The agenda was as follows:

1. Financial Status

Before the meeting, the account balance stood at £3,788. With last night's donations/new memberships/raffle, the balance should be around £4,000 which is a great achievement.

2. Investing in the Club

At previous meetings, it has been agreed that rather that just donating money to Rochdale Hornets where we don't receive anything in return; it is better to purchase shares. That way, over time, the supporters' stake in the club will increase.

Given that nearly £4,000 is in the bank, it was proposed that the Nest Egg purchase some more shares.

Alan proposed that we should purchase shares to the value of £2,000. This was seconded by Peter and Clive.

All were in favour, so the motion was carried and more shares will be purchased in the near future - most likely in May when the club will need the funds most due to the lack of home games.

Mark Reynolds made the point that it was good that the Nest Egg money was being used to purchase shares. The more share we have, then the greater the power we have when voting at shareholders meetings - particularly in the event of a poll vote. This voting power can then be used to our advantage as the Nest Egg will have a major say regarding the running of the club.

3. Matchball Sponsorship

The club still need a matchball sponsor for Sundays game against Whitehaven, Leigh and several other home matches.

The cost of the sponsorship is £250. The package includes a corporate box to watch the game, 4 match tickets, a buffet meal, presentation of the matchball by a chosen Hornets representative and an opportunity to mingle with other corporate sponsors.

Andy Birch proposed that the Nest Egg should be the matchball sponsor for the Leigh game on 9th May. The Leigh game was chosen as a larger crowd can be expected, so it is better publicity for the Nest Egg.

All present at the meeting agreed this was a good idea and so everyone was in favour of this.

In relation to the 4 match tickets included in the package, it was decided that they would be auctioned off to Nest Egg members. 'Sealed bids' will be accepted by Jim and Andy until 3pm on Sunday (18th April) to decide which members will represent the Nest Egg (emailed bids will be accepted). The tickets would then go to the highest bidders. If there are equal bids, then names will be drawn. The money made from these tickets will then be ploughed back into the Nest Egg.

4. Trust Progress

Several weeks ago, Andy Birch attended a Council Meeting where Hornets Supporters Trust was discussed. The Nest Egg was awarded £1,000 towards becoming a Trust. Unfortunately Jim has not yet received the cheque for this, although he did get some paperwork to verify what the grant will be used for. This paperwork has been completed and returned. Hopefully the grant will arrive within the next few weeks.

It is important to note that the grant has to be spent within 6 months, or it has to be returned. Jim suggested that he would try to be billed up front for any costs so that the grant would be spent in time.

Due to Jim's other commitments, it is not likely that there will be any further progress on the Supporters Trust front until May.

5. Marketing and Promotions

Over the course of several meetings, it has been discussed that there is a lack of marketing and promotion at Hornets. Recently, Mark and Ann have volunteered their services for marketing and promotional activity. Mark and Ann were responsible for the Family Fun Day at the Oldham game. Feedback from the event was positive and any suggestions for other events should be discussed with Mark, Ann or Jim. If anyone has some spare time and is willing to help out, there is always something which can be done.

It was announced that Hornets will have get greater coverage in the Observer and a regular column will run to maintain interest and promote forthcoming events and games.

With reference to merchandise, it has been agreed with Sporta that they will do small runs on requested items. This means that there is the opportunity to order just 6 tops rather than a large minimum order. Therefore capital will not be tied up in stock which might not get sold.

We have been informed that the sought after blue training tops which the players wear are on order and a limited number will be arriving soon.

Away from the club shop, Talking Rugby in Shaw have agreed to give Hornets some hanging space for shirts. This should be good for merchandise sales as it means that the club shop is not the only outlet for shirts, kit will be more accessible in a wider puiblic arena and this will also give the club a presence amongst other teams' replica kits.

6. Announcements

A Mid-Summer Ball and Dinner to be held at the Norton Grange on Friday 11th June. Reduced rate rooms for the night are currently being negotiated. Tickets for the event are likely to go on sale next month, so get the date in your diary and enjoy a good evening out.

The theme for this Sunday's game is "Bring a mate and double the gate". What could be better that watching a game of rugby with some mates? If everyone brought a mate along, we could double the attendance and hopefully a few would come back again.

7. Help Wanted

Help is needed with the administration of the Saturday Yankee. There are rounds in Middleton and Bacup which desperately need agents. If anyone can help with this, please contact the club.

8. Posters

Posters have been printed to promote the forthcoming fixtures against Whitehaven and Leigh and there is also a general poster detailing all the home fixtures. Ideally posters should be displayed in your local corner shop, pub, chippy, or anywhere where it will be seen. The majority of the posters were taken and it is hoped that they generate some interest in the next few games.

9. A.O.B

When the Moscow T-Shirts and baseball caps were produced, Jim had to use his own money to purchase the shirts and caps. Andy Birch proposed that Jim should have access to some petty cash so that he doesn't have to use his own money in the future. It was decided that all moneys would remain in the Nest Egg account, but an operating budget of £200 could be used by Jim when needed for Nest Egg-related purchases.

Another date to note is 14th May when a Business Lunch will be held at Hornets to generate interest amongst prospective club sponsors. If anyone knows of any business people who may wish to attend, please contact Mark Wynn or Jim

The raffle was collected by Andy Birch and the total raised was £61.

The meeting then concluded at 9pm.

Thanks again to all who attended, to Sue and Dave for opening up and to Rachel for the minutes.

Onward Hornets Onward