October 2025

Present: Andrew Williams (Chair), Andrew Barwell, Neil Larry, Martin Clarke, Geoff Appleton, Margaret Appleton, Chris Deverell, Solvieg Haywood, Linda Wright.

1) Apologies:

Andy Hunns (Vice-Chair), Jilly Lane, Lesley Cornish.

2) Minutes Of Last Meeting

Approved and signed by Andy Williams.

3) Committee Communications

Andy W brought up the use of the Whatsapp group that is being used for committee communications. Lesley has mentioned the quantity of messages being sent to this group and Chris offered to make separate groups for various committee functions (we already have a separate finance group) Andy W agreed that the conversations had been very busy but this was to be expected with the amount of work to be done amalgamating the two supporter groups into one organisation. Things should settle going forward.

4) Membership update

Martin reported that we currently have 205 full members and 70 supporter members. This compares to the levels from last season.

Andy Barwell commented that membership should build up as the season gets under way. Geoff said that many Followers used to sign up at the AGM. Andy W said that the numbers so far were a positive endorsement for the new organisation. We have not heard any dissenting comments or received negative feedback about the decision to amalgamate the Friends and the Followers.

Geoff will cross check names of those who've signed up as £10 Supporters and let Martin have details to add to the database.

5) Coach Travel

17 have signed up to go to Coventry at the time of the meeting

7 have booked to travel to the Ampthill game on the minibus.

There is a good level of interest in travelling to away matches on social media and as well as interest in coach sponsorship.

Neil said that the Three Cups are interested in becoming sponsors.

Andy W said that Andy Hunns will follow this up, as well as speaking to the Devonshire Arms and the Pollhill Arms. He will give updates on these discussions at the next committee meeting.

Solveig has made a list of away matches and the sponsors who have signed up for which games.

The question of who is to present Man of the Match at the Amphill game was raised. Chris suggested that we should pick a random Bedford supporter at the match, and it was agreed that BBSC will cover the cost of the champagne.

Andy B asked if many coach sponsors were businesses? Solvieg said that they are all individual supporters so far.

6) Marketing & Comms Update

Chris told the committee that the website has been updated, and he continues to make adjustments and edits it as necessary. The launch of BBSC on TikTok has been well received and additional content will be posted featuring sponsors. Amelia will also create TikTok content at games with the view to attract interest from younger supporters.

Andy W said we need to follow up with Ryan to get him to update information on BBSC on the Club site.

The BBSC content for the matchday programme needs to be with Ryan by the Monday before each home match. Andy w is happy to write the content as default, but others are encouraged for their input also. The BBSC page will help build a sense of community and will provide photo opportunities to feature members enjoying the games. In the past the photos have featured the presentation of MOTM awards, but other photos can be included. Andy W believes that BBSC have been allocated a whole page in each programme.

Andy B said we should invite members to post photos of their matchday experiences on social media and tag BBSC in these.

Andy W will confirm the size of the space allocated to BBSC. He believes we have 300 words and space for the QR code to encourage new members to join. Martin asked if the Club could have our QR code on their messaging - Andy W needs to check this with Ryan also

Andy W, and Martin will work with Andy H to get the newsletters onto Mailchimp. The newsletters will be sent to Sponsors as well as the members to demonstrate that we are highlighting them to our members. Prize winners' names will be included in the newsletters which will be emailed prior to each home game. Members will be asked to nominate a shirt number and not the player's name for the prize drawer. Andy W will contact prize winners. Margaret asked if prize winners names would be printed on BBSC page in the programmes: this will depend on the space available. Messaging can be adapted at the season progresses. 7 prizes will be awarded each week.

Andy H will confirm with each of the sponsors what they have committed to provide as a sponsor to the organisation.

We need to compile a list of all the sponsors and the prizes they will provide as well as the deals that they will give our members eg discounted prices when they show their badges.

7) Finance Update

Bank balances will be given at the next meeting. Chris needs to be reimbursed for the expenses he has incurred on behalf of BBSC. In time, the NatWest account will be closed but we will continue to operate this and the Barclays account for the time being.

When the decision is taken to close the NatWest account, any funds remaining will be transferred Barclays.

At that point the Barclays account will be renamed BBSC.

Prior to this, we need to update the mandate for Barclays: Linda and Geoff will be added as signatories and signatories no longer involved with the organisation will be removed.

BBSC will contribute money to the Club. The committee will need to consult with the Club.

Solveig commented that the money given to the Club at the end of the season had helped to fund the Disabled shelter and toilet. This has been appreciated by Peter Kimber who says his visibility of matches is greatly improved from this new vantage point provided.

Andy W will consult with the Club regarding the "official" opening of the facility and will use Peter's quote to demonstrate the positive benefits of BBSC.

8) AOB

The Hartpury match on 18th October has been designated Ladies Day with money being raised by the Club for Sue Ryder Charity.

Andy W will check with Sophie to make sure that Gareth will agree to BBSC selling Jackpot tickets at the match and let Solveig know if she is to organise a draw. BBSC will undertake to donate £250 from the drawer to Sue Ryder.

Chris advised the committee that he has had a quote to replace the Cabin window with laminated glass of £600. This is the cost of the glass and his contact would fit this free of charge. No decision has been made to go ahead with this.

Concerning the graphic to wrap/brand the Cabin. The Club had indicated that they would pay for this. Andy W will check on this.

Margaret commented that the step up into the cabin is unstable and it would help of there was handle on the side to assist people climbing on it to gain access to the cabin. Andy W said he would check this with the Club.

Andy W told the committee that the Club is happy to have the Jackpot vendors stand

1) By the entrance to the gym/outside the cabin

2) On the corner by the entrance towards the back wall

3) At the hospital gate

4) In the "Fan Zone" by the former member's bar

However,it does not want sellers at the Bushmead Gate. We will still have roving sellers with a bucket walking round the ground as well.

Andy B told the committee that he will be standing down and no longer attend meetings. Andy W thanked him formally, on behalf of the committee, for his work for the Friends over the past 5 year s and his involvement with merging the two former supporter groups to form BBSC. Andy B will be available for advice if the committee need him and will see through the handover of the finances.

9) The next meeting is scheduled for 6th November 2025. However due to the proximity to the Club’s Firework Event, this will need to be confirmed along with the venue.