September 2024

Present:

Jane Roberts (Chairman)(JR), Kevin Sands (Secretary)(KS), Geoff Appleton (Treasurer)(GA), Margaret Appleton (Outings)(MA), Jilly Lane (Marketing/Website)(JL), Solveig Haywood (SH), Neil Larry (NL), Lesley Cornish (LC), Chris Deverell (CD)

Before the meeting started the Secretary asked the committee to stand and reflect on the sad passing of Phil Novis and also raise a glass to his memory.

1) Apologies

Andy Barwell (AB), Sam Roberts (President)(SR)

2) Minutes of the last meeting

Accepted and signed by Jane.

3) Matters Arising

JR agreed to look at the necessary revisions to the Constitution.

• Action: JR

4) Treasurers Report

Geoff presented the current position with regard to our current finances

5) Membership & Outing Report

Outings

Northampton​​ 37 booked on.

Coventry​​17 booked on.

Coach Quotes:-​Bristol​​£950,

​​​Bath​​£950,

​​​Ampthill​£400.

Memberships

I am currently working on the figures for these, together with all payments as card payments taken at the Blackheath game were not split between the three sections. Some Membership forms do not show whether they were card or cash. As soon as I can get to the bank or receive a bank statement, I will circulate all current details to the Committee.

6) Marketing

Jilly promoted discussions on the topics raised in the marketing plan that was produced for the last meeting with further discussions to take place over the following meetings.

Jilly, Chris, Lesley & Solveig agreed to meet outside of Committee to discuss ways of ensuring consistency of messages published on all our media outlets.

• Action: JL/CD/LC/SH

It was agreed that up-to-date photos of Committee members would be taken at the next meeting so could all members please wear a ‘Blues’ top.

As has previously been agreed Friends of the Blues members could automatically become Followers members, however, it would appear that not all FoB members are filling in Followers membership forms as was required. It was agreed to discuss this further at the next meeting.

Away trip sponsorship would remain at £100 and would enable the sponsor to have one free seat on the coach and present the Player of the Match champagne. This needs to be readvertised on all social media to encourage new sponsorship.

• Action: CD/LC/SH

Jane asked members of the Committee to come up with ways of thanking the sponsors for the away trips.

• Action: ALL

Jane asked members to think about recruiting to the Committee – we need new members to help currently and with a view to succession planning. Bring suggestions to next meeting for discussion/agreement.

• Action: ALL

7) AOB

a) Condolences regarding to the loss of Phil have been received from Hunter, Sarah and Margaret Gillett.

b) Condolences have also been received from the wider Rugby community including Northampton Saints, Bristol and Coventry.

8) Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be on Thursday 10th October 2024 at 6.30pm in the SDC Suite.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.15pm