Notes of OxVox meeting on Monday 14 May 2007

1. Present

Trevor Lambert, Neil Carter, Graham Hilsdon, Ray Whittaker, Tim Rosser, Jenny Cuff, Bob Scholes and Chris Davis. Gavin Hill was present by invitation.

2. Apologies

Martin Brodetsky and Phil Fugle. Terry Taylor was invited but was unavailable.

3. Matters arising

The Oxford Mail & Times had not been approached concerning their relationship with the stadium company. The Fans' Forum had overshadowed matters and the issue would be reviewed.

Some stadium maintenance work had been done and the committee was informed that Tony Ashley is no longer the stadium manager and reports to Roger Bailey, the Ozone facilities manager.

Our attendance in the NS on 21/04/07 was agreed and profitable as a number of junior members were enrolled.

A PR was issued following the release of a date for the Fans' Forum and copied to our web-site.

The anniversary event is on hold whilst attempts are made to obtain availability dates from the club directors.

Martin has confirmed he will head the organisation of the 7-a-side football competition.

4. OUFC finances and projections

Although pleased at the content and the Club's approach to the Fan's Forum, there was disappointment that a copy of the presentation (edited or not) was not forthcoming.

There was concern that the Club's debt would be in the region of 3.2m as at 30/06/07. Similar concern was expressed that turnover could decrease at a higher rate than envisaged and that the Club's internal target of 8.5 good decisions out of 10 had not been achieved with regard to player selections (wrong player choice and injuries causing problems.)

To summarise, 3 areas were to be looked at as follows:

a) Brainstorm suggestions and new ideas for increasing revenue, and identify areas where revenue options are currently being missed.

b) Attempt to help the Club by finding additional investors/equity partners. Also, consider making a case for a Trust shareholding in return for a significant cash amount from supporters.

c) Identify important areas of concern within the stated financial plans for the next 3 years where spending could exceed income by as much as £250k per year.

Whilst a,) b) and c) were continuing, Trevor would contact Nick Merry to re-organise the Trust's next meeting with the Club.

5. Fundraising for sponsorship

Trevor will use one of the 2 tickets to next week's sponsors dinner. He will pay the cost of the other into funds.

The first £500 will be handed over next week. The balance is rising and Neil will provide an update next meeting.

6. Newsletter

Articles from committee members are required by an absolute latest date of 11/06/07. Choose from a season review, finances, player in/player out synopsis, membership number review, 7-a-side advertising or choose a subject.

7. Date of next meeting

This had been arranged previously and was scheduled for 11 June.

Chris Davis
Secretary
17 May 2007