Post by Marky on Oct 28, 2005 7:56:08 GMT
Minutes from WESTA monthly meeting – September 2005
Attendance: Tam Coyle, Glenn Hays, Greg Fisher, Hamish Husband, Tommy Madden plus 26 others.
Apologies: Jim Brown, Gerry Brady, Andrew Gibson, Jennifer Blackwood, Mark Adams, Pauline Robertson, Nancy and Alistair Dowie.
Vice Chairman Tam Coyle welcomed all in Jim Brown’s absence.
Glenn Hays read out Secretaries report and previous month’s minutes.
No Treasurers report in Gerry Brady’s absence.
TC asked all about Italy game in The Iron Horse and what they thought of the pre and post match atmosphere as well as the entertainment. General feedback from the members was that the pub was too warm, yet again, and the DJ wasn’t up to much as he kept playing the same music.
TC stated that for the Belarus game at Hampden the member’s bus would be leaving at 1.30pm from the Iron Horse and entertainment, in the form of a DJ, would be playing music before and after the game.
Travel Convenor Greg Fisher then went on to discuss the arrangements made so far for the Slovenia bus, Ljubljana to Celje and back again. GF stated that the bus would be leaving from the City Hotel although a departure time had not yet been confirmed. Cost for members would be free with non-members paying the generous price of 5 Euros!! The bus is now fully booked, all 50 seats and the leaving point after the game will be the same for all so not to cause too much confusion as well as (hopefully) ensuring a quick exit to get back to Ljubljana sooner rather than later. GF also encourage anyone who will not be going on the bus but previously showed interest and gave their name to him to let him know asap. Neil Harper enquired if there would be any maps given out to those going on the bus so they know where the pick up point is? Tommy Madden stated that everyone going should be careful as the last time he was In Slovenia there was a problem with over crowding (whether he meant at the game or in jail I don’t know but I’ll let you all decide?!)
TC went on to update all about the Player of the Year function. Unfortunately the meeting with Oran Mor had to be cancelled and is now re-arranged for September 27th. GB along with Lesley Ingles is to attend.
TC went through the ATAC minutes. Points discussed included the sponsorship of the SSC by Whyte & MacKay, the Scotland versus Estonia charity game at Love Street on Friday November 4th and the news on Easta producing their own tartan. TC followed the last point up by asking everyone if this would be of interest to the members if Westa did their own tartan? Positive feedback from majority of attendees saying yes they would. TC then went on to tell the ‘amusing’ story of the Tartan Army starting and paying for the founding of Fifa in 1947!!
Further ATAC points included the ‘No’ campaign for a British team at the 2012 Olympics, a directive from Uefa and Strathclyde’s finest to sit down at home matches and the retirement of Wullie MacDougal from the SFA on December 9th.
TC also discussed the details he received from Alison Jack on regarding the SSC, these included –
3000 applications for the Slovenia game (1540 plus 500 given out to those with 3 or more points criteria)
200 new applications received for the SSC. Total now stands at 16,100.
Morrison’s distribute 11,000 tickets from 37 stores.
Possible friendly date arranged for November 19th.
Possible friendly international arranged at Hampden for March 1st 2006.
Possible friendly dates wanted by Walter Smith next year for May 15th and 22nd.
Next ATAC meeting is November 29th.
Hamish Husband followed up the point regarding the retirement of Wullie MacDougall by suggesting that we should mark the occasion as Wullie had been an invited guest to Westa meetings and functions in the past.
Arthur MacDonald and Tommy Madden both stated the retired Tartan Army members should be taken into consideration particularly when it comes to the point’s criteria for future games. HH strongly felt that too often fans go to away games but never go to home games and therefore those who are Hampden regulars can be victimised! Mike Carr suggested that pensioners should receive two points for attending games. TM said that they should re-introduce picking up tickets when at away games, stopping ‘points gatherers’. Steven Wheatley asked if you pick up a ticket when over in a country that it’s counted against your name? TC thanked all for their forthright views but ‘with the greatest respect’ to our elder members he didn’t agree with their point. TC felt that the rolling 10 point criteria is the only way for it to work out to suit all.
HH went on to let everyone know that Andrew Gibson had suffered a heart attack but is recovering well.
Dot Wilson explained to everyone that there would be no presentation by the Sunshine Appeal however they are looking for donations. TC suggested that DW email GH with details for him to forward on to the members.
TC thanked everyone and wish them well for the Belarus and Slovenia games.
Next meeting is arranged for Sunday 30th October at 7.30pm.
