|
Post by Jem on Dec 11, 2015 12:03:39 GMT
Hi all We have an OxVox Committee meeting on Wednesday next week. If anyone has anything they'd like us to add to the agenda, please drop me a line! Cheers! Jem Not yet a member? It's easy to join by going to www.oxvox.org.uk and following the online instructions. Members card, share certificate and pin badge guaranteed for delivery before Xmas if you sign up by Tuesday evening! COYY's!
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Dec 11, 2015 12:33:41 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work in particular areas which they might be interested in exploring.
The club is extremely professional now and the quality is there for all to see but I just wonder if they might be able to take advantage of Oxford fans with specialisms who might be willing to help out the club they love for free or for a nominal fee.
I have no idea whether a payment was involved, but the removal of the LW signage at the club might be an example of how a fan with the right skills could do that sort of thing as a favour for the club so money is better spent on players etc. The club isn't s charity of course, but there's a lot of good will amongst our fans which might be tapped into.
Just a thought but given the clear commitment of the club's owners, it might be that us fans might be able to help out in certain areas too.
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Dec 11, 2015 13:40:18 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work in particular areas which they might be interested in exploring. The club is extremely professional now and the quality is there for all to see but I just wonder if they might be able to take advantage of Oxford fans with specialisms who might be willing to help out the club they love for free or for a nominal fee. I have no idea whether a payment was involved, but the removal of the LW signage at the club might be an example of how a fan with the right skills could do that sort of thing as a favour for the club so money is better spent on players etc. The club isn't s charity of course, but there's a lot of good will amongst our fans which might be tapped into. Just a thought but given the clear commitment of the club's owners, it might be that us fans might be able to help out in certain areas too. The signs were taken down for free by the same fans company that put them up for free. But I agree, there must be other areas fans could help out
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Dec 11, 2015 13:45:58 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work in particular areas which they might be interested in exploring. The club is extremely professional now and the quality is there for all to see but I just wonder if they might be able to take advantage of Oxford fans with specialisms who might be willing to help out the club they love for free or for a nominal fee. I have no idea whether a payment was involved, but the removal of the LW signage at the club might be an example of how a fan with the right skills could do that sort of thing as a favour for the club so money is better spent on players etc. The club isn't s charity of course, but there's a lot of good will amongst our fans which might be tapped into. Just a thought but given the clear commitment of the club's owners, it might be that us fans might be able to help out in certain areas too. The signs were taken down for free by the same fans company that put them up for free. But I agree, there must be other areas fans could help out Cheers for the clarification. But yeah I just think it's something that people would like to get involved with to help the club. Maybe even a little thank you in the programme or use of a Lounge say as a thank you. Perhaps fans who are graphic designers or own printing company to continue sprucing up the ground. Someone involved in entertainment or exhibitions who can add to the family events which are regularly taking place around match days now. Volunteers who could leaflet in the City centre about upcoming games. Very vague from me I'm afraid but just a thought.
|
|
|
Post by 54-46 on Dec 11, 2015 13:54:56 GMT
The signs were taken down for free by the same fans company that put them up for free. But I agree, there must be other areas fans could help out Cheers for the clarification. But yeah I just think it's something that people would like to get involved with to help the club. Maybe even a little thank you in the programme or use of a Lounge say as a thank you. Perhaps fans who are graphic designers or own printing company to continue sprucing up the ground. Someone involved in entertainment or exhibitions who can add to the family events which are regularly taking place around match days now. Volunteers who could leaflet in the City centre about upcoming games. Very vague from me I'm afraid but just a thought. I agree - I'm sure that although things are much more professional now there could be scope in this? I would love to see huge vinyl outlines of our Ox Head on each end of the south and north stands would be quite a signal to approaching fans and teams.
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Dec 11, 2015 14:03:47 GMT
Cheers for the clarification. But yeah I just think it's something that people would like to get involved with to help the club. Maybe even a little thank you in the programme or use of a Lounge say as a thank you. Perhaps fans who are graphic designers or own printing company to continue sprucing up the ground. Someone involved in entertainment or exhibitions who can add to the family events which are regularly taking place around match days now. Volunteers who could leaflet in the City centre about upcoming games. Very vague from me I'm afraid but just a thought. I agree - I'm sure that although things are much more professional now there could be scope in this? I would love to see huge vinyl outlines of our Ox Head on each end of the south and north stands would be quite a signal to approaching fans and teams. Absolutely. Much might be reliant on good relations with Kassam but that seems to have improved and I think fans might like to support our owners who are doing a great job.
|
|
|
Post by foley on Dec 11, 2015 14:12:38 GMT
If we ever owned the ground I am sure that there would be lots of supporters who would be happy to paint the concourses yellow or make the ground more homely.
That is an IF however .....
|
|
|
Post by ox4eva on Dec 11, 2015 14:14:43 GMT
If we owned the ground I am sure the supporters would help build the 4th stand if possible!
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Dec 11, 2015 15:53:41 GMT
If we owned the ground I am sure the supporters would help build the 4th stand if possible! Just like we built the London Road! It would hardly be in keeping with design of the ground, but how amazing would a like for like, brick by brick reconstruction of the London Road be?!
|
|
|
Post by londonroader on Dec 11, 2015 16:53:19 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work in particular areas which they might be interested in exploring. The club is extremely professional now and the quality is there for all to see but I just wonder if they might be able to take advantage of Oxford fans with specialisms who might be willing to help out the club they love for free or for a nominal fee. I have no idea whether a payment was involved, but the removal of the LW signage at the club might be an example of how a fan with the right skills could do that sort of thing as a favour for the club so money is better spent on players etc. The club isn't s charity of course, but there's a lot of good will amongst our fans which might be tapped into. Just a thought but given the clear commitment of the club's owners, it might be that us fans might be able to help out in certain areas too. The signs were taken down for free by the same fans company that put them up for free. But I agree, there must be other areas fans could help out Not quite correct, the LW signs were put up by another company but taken down by an OUFC friendly company. They still have the FOC offer on the table for the stadium signs
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Dec 11, 2015 16:58:25 GMT
Did they put up the Oufc ones then? Sure I read they put them up
|
|
|
Post by londonroader on Dec 11, 2015 19:42:59 GMT
Did they put up the Oufc ones then? Sure I read they put them up Yes they put the OUFC signs up.
|
|
|
Post by Colin B on Dec 11, 2015 20:52:46 GMT
The signs were taken down for free by the same fans company that put them up for free. But I agree, there must be other areas fans could help out Not quite correct, the LW signs were put up by another company but taken down by an OUFC friendly company. They still have the FOC offer on the table for the stadium signs Look forward to the day when they take the kassam stadium signs down mate!!!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2015 21:55:26 GMT
Not quite correct, the LW signs were put up by another company but taken down by an OUFC friendly company. They still have the FOC offer on the table for the stadium signs Look forward to the day when they take the kassam stadium signs down mate!!! There will be a dog fight among fans on who gets that honour!
|
|
|
Post by Marked Ox on Dec 14, 2015 11:36:44 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work in particular areas which they might be interested in exploring. The club is extremely professional now and the quality is there for all to see but I just wonder if they might be able to take advantage of Oxford fans with specialisms who might be willing to help out the club they love for free or for a nominal fee. I have no idea whether a payment was involved, but the removal of the LW signage at the club might be an example of how a fan with the right skills could do that sort of thing as a favour for the club so money is better spent on players etc. The club isn't s charity of course, but there's a lot of good will amongst our fans which might be tapped into. Just a thought but given the clear commitment of the club's owners, it might be that us fans might be able to help out in certain areas too. Could fans/companies who are willing and their skill set be compiled into a Directory for the club?
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Dec 14, 2015 11:44:24 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work in particular areas which they might be interested in exploring. The club is extremely professional now and the quality is there for all to see but I just wonder if they might be able to take advantage of Oxford fans with specialisms who might be willing to help out the club they love for free or for a nominal fee. I have no idea whether a payment was involved, but the removal of the LW signage at the club might be an example of how a fan with the right skills could do that sort of thing as a favour for the club so money is better spent on players etc. The club isn't s charity of course, but there's a lot of good will amongst our fans which might be tapped into. Just a thought but given the clear commitment of the club's owners, it might be that us fans might be able to help out in certain areas too. Could fans/companies who are willing and their skill set be compiled into a Directory for the club? That sounds like a very good idea to me. Would certainly add to the community feel too.
|
|
|
Post by Jem on Dec 14, 2015 13:11:19 GMT
|
|
|
Post by sarge on Dec 14, 2015 14:23:32 GMT
both the 'chair' and 'updates' email adress's are bouncing back my email( 3 times so far today!) hope its not trying to tell me something ? so Ive sent a pm to Oxvox via yellows forum
|
|
|
Post by Jem on Dec 14, 2015 16:42:47 GMT
Hello Sarge!
I've got your message and will build the questions into the agenda. (This is an OxVox Committee Meeting, rather than with the club, but we prepare communications on members questions/issues at these sessions and then look to get things in front of the club as soon as we can)
Not sure what's happening with the email addresses you're using. I've got a lot of members using it and all seems ok? I'll check it out some more and see what the problem might be!
Cheers
Jem
|
|
|
Post by ZeroTheHero on Dec 14, 2015 19:36:36 GMT
I know the car parks aren't the club's responsibility but having a few stewards to help traffic flow out of the back car park after a game would be great. As it is I make sure I get there early to park behind the East Stand when I can, but that's not possible for evening matches and I've got a fair drive home...
Not a major thing, but it would be good if the lengthy wait could be reduced!
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Dec 14, 2015 19:43:13 GMT
I think the problem is not so much it's not their responsibility , but they not allowed to operate car parks not owned by the club. They can only work with the reserved parking area.
|
|
|
Post by ZeroTheHero on Dec 14, 2015 21:40:25 GMT
I think the problem is not so much it's not their responsibility , but they not allowed to operate car parks not owned by the club. They can only work with the reserved parking area. You may very well be right, and that is the reason - but when driving IN they have stewards waving people around to the back car park, others stopping people going in the restricted one etc. Just doing the same on the way OUT would help - I'm sure nobody would object to a bit of order!
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Dec 14, 2015 21:41:29 GMT
And it would actually benefit the other business to have the car park clear of football traffic earlier
|
|
|
Post by ox4eva on Dec 16, 2015 18:36:00 GMT
Worth mentioning retail and merchandise again..
|
|
|
Post by Pete Burrett on Dec 16, 2015 19:03:25 GMT
Just wondering Jem - I sent a reply to the recent OxVox email asking for discussion topics. Was it received?
|
|
|
Post by m on Dec 17, 2015 7:47:01 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work... What about anti-Bono work? U2 are shite after all.
|
|
|
Post by MJB on Dec 17, 2015 9:16:33 GMT
One thing I've often wondered Jem, is wether the club is keen for any pro-bono work... What about anti-Bono work? U2 are shite after all. That's already planned and you're free to help but we will carry on regardless, with or without you.
|
|
|
Post by oxvox on Dec 21, 2015 16:57:19 GMT
On the back of the news this morning regarding Mark Ashton, we today, release our minute notes of last week.
OxVox COMMITTEE MEETING
Date: Wednesday 16th December 2015 (held at Forest Road, Risinghurst, Oxford)
Attendees: Michael North (MN), Matt Cavill (MC), Terry Winter (TW), Jeremy Faulkner (JF), Graham Butler (GB), Maurice Earp (ME)
Matt Derbyshire (advisor to the Trust) – attended part of the meeting
Apologies:
Start: 7.00pm. Finish. 9.40pm
Minutes/Notes
1. Actions from the Minutes of the last meeting held on Thursday 17th September 2015
(a) The minutes of the last meeting were agreed with no outstanding items.
2. Committee changes and responsibilities
(a) It was noted that Myles Francis had resigned from the positions of Treasurer and Vice Chairman and had also stepped down from the Committee. The Committee recorded their thanks for MF’s contribution to OxVox during his time on the Committee.
(b) It was agreed that TW would take on the Treasurer role, but that this would be reviewed at the AGM in March.
(c) It was agreed that any decision on the appointment of a new Vice Chairman would be deferred until the AGM in March.
(d) All other committee responsibilities remain unchanged, with JF as Secretary and Chair and MN continuing as Membership Secretary.
(e) JF commented that the support provided behind the scenes by Simon Bradbury, Matt Derbyshire and Trevor Lambert had been invaluable this year.
(f) Following the resignation of MF, the committee now stands at 6 members. This will be addressed in line with the AGM when it is hoped that new people will put themselves forward for election to the committee. JF made the meeting aware that there had been a number of expressions of interest and these will be pursued during the election process.
(g) Ahead of the AGM and with the likelihood of new members joining, it was agreed that a revised code of conduct and confidentiality agreement be put in place and signed by all committee members. It was felt this would help members understand their responsibilities and confidentiality requirements. JF and MN will work on this document and present back to the committee at the next meeting in January.
3. Finance and Administration
(a) It was confirmed that TW had now received all the financial papers and banking information, including statements, from MF.
(b) TF made the meeting aware that one of the Trusts Bank accounts (community/fighting fund) was currently ‘frozen’ due to inactivity! This is not an issue and TW will sort it out over the next couple of weeks. TW noted that the Trust was in good financial health.
(c) JF confirmed that the FCA return had been made on time and also that all the required paperwork for continuing membership of Supporters Direct had been completed and returned.
(d) TW will be preparing the annual accounts and is now in contact with Andrew Winchester (accountant) who will finalise and sign off the accounts for last year. The meeting authorised the fees required (£200) and a cheque will be hand delivered to Andrew Winchester week commencing 21st December.
(e) Given the significant number of new members who’ve joined since March, the meeting discussed the PayPal account, where most of the membership funds are captured. TW will look to draw down the monies into the OxVox current account after Xmas and ahead of the AGM.
(f) The meeting discussed the various sponsorships and activities over the last year and it was agreed that monies had been well spent. It was noted that fund raising had not featured this year and the primary source of income had been derived from membership subscriptions. A full breakdown of expenditure and income will be presented at the AGM, as well as details on the significant growth in membership numbers - which has been particularly pleasing over the last 8 months or so.
4. Relationship with The Yellow Army
(a) The meeting discussed the relationship with The Yellow Army (YA) and all agreed that a clear definition of activities and focus had been established, with YA concentrating their efforts on fan based projects and fund raising through merchandise geared towards improving the fan experience and encouraging more fans to get along to games.
(b) It was agreed that YA are doing a fantastic job and that in the New Year OxVox and YA would get together to see how the relationship can be developed further.
(c) MN continues to work with the YA ‘steering group’ and so good communication links are in place and it helps avoid any duplication of effort.
(d) It was discussed that a comment had been received that OxVox were holding some monies that were YA funds. It is thought that this money may have been from an event held over 3 years ago. JF will write to YA for confirmation of the amount that is in question and ask for a formal letter detailing everything. It was agreed to discuss this at the next committee meeting and deal with any potential transfer of monies then.
5. Membership Communication
(a) The meeting discussed membership communication and it was felt that, after difficulties earlier in the year, communication via the data base had greatly improved. There were still some members saying that they don’t receive emails from the Trust, but on investigation this tends to be when a member has changed their email address and we have not updated our records. These instances are becoming fewer and fewer as our base information continues to improve.
(b) As previously noted, Trevor Lambert’s support behind the scenes on our data and communication has been invaluable and it’s been great to have his expertise supporting the Trust.
(c) Work continues on developing a new OxVox Web Site and it is hoped this will be ‘live’ in March. The Trust continues to be very active on social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook. Yellows Forum also remains an important communication medium for the Trust.
(d) Formal meetings with the Club are always recorded. It was agreed that the content of these meetings should be kept confidential until the minutes are issued to members.
(e) It is planned to commence forwarding the Supporters Direct monthly briefings to members from the New Year. This is great piece of regular information about the work of Supporters Trusts from all over the country and contains lots of information that is not usually in the main stream media.
6. Comments/Questions from Members
(a) There had been a number of questions received ahead of this meeting from members. The 2 key areas of ‘concern’ centred on club merchandise and car parking at the stadium.
(b) OxVox will pick up on what appears to be something of a contradiction with views on merchandise/retail sales from OUFC. The club are saying that the quality and availability is significantly better, but many members seem to remain disappointed by the lack of availability of certain items, the online ordering system and the service received at the club shop.
(c) It was suggested that after Xmas, OxVox should meet with the Club’s commercial team and discuss members’ feedback on the retail offer. JF will contact the club to get a date in the diary for the end of January. JF reported that he had recently spoken to Darryl Eales on this subject and he had stated that he was confident the overall offer is in the process of being improved.
(d) Car parking and traffic management continues to be a frustrating experience for members, particularly after the games. Many members have suggested that car park attendants should be in place after the games (as they are before matches) to help with traffic management. This suggestion will be discussed with the club.
(e) Members have also suggested that contact should be made with businesses on the Science Park to see if they would allow match day parking. There are clearly lots of potential parking places that remain empty on match days. This could be charged for at a sensible price? These suggestions will be followed up by OxVox and discussed with the club.
(f) There were various other questions received from members and these will all be picked up with the relevant club officials in the New Year.
7. AGM Preparations
(a) The meeting discussed the preparations for the Trusts Annual AGM. Matt Derbyshire joined the meeting at this point to provide the committee with his thoughts and expertise about the process and to offer his support in bringing together the various requirements. This offer was gratefully received by the committee. The timings and actions discussed are as follows:
(b) The proposal is that the AGM is held prior to the Orient game (Saturday 12th March). This leaves us one more Saturday home game in March if the game is postponed.
(c) The above was agreed and therefore leaves the schedule looking like this:
Paperwork to be sent out by Saturday 10th January,
An extended period to take in nominations to the Committee: Almost four weeks, with the deadline at midnight Saturday 7th February, If a ballot is required, aim to have forms out by 14th February at the latest (giving us a week to sort that out), This allows four weeks for the ballot ahead of the AGM (d) We need to know we have the Landmark Room at the stadium for the meeting. JF will contact the Club to see if we can book the room.
(e) In terms of this year Committee members, the current standing is as follows:
Matt C (re-elected 2013 AGM), Michael (re-elected 2014 AGM), Graham (elected 2014 AGM), Jem (elected 2015 AGM), Terry (elected 2015 AGM), Maurice (elected 2015 AGM). (f) The rules of the Trust state that a third of the committee need to seek re-election each year and this is usually governed by length of service. It is proposed therefore that Matt C and one of Michael or Graham will resign - all have the option of standing again. We would have six vacancies on the Committee, so six or fewer nominees would be automatically elected, seven or more would mean an election.
8. Projects and Other Business
(a) The meeting discussed progress on the Blue Plaque initiative at the Britannia Pub in Headington (where the club was first formed). The committee re-affirmed that this was a great initiative and would commit to a fundraising campaign to raise the expected £700 required. We are now waiting on authorisation to proceed from the guys at ‘Blue Plaque’. JF will confirm to Andrew Hawkes (whose idea it is) that things are progressing. We have also received an offer from a member who has significant fund raising experience to help us with generating the required funds. This offer will be taken up!
(b) The project to mark ‘the penalty spot’ location of the old the Manor Ground within the Manor Hospital which now stands on the site of the Manor Ground is continuing and we are waiting on the hospital management to confirm that we can move forward. TW is leading this project.
(c) It is rumoured that Kevin Smith may have left his role in the Club’s Commercial Team. JF will follow up.
(d) OxVox did not officially attend the recent Community Gala Dinner, although some members were present. If there is another Dinner next year, it was resolved that the Trust should be formally represented.
(e) It was resolved that the Trust would look to sponsor additional players next season and therefore have access to the hospitality packages that come with sponsorship. The trust currently sponsors the kit of Chris Allen and the 2 hospitality tickets were used for a competition for members. This had been a success and will be repeated.
(f) Increased fan representation at OUFC remains an objective of the Trust and this will be picked up in the New Year with Darryl Eales.
(g) The meeting discussed the opportunity for an open forum event for members where members can meet the committee and discuss ideas/plans/concerns etc. It was suggested that this should include a guest ‘celebrity’ to encourage greater participation. The idea will be explored over the coming weeks and confirmed at the next committee meeting.
(h) It is planned that the next meeting will be mid to end of January. Date/Time TBC.
(i) The meeting closed at 9.40pm and those present thanked Mr and Mrs Winter for hosting the meeting and their hospitality!
Merry Christmas from all at OxVox !
|
|