| There was a good attendance for the AGM with around 20 people attending and a few new members as well – welcome to all. Apologies were received from Nick Beaumont (too far to travel from Cyprus) and Liam Bunning. New members – please complete a membership form at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NDSMembership/ Existing members – we are not asking for a detailed form to be completed again this year – however please complete the form available here even if you have paid your membership already. Please also complete if you do NOT wish to renew for this coming season. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NDSSCrenewal/ The NDS membership remains at £15 for the season but is also reduced to £15 for a family membership – one adult and any number of children under the age of 16 as at 1 August 2023. Review of the last season Tickets were booked for every home game except the Boxing Day fixture – and many members also attended numerous away games. Finances The season started with £892.50 in the bank, and ended with £2316.10. The supporters club is a non-profit organisation. Whilst some reserves are necessary to fund upfront payments for coaches, buses etc. there is a surplus and £800 was agreed to be allocated to charities/sports clubs etc. The committee invite nominations for potential beneficiaries – some names were suggested at the meeting. However, there is a form here to put forward your nominations. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CharityNomination/ Please do so by 31 July. The committee will then meet and allocate the funds – with the intention of completing this process by 31 August. Committee Gazza Paine and Guy Cable remain as committee members and Kevin Salter continues as club secretary. Paul King was also voted onto the committee. Giles explained that he had thought about stepping down as chairman due to pressures etc last year but thanked everyone for their assistance and support – and, thankfully, he continues in office. Transport and ticket booking Members were reminded of the 2 week rule for backing out of transport arrangements etc. and therefore still having to pay! There were instances last season where this rule was enforced. Thanks to all for their support of this rule. The one central system for booking tickets and transport via the email address below worked well with just a couple of exceptions of members simply replying to the emails despite clear requests in the body not to do so. The main “culprits” are now aware and we look forward to a 100% success rate this season. [email protected] When using this email ensure you record your name, and the match/transport you are booking for. Thanks to all those drivers that stepped up over the last season. Just one observation was made that drivers on buses should not “swap” to other minibuses for any part of the trip. There was one issue beyond anyone’s control last season where this did cause some issues. It was agreed that all travelling pay £40 each for the transport (apart from the drivers) as last year. Whilst fuel prices have been dropping the minibus hire has increased. As last year, if non NDSSC members want to travel on the transport provided they have to pay an extra £10. Fantasy Football Guy intends to set up the Fantasy Football again, and hopefully not from his hospital bed this year! Kevin Rowe was the winner in 2023. Butch Cole won in 2022 but had not been awarded his prize. Therefore, there are two prizes to be issued – a choice of a free club membership or £20 club shop voucher. Guy will liaise with the two aforementioned to sort. Tickets A separate email has been sent inviting ticket applications from non season ticket holders for any of the first three games of the season – Manchester United, Sheffield United and Liverpool. Charity event – an evening with Steve Perryman – 14 October 2023 Put the date in your diaries – a further email with a booking form and full details will be issued in the near future. Watch out for it in your inbox. Social Event Another diary date – 16 December has been earmarked as a NDSSC social event. (Barbecue?? – perhaps not!). Again further details will be made available nearer the time. |