BRAMLEY BUFFALOES RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY CLUB

Minutes of the Board Meeting

Held on Thursday 28th January 2010 at 7:30 pm at Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby League Club

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   There were apologies received from Maureen Oakley, Pamela Stemson, Cliff Spracklen, Lee Spracklen.

2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

   The minutes of the previous meeting held on 29th October 2009 were approved. Proposed by Martyn Cheney and seconded by Stephen Crossley.

3. MATTERS ARISING

   1. Due to Prior commitment Nigel was unavailable for the meeting and so there was no report.

   2. PPD were in financial trouble and the decision was taken to seek a new main sponsor.

4. DECISION AND FINANCE ITEMS

   1. FINANCE REPORT

      We had £2635 in the bank prior to the meeting.
      The Rugby League had provided £1000 prize money following the Grand Final.

   2. KIT

      Graham Nash had approved a kit design, which we were going to go with, until his financial problems.  Need to find a sponsor ASAP; if no sponsor by deadline for ordering replica shirts, then we would use Resource Print Solutions as the main shirt sponsor.

   3. SEASON TICKETS 2010

      We have sold over 40 season tickets to date.  Sent a mail shot out to all shareholders informing them of all the deals we had available.

   4. CHANGE OF ROLES

      Martyn proposed that Nigel Brayshaw replace Cliff Spracklen as a cheque signatory, primarily as a result of Cliff now being located permanently in Bridlington. Nigel would also hold the cheque book and make payments. Pam would take on all membership and Administrative roles from Martyn.  This was agreed in principle, however as Pam was not present at the meeting it was agreed to carry this item over to the November meeting for further discussion and approval.  Action PS to Add to Agenda for February Meeting

5. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

   1. SPONSORSHIP FOR 2010

      It was agree that we would seek new sponsors, as well talk to the remaining 2009 sponsor for a renewal.
      We agreed we should approach companies  Action MC to arrange letters

   2. CHANGES TO CLUB CONSTITUTION / INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBER POLICY / CODE OF CONDUCT

      Martyn advised that the club’s current constitution contains a number of anomalies and inaccuracies and does not reflect the type of constitution now recommended for use by clubs by Supporters Direct.  Martyn circulated examples of existing club constitutions and explained some of the main changes that would need to considered/implemented.  It was agreed that some fundamental changes had to take place in order to allow the to club to move forward, progress and have a solid constitution.  As this was deemed a complex matter it was agreed that a working party comprising Martyn, Lee and Cliff would review the changes required and report back to the board at regular intervals with progress reports.  Action MC/CS/LS to meet to discuss this

   3. AWARDS DINNER 2010

      We are looking to hold this years awards dinner at Stanningley Sports And Amatuer Rugby League Club on Friday 8th October 2010, subject to Mike Stephenson’s availability.  Action MC to confirm Mike’s availability, ALL to think of what we want to do.  PS to add to Agenda for Next Meeting

   4. FUND RAISING

      Martyn raised the subject of fundraising, and asked around for ideas.  Martyn explained that we currently had the following Funding Schemes in place –

      1. Affiliate Scheme via easyfundraising, where a % of online shopping at certain shops would be directed toward the buffaloes.
      2. Recycling scheme for Mobile Phones and Inkjet Cartridges.
      3. Ticket Schemes via the RFL for Wembley and Super League Grand Final.

   Martyn went to talk about a scheme that Scarborough Athletic use where they get people to pledge 50p per goal scored, obviously we would suggest Tries scored.  With 50% of the amount going to a Charity, Bramley Elderly Action was Chosen.  Amounts pledged would be payable in two amounts one after the ninth game and one prior to the play offs starting.  Action MC to produce form

   Graham Suggested we run a guess the score sweep, each go been £1 or 50p, with a prize pot of 50% of the proceeds with a maximum of £50.  Action GF to produce form and rules.

   5. FIXTURES

      2010 fixtures are almost sorted.  We’ve two pre-season games scheduled for 28th March and 11th April, with the League starting on Sunday 18th April with an Away trip to Hemel.  Problem with the 15th May ome game, as Stanningley isn’t available on the 15th May and the opposition so far refusing to come on any of the proposed alternative dates (update 5th Feb – game fixed for Sunday 16th may).

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

   1. MATCH SPONSORS

      Mark brought up that he could be able to get a match sponsor or two but what could we offer them?  Steve suggested taking them for a meal, some drink, back to the ground and then some drinks post game.  Action SC to investigate local pubs for meals.  PS to Add to Agenda for next meeting

   2. FUNDING OPTIONS

      Martyn reported that Lee Spracklen had been in discussion with a Charity fundraiser and that he would report back at the next meeting.  Action LS to hold formulative discussion and report back to next meeting.  PS to add to Agenda for next meeting

   3. CLUB 5 YEAR STRATEGY PLAN

      Andy talked about the 5-year plan that he has started to produce And that we need to move on it.  This needs discussing at a meeting outside of the normal monthly meetings otherwise it will get lost and a meeting will be arranged accordingly.  MC/AC to Co-ordinate to arrange meeting prior to the 25th Feb.

   4. BOND FUND

      Andy talked again about the need to set up a Bond Fund with immediate effect. This would enable the club to work towards a monetary goal and be a repository for donations etc.  PS Add to Agenda for Next Meeting

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Thursday 25th February 2009 at 7.30 pm at Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby League Club.

Download Minutes - Here

Agenda

Thursday 28th January 2010 at 7.30pm

Venue: Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby Club, Coal Hill Drive, LS13 1PA

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
3. Matters Arising
4. Decision and Finance Items
   1. Finance Report – NB
   2. Kit - MC
   3. Season Tickets 2010 – MC
5. Information/Discussion Items
   1. Sponsorship for 2010  - MC
   2. Changes to club constitution - MC
   3. Introduction of Board Member Policy/Code of Conduct - MC
   4. Awards Dinner 2010 – MC
   5. Fund Raising – All
   6. Fixtures - MC
6. Any other business

Download the Agenda - Here

BRAMLEY BUFFALOES RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY CLUB

Minutes of the Board Meeting

Held on Thursday 29 October 2009 at 7:15 pm at
Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby League Club

Present:    
Martyn Cheney    Chairman
Stephen Crossley    Vice Chairman
Nigel Brayshaw    Finance
Graham Fisher    
Dave Cromack    
Andy Coldrick        Acting Secretary

1.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were apologies received from Maureen Oakley, Pamela Stemson, Cliff Spracklen, Lee Spracklen, Chris Gardner and Rob Wilkinson.

2.    MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 September 2009 were approved. Proposed by Martyn Cheney and seconded by Stephen Crossley.

3.    MATTERS ARISING

There was no Matters Arising.

4.    DECISION AND FINANCE ITEMS

a.    FINANCE REPORT
Nigel advised that a Financial Report would be available for the next    meeting.  Action NB to provide Report
He advised that he expected to the club to be in profit by 31 December 2009.
He confirmed that he had spoken to the RFL regarding prize money/cash surplus from the Grand Final. The RFL were still awaiting all the invoices, therefore we would be advised in due course.   

b.    KIT
Martyn circulated a variety of kit options for 2010, which had been prepared in conjunction with Code 13. Two kits were identified, subject to some colour alteration, as being viable. Graham Nash from main sponsor PPD wanted to promote PPD through the strip, it was agreed that he should select the new 2010 home strip from the two preferred options.  The predominantly black (away) strip from 2009 would continue to be used. Martyn agreed to speak to both Code 13 and Graham Nash. Action MC to speak to Code 13 and Graham Nash

c.    SEASON TICKETS 2010
It was agreed that for season 2010 the following season ticket options would be available:

Adult £50 (to include free new home shirt)
OAP £20 (No shirt included)
Child £25 (to include free home shirt)

It was agreed that these offers should be given maximum publicity.  Orders would be taken prior to the start of the season and shirts would Be available for collection at the first home league game.  Action: MC to Co-ordinate.

d.    (d)    CO-OPTING PEOPLE ON TO THE COMMITTEE
Martyn proposed that Coach Mark Butterill be co-opted onto the Board as he would provide a vital link between the board and the players as well as bringing fresh ideas and a different perspective to board discussions. This was agreed, proposed by Martyn Cheney and  seconded by Dave Cromack.        

e.    CHANGE OF ROLES
Martyn proposed that Nigel Brayshaw replace Cliff Spracklen as a cheque signatory, primarily as a result of Cliff now being located permanently in Bridlington. Nigel would also hold the cheque book and make payments. Pam would take on all membership and Administrative roles from Martyn.  This was agreed in principle, however as Pam was not present at the meeting it was agreed to carry this item over to the November meeting for further discussion and approval.  Action PS to Add to Agenda for November Meeting

5.    INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

a.    NEW FORMAT OF MEETINGS
The new format for future board meetings had been circulated prior to the meeting and it was agreed that this would be the new format for future meetings. Action PS to Formulate and circulate Agenda

b.    SPONSORSHIP FOR 2010
Martyn stated that this season’s current sponsors needed to be approached to see if they will continue for 2010 and 2011. Some of the current sponsors would be at the Awards dinner, which would be a good opportunity to speak with them. Graham Nash had expressed an interest in ground banners (2) which came at a cost of £60-£80 and would be tied to the barriers. Stephen Crossley agreed to pursue this.
Martyn also confirmed he was trying to establish links with Trinity and All Saints College in order to obtain some assistance from their students.  Action MC to try and establish Links

c.    CHANGE TO WEBSITE    
Martyn advised that various new sections had been added to the Club’s Website.  

d.    CHANGES TO CLUB CONSTITUTION / INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBER POLICY / CODE OF CONDUCT

Martyn advised that the club’s current constitution contains a number of anomalies and inaccuracies and does not reflect the type of constitution now recommended for use by clubs by Supporters Direct.  Martyn circulated examples of existing club constitutions and explained some of the main changes that would need to considered/implemented.  It was agreed that some fundamental changes had to take place in order to allow the to club to move forward, progress and have a solid constitution.  As this was deemed a complex matter it was agreed that a working party comprising Martyn, Lee and Cliff would review the changes required and report back to the board at regular intervals with progress reports.  Action MC/CS/LS to meet to discuss this

e.    BOARD MEMBER TRAINING
Martyn reminded all board members of the need to attend board member training arranged for 7 pm on Tuesday 10 November 2009 at Stanningley. This training was being organised by Supporters Direct.    Action all board members required to attend

f.    AWARDS DINNER
Martyn advised that nearly all tickets for the Awards dinner had gone.  Martyn confirmed that arrangements were in place and that only a few  minor details remained to be sorted.    

6.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a.    FUNDRAISING IDEAS
Martyn provided details of a fundraising scheme that he had found that could be adapted for the Buffaloes. A percentage of the income generated would be donated to a local charity. The board agreed that this looked a good option. In order to take this and other fundraising ideas forward it was agreed to take this item to the next board meeting where a sub-committee would be formed to  specifically co-ordinate fundraising activities. Action PS to add to agenda for next meeting

b.    FUNDING OPTIONS
Martyn reported that Lee Spracklen had been in discussion with a Charity fundraiser and that he would report back at the next meeting.  Action LS to hold formulative discussion and report back to next meeting.  Action PS to add to Agenda for next meeting

c.    JAM JARS TZAR
Stephen Crossley agreed to co-ordinate the collection of the Jam Jars and convert the cash to notes.    

d.    END OF SEASON RLCN CLUBS MEETING
The end of season RLCN meeting scheduled for 14 November 2009 has been cancelled. The meeting is now likely to be held at Dewsbury Celtic on the last Sunday in November. Graham Fisher, Martyn Cheney and Andy Coldrick agreed to attend on behalf of the club.

e.    NEXT SUPPORTERS DIRECT FORUM
Will be held at Rochdale on 18 November 2009 and Martyn and Maureen will be attending.  Action MC/MO to arrange to get there

f.    FOLLOW-UP FROM AGM
Martyn confirmed that there had been no contact with Bramley Phoenix since the AGM. It was agreed to request a response from Phoenix and advise the shareholders in writing of the outcome.  Action MC/SC to Chase Bramley Phoenix and arrange follow up.

g.    MEETING WITH STANNINGLEY ARLC
Martyn advise that a meeting with Stanningley was required to progress the lease, in addition to Martyn and Stephen, Nigel and Graham agreed to attend. Meeting details to be advised.  Action MC to arrange with Stanningley, MC/SC/NB/GF to Attend

h.    SUPPLEMENTS
Martyn advised that Mark Butterill wanted to purchase drinks for the Players as they had done the year before last. It was agreed that Mark should contact the company direct to discuss costings. Action MB to discuss with Sci-Mentor

i.    CLUB 5 YEAR STRATEGY PLAN
Andy Coldrick proposed that the board should devise a Club 5 year Strategic Plan. He agreed to draft an outline plan and present this at the next meeting.  Action AC to draft outline plan.  PS to add to agenda for next meeting.

j.    BOND FUND
Andy Coldrick proposed that the club should set up a Bond Fund with immediate effect. This would enable the club to work towards a monetary goal and be a repository for donations etc. It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next meeting as part of the strategic plan.  Action PS to add to Agenda for next meeting.

k.    PLAYER INSURANCE          
Nigel Brayshaw advised that Daniel Lavery was pursing an insurance claim.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Thursday 26 November 2009 at 7.30 pm at Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby League Club.BRAMLEY BUFFALOES RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY CLUB

Agenda

Thursday 29th October 2009 at 7.30pm

Venue: Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby Club, Coal Hill Drive, LS13 1PA

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
3. Matters Arising
4. Decision and Finance Items
   1. Finance Report – NB
   2. Kit ‐ MC
   3. Season Tickets 2010 – MC
   4. Co‐opting People on to Committee – MC
   5. Change of Roles ‐ MC
5. Information/Discussion Items
   1. New format of Meetings – MC
   2. Sponsorships for 2010 ‐ MC
   3. Changes to Website – MC
   4. Changes to club constitution ‐ MC
   5. Introduction of Board Member Policy/Code of Conduct ‐ MC
   6. Board Member Training – MC
   7. Awards Dinner ‐ MC
6. Any other business

Coming soon

Coming soon

Coming soon

Coming soon

Board Agendas and Minutes

23/02/2010 - Agenda for Board Meeting 25th February 2010

06/02/2010 - Minutes for Board Meeting 28th January 2010

23/01/2010 - Agenda for Board Meeting 28th January 2010

01/11/2009 - Minutes for Board Meeting 29th October 2009

28/10/2009 - Agenda for Board Meeting 29th October 2009

Club records

Bramley Buffaloes currently play out of Stanningley Sports and Amateur Rugby League Club, at the Arthur Miller Stadium on Coal Hill Drive, in Leeds.  The full postal address is - The Arthur Miller Stadium, Coal Hill Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 1PA.

Travelling from the West (Lancashire)
Follow the M62 and then follow the directions as below.
1. At exit 27, take ramp left for M621 toward Leeds 3.4 Miles
2. At exit 1, take ramp left for A6110 toward Leeds (West) 0.3 Miles
3. At roundabout, take 1st exit onto A6110 / Ring Road Beeston 0.5 Miles
4. Pass through 5 roundabouts 2.3 Miles
5. Take ramp right for A647 / Stanningley By Pass 0.3 Miles
6. 1Take ramp left 0.2 Miles
7. Turn right onto Swinnow Road 0.2 Miles
8. Turn left onto Stanningley Road 0.6 Miles
9. Bear right onto B6157 / Swinnow Lane 0.2 Miles
10. Road name changes to Intake Lane 0.4 Miles
11. Turn left onto Coal Hill Lane, and then immediately turn right onto Coal Hill Drive 0.2 Miles
12. 16 Arrive at LS13 1PA, UK

Travelling from the East, (East Yorkshire)
1. At exit 41, take ramp left for M62 toward Manchester / Leeds 9.8 Miles
2. At exit 29, take ramp left for M1(N) toward The North / Leeds (Cen) 0.3 Miles
3. At roundabout, take 3rd exit onto ramp 0.6 Miles
4. Merge onto road 0.2 Miles
5. Bear left onto M1 0.7 Miles
6. Keep right onto M621 5.0 Miles
7. At exit 1, take ramp left for A6110 toward Ring Road / Dewsbury / Airport 0.2 Miles
8. At roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A6110 / Ring Road Beeston 0.7 Miles
9. Pass through 5 roundabouts 2.3 Miles
10. Take ramp right for A647 / Stanningley By Pass 0.3 Miles
11. Take ramp left 0.2 Miles
12. Turn right onto Swinnow Road 0.2 Miles
13. Turn left onto Stanningley Road 0.6 Miles
14. Bear right onto B6157 / Swinnow Lane 0.2 Miles
15. Road name changes to Intake Lane 0.4 Miles
16. Turn left onto Coal Hill Lane, and then immediately turn right onto Coal Hill Drive 0.2 Miles
17. Arrive at LS13 1PA, UK

Travelling From the North
Follow the A1 South and then as below
1. At exit 47, take ramp left for A59 toward York / Knaresborough / Harrogate / Airport 0.2 Miles
2. At roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A59 2.4 Miles
3. At roundabout, take 2nd exit onto A658 0.8 Miles
4. Pass through 2 roundabouts 5.6 Miles
5. At roundabout, take 1st exit onto A61 / Swindon Lane 6.9 Miles
6. At roundabout, take 2nd exit 1.1 Miles
7. At roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A6120 / Ring Road Moortown 0.7 Miles
8. Pass through 4 roundabouts 5.5 Miles
9. At roundabout, take 1st exit onto A657 / Rodley Lane 0.2 Miles
10. Turn right onto Bagley Lane 0.5 Miles
11. Turn left onto Coal Hill Lane 0.4 Miles
12. Turn left onto Coal Hill Drive 0.1 Miles
13. Arrive at LS13 1PA, UK

Public Transport
From Leeds City Centre, walk to the bus stops at City Square. From there you can get a number 15 or 16 bus, which will take you to within five minutes walk of the ground.

Ask the driver to give you a shout at coal hill lane if your on the 15, or the end of intake lane, if on the 16. Once off the bus you will see a sign post for Stanningley Rugby Club. Follow the sign and you are there.

From Bradford. Get the Number 15 from the Interchange, again ask the driver for Coal Hill Lane. When you get off the bus go back up the hill and follow the sign posts.

For more information on public transport in west yorkshire please visit www.wymetro.com

Bramley Buffaloes currently play out of Stanningley Sports And Amatuer Rugby League Club, on Coal Hill Drive, in West Leeds. The facilities open in 2001 and are second to none in the Amateur Rugby World.

Bramley RLCC came together in the early stages as a result of the nature of the demise of the original club. Bramley Action Committee, formed by Steve Crossley, had originally hoped to persuade the existing directors to keep the club going, with increased involvement from the fans in key positions running the club day to day. This meant the operational aspects of the club were planned and the early seeds of getting the community involved were sown.

After a controversial and unsuccessful attempt to rejoin the league, the visible directors of the club walked away, the sleeping director, who owned the club, also showed no interest in keeping the Bramley name alive, so it was left to the fans themselves to dream the dream.

Thus, Bramley Rugby League Community Club was formed and legally incorporated as an Industrial & Provident Mutual Society which fulfilled the fans aim of owning the club themselves as well as the RFLs rules of only accepting Ltd companies as members of the RFL. In simple terms, shares are issued, singly, with a maximum and minimum share purchase, allowing fans, local businesses and groups to own a part share in the club.

The clubs principal aims, as well as community ownership, included rules that meant no one person, or a small group of people could own the club, nor could major decisions be made on the clubs future without consultation with the shareholders/fans. The clubs co-operative model as allowed for links with our first main sponsor. In fact, the Leeds Co-Op paid the clubs first legal bill to allow incorporation.

Fans ownership was the only model to follow after the original club went out of the league. Driven by the injustice of this, but also fuelled by the positive aspects of the new model of ownership, Bramley RLCC became the Buffaloes, following a fans decision, to allow for, and prove, that we are a marketing driven modern dynamic club who just happen to have a different ownership model albeit one shared with another club called Barcelona who you might have seen winning the European Cup this year!