club and has a direct line to Jim Ballantyne.

Treasurer’s report – A financial statement was distributed showing the current state of the finances. Around £900 has still to be received from Supporters Direct and at the moment we have a positive balance of £1414.03.

Secretary’s report – We have just under 400 members at present and these are contained in a database. We also have a PO box address and an e-mail address and it is hoped a web site will be up and running very soon.

Events and Projects – The Christmas dance planned for 19th December now posed a problem as Airdrie United is due to play at Inverurie on the following day. After discussion it was agreed that an alternative date will be found, possible in January, for this event.
The Board planned to resurrect the Schools Cup and Mairi Campbell provided the meeting with details. All 8 secondary schools in Airdrie and Coatbridge have been approached with a view to hold this competition under a Sense Over Sectarianism banner. The competition will be for Under 14 players and the response so far from schools has been very positive. SOS is an organisation that will offer funding to cover all costs of the event subject to acceptance of our application which is currently under way. The event will be held in conjunction with North Lanarkshire Council, Strathclyde Police and Smoking Cessation Scotland. Albion Rovers and Airdrie United have reacted positively to the idea and the plan is that the semi finals will be held in Cliftonhill with the final at new Broomfield at the end of the current season.
Some discussion was held regarding details of the plan and the meeting fully supported the initiative.

The Trust Board has also been considering the possibility of providing a covered area for disabled supporters. This plan was at a very early stage as nothing concrete can be done until the ownership of the stadium is resolved.

Plans were underway for youth coaching to be provided during the Easter holidays. This would be targeted at various age groups and involve players from Airdrie United.

A kids Christmas party is being planned for December 21st and the stadium is a possible venue.

AOB – Veronica thanked all Board members for their efforts.
A request was made that the winning 50-50 ticket number be displayed rather than simply announced. The Club had been contacted regarding this problem and were considering the situation.
A question was asked regarding the current situation with the stadium. The meeting was informed that a resolution was expected very soon and the matter was in the hands of the various interested parties’ lawyers.
In answer to a question Scott Gilkison informed the meeting that 709 season tickets had been sold so far. While this number was on a par with last season it did include Under 12 tickets.
The meeting agreed that Trust meetings will be held every 3 months unless there was a need for a special meeting.

There being no further business the meeting was concluded.