Friends of the Grove Supporters Association

[Wheels]

But they did a remake a few years ago with Martin Clunes which I watched and very much enjoyed. Sadly it only ran for one series.

[RobYeltz]

Firstly, thanks to noggin and sprout for their thoughtful responses. I'm sure I can speak on before of all of us involved in saying that we're happy to listen to any advice or guidance you can give us. We would be incredibly stupid not to with the knowledge you both have.

The recent working parties and help from supporters at the FC United games showed their is a community spirit about the club and we'd like to build on this. We know that for some all they want to do is rock up at 3pm, pay your money and go home, that is fine, but for the FOTG Supporters Association is there for those that want to do that little bit more, even if just turn up for a quiz might, help sell raffle tickets or whatever you fans can offer.

In earnest the FOTG Supporters Association will start NEXT season, but it would be really good if between now and the end of the season we got a good number of people signed up!

Thanks again for your support!

[Johnny Bud]

True Noggin- but I'm not sure we had electricity in Brandhall in 1978!

Raiden- that's more like it!!

I have lots more in my head but I don't want to offend Scouse as he is bigger than me

[sprout]

True Noggin- but I'm not sure we had electricity in Brandhall in 1978!

Raiden- that's more like it!!

I have lots more in my head but I don't want to offend Scouse as he is bigger than me

I would like to point out that Johnny Bud sought permission before starting the ridicule - although I didnt tell him how much ale it will cost

Bring it on lol

[Laurel Lane Lamper]

I think we need a competition....

What does the C J in the middle of Scouse's (David C J Atkinson) name stand for?

Best / funniest answer gets a special 'mystery' prize!!

not much of a response on here so......... David Cuddling JohnnyBud Atkinson

[watsisnerm]

Hi Folks,
To clarify, Interest in The Yeltz Trust dropped over the last 2 to 3 years, and despite various meetings and requests we failed to attract new members , and more importantly failed to attract any new volunteers (Rob was the one person who came forward prior to the last 2 weeks). It simply isn't possible to run events when there are only 3 active committee members, all of whom have full time jobs, and also have involvement in other organisations (The Yeltz Bar, Scouts, Dance groups to name but 3). In fact we were, just last week, preparing to ballot members on the future of the organisation.

As regards FOTGSA, we really do wish them all the best for the future. One thing we should remember is that the trust was there to represent supporters, and if supporters decide then want a supporters association then fair play. I too, was chairman of the previous Halesowen Town Supporters Association (which evolved into the Trust). There is a hell of a lot of work involved and the people running this will need all the help and encouragement they can get.

From a personal point of view, I am slightly disappointed that this is the outcome, but looking back, it was only my (and others) experience of being involved in HTSA, and the exposure to the inner workings of the football club) that made us realise the importance of a trust, and the provision of a long term legally recognised organisation that can raise funds, and step in if necessary to liaise with official bodies (Supporters Direct / The FA / Local councils etc) if, god forbid, the unthinkable happens again.

Once again, I believe that any supporter representation is good, no matter what form, and wish FOTGSA the best for the future

David C J Atkinson
Chairman - Yeltz Trust

I came forward 12 months ago?!

[sprout]

Hi Folks,
To clarify, Interest in The Yeltz Trust dropped over the last 2 to 3 years, and despite various meetings and requests we failed to attract new members , and more importantly failed to attract any new volunteers (Rob was the one person who came forward prior to the last 2 weeks). It simply isn't possible to run events when there are only 3 active committee members, all of whom have full time jobs, and also have involvement in other organisations (The Yeltz Bar, Scouts, Dance groups to name but 3). In fact we were, just last week, preparing to ballot members on the future of the organisation.

As regards FOTGSA, we really do wish them all the best for the future. One thing we should remember is that the trust was there to represent supporters, and if supporters decide then want a supporters association then fair play. I too, was chairman of the previous Halesowen Town Supporters Association (which evolved into the Trust). There is a hell of a lot of work involved and the people running this will need all the help and encouragement they can get.

From a personal point of view, I am slightly disappointed that this is the outcome, but looking back, it was only my (and others) experience of being involved in HTSA, and the exposure to the inner workings of the football club) that made us realise the importance of a trust, and the provision of a long term legally recognised organisation that can raise funds, and step in if necessary to liaise with official bodies (Supporters Direct / The FA / Local councils etc) if, god forbid, the unthinkable happens again.

Once again, I believe that any supporter representation is good, no matter what form, and wish FOTGSA the best for the future

David C J Atkinson
Chairman - Yeltz Trust

I came forward 12 months ago?!

As I recall you criticised the trust for holding a meeting in the Yeltz Bar and then said that you were considering putting yourself forward as a Director - but you didn't actually do it, or attend the open meeting

Secondly, as already stated on here it would need more than one person coming forward.

Mike - if you have anything else please come and see me or Noggin tomorrow - He and I have both expressed our support for the FOTGSA, and, although I have responded to your comment for the sake of clarity, this thread is not the place for petty squables

[ZeeZee]

,

I came forward 12 months ago?!

I clearly remember (during a management committee meeting) you stated that we didn't need a Trust anymore , we would be better served by a Supporters club which could just hand over cash to the club without ties or any commitment to local charity or the community (a very short sighted opinion in my view). This statement coming from a one time Yeltz Trust board member hardly points to a serious commitment to the Supporters Trust movement.

A supporters Trust is a seperate legal entity which needs serious commitment,effort and time from the people leading it (hence the burn out experienced by the too few Board members that stayed on after the battles with the Muppets had been won) and the membership that owns it to function correctly, within the legal framework and focusing on achieving its aims. The HTFC supporters have clearly shown that there is very little appetite for long term commitment to the Trust movement or the input that would be required to aim for supporter ownership. Attempting to control it with a puppet master and personal agendas wouldn't change that.


I wish FOTG all the best in their efforts, though from experience, I suspect long term they will need all the luck they can get.

[RobYeltz]

We will need a lot of luck ZeeZee and we do need the fans to back this for it to work. We know that and we know it'll take a lot of time and effort on our behalf to get it up and running and to maintain it over a period or time as you correctly stated. If it fails, it fails but we're prepared to give it a go and what we have done so far is only a starting point. We want the fans to dictate how it develops. If it doesn't work it won't be through our lack of effort or dedication.
We'll be in the James Grove Lounge today from 1:30 where supporters can come and talk to us about our aims, and hopefully sign up for the FOTG Supporters Association or monthly draw next season. Existing FOTG Draw members have been emailed to ask them to come and have their photo's taken today to go on their membership cards that they'll receive next season. Come and have a look at what they'll look like.

Rob

[Capinjazz]

I Think the association should hit the ground running, whoever negotiated with the club has got a good deal for supporters. Most people should gain more than the £10 fee and even better why not join the draw....get the members benefits AND the chance of a CASH prize.