MUDSA AGM 2014Monday, 23rd June 2014, 7.30 pmAbility Suite, Old Trafford

Ambler DavidArmstrong AndrewAshworth HarryBaumber PeterBrown LizBryce GrahamBury BobBury JudithBury RachelChase DallasChase PhilDonoghue AlanEdwards AlisonElmore PeterElmore RosieElthorpe MalcolmFalla IanGorse ChrisGrange MartinHall JackieHall JolieHooper DonHooper MaryHunt AprilHuxley NJepson GerrardKirk JohnLinney RachelMacey KevinMacey PennyMark

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McLeod AllenNield JohnPorter IanPorter JeanSands ElaineSands MarkSeed MartinSimister EmmaSudlow CThomas MaryThomas PhilipTurner DesWilliams ShirleyWood GladysWright SandyYates JohnYates Nathaniel

Present: Phil Downs, Sue Rocca, Ann Marie Lewis, Liz Edwards, Chas Banks, Jamie Leeming, John Simister

Apologies

Liz Edwards (Chair) (Quad Representative/Memorabilia/Information Co-ordinator)

LE introduced herself as the quads representative who also collects the halftime draw and distributes merchandise along with her daughter Alison in both of the quads throughout the season. This season they have collected £302.00 from the halftime draw and £103.00 from merchandise.There were no questions on last year’s minutes.LE explained that during the last season her role included duties as Chairperson and she chaired MUDSA committee meetings trying to keep them in order.

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LE thanked everyone who has contributed for their continued support. LE distributes the Rolling Reds to all members in the quads throughout the season and is also a point of contact to keep members informed of all activities and events throughout the season such as the Christmas Party, the Dogs and Bowling.The catering staff improved greatly last season with only one.There has been the odd issue about seating but this was resolved without too much upset.LE has fed back any comments or complaints to the committee.LE is an active member of the committee, always willing to lend a helping hand whether this is selling memorabilia with Ann Marie at the Annual Dinner or raffle tickets at the Bowling and Christmas party.LE has been the quad representative for 4 seasons now and is enjoying her role. LE is a familiar face who can deal with any issues and members know they have a point of contact. LE learned from feedback received that members appreciate being able to take part in the draw and to receive their magazine and being kept up to date. LE reminded members that her day job is an advisory role which involves dealing with benefits system. Given the complexity of what disabled people are facing at the moment LE is happy for members to contact her if they need advice but cannot get involved in individual cases yet will help in any way possible.LE has enjoyed her role as Chair and has gained knowledge and experience from it. LE thanked all the committee members for their continued hard work and expressed hope that they can continue to serve in best way possible.

Phil Downs (Secretary/Disability Liaison Officer)

PD noted that the number of AGM attendees is similar to the last season although more were expected due to new procedures kicking in last season.‘Life of Ryan’ - great summary of what can be done

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New member of the team - PD introduced a new member of MUDSA Katie Postlewaite.

Second season with new system - PD explained that we are in the same potion as lots of people don’t like new procedures but some do.We have invited the Chair of LPF to attend AGM and speak but received a refusal and a letter which was written without prejudice hence cannot be shared with members.

New joining members - PD explained that there are approximately 100 new MUDSA members joining every season.

Move over to the ticket office - PD explained that MUDSA have moved to the ticket office and is now based there which is better as the lines of communications have shortened allowing for easier and quicker issue resolutions.

Photo ID - PD explained that MUDSA intentions are to protect the interest of disabled supporters as touting resulted in someone with a 6 years banning order getting a helpers ticket and trying to get into the stadium.The design of the back of cards left very little space for the photo so they will be tiny.

Business as usual – Because we are out of some competitions we will have a room to deliver more this season.

Sue Rocca (Treasurer)

SR has passed out two sets of Accounts, the first being the Accountants Financial Statement for the year 1 June 2012 to 31 May 2013, which confirmed the figures presented last year to be accurate. The second being Accounts for the financial year ended 31 May 2014. These will go to the Accountant in due course.

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This year’s accounts show a loss of £15732.69. Club payment to MUDSA for their annual membership to One United arrived on 9 June and it was too late to include it in our year-end accounts.Had it been on time we would have posted year-end accounts showing a profit of £3514.31.

The Bowling - The event this year made a loss of £257.40. This event usually breaks even, but the last few years we have been giving out medals to all children attending and we had to re-stock this year. The cost of these will be pulled back over the next 3 years events.

Donations have increased significantly this year due to the kindness and generosity of MUDSA members.

The half time draw raised £2199.47 and this was less than last year. This was affected by the number of games played this season and the teams failure to progress in cup competitions.

Merchandising has gone from a profit of £198.11 to a loss of £792.10. SR explained that the year-end figure depends on where we are in the ordering cycle.

The miscellaneous category is showing a loss of £2300.11, but this will be reimbursed by the Club as during the course of the year we sometimes pay for products and services and the club then reimburse us.

The November Dinner again produced a profit for us this year totalling £868.73.

One Hundred Club - has seen a continuing decline over the past 3 to 4 years. In the season 2010-2011 we made £1199.00 and previous years were similar. However the last two seasons have shown only £186 and £179.00 profit. An additional draw for people who had contributed more than 10 times in a year and half-year’s subscription were offered but the interest this year is being monitored as it is becoming less viable. The application form for this will go out as usual in the Annual Information Booklet and online.

The Publications - Have increased this year costing us £13641.57. This is always our biggest spend. This year the costs include the 10

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Years Anniversary Booklet along with the Rollin Reds and the Information Booklet. The number of MUDSA members is always increasing so we have to print more booklets. Our savings account has seen no movement as we need to have money in the Bank to cope with unforeseen changes.

SR expressed hope that the members are a satisfied with her handling of the money and she will never forget that this money belongs to the membership. Jamie Leeming (Editor/Production)

Rollin’ Reds - JL explained that the club have continued to be very supportive by providing CB and JL with various players to interview which helps to make the magazine vibrant and interesting read. Due to unforeseen circumstances JL only managed three editions of RR.

Annual Information Booklet - Delayed due to the same unforeseen circumstance that affected production of Rollin’ Reds.

Website - MUDSA has a new, more modern website which JL produced. It’s easier to update, maintain and edit so we can keep members up to date and send out newsletters by email.

John Simister (Visually Impaired Supporters Representative)

JS explained that he co-opted onto the committee. Has not much to report just a few issues brought from visually impaired members and if anyone wants to raise anything not to hesitate to contact JS as he is always present at games in the VI section.

Chas Banks (Social)

Annual Dinner 2013 CB explained that the Dinner was a great success with over 450 guests. David Moyes was excellent and the comic Austin Knight was superb. Of course David didn't charge us a fee, so we raised just

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under £1400.00 and this was in spite of holding the ticket price to £30.00 and the club charging us £25.00 +VAT for the food.Unfortunately Ed Woodward didn't make it down, but we had another excellent turn out on the MUTV table again.CB thanked you SR for doing the door and taking care of the money on this event and AML and her mum who did a great job selling the badges and pens. Plus of course the hard work CBs wife Shirley does for MUDSA.It was the 16th Annual Dinner which was somewhat of a landmark and I think it's safe to say that we've reached our original goal which was to make it into the flagship event of MUDSA. Proof of this can be found in the large number of people from the club who attend. CB was also pleased that over 75% of the tickets to the Dinner were sold before we knew who would be speaking.CB tried to get Louis van Gaal as this year’s guest speaker. Our comic will hopefully be Sean Styles subject to availability and of course Mark Jones will be there to compere. The date is Friday 7th November and this year we are moving the event to the Manchester Suite. This will give us much more space and better views. The only drawback is to have to use lifts to access the venue plus there is only one accessible toilet. The plan is to steward this so only people who can't use the regular toilets will have access.We will be providing a four course meal and the price is still £30.00 a head. Most of you should already have received an e mail, but if you want to go don't wait, send CB an email now and you’ll be put on the wait list.

Christmas Party 2012 - It was held on Monday 16th December and was a great success.AML does the bulk of the work on this event. As ever she did a superb job and the organisation was brilliant.It all went well from CB side i.e. the logistics and we definitely had a good turn out from the players. The breakfast buffet is part of the tradition now and is very popular. Especially now we've got the bigger plates!

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Player of the year was Robin van Persie. Unfortunately Robin was having treatment for an injury and didn't make it along, so AML and CB went down to Carrington to present him with the trophy.Unfortunately United raised the cost of the buffet yet again and this year we had to raise the price to £20.00 a head, after subsidising the costs last year. This meant we made a small profit which went into MUDSA funds.

Q&A - Unfortunately it didn't happen, as there was no response from Barry Moorhouse. Almost certainly it was because we were having such a bad season and the club didn't want to expose the players.

The Dogs - This year’s night at the Dogs is scheduled for Friday 25th July. It's a great night out and it's only £21.50 this year. Everyone can bring the kids and get a child's meal for £8.00 and there will be a full table service too. AML has all the info, so if you fancy a good night out have a word with her after the meeting.

CB thanked all his colleagues on the committee, especially AML who has now taken over the ticketing on the party and Q&A and who does a brilliant job. Not forgetting SR of course who deals with all the money, which is another weight off.

Anna Marie Lewis (Events/Merchandise)

Bowling - AML reported that this year’s event took place on 26 th May at Didsbury Bowling Alley, about 60 MUDSA members and their friends and families attended the event. Trophies were presented to the Adult and Junior Winners and a special achievement trophy was also awarded to an adult and junior player. For the fourth year running we presented a medal to all the children who took part on the day. Unfortunately because we were late organising the event this year with all the Sunday fixture games, we were unable to get two of the reserve players to present the trophies etc as the season had already ended.AML explained that a raffle was also held for a signed ball and other prizes, where we raised a lot of money for MUDSA funds, AML would

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like to say a big thank you to Sue and her daughter who helped me to organise the event, and also they collected all the scores on the day and also would like to thank Chas and his wife Shirley for their help on the day as well.Lastly AML thanked all the MUDSA members who attended the event which was a great day for all. The photos that were taken by Laura will be put on the notice board outside the Ability Suite at the start of the new season.AML invited everyone who is interested in attending next year’s event to let her know to be added to the list and contacted nearer the event date. The cost of the event is usually £6 per person and it usually takes place one Sunday in April or May.

Bellevue Dog Races - The night at the Dogs took place last year on 27th July this was the fourth year that we have organised this event and it is getting very popular as 40+ MUDSA members attended the event.AML described how everyone had arrived and sat down to a three course meal which everyone enjoyed, then the races began, again they had a race named after us The MUDSA Derby and some of the members went down to the race track and presented a trophy to the winning trainer.AML explained further that the night consisted of 13 races in total and we didn’t have to leave our table to place a bet or get drinks as we had table service, they even brought us our winnings.AML thanked CB for his help in organising the night and all the staff at Bellevue.AML announced that this Year’s event is taking place on Friday 26th July and costs £20.00 for Adults and £8 for children 6 – 12 years old which includes the 3 course meal, parking, a race card plus waitress service and we have received a 20% discount on this price. The application forms with are available tonight for anyone wishing to attend the event.

Christmas Party - AML explained that when MUDSA was first formed 20 odd years ago, it was around the idea of a Christmas party and

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that was the first event. In those days there were only a handful of members and it was easy to organise.Fast forward 20 years and we have well over a thousand members and the number is growing every year. It is still the most popular event and demand has grown massively.Consequently, even though AML had been meticulous organising the applications and the waiting list, the period of time in-between members receiving invitations lengthened to two, then three and now we are looking at members attending on their fourth application minimum, with no sign of any improvements in the future.The committee, faced with a year on year growing membership, decided after much discussion that clearly something had to be done to make the gaps between receiving an invitation to the party shorter.Therefore, we have decided that instead of each disabled member who is invited being able to bring two guests, we will from now on limit it to one guest, in other words 1 + 1 not 1 + 2.AML explained that this measure should start bringing the gaps between invitations down to a more acceptable level, as we believe it will mean almost twice as many members being able to attend every year and is the best thing to do for the great majority of members.The same waiting lists are being used which are updated each year and a couple of reserves will be kept each year in case members cancel or if they are not used they will be top of the following year’s lists.Last year again a breakfast brunch was held which everyone seemed to enjoy, and a raffle organised which raised a lot of money for MUDSA.

AML thanked CB for arranging the catering and the sound system, Mark Jones for being a compere on the day and to all the players and Barry Moorhouse who gave up their time, everyone left with a lot of happy memories.After the event I contacted the members who had attended and asked them to send me their favourite photo of the day which I will

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put on the notice board outside the Ability Suite at the start of next season.

Carrington - We had not had a trip to Carrington since 2010 due to building work being carried out there, but in April this year and just two days after winning the 20th title 20 MUDSA members and their carers got the opportunity to watch the first team train, it was the first visit since the new facilities had been completed, after watching the players train for an hour first Sir Alex and Ryan Giggs then the rest of the team came over to chat with everyone and have their photos taken and sign autographs.After training everyone headed back to Old Trafford where tables were reserved in the Red Café for everyone to have lunch, after lunch everyone was free to look around the museum then just after 3 we all went on the tour of the stadium.AML expressed her thanks to Sir Alex and Lyn for all their help in organising the day and all the players and staff at Old Trafford, everyone who attended had a fabulous day and went home with memories to treasure.There is still a very lengthy waiting list for this event, but everyone will eventually get their chance to attend.

Q&A - We did not have a Q & A this season, but hopefully we will be able to hold the event next season.This event will be run on a similar procedure as the Christmas party, we hope to send out an email to everyone and we will also put an advertisement for the event in the Rolling Reds and on the MUDSA website, and on the Notice Board outside the Ability Suite.The usual charge is £5 per person, and a list will be kept of all applicants so members who have never been to a Q & A before will get the option to attend first, if it is oversubscribed a ballot will be held.

Merchandise - AML is currently in contact with the badge firm and is hoping to produce a badge and key ring of the 20 th title at the beginning of the season and a badge of the statue of Sir Alex similar to the Sir Matt Badge.

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Notice board outside the ability suite - After each event that AML organised members were asked for their favourite photograph from the day and the notice board will be updated at the beginning of each season. This applies to any event that AML organises and a notice will be put up on the board, MUDSA website, Facebook and in the Rolling Reds.Finally thank you to all my fellow committee members and Margaret and Cara for all their help and hard work throughout the season and a big thank you to all the members who have purchased merchandise or raffle tickets or who have attended one of the events that AML has organised. Many hours were put in arranging all these events, but it is worth every minute when AML receives lovely letters from members saying how much they enjoyed themselves.

Elections of officers

Ann Marie LewisSue Rocca proposed; Chas Banks secondedCall a vote for against and abstained

John Simister LE – JS was co-opted onto the committee and has our full support.PD proposed; JL secondedAll voted in favour.

Liz Edwards (Quads Representative/Merchandise)

LE explained that she is the Quads representative and collects the halftime draw and sell merchandise in both quads during the season along with her daughter Alison.They have collected £392.00 from the halftime draw this season, this is an increase of £75 on last year’s figures and they collected £126.50 from the merchandise (an increase of £23 on last year). LE expressed thanks to everyone who has contributed for their continued support. LE also explained that she distributes the Rolling Reds to all members in the quads throughout the season and is a point of

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contact to keep members informed of events such as Christmas Party and any other events or news.LE works with the stewards to resolve any problems that may arise and they are always happy to assist any of our members.This season there have been a few issues with seating and the catering orders but they have managed to resolve them. LE is happy to support other committee members and help in any way possible.LE has been the quad rep for 3 seasons and is a familiar face to our supporters and someone who can deal with any issues.LE knows from feedback received that members appreciate being able to take part in the draw, to receive their magazine and they also feel less isolated in the quads because they have a point of contact.LE is enjoying her role on the committee and hopes to continue in this role. LE also informed members that her ‘day job’ involves dealing with our very complex benefits system and she acts in advisory role to many people. MUDSA sent out an email about the subject of the proposed change to benefits a few months ago and LE was happy for individual members to contact her to be advised or directed if they need.

Any Other Business

Tom Whelan (steward) - PD explained that Tom Whelan, the steward, who came back to work 3 days after a pacemaker was fitted, had to step down. He is in his mid -70s and felt that he his health is not anymore. We kept inviting him to MUDSA events but his frame of mind wasn’t right at the time. Hopefully he is better now and will join us at games.

Ian Porter Last season after the games the E2 gates were slightly open to allow wheelchairs to come through. Last season we had to use the small gate and the kerb is causing problems.

PD you are talking about the E1 gates. We will bring this up. It is all to do with increased security on the gates due to stadium safety.

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They will be most likely to decide to even the kerb which is a Highway issue.

Mary ThomasTicketing for visually impaired. Can VIs have the same rota system as wheelchair users? We are normally not able to get tickets through the ballot but then receiving a cancellation call on the day when we are unable to arrange transport.

PD The reason VIs don’t have rota system is because it isn’t always oversubscribed. MT we have attended 5 games this season 3 of them were cancellations. Chelsea was the first game and we received a call 3 hours before the kick-off.

PD We have just been issued with the analysis of the season which will provide u with successful/unsuccessful results. We will analyse but it is probably 50/50 oversubscribed. There is a possibility of extending the seating area. We also offering easy access places to VI supporters when undersubscribed but we have to let them go on the same basis as to easy access supporters. We try and utilise these places before they go to the ticket office for distribution.

Malcolm ElthorpeThere is an ongoing problem of people standing near the VI section in E132. ME tried to ask stewards to deal with that but with no consistent success.

PD We raised this with the stadium safety officer. Stewards are walking and trying to make people to sit down and getting a lot of abuse but at the end of the day it’s what they are paid for.

Dallas ChaseAt the Everton and Liverpool games the announcements were made for able bodied people please sit down but they didn’t.

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PD The only way of dealing with this problem is a strong policing. Need to speak to stewards and make sure people sit.

John LinneyIt has got worse since they remodelled the section and took the gangway out because there are more seats now.

PD explained that there is the same amount of seats. LPF complained about the height of wheelchair platform and it had to be raised. As a result 3 wheelchair places would have been lost instead of this decided to move the gangway to avoid this. We will try to level out the steps as they became uneven as a result.

Kevin MaceyI have asked a few times whether any of the spaces are available for games but only got one call one Saturday morning. But when I came to the game there were empty seats. What happens if people receive the tickets but fail to attend?

PD We have a red/yellow card penalty system in place. Unfortunately people now receive tickets three weeks prior to each game and deciding not to come. We really want to have a mini phone-in a short notice if people can make it. Some people just neglect to let us know if they cancel. We lost three people this season.

Paul RoccaStewarding - at Liverpool game the away fans stood up on the concrete wall just behind wheelchairs and it felt unsafe.

PD some time ago we have asked for a super glass shield to see through but stop climbing it is probably worthwhile asking again.

Ian PorterWhat is the best number to ring if I cannot attend the game?

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PD 8009 number is the best. They will let me know. 0845 number is rooted to the ticket office as we are doing the rounds at the stadium.

Gladys WoodStewards are doing fantastic job where we sit (space 78) and thank all of the committee for what they do.

John Kirk The BBC report stated that all the football grounds in Premier League have not enough wheelchair spaces?

PD It is true. The report played the numbers game. In theory if the OT was built from scratch then it should have had 285 wheelchair spaces but the rules do not apply retrospectively. Katie Gornall, BBC sport reporter, came to see the facilities and was very impressed.

Kevin MaceyKM asked if there are talks about extending the Ability Suite? West Bromwich Albion people came and were amazed at our facilities.

PD at some point they will look at the extension but it’s difficult to know who to speak to. Everything is very hard to schedule and anything takes ages.

Chas BanksI travelled a lot to the away games. The report they did was very narrow. For example at Southampton they do fulfil the criteria but they are just painted boxes and carers are positioned behind wheelchairs which is not safe.When Robin van Persie scored at Southampton our crowd rushed forward. Little Kevin was thrown out of his chair and broke his arm. It is even worse at Norwich where the terrace is tilted forward and you are falling forward. At Blackburn a guy stepped on my chair breaking my finger when Carlos Tevez scored the winning goal. Reported the incident to the police but nothing was done.

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PD It is true if you look at Accessible Stadia Guide it says that a physical barrier must be in place between wheelchairs at the front as most people don’t feel safe without it.Thanks everybody for acknowledging what the committee does. It is a team effort. Shame other clubs don’t see it as their moral obligation with increasing numbers of people over 65.

Dallas Chase When designing parts of the stadium disabled people have to be consulted.PD Arsenal had a group of disabled people and they still managed to get things wrong. I had to write to the Arsenal.

Thanks to my team and committee we will try better next season.

LE thanks everyone for coming and joining us tonight.

Meeting closed at 8.40 pm

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