Author Archives: kevin

Minutes of 2026 AGM

Around 20 members attended the meeting.

Apologies

Apologies were received from Nick Beaumont, Chris Balsdon, Tony Parry and Rob Doidge.

Chairman’s Review of the season

Giles reported that the club attended 25 matches throughout the season, compared to 31 the prior season.

Whilst many other supporters clubs appear to be struggling, Giles’ impression was that the club was working well, and thanked the other committee members for their assistance in helping the club run smoothly and successfully. The coach trip to the Brentford game was also a success, despite the club subsidising the event to the tune of £825, and hope that a similar trip can be arranged next season. 

Financial Report

The financial report has been published for all to see on the North Devon Spurs website. Kevin highlighted that 14 matches made a surplus and 11 were subsidised, with a final net surplus on transport and other match costs of £176.91. Memberships and other income covered running expenses and a donation of £500 was made to the Jenson Coupland fund during the season. Overall there was a surplus for the year of £295.41. 

Reserves at the year end were £2702.26.

Consideration of charity donations

As noted above, £500 was donated during the year. No further donations were approved at the meeting, the reserves being retained to help fund the coach trip in 2026/27 season if required.

2026/27 finances and planning

Membership fees – it was agreed that these would remain at £10 for both individuals and families (a parent and children under 16 as at 1 August 2026). 

Travel costs – a discussion ensued regarding transport costs. With the increase in fuel prices, which may or may not come down, and current unknowns as to whether or not the price of the bus hire or car parking might increase, the pricing is becoming very tight. If 8 people travel on a 9 seater, it is likely that the trip could be in deficit, and obviously larger deficits as the numbers drop further. 

It was noted from the member survey and discussions on the night that members prefer a fixed price rather than variable pricing depending on numbers travelling. 

It was agreed at the meeting that the price would be £45 for travel (no change for juniors which remains at £15).

There was a further discussion regarding the possibility of drivers going “free” but Kevin pointed out that this would cost £1800-£2000 which is not realistic. It was decided to leave the contribution to drivers at £20.

Election of officers and committee members

All existing officers and committee members expressed their willingness to continue and this was proposed, seconded and approved. 

Any other business

An invitation had been received from Exeter City Supporters Club trying to arrange football matches against other supporters clubs. Many of those attending were of the age where even walking football might be a problem(!), but if anyone does want to pursue this further please contact Giles. 

An email had also been received from someone offering programs for sale – mainly from the 1960’s. Again, if anyone wants tro know more contact Giles. 

Fantasy football – Andrew Bawden was the winner, and the trophy is being engraved. His prize is free NDS membership for 2026/27 season.

Super Six – Chris Balsdon had organised this and 12 took part. Gary Montague, with a late surge, took the prize pot. Chris has agreed to implement this again for 2026/27 and it hoped more will take part. Notification and instructions to join will be sent in a newsletter in due course. 

World Cup Sweepstake – the draw for teams took place at the meeting – amid a few cheers and a few moans and groans! Thanks for taking part. 

Concern was expressed by Rob Field that it appears a few members had not renewed season tickets, and some of these were often minibus drivers. The conclusion was that we would have to see how it goes, and hopefully other members will step forward with offers to drive. 

Club social event – various options were discussed and there was some interest in meeting up to watch a world cup match. However, the conclusion was that pubs etc would be extremely busy, and many are taking bookings for seats for England games. Given the widespread geographical location of members, and the late kick off for the last England game, this event is not likely to work. It is hoped to revisit this with a view to a Christmas event, depending on fixtures and TV coverage. 

The meeting closed at 9:30 pm.

Minutes of 2025 AGM


2025 AGM

Apologies 

Nick Beaumont, Paul Fleming, James Smoldon, Rob Doidge, Pip Hooley, Liam Bunning, Will Letherby.

There were some 25 or so members in attendance.

 
Chairman’s Review of the 2024/25 season

31 matches were attended as a club – probably a record for a season. Giles thanked others for their help in running the club throughout the past 12 months, and it was agreed that all seemed to run pretty smoothly.

Financial Report – year to 31 May 2025

The accounts had been made available prior to the meeting and are available on the club website. In summary – £11329 match income, £12477 match expenses – deficit subsidised from club funds £1148. Other income less expenses contributed £329 meaning an overall deficit for the year of £819. Club funds were £3226 at the start of the season and £2407 at the end of the season. 

Consideration of Charity donations 2025

It was agreed that no donations would be made from club funds at this time. Various fundraising options were suggested to specifically raise funds for charity rather than donating from club funds. Suggestions included scratch cards, punch cards, golf etc. and possibly another event – Steve Perryman plus Glen Hoddle? No firm decisions were made on the night.

2025/26 Finances and planning

Club membership remains at £10 per individual/family (family membership being 1 adult and all children under 16 on 1 August 2025).

  • Memberships are now due – please pay direct to the bank Account – North Devon Spurs Supporters Club Sort code 04-14-50 Account No. 57072159. Please ensure you mark it as membership and that your name appears too!

It is apparent that subsidising matches to the level in 2024/25 is not sustainable in the long term. Therefore, the match transport costs will revert to the levels of the 2023/24 season – £40 for adults. Juniors transport costs will be £15. Non members will pay the above prices plus £10.

  • A significant and important change to note – payment for transport needs to be made direct to the bank (in full) immediately you are aware you have been allocated a ticket and need to go online to make payment (non-season ticket holders) or when asked to notify Giles to book transport (season ticket holders).

(This is no different than paying upfront for match tickets, theatre tickets, etc).

There will be one match per season where all requests for tickets will be met by Spurs. It is hoped that as many members as possible will make the effort to attend that match so that a coach can be booked. The club may subsidise the cost – £1975 was the price quoted recently – in the event of a shortfall. Obviously if numbers are low, the coach option will not run.

It was decided to approach the club for tickets for the Brentford game on 6 December (first choice) or failing that, the Fulham match on 29 November (second choice) so please provisionally note your diaries accordingly.


Election of officers and committee members



Giles, Kevin and Gary remain as chairman, secretary and transport manager as previously- there being no challenges requiring a vote for these positions and all happy to continue. Paul King and Guy Cable remain as committee members and John Little also now joins the committee.

Any other business

Guy displayed a North Devon Spurs Europa League winners t-shirt – orders can be placed by clicking the link below. All orders (with payment to bank) to be in by 30 June please.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NDSEuropa

You can if you so wish though visit Brand-It (next to BJ’s discount store) and order your own garments – they have various NDS logos.

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Guy announced the winner of the Fantasy Football 2024/25 – Rohana Little – congratulations to her and she wins free NDS membership for the new season. Guy will be promoting the NDS fantasy football league again in the coming season.

Chris Balsdon offered to run a Super6 league (Super6 is an app where you try to predict the scores of 6 soccer matches). Further details in due course.

A golf tournament – possibly at Chulmleigh – was also muted, and discussions will be taking place regarding this.

The meeting closed at 9:20 pm.

Minutes of 2024 AGM

Minutes of 2024 Annual General Meeting  
The 2024 Annual General Meeting of the North Devon Spurs Supporters Club was held at the Fox, Fremington, Nr Barnstaple EX31 2NT on Thursday 13 June at 8 pm. 

Around 14 members were in attendance.
 Apologies 
Nick Beaumont, Rob Doidge, Will Letherby and Richard Maynard


Review of the 2023/24 season (inc charity events)

Giles reported a successful year with club members attending practically every game – both home and away. THe 2 charity events with Steve Perryman (and Ossie Ardiles in Barnstaple) were very successful in that over £6000 was raised across the two events, with donations made to Devon Air Ambulance and Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust. There was comment from the floor regarding an element of disappointment of lack of support for these events from club members though. 

Rob Field expressed on behalf of everyone thanks to the drivers throughout the season.


Financial Report 

The club started the year with £2336.10 in the bank and ended with £3226.10, so a surplus of £890 arose. This was due in the main to the members subscriptions, with travel pretty well self funding – losses on some matches and profits on others. This gave rise to much discussion regarding the prices for 2024/25.
It was decided to reduce membership fees from £15 (which it has been for some time) to just £10, this being the price for an individual or a family membership covering an adult and all childrten under 16 as at 1 August 2024.
Match travel was also reduced from £40 to £35, with drivers continuing to pay £20. Juniors (under 16) will travel free. Non-members will continue to pay £50 – (however it is cheaper for them to join up for £10 and pay £35 for travel!!)
This will be reviewed mid season. In some instances club funds are likely to be used to subsidise travel.

This example below was not shown at the agm but is inserted here for awareness. You can do your own maths with differing numbers – and buses are not always full!



It is hoped that there will be sufficient numbers for some games to investigate coaches, which will give the usual drivers a break. These would likely need to be heavily subsidised to keep costs down. 


Consideration of Charity donations 2024

In 2023, various donations were made to local sports clubs etc. However, it was decided that the funds would be retained for the benefit of club members. However, one donation was agreed – £100 to Penhaligon’s Friends, a Charity that supports bereaved families. 

Planning for the 2024/25 season – Europe beckons!
As last year, tickets will be issued for blocks of matches – and you can pick and choose which games you would like to attend. All emails should be sent to [email protected].

Election of officers and committee members

Giles, Kevin and Gary were re-elected to their positions and Paul King and Guy Cable remain as additional committee members. 

Any other business

VERY IMPORTANT – when paying funds to the club direct – be it for match transport, membership etc. be aware that the HSBC account is about to be closed down.  Please remove it from your list of payees on your internet banking. 

Payments should be made to Virgin Bank Account – North Devon Spurs Supporters Club – sort code 82-12-08  account number 20153788.

You can also make payment by card using this link https://bit.ly/NDSM2425


Or by using this QR code.  (Note card payments will be sent to a different NDSSC bank account)

When making payment please ensure you enter BOTH your name and what you are paying for e.g., subscription, which match transport etc.

Minutes of Annual General Meeting held 28 June 2023 at The Fox, Fremington 

There was a good attendance for the AGM with around 20 people attending and a few new members as well – welcome to all. 

Apologies were received from Nick Beaumont (too far to travel from Cyprus) and Liam Bunning. 

New members – please complete a membership form at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NDSMembership/

Existing members – we are not asking for a detailed form to be completed again this year – however please complete the form available here even if you have paid your membership already. Please also complete if you do NOT wish to renew for this coming season.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NDSSCrenewal/

The NDS membership remains at £15 for the season but is also reduced to £15 for a family membership – one adult and any number of children under the age of 16 as at 1 August 2023.

Review of the last season
Tickets were booked for every home game except the Boxing Day fixture – and many members also attended numerous away games. 

Finances
The season started with £892.50 in the bank, and ended with £2316.10. The supporters club is a non-profit organisation. Whilst some reserves are necessary to fund upfront payments for coaches, buses etc. there is a surplus and £800 was agreed to be allocated to charities/sports clubs etc. The committee invite nominations for potential beneficiaries – some names were suggested at the meeting. However, there is a form here to put forward your nominations.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CharityNomination/
Please do so by 31 July. The committee will then meet and allocate the funds – with the intention of completing this process by 31 August. 

Committee
Gazza Paine and Guy Cable remain as committee members and Kevin Salter continues as club secretary. Paul King was also voted onto the committee.

Giles explained that he had thought about stepping down as chairman due to pressures etc last year but thanked everyone for their assistance and support – and, thankfully, he continues in office.

Transport and ticket booking
Members were reminded of the 2 week rule for backing out of transport arrangements etc. and therefore still having to pay! There were instances last season where this rule was enforced. Thanks to all for their support of this rule. 
 
The one central system for booking tickets and transport via the email address below worked well with just a couple of exceptions of members simply replying to the emails despite clear requests in the body not to do so. The main “culprits” are now aware and we look forward to a 100% success rate this season.
[email protected]

When using this email ensure you record your name, and the match/transport you are booking for. 

Thanks to all those drivers that stepped up over the last season. Just one observation was made that drivers on buses should not “swap” to other minibuses for any part of the trip. There was one issue beyond anyone’s control last season where this did cause some issues. 

It was agreed that all travelling pay £40 each for the transport (apart from the drivers) as last year. Whilst fuel prices have been dropping the minibus hire has increased. 

As last year, if non NDSSC members want to travel on the transport provided they have to pay an extra £10.

Fantasy Football
Guy intends to set up the Fantasy Football again, and hopefully not from his hospital bed this year! 
Kevin Rowe was the winner in 2023. Butch Cole won in 2022 but had not been awarded his prize. Therefore, there are two prizes to be issued – a choice of a free club membership or £20 club shop voucher. Guy will liaise with the two aforementioned to sort. 

Tickets 
A separate email has been sent inviting ticket applications from non season ticket holders for any of the first three games of the season – Manchester United, Sheffield United and Liverpool.

Charity event – an evening with Steve Perryman – 14 October 2023
Put the date in your diaries – a further email with a booking form and full details will be issued in the near future. Watch out for it in your inbox.

Social Event
Another diary date – 16 December has been earmarked as a NDSSC social event. (Barbecue?? – perhaps not!). Again further details will be made available nearer the time. 
 

 

Minutes of AGM held July 5 2019

North Devon Spurs Supporters Club

Minutes of the 2019 AGM

The AGM of the Supporters Club was held on Thursday 5 July 2019 at The Green Man, Pilton, Barnstaple – at 8pm.Some 15 or so members attended including a few new ones. Apologies were received from 9 members.

2018/19 review – there was probably at least one North Devon Spurs Member at every home game and also at many away games (and abroad). As far as we are aware, season ticket holders have all renewed for 2019/20.

Finance – the finances were much improved compared to 2017/18 – with a surplus being generated on games of £116.84 (compared to a significant deficit in the prior year) and membership income of £870 (£670 in the prior year – the subscription rate was increased for 2018/19). The branch fee of £50 was paid and £170.40 was paid out for pin badges (and funds will gradually come back in from sales of these). At the start of the year ther was just £207.72 available but the balance was £974.16 at the end of the 2018/19 season.

Subscriptions

North Devon Spurs Membership fees are held at: – Adult Membership £15 – Family Membership is for any number of children with a Junior Spurs membership for the new season and 1 adult – £20. A suggestion was made to have another tier of membership for senior citizens/junior members but this was thought to just complicate matters for the sake of a few pounds only – and did not proceed to a vote.

Other changes

Ticket arrangements 
Members will have recevied an email regarding the new ticket booking arrangements that apply to non-season ticket holders. There are 7 “windows” during the season in which a number of games can be applied for – so for instance the first booking window is now open and tickets for any (or all) of the first three home games can be applied for. More details on this first window later.

Club Officers 2019/20
There were no changes

  • Chairman   – Giles Stacey
  • Club Secretary – Kevin Salter
  • Membership Secretary/Treasurer – Gary Paine
  • Other committee members – Jamie Ford, Lisa Ford, Guy Cable

2019/20
Matches – the first three home games are Aston Villa on 10 August, Newcastle on 25 August (now Sunday to be shown on Sky- this was only announced after the AGM had taken place), and Crystal Palace on 14 September. The booking window is now open as mentioned above – anyone requiring tickets needs to notify Giles by 8 July latest for either or all of these matches. Similarly if you require transport, please let him know asap.

Transport-. The use of one driver each way in minibuses seemed to be preferable. However, the transport arrangements were discussed, and the consensus of those present was that they would be prepared to pay slightly more and travel by coach rather than minibus. A straw poll indicated that £40 for travel would be acceptable – and on the basis of £900 for coach hire, just 23 people would be needed to cover this at £40 – any more and the price per head would reduce. It may be possible to link up with Somerset Spurs too. Giles will investigate.

Fantasy Football – Andrew Bawden won for the 3rd year running. Guy Cable will announce details of this year’s competition when it is available.

Any other business

Gary asked that ALL members complete new membership forms again this year. There are new membership forms which you can download from the website in PDF format.

Website link

Please complete them clearly – please PRINT email addresses.

Facebook– this was used extensively for organisation in 2018/19, and will continue to be used in 2019/20. A new Facebook page has been created and this will be open to paid-up members of North Devon Spurs only – in due course all organisation of matches/tickets etc wil go through this page only and NOT the generic public facebook page.

Charity Football Match
It is hoped that a charity football match can be arranged for the end of the 2019/20 season. Gary Paine will speak to contacts at Torrington Football Club and see what can be arranged.

Stadium Tour
A stadium tour has been arranged by Guy Cable – 26 people have booked for a tour on Sunday 17 November – (split into two groups – 1 at 1.00 pm and 1 at 1:30 pm. A 29 seater coach has been booked so there are still some spaces available on the bus if anyone is interested. Tour price – £27 members and £30 non-members (plus coach fare). The supporters club has already paid over the money, so if you have not paid, please pay asap!

Note the club bank account is sort code 40-44-23  account number 01387383).

Meeting closed at 9 p.m.

January 2016 Meeting Minutes

12 members were in attendance.

Forthcoming matches

Note – all dates below are provisional and all are subject to change due to possible cup commitments.

There was no great rush (unlike last season) to attend the Fiorentina away match, having been treated like animals, missing the last train home due to being held in the stadium etc!

Watford – 6/2/16 – Leaves Barnstaple Square 7:30, South Molton 7.45 (ish) and Junction 27 (8:15 (ish).

There are still some that are due to pay – Giles would appreciate the funds asap as he needs to buy other tickets as the matches come thick and fast.

Arsenal – 5/3/2016 At present 20 tickets have been allocated by Spurs, out of the 25 requested. Giles will try to get some more when they go on sale to members shortly.

Some have expressed an interest in possibly going to Aston Villa (away)-12/03/2016 but this is one that will almost certainly be moved if there is still some cup interest.

Anyone wanting to go to the game v Bournemouth – 19/3/2016 – Giles needs to know by 27 January.

One or two have also intimated they may like to go to Liverpool (away) – 02/04/2016.

For those wishing to go to Manchester United (home) – 09/04/2016 – the latest date for booking via the club is 10 February.

If anyone is interested in Stoke (away) 16/04/2016 – let Giles know asap!

The latest date for booking for West Brom (home) – 23/04/2016 is 24 February

The last home game is against Southampton – 07/05/2016 and the latest booking date is 01/03/2016

Last match of the season

9 have booked flights to Newcastle (departing Bristol Saturday 14th May and returning Monday 16th May for the match on Sunday 15 May. Hotel accommodation has also been booked – it may be possible to still book for both should anyone else wish to make the trip – Giles has full details.

Next Meeting 03/03/2016 This avoids any potential clash with a Europa Game(!)

Meeting minutes 8 October 2015

Minutes of club meeting 8 October 2015

Attendance was in double figures (11) for the meeting.

Forthcoming matches

Liverpool (Saturday 17/10/15 ko 12:45 p.m.) Clive is driving. Pick up Barnstaple Square 6 a.m. South Molton 6:15 a.m. and Junction 27 around 6:45 a.m. £70 or £22 if you obtained your own ticket and are paying for petrol only.

West Ham – (Sunday 22/11/15 ko 4 p.m.) Depart 8 a.m. from Barnstaple Square 8.15 a.m. South Molton. Prices as above.

Chelsea (Sunday 29/11/15 ko 12.00 p.m.) Again prices as above.

Please pay either direct to the club bank account or on the day.

Anyone wishing the club to try for West Brom away (Saturday 5/12/15), Newcastle home (Sunday 13/12/15) or Southampton away (Saturday 19/12/15) needs to let Giles know asap.

Looking into the new year, Giles needs to apply for tickets for Sunderland (currently Saturday 16/1/16) by 7/11/15 and Watford (currently Saturday 6/2/2016) by 25/11/15, so please let him know before those dates if you wish to go.

Xmas Drinks

Despite long discussion there was no consensus as to day or date for a Christmas meetup.

Last match of the season

Whilst it seems the season has only just started, plans are in hand to go the last match of the season on Sunday 15 May. The intention is to fly up on the Saturday and back on the Monday. Initial search indicated return flights via Easyjet from Bristol would be in the region of £53 total if booked now. There is however no guarantee of match tickets but Giles will see what he can do in due course! If you want to go contact Giles asap.

North Devon Spurs clothing

Guy will shortly be ordering further supplies of North Devon Spurs polo shirts/hoodies/jumpers. Please email him direct [email protected] to place an order.

Next Meeting Thursday 14 January 2016