2018/19 review – there was probably at least one North Devon Spurs Member at every home game and also at many away games (and abroad). As far as we are aware, season ticket holders have all renewed for 2019/20.

Finance – the finances were much improved compared to 2017/18 – with a surplus being generated on games of £116.84 (compared to a significant deficit in the prior year) and membership income of £870 (£670 in the prior year – the subscription rate was increased for 2018/19). The branch fee of £50 was paid and £170.40 was paid out for pin badges (and funds will gradually come back in from sales of these). At the start of the year ther was just £207.72 available but the balance was £974.16 at the end of the 2018/19 season.

Subscriptions

North Devon Spurs Membership fees are held at: – Adult Membership £15 – Family Membership is for any number of children with a Junior Spurs membership for the new season and 1 adult – £20. A suggestion was made to have another tier of membership for senior citizens/junior members but this was thought to just complicate matters for the sake of a few pounds only – and did not proceed to a vote.

Other changes

Ticket arrangements 
Members will have recevied an email regarding the new ticket booking arrangements that apply to non-season ticket holders. There are 7 “windows” during the season in which a number of games can be applied for – so for instance the first booking window is now open and tickets for any (or all) of the first three home games can be applied for. More details on this first window later.

Club Officers 2019/20
There were no changes

• Chairman   – Giles Stacey
• Club Secretary – Kevin Salter
• Membership Secretary/Treasurer – Gary Paine
• Other committee members – Jamie Ford, Lisa Ford, Guy Cable

2019/20
Matches – the first three home games are Aston Villa on 10 August, Newcastle on 25 August (now Sunday to be shown on Sky- this was only announced after the AGM had taken place), and Crystal Palace on 14 September. The booking window is now open as mentioned above – anyone requiring tickets needs to notify Giles by 8 July latest for either or all of these matches. Similarly if you require transport, please let him know asap.

Transport-. The use of one driver each way in minibuses seemed to be preferable. However, the transport arrangements were discussed, and the consensus of those present was that they would be prepared to pay slightly more and travel by coach rather than minibus. A straw poll indicated that £40 for travel would be acceptable – and on the basis of £900 for coach hire, just 23 people would be needed to cover this at £40 – any more and the price per head would reduce. It may be possible to link up with Somerset Spurs too. Giles will investigate.

Fantasy Football – Andrew Bawden won for the 3rd year running. Guy Cable will announce details of this year’s competition when it is available.

Any other business

Gary asked that ALL members complete new membership forms again this year. There are new membership forms which you can download from the website in PDF format.

Website link

Please complete them clearly – please PRINT email addresses.

Facebook– this was used extensively for organisation in 2018/19, and will continue to be used in 2019/20. A new Facebook page has been created and this will be open to paid-up members of North Devon Spurs only – in due course all organisation of matches/tickets etc wil go through this page only and NOT the generic public facebook page.

Charity Football Match
It is hoped that a charity football match can be arranged for the end of the 2019/20 season. Gary Paine will speak to contacts at Torrington Football Club and see what can be arranged.

Stadium Tour
A stadium tour has been arranged by Guy Cable – 26 people have booked for a tour on Sunday 17 November – (split into two groups – 1 at 1.00 pm and 1 at 1:30 pm. A 29 seater coach has been booked so there are still some spaces available on the bus if anyone is interested. Tour price – £27 members and £30 non-members (plus coach fare). The supporters club has already paid over the money, so if you have not paid, please pay asap!

Note the club bank account is sort code 40-44-23  account number 01387383).

Meeting closed at 9 p.m.