Date: 4th July 2024
Venue: The King and Queens, 1 Foley Street, London, W1W 6DL
Attendees: James Lockwood, Paul Ashbridge, Dan Heap, Richard Gardham, Mark Gretton, Chris Kneeshaw, Mike Scott, Jason Marvin, Keith Dean, Chris Swales.
Apologies: Rob Tuffnell, Andy Beill, Martin Batchelor, Adrian Hoggarth, Mike Lamb, Marilyn Campbell, Julie Walker, Kate Ogram, Lexie Ogram, Mike Lawton, Christine Andrew.
Introduction
Prior to commencing the meeting, JL expressed sadness at a number of members passing away over the past year. These include Sue Brown, Andy Clark and Mick Thorpe. A glass was raised to the memory of these and other members who have passed away in the past year.
1. Chairman’s Report (James Lockwood)
JL thanked people for their attendance, given other election activities taking place around the country on the day. He went on to speak of Liam Rosenior’s management of the club, before Acun Ilicali dispensed with his services. He then wished incoming manager Tim Walter well for the next year. Praise was also given to the Hull City Ladies team who gained promotion last season. In particular praise was given to leading goal scorer Helen Lyndsky who was sponsored by the HCSS for the past two seasons. JL praised and thanked the efforts of the HCSS committee delivering a fantastic service for the members, showing how hard they work as individuals, but also as a collective to achieve some really great things for the group. JL acknowledged personal tough experiences over the past year and felt that after 25 years carrying out various roles in the HCSS committee, felt it was time to take a small break and step down as Chairman.
Paul Ashbridge was then nominated as Chairman for the next season by Richard Gardham, seconded by Mark Gretton.
2. Treasurer’s Report (Rob Tuffnell)
The group has a bank account of £1,073.25. The main expenses were the Travel Guide at £330, Tigers Eye at £400 and the sponsorship of Helen Lyndsky at £500. The costs are offset by membership fees of £576 plus £400 in the Paypal account.
Rob Tuffnell was nominated as Treasurer by Richard Gardham, seconded by Dan Heap.
3. Social Media/Marketing Report (Rich Gardham)
RG reports social media impressions on X are going very well, with many posts creating a lot of interest. He has investigated other sites, but nothing is really progressing. Problems found on Facebook as the account is often spammed by foreign accounts.
Rich Gardham was nominated as Social Media Lead by James Lockwood, seconded by Paul Ashbridge.
4. Legal Report (Ian Thomson)
There are no significant legal issues to raise. It was previously discussed that the group should be incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. However IT advised that no issues have arisen that would make this necessary, therefore this wouldn’t really be needed at this time.
Ian Thomson was nominated as Legal Representive by Chris Kneeshaw, seconded by Dan Heap.
5. Travel Guide (Ian Thomson)
The Travel Guide for next season is coming along well, noting that issues are still outstanding over both the QPR and Sheffield pubs due to accessibility issues. PA offered a suggestion for the QPR pub and KD made a suggestion for the Sheffield one.
MG offered thanks to IT over the effort he puts in to providing the guide, noting that it’s an invaluable resource to members, but often one that draws criticism. IT’s fantastic efforts are therefore well appreciated.
Ian Thomson was nominated as Travel Guide Editor by Paul Ashbridge, seconded by Richard Gardham.
6. Membership (Mike Scott)
MS reported that we had 250 members last season, the biggest number for 6 years. 200 had already signed up for next year. The main driver being the 3 year memberships offered.
Mike Scott was nominated as Membership Secretary by Chris Kneeshaw, seconded by Mark Gretton.
7. Tickets (Martin Batchelor)
Ticketing went well over the past year. However questions have been raised by the club over the members receiving tickets, so these can be added to any loyalty points scheme. Furthermore questions were raised by members who receive tickets. MB is in consultation with the club and will keep the committee advised.
Martin Batchelor was nominated as Tickets Lead by Mark Gretton, seconded by Paul Ashbridge.
8. Tigers Eye (Andy Beill)
The Tigers Eye is now at the printers, AB thanks all of those who’ve contributed for the latest edition. Given the passing of some members over the past year, it was decided to have a section in Tigers Eye notified members of this.
Andy Beill was nominated Tigers Eye editor by Dan Heap, seconded by Rich Gardham.
9. Travel (Dan Heap)
Travel to games has been poor over the past year due to train strikes, plus many midweek games. It was noted that with the new Sky deal this situation was likely to get worse. Where previously travel to home games could be gained for £30 via Hull Trains, typically costs are now £70+.
The club did try a coach from Hyde Park to attract Turkish fans and also offered this to HCSS members. It was suggested that the club contact us next time, as we maybe in a position to better advise how this can work.
Dan Heap was nominated as Travel Rep by Mark Gretton, seconded by Chris Kneeshaw
10. APFSCIL (Paul Ashbridge)
Membership of the APFSCIL was previously largely justified to sustain the now-folded football team. Many of the other clubs are in the same position, however we still have a pool and quiz team. PA attends 7-8 meetings per year and finds them good to keep in contact with other clubs.
Paul Ashbridge was nominated as APFSCIL Rep by James Lockwood, seconded by Dan Heap.
11. Access and Inclusion (Mark Gretton)
This was a new role set up during last year’s AGM. The details were not defined, so Mark has been give free rein to see what can be achieved. We have set up a disabled supporters’ membership scheme offering disabled people free membership to HCSS. The travel guide now has specific information on accessibility for each pre-match pub. Potential issues are ‘black flagged’ in the guide and members are emailed via HCSS Announce in the week before these games and invited to contact us for support and advice if needed. A database of all pre-match pubs and their accessibility is now kept.
We have worked with the Hull City AFC disabled liaison officer to deal with issues that a HCSS member faced at away games at Preston last season and QPR historically. Whilst the latter is ongoing, the former resulted in a direct apology to our member from Preston North End FC and a plan to prevent in future the difficulties the member encountered.
Contact has been established and is ongoing with David Batte of the Hull City Disabled Supporters Association and Leanne Jensen who is Hull City AFC’s Disabled Liaison Officer.
Advice was sought from members whether the group would be better trying to either identify a second pub for those with mobility problems, or whether a better pub should be found. Very little support was given by members for the second pub idea. This season we will examine further what might be done for members with hidden or non-mobility disabilities, and discuss with Hull City AFC and other interested parties the issue of the lack of financial concessions for disabled fans.
Mark Gretton was nominated for Access and Inclusion by James Lockwood, seconded by Richard Gardham.
12. Hull City Ladies Sponsorship
JL advised that sponsorship of Helen Lyndsky would be £600 for next season, as the club is now VAT registered.
Members voted that this was still a good use of club funds, using the excess in the bank. However it was noted that unless there’s a big rise in subs, then this is likely to be the last season.
13. Membership Fees
Driven by the costs of the Travel Guide and Tigers Eye, it was proposed that membership costs increase for the first time in many years. The proposed membership pricing structure would now be:
- ADULT (one year), was £6.00, now £7.00
- YOUTH 17-24 (one year), was £3.00, now £3.50
- SENIOR 60+ (one year), was £3.00, now £3.50
- ADULT (three years), was £15.00, now £17.50
- YOUTH 17-24 (three years), was £7.50, now £8.75
- SENIOR 60+ (three years), was £7.50, now £8.75
- Juniors 16 and under, plus eligible disabled people, are free of charge and must be renewed annually.
This was voted and agreed by members in attendance.
14. Any Other Business
TV games were discussed. Due to access issues with the Spread Eagle, games were moved to the Fitzrovia.
It is hoped that games will be organised so members can get together next year. It was suggested that there are some ex-Tigers who may also be interested in joining these nights, with an informal Q&A session. Gary Alexander was suggested as one such player.
CS asked whether a night with the club could be arranged. Last season Dave Baron had tried to organise one, before Liam Rosenior pulled the plug. It was however suggested that even if it was the Chairman or coaching staff that members would be happy to attend.
RG will contact the club to see if something can be arranged prior to the Millwall game in November.