Fife’s Finest AGM 2008

Saturday 10th May 2008 at Styx, Kirkcaldy

Present:          John Gray, Allan Traynor, Gavin Quinn, Stewart Grubb, Margaret Logan, Alan Logan, David Burza, Paul Allan, Alan Milne, Hugh Westie, Rachel Gourlay, Paul Canning, Scott Renton, Brian Cuthbert, Blair Thomson, Kenny Armour

Apologies:     Kev Simpson, Iain Aitken, Andy Auchterlonie, Blair Harley, Gordon Silvestro, Craig Graham, Aaron Ross, Keith Crombie, Greig Peden

1. Committee

The group agreed they were happy with the current setup with regards to the committee.Gavin Quinny formally announced that he was stepping down, leaving Jock Gray, Kev Simpson, Allan Traynor and one vacancy.The offer was presented for any member who wished to join the committee, which received no applicants. Individuals who were not present at the meeting will be spoken to individually about joining.

2. Membership

Numbers

Our current membership stands at around 100 registered members. However, it was felt that only about half of those were ‘active’ members (active meaning those who attend games, get involved with fundraisers, submit weekly scoresheets) and numbers needed to be curbed.It is accepted and appreciated that there are people who cannot regularly attend games/events due to work/family commitments. It was also recognised that some of our members are family of ‘active members’ (i.e. wives and children) and that the numbers were perhaps deceptive because of this. The group agreed that we don’t want to loose people who cannot regularly attend games/events and we will look at other ways of keeping people involved with the club, and encouraging families to get involved. Particularly, we need to look at ways of collecting score sheets for those that can’t make it to Styx (see item 4)It was also recognised that some registered members have shown little interest in contributing to the club, and this will be addressed directly with them if they want to renew their memberships.Greig Peden has agreed to do the memberships for next season.

Applications

New members must be recommended by an existing member, or from the committee. New members must endure a 3-month probationary period with the club before they are granted membership. This will give sufficient time to assess if the individual feels that Fife’s Finest is for them, and if they are willing to contribute. This should address the issue of the influx of members we seem to get at the start of each season who then disappear after the first few games.If members are not ‘pulling their weight’ when it comes to contributing, this should be addressed by the person who recommended them.

3  Bus Bookings

The issue was raised about the problems experienced with people booking a seat on the bus and cancelling at short notice. Bus rules were agreed as follows:

  • members must pay a £5 non-returnable deposit to book their seat on the bus
  • Only 1 bus will be booked for away matches. A second bus will only be booked once a minimum of 24 people have booked and paid their deposit
  • Members who have booked the bus but need to cancel must let Kev Simpson know by 6pm on the Thursday prior to the match. Deposit is only returnable if someone else takes the seat
  • Members can bring non-members on the bus if there are seats available

    The busses will be organised by Kev Simpson with help from Margaret Logan.

4 Score Sheets

Disappointment was raised at the lack of members contributing scoresheets, and this was attributed to those who are not able to attend games not submitting them.Agreed we would look into ways of getting scoresheets from those not at games. It was suggested that PayPal could be set up on the website and scoresheets and payment submitted electronically.It is expected that all members contribute to selling scoresheets, although recognised that not everyone is able to. However, those unable to sell a sheet are can still have a shot. Alternatively, those who do not or are unable to contribute scoresheets should help with fundraising some other way.Agreed the minimum prize money should be £50, as people were struggling to sell sheets at £25 prize money.

5 Website

There will be a website team next season consisting of Paul Canning, Gordon Silvestro and Allan Traynor to look after different parts of the site. A blog will be set up which members can contribute to. We are also on the lookout for more matchday photographers for the site.

6 Merchandise

Merchandise will be done by Allan Traynor from now on. Merchandise will be available to non-members but will cost slightly more. Any leisurewear bought be a non-member will not have ‘S.C’ included in the logo.A cabinet is to be set up in Styx to provide, amongst other things (see item 8), samples of merchandise (including polo shirts, glasses, badges etc.). A supply of merchandise will be bought in advance so there is stuff available to buy on the day, rather than pre-ordering.

7 Events

Summer events confirmed as follows:

  • Annual 7s tournament on Saturday 7th June, with 12 teams and function in Styx afterwards. Organised by Allan Traynor.
  • Pie & Bovril 5s on Saturday 14th June in Glasgow. Paul Canning taking names for teams and bus
  • Stirling trip on Saturday 5th July, for cards, darts and dominoes
  • Race night in Styx on Saturday 26th July, organised by Jock Gray
  • Rock the Rovers 4 on Sunday 26th August, organised by Gavin Quinn. Volunteers needed to help on the day. Merchandise to be organised between Gavin Quinn and Allan Traynor.
  • Pro Evo football tournament on Xbox 360 agreed, with date to be confirmed

8 Supplementary Information

Styx

Jock Gray and Allan Traynor met with Grant, Styx area manager, to discuss opportunities in Styx.

  • Agreed to have a display cabinet for Fife’s Finest to include player of the year trophy, 7s tournament trophies, merchandise etc.
  • A ‘raith wall’ will be set up for Raith Rovers/Fife’s Finest memorabilia including scarves, pictures, match tickets, shirts, flags, souvenirs etc. This will be covered by glass so stuff won’t get nicked.
  • Chris Fahey’s jersey from 2007/08 season signed by the whole squad to be framed and put on the wall
  • All members to be asked to submit memorabilia.

Club Crest

The club crest has now been copyrighted and is owned by the committee on behalf of Fife’s Finest.

Jock Gray and Allan Traynor met with Grant, Styx area manager, to discuss opportunities in Styx.

Minutes posted by Allan Traynor on Wednesday 28th May 2008. For any amendments, email stelios@fifesfinest.co.uk