November was a quiet month for me, with just four meetings to attend.
16th November: DFCSS AGM
The Society’s AGM, held in the Andy Penman Lounge and chaired by Peter Campbell, was well attended. We went through the agenda in good time, the main items being the approval of the accounts and the election of new DFCSS Board members. Questions were taken, and answers were given to everyone’s satisfaction. I’d like to thank Barbara Tough and John Knight for all their help and the many hours/days they spent preparing the accounts. Ian Baird & Bob Hynd were elected on to the Board and Dave Forbes and Mike Jeffries were re-elected. With Ian and Bob joining the Board I can see the Society going from strength to strength. A great team is in place and with your help and support we can look forward to the future with confidence.
16th November: DFCSS/DSA/DFC
I went straight out of the AGM to a discussion between representatives of DFCSS, DSA and DFC. This meeting, which was aimed at resolving any perceived differences between the two supporters’ groups and providing assurances that they would continue to work together for the good of the football club, had a satisfactory outcome. For the time being, Graham Pert will be the liaison between the two bodies of supporters.
21st November: DFC Board Meeting
I learned that the new toilets for the South Enclosure are on-going, with the building warrant in the hands of the city council. The sprinkler system has also passed the planning stage and should be started before the New Year, weather permitting. The club has had two/three players per week on trial in anticipation of the opening of the transfer window in January. The half-price season ticket will be on sale for £150 with ten home games left. I also enquired about buying shares in the club. £8,000 was previously the minimum cost, but this has now been set at £1,000, opening up the opportunity to more regular supporters and supporter clubs to invest.
30th November: 120th Anniversary Dinner
The historic event was moved from the Malmaison Hotel to The Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews in less than 24 hours! This shows what a great backroom team we have working at the club. Helped by the staff of the Malmaison and The Old Course Hotel, John, Verity, Hannah and Scot worked some very long hours on Friday night and early Saturday to get this dinner on. It would have been easy to cancel the event at 8pm on Friday when the Malmaison called with the news that parts of the hotel were flooded, but the club and both hotels rose to the challenge. A huge well done and thanks must go to all involved. I’m now looking forward to the 40th Anniversary Dinner on the 15th December.
I’m always happy to hear your ideas, so please email me on colin.reid@dee4life.com