Good afternoon once again as we gather to support the Iron at the Attis Arena versus our old friends from the city of Southend. We also extend a warm welcome to Shrimpers fans making the trip up from Essex.
The last meeting of the Iron Trust board met at the Berkeley Hotel on Monday 19th January (moved due to a fixture clash with the Borehamwood away game). The main thrust of the meeting was preparation for our Trust AGM to be held this coming Thursday 12th February at 7pm at the Berkeley Hotel. Please do your best to attend. We were also given a presentation by PC Paul Hurrell, or ‘Smiler’ to you and me, on the work that is undertaken behind the scenes to ensure football matches remain a safe experience for all attendees. Worthy of special mention is the campaign to end violence against women and girls in football and awareness of an increase in racist incidents at football matches which will not be tolerated. Three incidents involving our fans have resulted in two being given training by the Kick It Out campaign, and one being put into the criminal justice system. Smiler is to be a guest at our AGM.
The meeting also marked the end of an era as it was Mr ‘Iron Trust ‘ John Needham’s last meeting as he steps down from the board. John helped set up the Iron Trust in 2012 becoming our first secretary and forging the model that we have today with over 1200 members and a shareholding in the club of 1160 £20 shares worth a total £23200. John will never be far away and remains a friend to many past and present board members. Thank you, Needers.
Susan Godfrey is also stepping down from the board, and we would also like to thank Susan for her valued input and support during her time on the board.
The AGM will also be asked to ratify the elections of Tony Gosling, Brian Edwards and Emily Thompson, the latter two replacing John and Susan, to keep the board up to nine members. Should anybody be interested in becoming a board member we can co-opt up to 5 people onto the board.
We have also received confirmation from North Lincolnshire Council that the Iron Trust seat on the local Safety Advisory Group currently occupied by John Needham can be taken up by Vice-chair Dave Beverley. He will join me on the SAG.
Enjoy the game and Up the mighty Iron.
Tony Gosling
Chair of the Iron Trust