Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 7th February 2022 by Virtual Conference

Present: Jim Green (Vice Chair), Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Kieron Shiel, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Charlotte Walker, Jeff Banks, Paul Bodman, Alex Owen, and Christine Robson (Secretary).

Apologies: None

Minutes of Meeting held on 24th January 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Jim Green opened the meeting regarding the email that had been received by the Board from Andrew Morris resigning from the Chair and as a Director on the Board. Jeff Banks asked for it to be recorded that the Board thanked Andrew for all his work during the last couple of years, piloting us through some very difficult times.

Jim Green stated that there would now be a vacancy for the role of Chairman and asked all members about taking on the role. Kieron Shiel stated that he was happy to take on the position. The Board voted unanimously, without any abstentions.

Finance – Matt Dickenson stated that he was working on a base budget for next year. Would be meeting all portfolio holders to discuss individual budgets. There is no income from a stadium sponsorship, and it is a key priority to obtain one. We also needed to look at off-field structure, as George Delves position had never been filled.

Jim Green mentioned about cover for wheelchair users which had been ongoing for several years. Would it be possible to put up a temporary structure whilst considering a more permanent fixture and the costs of doing this?

Solar Panels – Mike Vickers stated that a company doing work for the Council would not be able to help us out as it would not be economical. Would have to be considered later.

Jim Green had been contacted by a company regarding installing electric chargers on the car park. Meeting will be held later in the week.

Sponsored Walk – Mike Vickers suggested that this should come under the fundraising group but would be happy to organise one. Could be considered for the last home match on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2022.

AOB – Paul Bodman was looking into transport for the Manager. Would report back to the Board at next official meeting.

Chris Robson asked whether there was any intention of getting back to face to face meetings at the Club. Kieron stated that he wanted to do this and the first one would be held on Saturday 19th February 2022.

The Safety Certificate needed to be changed from Andrew Morris’s name. Jim Green said he would be happy to have his name on the certificate., as it would tie in with his role as Football Operations Director.

Question was asked about the Police being present at the Hereford game. It was agreed that only three sides would be open and Hereford fans would have half of the West block. Advanced ticketing would be available to “Away” fans and would be taken offline 24 hours before the match.

Matt asked as to whether there were any commercial projects in the pipeline. Alex Owen said he would bring a report to the next meeting.

Date of Next Meeting – Saturday 5th March 2022 at the Deva Stadium.

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 24th January 2022 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chair), Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Kieron Shiel, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Charlotte Walker and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Paul Bodman, Jim Green and Alex Owen

Minutes of Meeting held on 20th December 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.

Finance – Matt Dickenson circulated a paper for figures up to December 2021. Went through both income and expenditure. The Club had a deficit of £53,000 on top of the £100,000. The £53,000 is partly due to the money that is owed to the joint managers when they left.

AM stated that the Board needs to be concerned about the deficit and we need a stronger push to get sponsors on board. The deficit must come down to under £100,000. Concerns were raised about the commercial aspect, as we do not seem to be getting in actual money.

CW mentioned that a lot of work needs to be done on social media sites and bring it all up to date. NP suggested that we need to know the value of the estate ad it is his belief that we do not charge enough for out the grounds to third parties.

Portfolios – JB mentioned that the renewal period for CFU memberships commences on 1st March 2022. The renewals strategy will commence later this month, with relevant promotion of renewing. Is looking at obtaining further discounts for members from companies. Will continue with “Well Being” calls idea and the Junior Blues relaunch is ready to go. Nothing further on “Exiles” yet, but in talks with CW.

MV stated that there not much to report regarding the youth section. Was in talks with JG and CM regarding the U16s.

NP stated that Vinci had finished on site, and we had received the balance of money. The gate is ready to go back on but waiting for new hinges. A meeting with a company regarding renewing the cladding has been arranged. Contract signed for the floodlights which will be going in second half of March 2022. Contracts are up for renewal at Jaspers and the Blues Bar.

CW did not have much of an update, but had a few meetings lined up. Her priority is the audit of social channels and website.

AL had a fundraising meeting next week. Trying to get Seals Lottery increased and Boost the Budget. He wanted volunteers at the stadium to be given more specific jobs, so that they knew what they were expected to do. Short of matchday volunteers, which is proving challenging.

KS stated that his contact at Kappa had left. Is in contact with a new company and will be meeting them shortly.

AOB – A charge had been given regarding spectators’ behaviour but would most probably be paid by Curzon as they were the host team. A statement would be put out again regarding behaviour and explain the cost to the Club of having to police the games. CCTV had picked out individual throwing the bottle. There had been disorder down Bumpers Lane and at the station which resulted in the Police informing the Club that they would have to attend the game for Hereford (costing £1800). The Stewards need to be more pro-active towards fans who are misbehaving.

Date of next CFU formal meeting – This would take place at the stadium in the Blues Bar on Thursday 3rd March 2022. Doors open at 7pm for meeting to start at 7.30pm.

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 20th December 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chair), Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Kieron Shiel, Matt Dickenson, Jim Green, Adam Langan, Alex Owen, Charlotte Walker and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Paul Bodman and Jeff Banks

Minutes of Meeting held on 22nd November 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record with one matter arising from these minutes. The introduction of new portfolios, which were discussed at an informal meeting on 6th December 2021.

First Team Manager – Jim Green had circulated a paper to the Board regarding the recruitment process for candidates for the job of First Team Manager. The panel (which included an independent person) had interviewed five candidates. Three candidates were very strong. After discussion the job was offered to Steve Watson who came across as having clear and strong plans to improve the team and was very keen to work openly with the Board. He would get back to the Board the following day after discussing it with family

Update of Portfolios – Andrew Morris confirmed that all Board members had received their new portfolios. They would be reviewed again in three months

Finance – Matt had circulated a paper to the Board for figures for the year up to October 2021. The Club would be in a deficit of £80,000 so it is incumbent on everyone to mitigate any circumstances where savings can be made. Matt and Nick were in the process of putting together proposals to be presented to CWAC regarding finances for the Club.

AOB – Jim Green updated the Board on James Horsfield potentially leaving for another club and that Jamie Morgan was back. Nick Philipson had presented a paper to the Board regarding new floodlights. After discussion it was recommended that Nick consult with the company and Matt to get the work started.