OxVox - OUFC Meeting 12 July 2004, 12.30pm

Minutes

Present: Nilu Kanani (OUFC), Chris Davis, Trevor Lambert, Neil Carter (OxVox)

1. Templars Square

CD reported that the shopping centre manager Karen Ritchie was very happy to have the club there, and would provide three tables with backboards free of charge for a trial day on Friday 13 August. NK confirmed that OxVox should liaise with Hillary and Mick Brown (after his return from leave on 26 July) with regard to arrangements for collecting and returning stock and handling sales of items. OxVox undertook to provide a minimum staff of three at all times during the planned hours (10am-3pm) to maximise security of the stock. Small shop items would be taken for sale on the day, and orders would be taken for larger items such as shirts (samples to be displayed on backboards). In view of the four home games in August, OxVox asked the club to allocate the Shrewsbury game on Saturday 28 August as Kids for a Quid; and to supply tickets for sale on the stand on 13 August.

NK would pass on this request to Firoz Kassam.

2. Concourse maintenance and related issues

Some concourse floor cleaning had apparently been done, but TL and NC were concerned that the work did not amount to a full steam clean and sealing operation, without which the state of the floors would soon deteriorate again. NK would check with John Angus. OxVox asked for shelving to be placed in the South Stand concourses, as had been done in the East Stand; this would reduce spillages and encourage sales.

NK would pass the request to John Angus.

Having presented the box nameplates to Firoz Kassam at the end of last season, OxVox would like an on-pitch presentation to be arranged, and the nameplates to be fitted.

NK would speak to John Angus.

3. OxVox forum with Graham Rix

OxVox had an unused lounge booking for the cancelled Ian Atkins forum in March, and would like to use it for a members forum on football matters with Graham Rix for an hour, followed by a members meeting.

NK would ask Firoz Kassam, on OxVox's behalf, for permission to approach Graham Rix for a suitable date which did not interfere with squad preparation.

4. Club shop

OxVox asked about plans for the new club shop. NK reported that it was planned to locate the shop on the first floor of the leisure centre, but that this would take some time to arrange given other priorities. TL said that OxVox had reservations about the possible impact on matchday sales and was unsure that additional casual sales from users of the leisure centre would compensate. However it was recognised that there was no alternative location unless the East Stand was developed, and NK reported there were no immediate plans to do so. CD raised a safety issue; there would need to be active stewarding of the road access in front of the leisure centre to avoid accidents to pedestrians using the shop as cars were arriving in large numbers before matches. OxVox hoped that progress would be made with the shop as soon as possible.

5. Supporter involvement / future meetings

NK was happy to meet OxVox approximately every six weeks. Firoz Kassam may attend sometimes, subject to his other commitments. In view of holidays the next meeting was arranged for 4pm on Monday 6th September.

6. Any other business

NK reported that planning permission was being sought for the ox statue, to be sited on a plinth at the entrance to the development. The question of cinema opening on Saturday matchday afternoons had gone to appeal. Although neither issue was football-related, OxVox may be willing to help by talking to the City Council if asked.