Wednesday 5 th April 2023 held via Zoom at 7.30pm.
ATTENDEES
Franco Volpe (FV), Amanda Lansbury (AL), John Bullard (JB), Kieran Lansbury-Yemm (KLY), Jeff Newall (JeffN), Jo Newall (JoN), John Samuel (JS), Louise Walsh (LW) and Gordon Wylie (GW).
Minutes taken by Louise Walsh.
CHAIRMAN TO OPEN MEETING & WELCOME
FV opened the meeting at 7.32pm.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Arthur Harris & Steve Manning.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 8 th March were reviewed and agreed.
Proposed by GW and seconded by AL.
MATTERS ARISING
None.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – FV
The Wembley 15th Anniversary social event, which took place on Friday 31 st March, was a resounding success. FV thanked everyone for their combined contributions.
There was a discussion regarding the planning of further social events with the possibility of one at the end of the season.
Following a suggestion from Danny Carroll it has been proposed to dedicate the Fan and Young Fan of the Year awards this season to the memory Lucy Dawson and Harry Wilmin, two lifelong fans who sadly passed away in 2022. The MKDSA sponsors both awards and the Young Player of
the Year award. Last year the fans were asked to vote for the Young Player of the year and it’s hoped that this can happen again although there is limited time left to arrange.
It’s proposed to have a framed shirt in memory Harry in Lewington’s next to Lucy’s. Foodbank collections will take place at the forthcoming Portsmouth and Barnsley home games. Going forward it’s hoped that collections can take place at every home game. Further assistance from fans would be welcome.
Chiltern Brewery will be present in Lewington’s on Good Friday for a sampling session of some of their range.
VICE CHAIR REPORT – AL
Planning continues for the 20 th anniversary party. AL is waiting for further information from Andy Gibb.
There was a discussion regarding the shop stock and set up. Takings have increased at the last two home games.
SECRETARY’S REPORT – LW
LW proposed that the MKDSA purchases a replacement away drum as the one currently being used is battered. If the replacement was smaller than the one currently in use it would be easier to transport & get through turnstiles. LW is researching a suitable replacement with the assistance of Harry Walsh with a budget of around £150 & will share her findings with the committee.
The Awards evening will take place on 3 rd May. LW will book and pay for places and those wishing to attend will reimburse her. LW proposed that the prize for the members’ end of season draw be a two seats at the Awards which was agreed.
The MKDSA sponsors the Fan of the Year, Young Fan of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. It’s hoped that fans will be given the opportunity again to vote for their YPOTY at a forthcoming home game once the list of eligible players is received.
Coach travel for the forthcoming season was discussed at the recent SLO meeting.
Concern has been raised after a smoke bomb was released during the recent visit to Wycombe.
It was thrown to the front of the stand where it landed close to where SM was sat with his sons.
The flume was blown directly at the children who both struggled to breathe. There were minimal searches at the turnstiles.
JeffN & JoN have been informed that disabled fans will be at the front of the terrace when we travel to Burton on the last day of the season. They are concerned that they may be vulnerable in front of the travelling support but have been assured by Burton that they will be safe.
TREASURER’S REPORT – JeffN
Figures for March:
Opening Balance: £6474.05, Closing balance £7476.97. Total income £1240.48. Total outgoings £237.56.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT – SM
FV reported on SM’s behalf who is proposing that we re-work the membership numbers next season filling any vacant low numbers to simplify the ledger.
There was a discussion regarding emailing members regarding events. GW will look into this.
DISABILITY OFFICERS REPORT – JeffN & JoN
Andy Gibb has agreed that the Club will go for the Level Playing Field Centre of Excellence award. The award is only presented to those sporting venues and stadia that demonstrate the highest access and inclusion standards.
COMMUNITY & EDI OFFICER’S REPORT – GW
GW thanked the committee for their warm welcome. He has a meeting scheduled with the SET for 14 th April, several articles prepared including the forthcoming autism awareness month, contacted MK Prostate Cancer & further community engagement ideas.
MKDSA PROGRAMMES & SHIRTS
The MKDSA shop was discussed above.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
SM had asked to raise the issue regarding the smoke bomb ant Wycombe which was covered above.
CLOSE MEETING AND SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING
There being no other business the meeting was closed at 9.02pm. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 TH May at 7.30pm.
