Notes of OxVox members’ meeting on Monday 16 July 2007

Present: Committee members Trevor Lambert, Neil Carter, Tim Rosser, Bob Scholes, and Chris Davis plus 4 others (names supplied.)

Apologies for absence: Martin Brodetsky, Ray Whittaker, Graham Hilsden and Jenny Cuff.

Communication Plan: The attendance was disappointingly low but not entirely unexpected. In fact, a much higher turn-out would have been difficult to achieve on a weekday Summer evening. Nevertheless, in order to improve its visibility, the Trust’s intention is to:

a) establish more frequent and consistent e-mail communication with members.
b) ensure postal only members do not miss out significantly by producing a regular mailing.
c) ensure members are aware of the communication channels to the committee.
d) hold periodic pre-match members’ meetings.
e) continue with a minimum of 3 newsletters per year.
f) aim to consult members on significant issues.
g) continue to provide a match day presence in different parts of the ground and neighbouring pubs.
h) organise occasional leaflet drops around the ground.
i) seek agreement and an author to write articles in the match day programme.
j) re-design and regularly update the web-site
k) be present on the main forums.
l) aim to issue press releases more frequently either stating a view in reaction to significant events or being proactive.

The additional work will need to be shared around the committee or among willing non- committee members.

OUFC financial projections: Most of the evening was spent discussing the income and expenditure forecasts for 06/07 and 07/08. The former remained a forecast as the figures used were from the Club’s presentation to supporters on 26 April. Concern was expressed at a forecast loss and the possibility that this could continue beyond 30 June 2008. However, there was no agreed view among those present as to whether the Club’s profitability was being turned around in an acceptable time-frame. Instead, there was consensus that the Club should be capable of doing more on the commercial front and that income/sponsorship opportunities were being lost or missed. The Trust believes that a number of ideas pooled from its members and presented to the Club in May 2007 represented a good start, and it was encouraged to learn that two of them (back of the shirt sponsorship and employing players in the Club shop during school holidays to boost sales) were likely to be introduced whilst others were being actively considered. The Trust would offer to work with the Club to generate increased income.

Safe spectator issue: A member not present at the meeting had asked the Trust to consider proactively emphasising that the stadium was a safe environment for supporters and that trouble was rare. The request had been made after recent sensationalised media coverage of a court case following an altercation between fans last September. Regardless of any rights or wrongs, the Trust would never condone hooliganism or vandalism. In view of the controversy this case has caused, the Trust would seek a meeting with the TVP’s football liaison officer.

Fixture changes for TV: The Trust was disappointed at the manner in which some games were selected for TV coverage without any initial thought of the effect this would have on Clubs and supporters. Unless other non-televised fixtures were changed some clubs would face 2 games in less than 48 hours or even a blank weekend. The Trust would be making its position clear shortly and stating that it would prefer to see as many fixtures as possible kicking-off at 3.00pm Saturday.

Meeting closed at 9.50pm.