Darlington, Sat 14th Nov, 3:00PM (A)
1. Welcome, Apologies & Declarations
Present: All Board Members Present.
2 Directors confirmed that they had stepped away from previous external Directorships.
No conflicts of interest.
• Approval of Board Minutes and Summary 26 August 2026, 9 September 2026
Approved
2. Matters Arising
• Membership Update.
This Project continues to make progress. Fanbase now had 2 offerings with usual £60 and additional £6 to cover the additional costs. This has not yet been circulated to members. Fanbase are also developing their own email system which can be utilised for member contacts when launched.
The work on the website is expected to be completed by end of week then can launch new membership process. The old membership process can then be closed.
The group discussed members who may be digitally excluded and the need to find a solution. This may include members needing to come down and being given assistance. It was also noted that the system will capture people’s postal addresses which is additional back up communication. It was suggested we put an article in the programme aimed at such members as they may prefer traditional communication methods.
It was confirmed that there will be a defined list of members for election purposes.
• H&G Trial IP
New stock has arrived in the shop this week. H&G and the shop are collaborating and also trying to ensure H&G have new products online so demand can be trialled.
Project Updates:
3. Website and Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Options for a new website continue to be considered with research including what works well for other clubs.
Some applications have been submitted. The group discussed ways to increase engagement for the YAB including selling benefits such as useful on CV, liaison local colleges, liaison junior coaches and ways to ensure fans in relevant age groups are aware.
4. South Stand Bar progress JWI
Scoping of the project continues, the plans have been looked at by a Structural Engineer who is planning a follow up site visit. Soil testing of the material under the stand is also planned.
5. Surface Water/Starkies Wood progress
Contact has been made with the Council and a response awaited. The Board also discussed the need to obtain plans of current drainage.
It has been established that some of the trees belong to a nearby resident and contact has been made.
6. Lower Gigg Lease progress
Now looking good compared to 4 weeks ago. Reseeding areas now needs doing before weather changes. Pictures have been sent to the council showing improvement. The need for a written agreement is important as the next stage of development will incur costs.
7. Perimeter changes and removal of concrete
The work has reached an impasse as we have the report but it is not 100% clear what we need to do. A meeting has been organised for 30th to get clarity. This is potentially a massive project and, while it will be fully funded, we need to get a bid in and done by end of the season. We may also have issues with access to carry out the work required.
We also need to inform members of detail once we know the outcome.
8. Communications with the Administrator re-Missing Trophies
Carried over to next meeting
9. TBFCCL Meeting feedback
The Accounts will show some high payments, legacy rates, VAT and insurance. TBFCCL has been assisted by the 2019 Company with two £5K deposits to assist with the shortfall.
The Company continue to monitor rental of club spaces.
Focus rider now have increased usage and are busy at weekends. They also now have their own toilet facilities. There is a positive relationship.
There has been some feedback on the recent grant application. The freehold address on the Land Registry is still the Forever Bury cabin which needs changing to the Bury FC address. This is being taken forward.
There was some discussion of possible conceptual plans for the Manchester Road End, this would be looking at the ‘art of the possible’ at this stage rather than any definitive plans for improvement.
10. Community Trust feedback
There is a meeting tomorrow. The SLA is on the Agenda and work is being undertaken to look at access to Gigg Lane for the deaf community. We have been speaking to the National Children’s Deaf Society and the Manchester Deaf Centre and hope to speak with the Bolton and Bury Deaf Society to engage as partners.
There is also a proposal that one of our volunteers could do some volunteer training in BSL.
11. Election Update
The Board was asked to approve the formation of the Election Committee.
Andrew Madaras has agreed to Chair again.
The Board approved the formation and membership of the Election Committee.
Rod Peters, Ian Pearson and John Woodhead are the 3 members who have reached the end of their tenure. They will confirm their intention to restand, or otherwise, by the end of the month.
Mi voice have been appointed as the independent agent to oversee the process.
Starkies has been booked for the AGM with a project team firmed to oversee the technical aspects.
The Timetable is briefly:
- Nominations open 22nd October
- Nominations close 5 November
- Voting commences 24 November
- Voting closes 15 December
AGM 17th December.
12. Tower Updates
a. Football, b. Commercial & Media, c. Stadium, d. Operations & Community.
Commercial and media
3 partners are agreed for the screen which has covered a third of the cost already.
The Commercial Department is working hard on renewals from existing partnerships which will lapse shortly.
A Sportsman’s Dinner with Paddy Kenny is planned
New types of media have been developed to engage fans. For example the 90 in 90 and they are looking at a 3D stadium Tour with a meeting imminent to discuss this with a potential provider.
A new team is doing the highlights. The media team have developed a clear plan of how these should be produced.
Ops and Community
The Job Description for the pitch hire role is ready to go.
There has been feedback from the Football Foundation regarding the bid for ladies showers. The feedback will be considered and acted on to progress the bid.
Football
Focused work on how to support the Football Committee with data and presentations is underway. There is now work underway to look at the current squad and how this may look in Step Two. The Manager and Club Secretary are also involved in this work.
The Manager continues to monitor player spending and budgets with the support of Finance.
Current on the pitch progress and results are good. We have targeted the first round of the FA Cup and clarified that the further we go in the Cup the more the Trophy takes back step. Both Men’s and Women’s have got to the 3rd round of the FA Cups.
Stadium
Covered under Item 9.
13. Any Other Business
JWI outlined electrical issues experienced last Thursday (17th). There was condensation in the unit where the boards are. A board needs replacing and repairing. This is an urgent but necessary cost of £3950 plus VAT as there is now strain now on the other unit which meant things tripping out.
The Board approved this spend
The Finance and Governance/Risk Terms of Reference were signed off 2 months ago but the Committee is now split. TOR will remain the same but divided between the 2 new Committees.
FCUM are increasing our allocation of tickets. These will be allocated by ballot for members and/or ST holders with a limit of one per person. We do not hold the information as to who already has tickets but ask people who have tickets already not to join ballot.
Investigations are ongoing into recent crowd disorder during and following the Workington game.
The Board discussed the issue of the vets bar staffing and takings. This had been staffed by a volunteer but is now paid staff. This will impact takings especially during Cup games where half of profit goes to the opposition. It has been agreed that the Vets Bar will be open for the next couple of cup games and veterans have agreed to pay £10 rather than £5 for cup games. The bar is open from 1.30 to 3pm plus half time.
It was agreed that the next meeting (October 28st) should be in person as we have committed to do some.
The Board discussed the recent project undertaken by Fans For Diversity to develop our disabled facilities. Fund raising has enabled the purchase of a changing bed and electrical works, 2 disabled toilets operational with radar keys to be installed in Lower Starkies. All agreed this is an excellent addition to our facilities and helping us to be more inclusive.
There has been some communication to fans following someone smearing excrement in both gents and ladies toilets.
Pink scarves have now been ordered for the Club Shop at the request of fans.
14 Date & Time of Next Meeting
Wednesday 28 October 7.30pm Gigg Lane
Board Meeting Summaries exclude information which cannot be in the public domain due to commercial and/or business sensitivity and/or confidential information.
