Raith Supporters Trust AGM, 24th May 2022
Venue: online
Apologies – Apologies were received from 14 members and proxies supplied by 10 members. 21 people were in attendance, the meeting was therefore quorate.
Welcome & Introductions
Trust Chairman, Alan Russell (AR), opened the meeting and welcomed the members.
Minutes of Previous AGM
No amendments were made to the previous minutes and they were AGREED.
Review of Past Year
The review related to were the first full season of Covid restrictions – 20/21. AR noted that Trust subs had been suspended in consideration of the circumstances and not to detract from fund raising for the club. There had been ongoing dialogue with the club over the price of the Junior season ticket which was successfully reduced. There was continued support for the Roary Club to help build the fans of the future.
Post financial year issues at the club were discussed after the close of the AGM.
Overview of the Previous Years’ Accounts
AR highlighted the Income and Expenditure account and the Balance sheet for the 2020/21 accounts.
Donations were up apart from a reduction in legacy giving from the previous year so in total income reduced slightly. Expenditure was also down due to a reduction in advertising spend with the club due to Covid allowing a similar retained surplus to the previous year.
The accounts for 2020/21 were AGREED by members.
It was noted the Loan Notes no longer show on the accounts having been cancelled at the time of the John Sim takeover in 2017.
Proposal for Independent Examination
The proposal to conduct an Independent Examination of the accounts was AGREED by members.
Nominations to the Board
Andy Simpson had resigned during the year and Steven Lawther was standing down at this AGM. Thanks were given to both members for their involvement over the years.
Marie Penman and Greig Porter had been co-opted during the year and were now willing to stand as directors. Marie and Greig were accepted as Directors.
Other offers of support would be followed up after the AGM.
Membership
Membership remained level during the year in question but has now risen to 201.
AOCB
Members were notified that the Board would look to adopt the Supporters Direct updated Rules during the year and this would be subject to member decision at the next AGM.
The meeting closed at 7.24pm
A Discussion of the current position of the club following the David Goodwillie transfer and the majority shareholder’s comments about closing the club followed the end of the AGM.
In summary there was significant concern expressed about the running of the RRFC and the relationship between the stadium company and the club. It was generally agreed that plans should be made to ensure that supporters and the wider community can influence the future direction of the club and stadium ownership.
