OxVox - OUFC Meeting 6 September 2004

Minutes

Present: Nilu Kanani, Mick Brown (OUFC), Chris Davis, Trevor Lambert, Neil Carter, Ray Whittaker, Howard Day (OxVox)

2. Minutes of last meeting - July 12 2004: Accepted.

3. Matters arising

3.1 Box plaque presentation - September 11 or 25: The plaques supplied in April were not yet fitted to the box doors; MB confirmed that the club would organise a pitchside presentation aiming for the September 25 match, subject to the availability of one or two of the locally based 'names'.

3.2 Templars Square: The stall on August 13 had gone well both in terms of sales and profile for the club. OxVox had organised another booking on November 12th and would again staff the stall. OxVox would like larger items including shirts for sale, better publicity and a higher profile from the club, ideally including some players. Since August 13 Lorna Gosling of OUFC had met the shopping centre manager and would help with organisation.

3.3 Concourse work: South Stand shelving had been promised for August. Materials were in stock but Tony Ashley and his assistant had been given other priorities. MB and NK would chase this up and get the work done. NC offered to help. Floor cleaning and sealing, discussed at the last meeting, was not discussed further at this meeting.

3.4 Ticketing: MB reported that there were some initiatives in hand. There would be promotional prices for the LDV game against Exeter, the details of which would shortly be announced. The Darlington Sunday game would be Kids for a Quid. OxVox commended the club for a proactive approach to both games. CD asked about pro-rated season tickets. MB said that these were always available and those enquiring about a season ticket for the remainder of the season were quoted a proportional price. OxVox thought this might not be generally known and should be more widely publicised. The club would look at this and OxVox would also publicise it. HD asked about the possibility of a discounted 5 match pass which might bring fans back and would be of benefit to exiled supporters. The Club would find it difficult to so something for exiled supporters in isolation but will consider the idea of a bundle of ticket vouchers. OxVox had previously proposed a similar pre-purchase scheme, partly to speed up matchday queueing.

4. OxVox forum, week commencing September 27: Now that the LDV game was scheduled for September 29, a forum during that week was impractical. OxVox would like to hold one during the following week, ideally with Graham Rix but if not with other members of the coaching staff. NK would tell Graham Rix of our interest in holding a members meeting with him and she agreed to ask Firoz Kassam for a room.

5. Supporters Club: RW reported that OxVox wanted to produce an outline proposal and costing exercise for fitting out and operating a supporters club, and would like to discuss with the club what space would be available and on what terms. MB would pass this on to Firoz Kassam.

6. Club directors: MB confirmed that there were currently only two directors following recent departures.

7. Any other business

Coca Cola's promotion of League 2 would start in earnest fairly soon, for example with local shop displays.

MB reported that on 1 October 2004 the final phase of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 comes into force. This incorporates a wide definition of disability; distinctions between wheelchair users and those with other disabilities, in matters such as ticket pricing, are not sustainable. The club will be announcing how this will affect supporters shortly.

TL mentioned that many have noted that beer prices have been held constant despite the move to smaller bottles. MB checked with the stadium company staff and it was confirmed to OxVox that there had been a supply problem and the 500ml bottles should be back at the same price after one more match.

TL queried away pricing and the matchday surcharge. MB confirmed that pricing was the same for away fans as for home fans in an equivalent area, and South Stand Lower was treated as equivalent to the North Stand for this purpose. He also confirmed that a supply of tickets for advance sale was sent to each away club to enable fans to pay the advance price.

TL passed on comments from fans that correspondence to the club was not always answered. MB confirmed that letters were passed to the relevant person and should receive answers. In the early days in the new stadium the lines of communication between football club and stadium company were sometimes poor but it was now much better. Quick response to email could be a problem - many each day went to admin@oufc.co.uk and Chris Williams forwarded them to individuals when he had the time. MB would answer any sent to him on secretary@oufc.co.uk covering matters within his remit.

8. Date of next meeting: Monday 18 October, time to be agreed.