Echo News Five talking points from the Shrimpers Trust's AGM this evening and The Trust's Report

[Barry.C]

The median age in Southend is 41. Of the population 87% are white Take out the under 16’s and the trust is a perfect replication of Southend age wise. And considering you would have to been born in Southend to be mad enough the support them. The ethnic mix isn’t a millions miles off ..

Oh data does have its uses

Yes I think thats a fair comment

The figures I saw suggest that too, around 90% white, 3.7% Asian ( 5461 Muslim ) and 3% Stated as Black, the rest manage to see themselves as "others" ?

Probably stuck out a bit more to me as my Community Is more diverse with nearly 14% Asian or Black and I love it. Maybe reflected a bit as my wife was born in Ghana and so we are maybe a bit more conscious of ethnicity issues!

Drove to Poland for a wedding recently staggered to find 99% Polish, white !

Cant cover everything in Trust time available but at some stage perhaps via the Fans Board or Trust I would like to hear a bit more about the FAN ZONE. Lots of clubs continuing to develop or update these. Wonder if we have taken a look at a few for best practice/opportunities/models

 

[BoyWonder2]

Yes I think thats a fair comment

The figures I saw suggest that too, around 90% white, 3.7% Asian ( 5461 Muslim ) and 3% Stated as Black, the rest manage to see themselves as "others" ?

Probably stuck out a bit more to me as my Community Is more diverse with nearly 14% Asian or Black and I love it. Maybe reflected a bit as my wife was born in Ghana and so we are maybe a bit more conscious of ethnicity issues!

Drove to Poland for a wedding recently staggered to find 99% Polish, white !

Cant cover everything in Trust time available but at some stage perhaps via the Fans Board or Trust I would like to hear a bit more about the FAN ZONE. Lots of clubs continuing to develop or update these. Wonder if we have taken a look at a few for best practice/opportunities/models

I’m disappointed this question wasn’t asked, it’s a sure fire way to boost revenue.

Since COSU have come in, I’ve begun drinking in the bar instead of The Railway, and I’m sure there are others that have done that.

But having a fanzone, where you can interact with fans from other parts of the stadium, have a beer and a burger, watch the football and analysis the Shrimpers’ chances, and why Kev or any other manager, has picked XYZ when they should have picked ABC.

 

[Cricko]

I’m disappointed this question wasn’t asked, it’s a sure fire way to boost revenue.

Since COSU have come in, I’ve begun drinking in the bar instead of The Railway, and I’m sure there are others that have done that.

But having a fanzone, where you can interact with fans from other parts of the stadium, have a beer and a burger, watch the football and analysis the Shrimpers’ chances, and why Kev or any other manager, has picked XYZ when they should have picked ABC.

One perhaps @OldBlueLady can kindly ask the club for us.

 

[Strykr]

The median age in Southend is 41. Of the population 87% are white Take out the under 16’s and the trust is a perfect replication of Southend age wise. And considering you would have to been born in Southend to be mad enough the support them. The ethnic mix isn’t a millions miles off ..

Oh data does have its uses

Indeed. As long as people arent being stopped from joining or contributing for any reason I dont really see the need to diversify for diversitys sake?

The picture does look very "east stand" heavy tho .

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

I thought I read somewhere that COSU would be looking/discussing at erecting a fanzone for next season.

 

[Barry.C]

Gillingham fanzone plan just submitted to Medway Council for approval

 

[Yer Blues]

I thought I read somewhere that COSU would be looking/discussing at erecting a fanzone for next season.

The last we heard is that they were hoping to do it for the start of this season.

 

[Barry.C]

View attachment 35265

Gillingham fanzone plan just submitted to Medway Council for approval

p.s. Sorry as poor picture

This is to be a 900 capacity hub for Home supporters to use pre, during and after matchdays. Centre outlet is a stage for entertainment, food and beverage kiosks either side, , seating area, toilet facilities, steward operated, and upgraded parking area. , safe and user friendly. Aims to alleviate significant congestion practically everywhere and greatly improve supporters matchday experience. Alcohol consumption to be monitored. Also planned to protect surrounding residents to maintain good neighbourly relationships

Noise assessment carried out as part of planning process A 3dB decimal level is acceptable A further step in the clubs Growth Strategy, ultimately enhancing sport provision in the area
Also shipping containers surrounding this area containing further bars and food outlets Facilities open to visiting supporters

Hope this helps

 

[Liam AAS]

Not a member, and I'm sure we all appreciate what you guys do. My main question was about those attending feeling the same way, there's no problem with that. I would have thought it would be better, if you could have questions voted on by all members before these meetings so you get a cross section of points?
I don't think this should be the place to be a hostile environment, but would be nice to know views of Kev on why things are done a particular way, as sometimes the media don't ask the questions fans want to know.

We can look into this for next year, for sure.

 

[Barry.C]

p.s. Sorry as poor picture

This is to be a 900 capacity hub for Home supporters to use pre, during and after matchdays. Centre outlet is a stage for entertainment, food and beverage kiosks either side, , seating area, toilet facilities, steward operated, and upgraded parking area. , safe and user friendly. Aims to alleviate significant congestion practically everywhere and greatly improve supporters matchday experience. Alcohol consumption to be monitored. Also planned to protect surrounding residents to maintain good neighbourly relationships

Noise assessment carried out as part of planning process A 3dB decimal level is acceptable A further step in the clubs Growth Strategy, ultimately enhancing sport provision in the area
Also shipping containers surrounding this area containing further bars and food outlets Facilities open to visiting supporters

Hope this helps

P.S. Toms connections such hye could probably get a copy of the planning application?!

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

P.S. Toms connections such hye could probably get a copy of the planning application?!

They’re public information so anyone can get a copy

 

[Barry.C]

They’re public information so anyone can get a copy

Oh thats good ! Theres probably a few about then as well

 

[OldBlueLady]

One perhaps @OldBlueLady can kindly ask the club for us.

Added to my items for next Liaison Meeting Agenda

 

[OldBlueLady]

I think thats a pretty honest appraisal from you and accurate

However just maybe the Trust should look at it. COSU seem to have made it part of their philosophy and culture and indeed it should be

The The COSU Board itself is a bit of a mixed bag, not sure about the fans representation though at various levels

Yes, of course, that's why there's a woman on it......oh, hang on!

We now have 4 female Trust Board Members, I think that's pretty good going actually.

 

[OldBlueLady]

We can look into this for next year, for sure.

There's nothing to stop a member submitting a question for the Q&A - or the business part of the meeting for that matter.

The Q&A questions kind of just roll out as the evening progresses. No-one wanted to start for ages, and then, as often happens, one or two people seem to dominate it with a succession of pertinent questions - some on a repeated theme - but it's always been pretty free flowing.

 

[Southend Elvis]

There's nothing to stop a member submitting a question for the Q&A - or the business part of the meeting for that matter.

The Q&A questions kind of just roll out as the evening progresses. No-one wanted to start for ages, and then, as often happens, one or two people seem to dominate it with a succession of pertinent questions - some on a repeated theme - but it's always been pretty free flowing.

If you had votes on them, say on here you can get more engagement and you would also get a sense of what the fans want to know?

 

[Cricko]

View attachment 35265

Gillingham fanzone plan just submitted to Medway Council for approval

Sorted that for you and it does not look much. The last i heard on our Fanzone was they were still not sure where to put it, i hope they have sorted that now for next season. Obviously the cost will have to be taken into account and whether with all the other ground/training ground improvements going on , it can be sorted soon. To me it would provide the club with a very good stream of income but will without doubt effect other establishments already around the ground and is only really a Summer thing?

 

[Medway Blue]

If you had votes on them, say on here you can get more engagement and you would also get a sense of what the fans want to know?

We have discussed things like that internally and it's certainly something we can try next time.

 

[GBJ]

Sorted that for you and it does not look much. The last i heard on our Fanzone was they were still not sure where to put it, i hope they have sorted that now for next season. Obviously the cost will have to be taken into account and whether with all the other ground/training ground improvements going on , it can be sorted soon. To me it would provide the club with a very good stream of income but will without doubt effect other establishments already around the ground and is only really a Summer thing?

View attachment 35266

That looks incredibly cheap and cheerful.

What happened to the idea of following Notts County’s Nest? A far more homely environment, especially in the winter months. How many people will opt to sit under that deluxe golf umbrella in the wind and rain?

I’ve said this before too, the fanzone absolutely needs to have TV’s to show the away games (which are streamable). We’ve got Boston on Wednesday night, a fanzone could have attracted several hundred people wanting to watch the game with fellow shrimpers. That is potentially thousands in revenue being missed out on.

But if they decide to go the route of that summer fete nonsense in the pic above, they might as well not bother.

 

[Swiss Tony]

That looks incredibly cheap and cheerful.

What happened to the idea of following Notts County’s Nest? A far more homely environment, especially in the winter months. How many people will opt to sit under that deluxe golf umbrella in the wind and rain?

I’ve said this before too, the fanzone absolutely needs to have TV’s to show the away games (which are streamable). We’ve got Boston on Wednesday night, a fanzone could have attracted several hundred people wanting to watch the game with fellow shrimpers. That is potentially thousands in revenue being missed out on.

But if they decide to go the route of that summer fete nonsense in the pic above, they might as well not bother.

I thought the Wycombe idea for fans was a nice example of what we could have,except for the pesky wasps last time.