A
standing room only public meeting at Somerset Park on
Saturday gave the go ahead to the formation of the Ayr
United and community focused Honest Men Trust. From a
total attendance of 180 fans no fewer than 165 signed
up as members of the Trust which is committed to strengthen
the bonds between the local community, Ayr United and
its supporters.
All
the speakers gave their endorsement of the initiative
with emphasis on the not for profit and democratic basis
of the organisation. Cathy Jamieson, MSP and Scottish
Minister for Justice gave the proposals the Scottish Executive’s
blessing and especially commended the positive community
involvement. James Proctor who heads up the national Supporters
Direct expanded on the Trust’s potential and gave examples
from both Scotland and England of what can be achieved.
Bill Barr, chairman of Ayr United, gave a wide ranging
review of Scottish football and emphasised that all clubs
were under severe financial pressures and Ayr were no
exception. The Board, including directors Donald Cameron
and John Duncan who were present pledged the fullest collaboration
with the Trust and praised the steering group for its
efforts so far.
Stuart
Boughen, a member of the steering group and a diehard,
gave a sparkling presentation outlining the background
to he Trust’s efforts and possible future aims.
Prominent
in the audience were Gordon McKenzie, Provost of South
Ayrshire Council, Sandra Osborne MP, Adam Ingram MSP,
and local Councillors Robert Campbell and Eddie Bulik
members of the steering committee. Apologies were given
by John Scott and Phil Gallie, MSPs and George Foulkes,
MP, who nevertheless promised their support and assistance.
John
Dalton, chairman of the meeting and well known Ayr United
activist, expressed his and the steering group’s delight
at both the turnout and the unanimous vote to proceed.
He stressed much could be done. As a small but positive
step the Trust will be running buses to the first league
game against Clyde at Cumbernauld next Saturday leaving
from The Hospitality Suite at Somerset.
Donald
McNeill, spokesman for the group said:
“Yes
it is great to get the official support of the MPs, MSPs
and the Council but it is even more satisfying to get
the commitment of the fans. They are the lifeline
of the club and the bedrock of the Trust. With the
interest from all over the UK we now have over 200 members
– a number well beyond our most optimistic expectations.
Now the real work begins for us to get up and running
and firstly to register as a Friendly Society. The
first general meeting of Trust members will take place
on Sunday 31 August at 12.30 pm in the Hospitality Suite
at Somerset Park. There we can bring forward a proposed
constitution and elect officers. Even more importantly
we can start to formulate ideas to help the club and local
community. Whether by concentrating on developing
the youth policy or improving facilities is a matter for
the members. We are all agreed there is much to
do. United’s first disappointing results on the
park indicate they need all the help they can get.
For membership of £10 you can influence where Ayr United
is going and help the local community”
