Bairnstrust Committee Meeting
15th September 2003
Elliots, Graeme Road, Falkirk
Committee Present:
Michael White
Alistair Ferrie
Brian Guthrie
Kirstie Adam
Bill Anderson
Stephen Bird
Fergus Caldwell
John Dick
Others Present:
George Craig
Wayne Toft
Jean Toft
John Dunsmore
David Doctor
Steven Adam
Murray McIntyre
Jack Gardiner
Betty Johnston
Michael White called the meeting to order and welcomed members
who had come to observe.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were noted from Tom Jamieson
2. Minutes
Last months minutes were accepted as an accurate record. Proposed
Stephen Bird, Seconded Alastair Ferrie.
3. Finance
1 ) Fergus confirmed we had received confirmation from the club
of the purchase of shares although the certificates are still
awaited. The Trust now holds 25000 shares excluding the £10000
of shares promised by the club.
2 ) Michael White is to speak with Martin regarding the transfer
of the promised £10000 of shares into the Trusts name
3 ) An independent auditor, Charles Rose, has now agreed to audit
the accounts. The Audit is required 1st October and not 1st September
as previously advised. Fergus has been in touch with Mr Rose.
A stock take of t-shirts will be required for this date.
4 ) Fergus reminded the meeting that it would be possible to amend
the constitution at the AGM so that a formal Audit was not a requirement
but it is the feeling of the Committee that such an Audit is good
business practice.
5 ) Brian passed over another £765 in respect of T-shirt
sales to Fergus.
4. Proposed Purchases
Michael advised that the Club still have advertising space available
in the match day magazine and coupled with our need to promote
BairnsTrust it was agreed that Michael negotiate for some form
of advert for BairnsTrust in the programme from now until the
end of the season up to a maximum cost of £500.
5. Supporters Club TV
An approach has been made to buy another TV for the Social Club
at Ochilview. Concern was raised as to the viability of this as
there is already a TV there and there would be the issue of ownership.
Rather than make a hasty decision this has been put back until
next months meeting.
6. Bookmakers Licence
George Craig advised that regrettably we had been refused the
bookmakers licence required to allow betting to take place at
Ochilview on match days.
7. Back the Bairns
1 ) George Craig confirmed that Back the Bairns were actively
looking for a venue for a Marquee dance and that their commitment
to expenditure on the Collin Samuel deal had now ceased. Any monies
raised by Back the Bairns will be channelled through BairnsTrust.
2 ) The issue of communication was raised and George agreed that
he would try and attend as many BairnsTrust meetings as possible
to ensure communication remained clear
3 ) An incident has occurred where a fan understood erroneously
from comments made by a member of Back the Bairns Committee that
£24000 had recently been given to BairnsTrust by Back the
Bairns. Michael was able to re-assure the fan and the meeting
that this was not the case and George confirmed no monies had
passed between the two. Michael is to issue a letter clarifying
this.
8. Trust Publicity
Now stationery has been received, the previously agreed letter
to all members should go out the beginning of October. This gives
time for Stephen and Alastair to finalise the promotional leaflet
and Brian sufficient time to set up the relevant publicity with
the Falkirk Herald and local radio.
9. Bairns Against Racism
Brian will trigger the essential publicity for the photo shoot
once the relevant documentation and good have been received.
10. Potential Shadow Board
Michael outlined the role of the various Board members to the
meeting and suggested the meeting give thought to the idea of
a shadow board in view of the roles outlined. More discussion
on this will take place at the next meeting.
11. Any Other Business
Murray McIntyre advised that he had a few copies of his video
from the Czech Republic trip that he was willing to loan out to
individuals preferably in return for a small contribution to BairnsTrust.
It was noted that it is unlikely the FFC shop could handle the
extra work and word of mouth would have to suffice meantime until
a more satisfactory proposition can be made.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place on 20th October 2003 at 7.30pm.
The venue is still to be confirmed although is likely to be either
Elliots or the Cladhan Hotel.
