The Twe12th Man Website

Minutes of Twe12th Man Meeting : 10 April 2008
Venue: Ironopolis WMC, Bright Street, Middlesbrough
Meeting convened 19:45 hrs

Members present:
John Donovan; Dave Dyson; Steve Harland; Paddy Cronesberry; Paul Taylor
Apologies received:
James Umpleby; Andy Glover; Mick Johnson


1. Minutes Arising, March Meeting.
Chairman opened the meeting emphasizing awareness of all present to "Code of Conduct" policy; he also welcomed Paul T to his first 12M meeting.
Pompey Drum -PC confirmed Mr. Byng now advised of official MFC response to 12M query on his behalf.
Merchandise -Agenda Item #3
Cardiff City Card Display - reviewed as successful initiative, with lessons learned; no further feedback received since last meeting.
Emails & Correspondence - 'email page' will be incorporated in 12M website (SH)
AOB - topics discussed included
" 'unreserved seating' and 'singing sections';
" MFC's proposed closed-season survey of all patrons on Club's database;
" MFC to be asked to arrange another 'Summit' meeting (agenda item #4);
" Boro Legends banner - JD gave update, ready by next season realistically;
" ways to increase proactivity of fans.
Minutes accepted.

2. Finance Report
Overview. - DD reported favourable balances on all Deposit and Current Accounts.
No outstanding receipts or payments pending.
DD will endeavour to confirm 'historical finance status' with GT.
Report accepted as a true record.

Parachute Jump - 10 May 08. Participants finalised. DD confirmed that any sponsor monies received by the group or via Paypal Account will be deposited in 12M fund; any interest accrued to remain with 12M.

3. Merchandise
SH brought samples of various products sourced by SL, and gave a quite comprehensive presentation with quotes on stock availability, set-up costs, prices, volume discounts, projected receipts, etc, together with a display of designs.
All the group had to decide upon was what designs and products to proceed with!!
Some products, it was felt, readily lent themselves to be used as 'Promotional give-aways', as they carried very little cost for reasonable volume (ie: pin badges, stickers); whereas other items could be marketed to raise sizeable funds for the group (ie: scarves, T-shirts, etc)
Sarah was to be thanked for her efforts in acquiring a first-rate collection of samples (JD)
It was proposed to allocate a £500 budget to be used to purchase stock items.
A range of scarf and T-shirt designs would be posted on the website, for users to vote on by polls, and to encourage feedback; the most popular ones would be selected for the initial orders.



4. The 'Way Ahead'
JD opened a discussion on how the 12M can move forward and encourage more support from fellow fans. Achievements to date included:
" respect from MFC that initiatives are delivered on time, (even when time-scales not favourable, eg: Cardiff card display);
" 12M profile and credibility gradually increasing, with more positive approval from 'fanzones', though it was agreed the perceptions of some fans will never change!
Still a need to be more vocally pro-active, however.
Another 12M meeting with MFC Officials to be sought. (see Item #5)
A feedback survey to gauge how Boro fans view 12M and what they are trying to achieve
12M should take advantage of all available media options to communicate, and links from message board blogs to 12M pro-board requested also. (SH)

5. Emails/Correspondence.
In the absence of JU, unaware of any 'contact us' mail to discuss/answer.
JD informed all that there had been an approach to DA for a proposed meet @ Rockliffe with GS/NB to review progress since previous one and to mutually plan going forward. DA response favourable.

6. AOB
DA had approached 12M for 'atmosphere-creating' ideas for final 2 games of the season; various suggestions put forward, emphasis being on children's' participation, low-cost activity, freebies, thundersticks, etc. Concourse Discounts for adults.
SH asked about feasibility of a 'beer tent/marquis' set up on the Brick Road;
PC further added that "Live entertainment" similar to the previous 'Wildcats of Kilkenny' street gigs would be an attraction.
DA said MFC "considering another retro day, like last season..."

Meeting concluded @ 22:00 hrs

Next Meeting scheduled for Thursday 8 May 2008