Trust Board Meeting

Minutes from the Trust Board meeting held virtually on 6th December 2021.

Present: Peter Warrilow (PW), John Taylor (JT), Mo Razzaq (MR), Stephen Morley (SM), Stuart Paul (SP), Neil James (NJ) and Karl Bowater (KB).

1. Apologies
   • None
2. Minutes of last meeting
   • Accounts
   • Socios – program not sufficiently communicated especially around risk to supporters from an unregulated market. Leeds and West Ham already have stated their objection. Consensus from fans is that they do not support the concept.
   •  Heritage:
     • SP met with Adam Lowe (covering Nicola Ibbotson’s role while on maternity leave) and Guy Rippon (Head of Foundation/Community) and discussed heritage matters.
     • AV Museum – not much progress made – all tied up with plans for stadium expansion – they would not say much as plans due to go to BCC
     • Heritage Trails – this is part of work that could involve Birchfield Harriers due to the common heritage links. There are a number of places in the local area of historical significance – graves of former players/administrators, meeting places (the gas lamp), old ground Wellington Road etc.
     • Possible bid for local funds in each of the local wards. AV would apply to Aston & Nechells, BH – Perry Barr, Handsworth & Lozells.
3. Finance
   • Current balance at bank £10,278.
4. Membership system
   • NJ networking members to identify suitable volunteers who could administer membership system.
5. Community
   • SM approached 2 church community groups and Aston Parish Church.
6. Fan Led Review
   • Golden share
   • Current FCG – umbrella fans group but club led
   • AVST to promote itself
   • Other issues
     • MR – FCG not working effectively – restrcited by COVID
     • Transfer of ticket ownership policy implemented without due consultation. Ongoing customer service concerns around ticketing.
7. 150th birthday / 40th League champions anniversary
   • Member proposal for charity football match.
   • MR club had plans but not fulfilled due to COVID.
8. AGM
   • To be arranged.
9. Other supporter issues
   • Transport & infrastructure
     • Supporters unhappy about train services and lack of parking.
     • The club needs to address this as a priority and include plans & work together with the council to ensure public transport is improved before any ground expansion.
     • Both Witton and Aston stations need major improvements – platforms not safe for large numbers – queuing/stewarding at stations inadequate and badly coordinated
     • Lack of car parking – major loss of spaces on Witton Lane – Perry Barr (old BCU site)
     • Club wants supporters to use public transport – but does not appear to be doing much about it. Though Christian Purslow has recently stated he is talking to council.
10.  Date of next meeting
    • Tue 11 Jan 2022, 7pm