Minutes of the Disabled Supporters Association meeting held in Redz Bar on November 26.
Attendees
Barbara Robinson, Chris Covey, Bill Doidge, Carl & Ivor Gillespie, Chris Cheshire, Sue & Terry Scoble, Susan & Michael Wheeler.
Invited Guests: Steve Leake CTSA Fans representative, Tom Faulkner, Crawley Community Foundation
Apologies
Audrey Turnbull, Andy Tester, Alison McMullan, Trevor Budgen, Kevin Harrison, John Bushell, Peter & Teagan Gill
Barb commenced the DSA meeting giving apologies that had been received and has since had a few belated ones.
She went on the speak about the sad news of the death of Dermot Drummy, our former manager.
The Club and captain have posted tributes on the CTFC web site and there are numerous other tributes on Facebook and Twitter.
A copy of the Club statement was available to read for anyone not on the net.
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Barb welcomed Steve Leake, the elected CTSA Fans’ representative on the Club board, & said that Tom would arrive later, after his ‘Kicks’ session.
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The details of the DSA new year’s dinner on the 26th Jan @ 7.00pm at the Black Swan in Pease Pottage were discussed. Those who have ordered and paid for their meal were thanked and others were asked to let Barb know whether or not they were coming. To date we have 20 people signed up to attend (Note – this is now up to 24).
Anyone wishing to come please let Barb know, along with your menu requirements. Monies can be given to Barb at any home game or be left at the Club in a sealed envelope addressed to her. We need orders and money by early January to confirm your place.
Sue Scoble is collecting prizes for the raffle and any donation will be greatly welcome.
As last year we will invite players and officials from the Club. We will pass on details who may be attending once confirmed.
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The training ground visit at the Checkatrade is on the 8th of December @ 3.00pm. So far we have 8 people confirmed. (Note – this is now 18)
If you haven’t already done so, please let us know if you are attending so we can ensure a good supply of mince pies! Don’t forget to bring your own hot drink.
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At the last steering group meeting the possible need for ponchos and blankets for disabled fans was discussed.
One absent member had expressed the view that disabled fans should come prepared and no ponchos or blankets should be required. This was contrary to the general feeling.
Terry has sourced and purchased six ponchos costing £1 each. The Club are willing for us to use spare blankets from the Executive Suite and Susan and Michael have sourced blankets costing £4 each, should we need to buy any in the future.
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The meeting then discussed ways of encouraging local disabled people to become fans.
Various ideas were put forward such as:
Contacting existing groups like Walking Football, revisiting the idea of away travel for disabled fans and working with the Community Foundation staff (Tom & Amy) to reach out to groups they work with.
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The meeting was handed over to Tom Faulkner to brief the group on his role in the Community Foundation.
Tom generally works with an age group between 7 and 18 year-olds and his work includes:
The Premier League ‘Kicks’ programme for young people in local areas, aiming to keep them away from crime, drugs and alcohol.
Workshops around mental health issues.
‘Move the Goal Posts’ for people with emotional with mental health issues.
An under 18 group with mental health issues is being planned.
Running traineeships and apprentices’ programmes.
A number of other initiatives are running or planned and can be viewed on the Community Foundation website. http://www.ctcommunityfoundation.com/
Tom is looking to work with our group and use his contacts to help us reach out to more fans.
Chris Cheshire suggested we need to produce a flyer with all our details for him to give to groups and organisations. This was agreed and we are now in the process of creating one.Any Othwer Business
Any Other Business
Ivor reported that Carl is now taking orders for refreshments from disabled fans up in the wheelchair area of the Wet Stand & bringing their order to them at half time. To date he has had 5 orders at one game and 3 on another. One issue was carrying the food to and from the catering outlet but Rhona has kindly found a large tray which will make it easier for Carl.
Bill mentioned the problem with the PA system which the club are looking to resolve. A concern was expressed that should an emergency evacuation be announced, not all supporters would hear.
Barb closed the meeting at 8.00 pm and thanked Rhona for her hospitality.
