The Thirteenth Gills Independent Supporters Club AGM took place at the Brasenose Club on Saturday 18th August 2007. Twenty Two members were in attendance for a meeting which reviewed the progress of the GISC over the previous 12 months and saw former Chairman Alan Liptrott made a Vice President.

The GISC elected officers, chairman Gary Liptrott, Hon. Secretary Neil Klee, Hon. Treasurer Alan Cook and Hon. Membership Secretary Kyu Cook presented their annual reports to the members.

The reports can be downloaded by clicking on the relevant link below:-

It was made clear throughout the meeting that the main aim of the GISC is to help Gillingham FC, and in the future we still hope to do this albeit through player sponsorship, new gym equipment or a new set of goal posts. Should the club ask us for money for a specific project then the Executive Committee will consider the request.

Minutes of the 13th Gills ISC AGM

Twenty two members were present and the meeting commenced at 10.30am.

The Chairman, Gary Liptrott opened the meeting by welcoming everyone present. He then invited those present to hold a minutes silence in memory of Vice – President Jack Ackrill who had recently passed away.

Apologies for absence were received from Anthony Agate, Laura Wilson, John Agate, Val Barlow, Doug Barlow, Pam Humphreys, Kyu Cook, Jack Keskeys, Derek Hobden MBE, and Chris White. 

The minutes of the Twelfth Annual General Meeting were read. It was proposed by Mark Agate and seconded by Jim Redpath they be accepted as a true and correct record – all in favour.

Robert Allan thanked Mike Keskeys for his work as Chairman of GISC; Gary Liptrott added his thanks as well. Other than this there were no other matters arising.

The Brasenose Club

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Gary Liptrott referred to his circulated report. He told the meeting that in future the executive committee would be reviewing travel costs every quarter. He also said that it was the intention to get membership of GISC back to the level of last season as a worst case scenario. He asked members to push membership with friends, family and work colleagues.  He pointed out the benefits of membership, i.e. discounted away travel, Franklin Rooms, free parking at the Franklin Rooms, membership was now available online as well as by conventional forms/post.

Malcolm Rowe asked how much do coaches cost. Keith Pestell replied that this depends on distance and it varied between £300-1000. Mr Rowe said he was aware of a company in Gravesend who may be able to offer a competitive deal for a 33 seat coach. He will let Pam Tyler have the details. Mike Keskeys asked do we publicise the fact that our coach uses 2 drivers for some journeys where Kings Ferry do not, this is a selling point.

Gills ISC Chairman Gary Liptrott, left, on board the SeaFrance Rodin

David Wray asked whether the Gills Supporters Trust had given their mini-bus to the FC and hence was it still available for our use. Gary confirmed that the bus had been given to the FC and therefore was not available to us.

HONORARY SECRETARY’S REPORT

Neil Klee read out his circulated report. Mark Agate said that he, as well as others from the committee had attended the fans forum. He said that he had thanked the FC Chairman for removing Alan Liptrott`s ban from Priestfield, as well as promoting the ‘umbrella group’, at that time Mark said that he was encouraged at the proposals and looked forward to a new era. However the recent rebuttal by the FC Chairman was disappointing.

Gary Liptrott said that the lifting of Alan’s ban was solely a result of pressure from Premium Club members. Alan Liptrott said that he felt that the FC Chairman would not continue with his vendetta against GISC as he would look very foolish if he did following his promotion of the umbrella idea.

Linda Ward said that Chris White was as disappointed as we are at the rejection of the umbrella idea, but the GST was to continue with regular talks with the FC Chairman. He will keep the GISC informed where appropriate. Mike Smith felt that being in partnership with GST may not be helping us as the FC Chairman did not like GST as he feels that they only exist to raise funds to help GFC should the club be forced into administration.

Linda Ward said that at the ‘GST AGM’ it had been confirmed that the money held by the Friends of Gillingham FC was still held and available.

Malcolm Rowe said that he thought people were afraid to join GISC in case the FC Chairman took action against them. Were people scared? Pam Tyler said that things were changing and people were starting to join again. Daniel Triplow said that we need to find things that will attract young people, TV on the coaches for instance.

Mark Agate asked whether a GISC representative could attend the meetings between the FC Chairman and Chris White. This would keep the ‘umbrella’ concept alive and give a joint approach. Linda Ward felt that apathy was the reason why membership had fallen rather than a fear factor.

David Elligate asked what we would talk to PDS about; we are independent and should be critical when called for, we should concentrate on doing what we do , i.e. raise funds and have events for supporters etc.

 David felt that supporters did not appreciate what they were doing when they voted to be independent of the FC. Alan Liptrott said that at the time it was abundantly clear that the proposals from PDS for a FC run supporters club would mean a loss of our independence and that we had little choice but to become a supporters club that was independent of the FC.

It was proposed by Mike Keskeys and seconded by Mike Wynn that the Hon’ sec’s report be accepted- all in favour.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Alan Cook gave the Treasurers report; he said that overall the GISC had made a loss of just over £2000. Alan said that he believed that GISC would grow and get membership levels back to where they were, should the FC be more successful on the field.

Alan said that we are breaking even on the first 2 coach trips this season. He said that we need to average 35 people on the coach to break even.

He also pointed out the donations we have made during the year and also pointed out that we have made a £100 donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund following Jack Ackrill’s recent death. Alan also said that if the FC wish to work with us the funds are available.

Tony Casey asked could the newsletter be sent by e-mail to save costs. Alan said that 75 of our members had e-mail. It was agreed that this be looked at.

Mark Agate praised the excellent work done by Alan as Treasurer during the past 12 months. Mark Agate proposed acceptance of the Hon’ Treasurers’ report; this was seconded by Jason Lyndon with all in favour.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Alan Cook gave the membership report in Kyu’s absence. He said that we have 197 members, of which 86 were 3 year members. He pointed out that online renewals and joining was now possible.

75 members were on e-mail and on our e-mail user group. 50% of our 1 year members have renewed already.

It was proposed by Margaret Agate and seconded by Mike Keskeys that the membership report be accepted, all in favour.

RE-ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Mike Keskeys and Keith Pestell retired from the committee and being eligible offered themselves for re-election.

It was proposed by Kyu Cook and seconded by Alan Cook they be re-elected. All in favour. 

It was also proposed by Kyu Cook and seconded by Alan Cook that Daniel Triplow’s co-option to the committee be ratified. Again all in favour.

VICE PRESIDENCY

Neil Klee proposed and Barry Gilbert seconded that Alan Liptrott be made a Vice President of GISC. This was carried with all in favour.

Alan Liptrott was rightly made a GISC Vice President

Alan made a short speech to thank the GISC for the honour that had been accorded to him.

MEMBERSHIP FEES.

It was proposed by Mike Keskeys and seconded by David Wray that membership fees be increased. The membership fees for the 2007/2008 season can be viewed here.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Jason Lyndon gave a short report on Merchandise sales. He said that £214 worth of programmes had been sold during the year. The programme stock was now valued at £2385, having had many donations during the year. In order to sell more we really need an outlet at the ground.

Margaret Agate proposed a vote of thanks to Pam Tyler and Keith Pestell for their work with away travel and quiz night.

Gary Liptrott said that we need more people to work on the executive committee, particularly with press work and computer message boards. Daniel Triplow volunteered for the ‘message board ‘work. Mark Agate proposed that Mike Wynn be elected to the committee; this was seconded by Margaret Agate, all in favour.

David Elligate asked ‘how do young supporters find out about the history of the club’.

Is there a role for GISC to play here? Following discussion it was suggested that GISC run an evening with several old Gills players  to reminisce and pass on their anecdotes and memories. It was agreed to discuss this at the executive committee.

Gary Liptrott thanked members for their attendance and closed the meeting at 12.55.pm.

If you have any questions for the GISC Executive Committee either about the AGM or general questions please contact us.