Post by QPR Report on Dec 9, 2009 7:50:14 GMT
From a year ago:
QPR fans meeting with club - minutes
Monday 08 Dec 2008 by Clive Whittingham
The minutes of the latest meeting between fans' representitives and the club have been kindly released to LFW by Stephen Dedridge from QPR 1st.
ATTENDEES:
Amit Batia, Vice Chairman QPR Holdings (AB)
Ali Russell, Deputy Mangin Directory (AR)
Dave Robinson, Football in the Community (DR)
Francis Atkinson, Retail Manager (FA)
Ian Taylor, Press and Publications Manager (IT)
Jenny Elliott, Box Office Manager (JE)
Joe Kyle, Marketing Manger (JK)
Steve Dedridge, QPR 1st (SD)
Pat Harrison, Official Supporters Club (PH)
Vic Stephenson (Friends of QPR)
Pete Davies, We are the Rangers Boys (PD)
Joe Hylton, We are the Rangers Boys (JH)
Myu Taylor, We are the Rangers Boys (MT)
APOLOGIES:
John Reid, Loyal Supporters Association LSA
Mark Dunbar, Loyal Supporters Assocation LSA
MINUTES:
Laressa Kelly (LK)
FOOTBAL IN THE COMMUNITY (FITC)- Some members of the team are currently in Bahrain taking part in a five day soccer camp in conjunction with Gulf Air. Another team member is in South Africa for Coaching for Hope initiative
- Disability:
400 kids within a 2 miles radium of the stadium
Xmas Party arranged for Monday 8th for kids with Downs Syndrome from 4.30 to 6.30 in Phoenix Gym
DR to check if fan group representatives can attend
- Four Kicks projects running in Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham and Hillingdon, 35 clubs nationwide taking part. The aim of the project is to get kids off the street and results show there is a direct correlation between crimes going down in the area when the project is running.
- Goals Project, currently took place with 26 unemployed community members. Last week 19 attendees graduated. This is a 5 week project and it’s the 31st time QPR have run this.
- QPR Ladies/Girls, All teams doing well and fully kitted out in training and match day wear
- Working on a relationship with Bahrain National Ladies Team and dates for a possible friendly
- Soccer Schools will be held in six venues by Feb’09. Now tracking attendees though database. Looking at free sessions/discounted rates for needy people in H&F borough
- Player appearances better than ever, working closely with Gareth Ainsworth to ensure all players attend community events. Both players and staff are keen to be involved.
- Schools Programme, Target to reach 100,000 children. Currently well on track to hit this target
- Charity Status. The community department will be positioned as a charity from January to enable more access to public funding. Amit Bhatia will be chairman.
- Fan Group representatives have expressed they are keen to be involved wherever possible and ask that the club keep them updated with community events and initiatives moving forward
- Pat Harrison expressed she was impressed with FITC department and the work they do. She would like to see more positive PR on the good work the FITC team are doing.
- All requests for supporters help/attendance is to be fed though Steve Dedridge who will then communicate with fans
- Amit Bhatia stated that the club should work closely with the Fan Groups to ensure more involvement from both sides.
BOX OFFICE:
- Currently in discussions with Burnley on prices. Not at a stage to confirm this yet. (Since confirmed with £5 discounts)
- Burnley game confirmed for Saturday January 3 at 3pm.
- Credit card charge is to cover ticket system/call centre license fee as well as credit card charges
- Jenny Elliot Box Office Manager has been commended by all attendees (fans and club)
- Man Utd tickets were sold through Ticketmaster and the ground as the ticket office were unable to handle the expected take up with limited staff numbers.
- Family Open Day scheduled for 23 December. Open to all Season Ticket holders and members. To register interest fans need to email the Box Office and they will be added to the list. The events will be confirmed shortly but activities will begin at 10am and will include a press conference with manager and players, Christmas theming and Santa’s Grotto for children.
- Beth Demery is the new Disabled Liaison Officer, Steve Dedridge will contact Beth directly to cover: Seat names for disabled fans, add disabled information to official website, discount blankets for disabled guests
- Jenny confirmed the club adheres to NADS (National Association for Disabled Supporters) policy
- The club is working on improving the supporter’s experience. Each week a senior member of staff steps into a fans shoes to get a perspective of the visit to Loftus Road, from entering the turnstile to catering, /toilet facilities, seats in the different stands. This information is being collated and feedback will assist with improvements.
ONE QPR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
- Amit asked for opinions/questions/advice and examples and will feedback to the Board to make this a constructive session.
- Steven Dedridge set the current feelings from the fans. The communication of the Season Tickets and the match day ticket price has created frustration, anger and mistrust.
Main issues:
- Fans feel misled by the communication of ‘modest price increases’
- Why was there no early bird discount this year
- Season ticket prices were issued late, this didn’t give fans notice to find the additional money for their current seat so they were forced to move to a different area
- What is the rationale behind the banding of the different areas (Gold, Silver, Bronze) Why is the loft categorised at Gold when the facilities haven’t changed
- The central seats in Ellerslie Road are gold and the seats either side are silver yet the facilities are shared between all categories.
- Why was the lower loft categorised as a family area when its open to the elements
- Money has gone into corporate/hospitality areas and not for normal fans
- Normal fan experience has not improved
- No Members bar in SAR. Concourse is overcrowded.
- Why is the Blue and White bar closed at 5.10pm rather than 5.45 as previously.
- Why there are no Betting facilities
- Why are the toilet facilities so poor
- Season Ticket prices for next year have not been set at this stage, Amit has confirmed he will be involved in the process
- Steve Dedridge asked for open dialogue with the club in relation to Season Ticket discussions
- Why do we have a Tiger as a mascot when there is no link to QPR, what was the rationale?
- Subsidised travel for away games, Amit was unaware of the protocol but will raise this with the board for ‘exceptional’ games.
- Pat Harrison raised the Kiyan Prince photo on the front of the Charlton Programme on the 25th November and why the old crest had been removed from his shirt. The response from the club was that Kiyan would always be part of the club and his image would be timeless in ‘hopps’. The old crest and sponsor was removed as the focus was on the Hoops. The club did not mean to cause any offence and the point has been taken on board.
- Loyalty Points. Fans can check their status by calling the box office. Jenny Elliott is working to get this information available online. How the loyalty point system works needs to be reinforced to the fans.
- Vic Stephenson reiterated the fans would like to be more involved with events and community events and how they can support the charity status. Pat Harrison stated this was already in progress following the OSC committee meeting earlier this week. The OSC would liaise with the club and filter the information to the fans
- Stewarding feedback is mixed. Ali suggested the fan groups collate their feedback in preparation for the next meeting when the Stadium Operations Manager will be present. This session will cover stewarding, licensing, smoking areas
- Open Day/End of Season Event, fan groups to feedback ideas/suggestions. The club will endeavour to get event information out early to allow fan to make preparations
- Fan Group raised they would like to see the fan forums returned. Steve Dedridge to work with Ali Russell to get this arranged.
- Feedback from the staff and team is positive relating to the new manager.
RETAIL:
- Replica Shirt sales. It has been noted that sizes have been irregular due to the change of provider to Lotto. This will be addressed for next season
- Sales have exceeded target hence why some items are not in stock, again this has been noted and will be addressed next season
- For this season we doubled the size of the order vs. Last season but demand has outstripped supply
- New Baby wear range now available
- Joe Hylton asked why the home shorts are blue. Traditionally it has been white. Ali Russell said the intention for next year was to return to white
- Joe Hylton asked why the away strip was not the traditional red and black hoops. Ali Russell confirmed the Lotto deal was signed late and the club were unable to process red and black hoops. The commercial team have started work on the kits for next season already reviewing a number of options
- Pete Davies suggested the customer experience in the shop could be improved. Francis Atkinson confirmed he will be working with his staff to improve customer service and that this is an ongoing training requirement
- Joe Hylton stated that a majority of fans didn’t like the new badge and the application on the shirt as it looks cheap. Francis Atkinson confirmed he is speaking to Lotto to find a middle ground re application of the logo. Francis Atkinson stated our crest is quite intricate and giving the timings of the Lotto deal it was the best option
PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS:
- Mark Prince has expressed his gratitude to the fans and the club for the support at the Charlton game
- Ali Russell commended Ian Taylor, Andy Evans and Martino Chevannes for their work and for going over and above to support this cause
- New Quarterly Magazine will launch at the Preston Game on 20th December. This will be a Lifestyle publication with a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the club and the players. Ian Taylor has asked the Fan Groups to feedback comments after the first edition is released
- James DeGale the Olympic boxer just turned pro is a massive QPR Fan and cousin of Lee Cook. He would like to box in Blue and White Hoops at Loftus Road
- QPR World will host an exclusive Christmas message from Amit
- Territorial Army will attend the Reading Game on 31st January 2009. Returning Paras be honoured at the game following the sad loss of one of their regiment in Afghanistan
- Looking at introducing Stadium Tours hosted by ex-players and loyal fans, the club welcome any suggestions/recommendations of names.
- The club would like to confirm that any information is not official until it is posted on the official website. The club have a corporate responsibility to only present accurate information and cannot respond to rumours/comments.
AOB:
The club urge all supporters to vote on the following website: www.london.gov.uk/parksvote/ The Mayor of London is giving ten grants of up to £400,000 to London's most needy parks to make them cleaner, safer, greener, and nicer places to visit. Hammersmith Park is close by the stadium and we urge supporters to vote for our local park. Steve Dedridge to encourage fans groups to support this initiative
www.clubfanzine.com/QPR/v2.showNews.php?id=16490
QPR fans meeting with club - minutes
Monday 08 Dec 2008 by Clive Whittingham
The minutes of the latest meeting between fans' representitives and the club have been kindly released to LFW by Stephen Dedridge from QPR 1st.
ATTENDEES:
Amit Batia, Vice Chairman QPR Holdings (AB)
Ali Russell, Deputy Mangin Directory (AR)
Dave Robinson, Football in the Community (DR)
Francis Atkinson, Retail Manager (FA)
Ian Taylor, Press and Publications Manager (IT)
Jenny Elliott, Box Office Manager (JE)
Joe Kyle, Marketing Manger (JK)
Steve Dedridge, QPR 1st (SD)
Pat Harrison, Official Supporters Club (PH)
Vic Stephenson (Friends of QPR)
Pete Davies, We are the Rangers Boys (PD)
Joe Hylton, We are the Rangers Boys (JH)
Myu Taylor, We are the Rangers Boys (MT)
APOLOGIES:
John Reid, Loyal Supporters Association LSA
Mark Dunbar, Loyal Supporters Assocation LSA
MINUTES:
Laressa Kelly (LK)
FOOTBAL IN THE COMMUNITY (FITC)- Some members of the team are currently in Bahrain taking part in a five day soccer camp in conjunction with Gulf Air. Another team member is in South Africa for Coaching for Hope initiative
- Disability:
400 kids within a 2 miles radium of the stadium
Xmas Party arranged for Monday 8th for kids with Downs Syndrome from 4.30 to 6.30 in Phoenix Gym
DR to check if fan group representatives can attend
- Four Kicks projects running in Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham and Hillingdon, 35 clubs nationwide taking part. The aim of the project is to get kids off the street and results show there is a direct correlation between crimes going down in the area when the project is running.
- Goals Project, currently took place with 26 unemployed community members. Last week 19 attendees graduated. This is a 5 week project and it’s the 31st time QPR have run this.
- QPR Ladies/Girls, All teams doing well and fully kitted out in training and match day wear
- Working on a relationship with Bahrain National Ladies Team and dates for a possible friendly
- Soccer Schools will be held in six venues by Feb’09. Now tracking attendees though database. Looking at free sessions/discounted rates for needy people in H&F borough
- Player appearances better than ever, working closely with Gareth Ainsworth to ensure all players attend community events. Both players and staff are keen to be involved.
- Schools Programme, Target to reach 100,000 children. Currently well on track to hit this target
- Charity Status. The community department will be positioned as a charity from January to enable more access to public funding. Amit Bhatia will be chairman.
- Fan Group representatives have expressed they are keen to be involved wherever possible and ask that the club keep them updated with community events and initiatives moving forward
- Pat Harrison expressed she was impressed with FITC department and the work they do. She would like to see more positive PR on the good work the FITC team are doing.
- All requests for supporters help/attendance is to be fed though Steve Dedridge who will then communicate with fans
- Amit Bhatia stated that the club should work closely with the Fan Groups to ensure more involvement from both sides.
BOX OFFICE:
- Currently in discussions with Burnley on prices. Not at a stage to confirm this yet. (Since confirmed with £5 discounts)
- Burnley game confirmed for Saturday January 3 at 3pm.
- Credit card charge is to cover ticket system/call centre license fee as well as credit card charges
- Jenny Elliot Box Office Manager has been commended by all attendees (fans and club)
- Man Utd tickets were sold through Ticketmaster and the ground as the ticket office were unable to handle the expected take up with limited staff numbers.
- Family Open Day scheduled for 23 December. Open to all Season Ticket holders and members. To register interest fans need to email the Box Office and they will be added to the list. The events will be confirmed shortly but activities will begin at 10am and will include a press conference with manager and players, Christmas theming and Santa’s Grotto for children.
- Beth Demery is the new Disabled Liaison Officer, Steve Dedridge will contact Beth directly to cover: Seat names for disabled fans, add disabled information to official website, discount blankets for disabled guests
- Jenny confirmed the club adheres to NADS (National Association for Disabled Supporters) policy
- The club is working on improving the supporter’s experience. Each week a senior member of staff steps into a fans shoes to get a perspective of the visit to Loftus Road, from entering the turnstile to catering, /toilet facilities, seats in the different stands. This information is being collated and feedback will assist with improvements.
ONE QPR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
- Amit asked for opinions/questions/advice and examples and will feedback to the Board to make this a constructive session.
- Steven Dedridge set the current feelings from the fans. The communication of the Season Tickets and the match day ticket price has created frustration, anger and mistrust.
Main issues:
- Fans feel misled by the communication of ‘modest price increases’
- Why was there no early bird discount this year
- Season ticket prices were issued late, this didn’t give fans notice to find the additional money for their current seat so they were forced to move to a different area
- What is the rationale behind the banding of the different areas (Gold, Silver, Bronze) Why is the loft categorised at Gold when the facilities haven’t changed
- The central seats in Ellerslie Road are gold and the seats either side are silver yet the facilities are shared between all categories.
- Why was the lower loft categorised as a family area when its open to the elements
- Money has gone into corporate/hospitality areas and not for normal fans
- Normal fan experience has not improved
- No Members bar in SAR. Concourse is overcrowded.
- Why is the Blue and White bar closed at 5.10pm rather than 5.45 as previously.
- Why there are no Betting facilities
- Why are the toilet facilities so poor
- Season Ticket prices for next year have not been set at this stage, Amit has confirmed he will be involved in the process
- Steve Dedridge asked for open dialogue with the club in relation to Season Ticket discussions
- Why do we have a Tiger as a mascot when there is no link to QPR, what was the rationale?
- Subsidised travel for away games, Amit was unaware of the protocol but will raise this with the board for ‘exceptional’ games.
- Pat Harrison raised the Kiyan Prince photo on the front of the Charlton Programme on the 25th November and why the old crest had been removed from his shirt. The response from the club was that Kiyan would always be part of the club and his image would be timeless in ‘hopps’. The old crest and sponsor was removed as the focus was on the Hoops. The club did not mean to cause any offence and the point has been taken on board.
- Loyalty Points. Fans can check their status by calling the box office. Jenny Elliott is working to get this information available online. How the loyalty point system works needs to be reinforced to the fans.
- Vic Stephenson reiterated the fans would like to be more involved with events and community events and how they can support the charity status. Pat Harrison stated this was already in progress following the OSC committee meeting earlier this week. The OSC would liaise with the club and filter the information to the fans
- Stewarding feedback is mixed. Ali suggested the fan groups collate their feedback in preparation for the next meeting when the Stadium Operations Manager will be present. This session will cover stewarding, licensing, smoking areas
- Open Day/End of Season Event, fan groups to feedback ideas/suggestions. The club will endeavour to get event information out early to allow fan to make preparations
- Fan Group raised they would like to see the fan forums returned. Steve Dedridge to work with Ali Russell to get this arranged.
- Feedback from the staff and team is positive relating to the new manager.
RETAIL:
- Replica Shirt sales. It has been noted that sizes have been irregular due to the change of provider to Lotto. This will be addressed for next season
- Sales have exceeded target hence why some items are not in stock, again this has been noted and will be addressed next season
- For this season we doubled the size of the order vs. Last season but demand has outstripped supply
- New Baby wear range now available
- Joe Hylton asked why the home shorts are blue. Traditionally it has been white. Ali Russell said the intention for next year was to return to white
- Joe Hylton asked why the away strip was not the traditional red and black hoops. Ali Russell confirmed the Lotto deal was signed late and the club were unable to process red and black hoops. The commercial team have started work on the kits for next season already reviewing a number of options
- Pete Davies suggested the customer experience in the shop could be improved. Francis Atkinson confirmed he will be working with his staff to improve customer service and that this is an ongoing training requirement
- Joe Hylton stated that a majority of fans didn’t like the new badge and the application on the shirt as it looks cheap. Francis Atkinson confirmed he is speaking to Lotto to find a middle ground re application of the logo. Francis Atkinson stated our crest is quite intricate and giving the timings of the Lotto deal it was the best option
PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS:
- Mark Prince has expressed his gratitude to the fans and the club for the support at the Charlton game
- Ali Russell commended Ian Taylor, Andy Evans and Martino Chevannes for their work and for going over and above to support this cause
- New Quarterly Magazine will launch at the Preston Game on 20th December. This will be a Lifestyle publication with a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the club and the players. Ian Taylor has asked the Fan Groups to feedback comments after the first edition is released
- James DeGale the Olympic boxer just turned pro is a massive QPR Fan and cousin of Lee Cook. He would like to box in Blue and White Hoops at Loftus Road
- QPR World will host an exclusive Christmas message from Amit
- Territorial Army will attend the Reading Game on 31st January 2009. Returning Paras be honoured at the game following the sad loss of one of their regiment in Afghanistan
- Looking at introducing Stadium Tours hosted by ex-players and loyal fans, the club welcome any suggestions/recommendations of names.
- The club would like to confirm that any information is not official until it is posted on the official website. The club have a corporate responsibility to only present accurate information and cannot respond to rumours/comments.
AOB:
The club urge all supporters to vote on the following website: www.london.gov.uk/parksvote/ The Mayor of London is giving ten grants of up to £400,000 to London's most needy parks to make them cleaner, safer, greener, and nicer places to visit. Hammersmith Park is close by the stadium and we urge supporters to vote for our local park. Steve Dedridge to encourage fans groups to support this initiative
www.clubfanzine.com/QPR/v2.showNews.php?id=16490
