Bairnstrust Committee Meeting

26th May 2003

Elliots, Graeme Road, Falkirk

Committee Present:
Michael White
Alistair Ferrie
Fergus Caldwell
Brian Guthrie
Stephen Bird
Kirstie Adam
Tom Jamieson

Others Present:
Wayne Toft
Jean Toft
John Dick
Peter Duncan
Steven Adam
Ian White
Tadek Kopszywa

Michael White called the meeting to order and welcomed members who had come to observe.

1. Apologies for Absence
Bill Anderson.

2. Matters Arising
The main issue was the decision against Falkirk FC gaining rightful entry to the SPL. Michael advised of many e-mails from throughout the UK in support of Falkirks case. A few different ideas were flagged:-
i ) Colin Liddell advised through Michael that any lobbying should be done through Bairnstrust
ii ) Fergus advised he has already written to SPL sponsors Bank of Scotland and to the Sports Minister
iii ) Stephen Bird advised the Fanzine One F have already set up a fighting fund for a campaign with Dunfermline Building Society with an opening contribution of £1000
iv ) Brian suggested a fans rally at which media and SPL chairmen be invited together with the Falkirk Board and Frank McAveety (Sports Minister). Brian is going to work on this as a matter of urgency.
v ) Stephen advised there had been no explanation given for refusal of entry and that it was over an hour after the decision was announced before Mr Gold called Campbell Christie. It was agreed we have to concentrate on the mantra ‘Fighting on behalf of Scottish Football’.

3. Financial Matters
i ) Fergus advised the current balance was £4970. A share certificate is still awaited from Falkirk FC.
ii ) Brian advised that current profit on the Budvar Bairns T-shirts was running at £3267.38 with some monies still to come in. The committee expressed their gratitude to Brian and commended him on achieving this.
iii ) Profit from the recent open nights at Brockville is expected to be in the £190-£200 region


4. Video
Brian advised of his early discussions with regards to putting together a video. There are concerns at the potential costs involved especially with regards to payments required by the SFA although Brian is confident he can arrange a deal to aid this. It was agreed that Brian go forward with these negotiations to the next stage and report back to the next meeting

5. WebSite

No further progress has been made with regards to a BairnsTrust website and the committee have expressed concern. Michael has had an offer from a Falkirk fan to design for free and it was agreed that Michael contact him to give him the opportunity to make a submission.

6. Close Season Plans

It was felt that with impending holidays the scheduled meeting of BairnsTrust for July be cancelled meantime. If need be it was agreed it could be re-instated at a later date.

7. Date and Time of Next Meeting

Next meeting is scheduled for 16th June 2003 at 7.30pm in Elliots.

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