
A productive fortnight for THST with updates on the following: Annual General Meeting, Stop StubHub Campaign, Ticketing, Arsenal FA Cup Allocation, Safe Standing Survey, Surfing Flag, World Book Day, Credit Unions
THST held its Annual General Meeting on 26/02 at Nabarro LLP, Lacon House, 84 Theobald’s Road, London WC1X 8RW.
This was the culmination of a 6 weeks process, starting with Convening Notices being issued in January.
A full update on the Meeting can be read here: /thst-updates/thst-agm-26-feb-2014.aspx
As it was not possible to audit the accounts ahead of the meeting, the AGM will be reconvened once these are back with THST. A minimum of 7 days notice will be given to members.
THST welcomes Martin Cloake, Paul Head and Suraj Sharma to the Board, along with Darren Howlett and Adam Bailey, who stood for re-election.
THST would like to extend its thanks to the members of the independent Election Management Committee: Sarah Gallen, Ehsen Shah and Rashmi Madan and to all members who either voted by Proxy or attended the AGM in person.
A meeting has been scheduled for 11/03 to agree roles and responsibilities of Board Members for the forthcoming year.
2. Stop StubHub Campaign
Representatives of THST and the Stop StubHub coalition addressed an All Party Parliamentary Group session on Ticket Abuse at the House of Commons on 26/02.
THST presented first, and emphasised the new ground the StubHub deal represented - a move to establish a presence in football by a sector that already has a benign influence in live music events.
The details of the case at Spurs were outlined, along with the implications for football in general, and THST/Stop StubHub coalition's desire to see a national, ethical ticket exchange scheme put in place.
THST/Stop StubHub coalition is waiting on next steps and further discussion points following this session.
Meanwhile, THFC announced changes to the StubHub Resale platform on 19/02. Namely the prevention of the ‘flipping’ of tickets. This was pleasing to hear as this was one of the features of the platform the Stop StubHub coalition had campaigned to have removed.
3. Ticketing
THST representatives met with THFC to discuss Loyalty Points, Season Ticket Pricing and wider ticketing issues ahead of the Dnipro match on 27/02. Notes from this meeting can be read here: /thst-updates/thst-ticketing-meeting-with-thfc-27th-feb-2014.aspx
4. Arsenal FA Cup Away Allocation
THST countersigned a Football Supporters Federation letter to the FA regarding Arsenal’s decision to limit cup allocations at the Emirates, along with other affiliated Trusts and organisations, including The Blue Union and Spirit of Shankly.
THST and SOS both continued to pursue responses to outstanding Freedom of Information applications around the decision to award THFC and LFC just 5,186 tickets out of a potential 9,000 for the 3rd and 5th Round FA Cup ties at the Emirates earlier this year.
THST also agreed to work with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to vocalise the treatment of their 9,000 fans at the League Cup match at the Emirates in October 2013. Serious concerns over policing and stewarding ahead of the game have been raised by CST and the FSF, details of which can be read here: http://www.chelseasupporterstrust.com/arsenal_away.html
The significance being incidents at this match have been repeatedly referred to by Islington Safety Advisory Group as one of the main reasons THFC were denied their rightful allocation at the FA Cup game in January.
5. Safe Standing Survey
Survey findings will be presented to the THFC Board during the scheduled Board to Board meeting on 17/03. Results will be published as soon as possible following this presentation.
6. Surfing Flag
The ‘Can’t Smile Without You’ surfing flag was used ahead of the Cardiff City match and a decision was subsequently reached, following discussions with THFC and fan feedback, not to use the flag in its current form for further surfing.
A statement can be read here: /thst-updates/surfing-flag-update.aspx
THST will approach Haringey Safety Advisory Group for a bigger flag over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the existing flag will be put to use in the stadium as a static visual, if possible.
7. World Book Day
The date for this initiative has now moved to early April (tbc) to tie in with World Children’s Day. Every fan will be encouraged to bring a book to a designated game for a Haringey child. THFC are working with THST on this project, which sees Seven Sisters Primary School as the beneficiaries of this event.
8. Credit Unions
THST representatives are meeting with the North London Credit Union on 17/03 to discuss possible Season Ticket loans. More details will follow shortly.
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