Minutes from 16/02/11- CONSULTATION WITH JAMES RULE
Attendees – Pete Allen, Karen Wark, Kathy Kirk, Steph Miller, Jed Rust, Lisa Jewitt,
Apologies – Barry Edwards, Steve Wray, Diana Elm
Please find below a bullet point list with all significant points from the above meeting:
Pete welcomed James to the meeting and thanked him for his time and for agreeing to meet with FC Voices.
The points discussed were as follows:
The future of broadcast fans forums – Pete asked James the clubs thoughts on the future of broadcast fans forums in light of KCFM taking the decision not to continue with broadcasting of live rugby league matches. James told the group that he is very keen to continue to broadcast the 3 live forums each year as it makes the events accessible to all fans. He also advised that avenues to allow this to happen are being investigated and that he will keep the group informed.
Heritage Open Day (11th September) – Pete gave James an overview of the ideas that the group have generated for this event and James agreed that the club would support the FC Voices sub-committee that has been established to arrange the event.
Hull based training and U21 facilities – Pete asked James whether there are still plans to bring the clubs training and U21 facilities within the city boundaries. James confirmed that this remains an objective but is dependent on a number of external factors and site availability. As and when any progress is made updates will be given to the fans.
Pete advised that a memorial to the Boulevard is still planned when the future of the site is agreed.
Charity of the year and how the group can help – the group told James that they are happy to again support the clubs fundraising efforts this year and will donate funds from one of the three forums to the Yorkshire Scan Appeal. James thanked the group for this support and said that he will keep the group informed of fund raising plans.
Magic weekends – A discussion was had around the recent Magic weekend in Cardiff. The group members in attendance fed back the thoughts on the event that had been gathered from other fans and from themselves. Whilst some fans did choose to attend the event many had complaints including:
- The Hull match being the last game of the weekend even though fans from Hull had furthest to travel home
- The timing of the event being at the start of the season (fans struggled for funds after buying season passes, replica shirts etc)
- The timing of the event in colder weather (and no camp sites etc being available)
- The timing of the event without a bank holiday meaning more time off work
James told the group that he sympathised with the fans and would give this feedback to the RFL.
Any other business:
Mailing option for programmes – The group asked James whether an option for out of town supporters to have programmes mailed to the could be made available. James said that he felt that this option may be possible and would look into it.
Virtual season pass – The group also asked James about the option, again for out of town fans, to have a virtual season pass option to have games mailed to them on DVD. James said that this would need some investigation to establish the amount of interest in the scheme but that he would look into it.
Fans supporter of the year – The group gave James the details of the winner for 2010 and James agreed that a presentation can be made at the next home game (4th March v Crusaders)
Issues with disabled access at Castleford – Issues experienced by 2 disabled fans at the recent Castleford away game were discussed. Disabled access was denied to these fans by the stewards who made them walk all the way around the ground and up and down numerous stairs even though one was on crutches with a badly broken leg and the other had a prosthetic limb. A door was shut in their faces by a steward as they tried to state their reasons for asking for disabled access. Contact has been made with Castleford direct but there has been no response as yet. The group made James aware that they would be supporting the fans in question in making the complaint in contacting the RFL
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7pm. The group thanked James for his time.
Date of next meeting – Saturday 5th March, 10am, box 13
I declare these minutes to be a true and accurate account of the meeting held on 16th February
Signed
……………………………………………………(James Rule)
……………………………………………………(Chairperson)
…………………………………………………...(Seconded)
……………………………………………………(Secretary)