TRUST BOARD UPDATE - 26TH JULY 2024

Dear X,

Members seem to be appreciating the regular communications from us, so in the spirit of sending updates as and when there’s something significant to share - here’s the latest news!

It covers three main topics - our first formal Board meeting, approval of our amended Trust Rules by the Financial Conduct Authority, and an exciting offering for our Clwb Spytty and Teen Exiles members.

Board Meeting - 15th July: 

We held the first formal meeting of the Board since the election on Monday 15 July.

Here are the headlines:

·         We agreed the date for the first Member’s Meeting of the season. This will be held in the Bisley Suite, Rodney Parade on 15th August at 7:30PM. We are currently confirming arrangements, with the option of joining online. More details to follow by email soon, but please save the date.

·         We were delighted to co-opt Jayne Morris onto the Board as Treasurer. Jayne brings extensive experience and knowledge of the Trust to the table, along with increasing the diversity of the Board and bringing us closer to the original goal of having 8 Directors.

·         Current membership numbers are strong, with over 1,300 adult members following an expected fall from the level reached prior to the FA Cup game in January.

·         We are currently working with the Club to finalise the benefits package for Trust members. This work is almost complete, and we will update members in due course.

·         We’ve started work on the Transparency Policy, along with the Financial Contributions to the Club. We hope to have these prepared, along with a plan for additional policies, by 15th August.

·         We approved some new promotional materials, including posters and car stickers to help promote the Trust within the community. Keep an eye out for these over the coming months!

Amendment to the Society Rules:

As discussed at the Extraordinary General Meeting back in April, we have amended the Society Rules to reflect the new ownership position following advice from the Football Supporters Association (FSA).

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the organisation responsible for ensuring that societies comply with the relevant legislation, has now approved our amended rules.

This is great news and gives us assurance that the Trust complies with the requirements to be registered as a Community Benefit Society. Over recent months this is a matter which has been considered extensively, and we are happy that the FCA’s approval draws a line under the matter.

Clwb Spytty and Teen Exiles News:

Finally, we’re excited that the VX3 Store (Club Shop) in Friar’s Walk have raffled a signed ball to pay for a mascot experience for the first home game of the season on 17th August.

For all Clwb Spytty and Teen Exiles members signed up on or before 10th August, this means that they will be entered into a draw to be a mascot for the first home game of the season.

As part of this, the lucky member will receive and experience:

·         Leading the team out onto the pitch

·         Child’s replica shirt (2024/25 season)

·         Meet and greet with Spytty the Dog

·         Pre-match tour of Rodney Parade and more

·         Premium seating for the mascot and two adults

·         Photo on the big screen

·         Plus, a match day PA announcement

A huge thanks to the team in the shop for organising this experience. Please reach out if you have any queries.

We hope to see you on 15 August, or at a game very soon!

As always, feel free to reach out by email or on social media with any comments or queries.

Best wishes,

Arnie, Nic, Dug, Mike, Tony, Jayne & Kev