Minutes of the MKDSA Committee Meeting Wednesday 23 rd November 2022 held via Zoom at 7.30pm.
ATTENDEES
Aiden Gray (AG), Alfie Burr (AB), Jackie Burr (JB), Arthur Harris (AH), Amanda Lansbury (AL), Steve Manning (SM), Jeff Newall (JeffN), Jo Newall (JoN), James Rees (JR), Franco Volpe (FV) and Louise Walsh (LW).
Minutes taken by Louise Walsh.
CHAIRMAN TO OPEN MEETING & WELCOME
AG opened the meeting at 7.34pm.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from John Samuel.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 th October were reviewed and agreed. The minutes shared via the website will be edited to remove personal information required by the bank.
Proposed by AH and seconded by JeffN.
MATTERS ARISING
None.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – AG
An invoice for £150 has just been received from the auditor for their work completed on the accounts prior to the AGM in early September.
Russell Forgham, previous archivist, has been in contact concerned that the archive needs updating. JR has been busy but has the matter in hand.
The new seating is now in place in Lewington’s with areas allocated for supporters with disabilities. There are some spare chairs held in the shop area which can be called upon for those in need.
Sue Dawson is in the process of sourcing some suitable heaters. The majority of the Council’s requirements should have been completed for the Burton fixture in early December. There are now five TVs in place in Lewington’s. AH asked if a TV could be placed near to the MKDSA shop & AG will liaise with the club regarding this. The graphics on the walls are interchangeable and it would be good to include some of MKDFC Women. AG thanked Sue Dawson and Andy Gibb for the work completed so far in Lewington’s to comply with the council’s requirements. Once the area is completed a decision will be made regarding the sue and disposal of the redundant furniture.
SECRETARY’S REPORT – LW
The committee was asked to consider any matters that they wish to be brought to the attention of the Supporters Board.
John Brockwell has agreed to assist the committee in reviewing the constitution.
TREASURER’S REPORT – JeN
JeffN gave an overview of the accounts. The current balance stands at: £6,377.17. Cheques have been made out to the accountant and for the purchase of programmes.
LW is currently in possession of the Lewington’s matchday float to ensure it is available when the shop opens.
There was a discussion regarding the purchase and use of card readers.
Membership applications can be made online in the bar.
Last week JeffN received a communication through which an attempt was made to fraudulently obtain a payment of £950. JeffN immediately recognised this was fraudulent and has reported the incident to the authorities for investigation.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT – SM
SM gave an overview of membership numbers. As previously stated the taking of membership applications online in Lewington’s will be trialled.
DISABILITY OFFICERS REPORT – JeN & JoN
JeffN & JoN attended a Level Playing Field meeting with a representative from Colostomy UK who spoke about the need for more colostomy friendly accessible toilets. The requirements to make such improvements are a coat hook, waste bin, shelf and mirror. Would the MKDSA consider paying to have one or more of the accessible toilets adapted i.e the changing places facility and accessible toilets in Lewington’s and the away end. JeffN & JoN will explore this further.
JeffN & JoN have been approached by a film company commissioned by Level Playing Field to produce a video of their match day experience at Stadium MK which will take place at the Burton match on 3 rd December.
EDI OFFICER UPDATE – AL
The Movember campaign is going strong with the target increased to £500. A World Cup sweepstake will see the profits go directly to the campaign. The committee thanked AL and the Movember participants.
MEDIA UPDATE
FV stated that the team are working well together to produce several articles per day. Some personal articles, for those wishing to participate, are being shared.
AG thanked FV and all the media team for their work.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
JR has purchased additional programmes for the shop. Takings so far this season are £2530. JR thanked AL and everyone who helps out in the shop.
AH prompted a discussion regarding the future use of items donated to Lewington’s that aren’t currently being used.
AH raised again the lack of hot water in the gents toilets in Lewington’s.
AL stated that the Young Dons Zone will shortly be returning to the area along the concourse near Lewington’s.
JeffN suggested an idea for a media feature involving committee members.
CLOSE MEETING AND SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING
There being no other business the meeting was closed at 8.53pm. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 4 th January 2023 at 7.30pm.
Signed on this day as a true record ………………………………………………………………………………………….
Chairman ……………………………………………………………… Aiden Gray
Secretary…………………………………………………………………Louise Walsh
