To all supporters,
I wanted to take this opportunity to send this message to make sure that all supporters' clubs are brought up to speed with the intentions for a new 'amalgamation' of Glentoran supporters' clubs and supporters (who are not members of a club) for the incoming season.
Following meetings which took place in May and June of this year, it was the widespread belief that there was a demand and requirement for some form of unification to take place over the wider Glentoran support, including Glentoran supporters' clubs as well as supporters who are not a member of any particular club. Following the success on the pitch last year, in particular the cup win, it was agreed by those clubs who were represented at the May and June meetings, that this was a sensible time to begin proceedings to bring together the wider Glentoran fan base, to engage with one another in a meaningful way, for the betterment of each supporter and supporters' club, as well as for the advancement of the parent club in general. Let us be clear from the outset, though, that this venture is for the supporters, and is about the supporters. Our primary focus is to unify an otherwise fragmented Glentoran support; not to infringe on the individualism or autonomy of each supporters' club.
To this end, at the May meeting, it was agreed that each 'rep' from the clubs who were in attendance ought to take these vague and underlying intentions back to their respective clubs, to seek approval and to ask for suggestions from their respective memberships. It was thus agreed at the subsequent June meeting that there was sufficient interest in reinvigorating the old 'amalgamation'-style format, where each supporters' club is represented on a collective supporters 'body', and that preliminary elections should take place. The details of these elections, as well as the posts still vacant will be made clear at the next meeting, in August. For the moment, however, I wanted to give you two points of contact, should you want any further information: either myself (Chairman), on willkitch@hotmail.co.uk, or Stuart Woods (Secretary) on stuart@tomwoodsstationery.co.uk, would be delighted to answer any of your preliminary questions, or to resolve any of your concerns.
It is therefore important at this stage that I make clear that the next meeting is planned for the last Thursday in August, 29/08/13, to be held in The Westbourne G.S.C., commencing at 8:00pm. At this meeting, it is hoped that the remaining posts will be filled, and that the remit, aims and objectives of the organisation can be discussed. Moreover, a first draft of the rules and constitution will require discussion and initial agreement from all concerned. Please note, that this venture is not open only to members of a supporters' club, so if you have a friend who is a non-member, but who might be keen to contribute, please invite them along.
In the meantime, I'd like to make it clear that the success or failure of this venture rests entirely on your collective support. Please, therefore, do your utmost to send representation to the August meeting, so that your voice can be heard.
Apologies, also, for the short notice. (We had contacted individual supporters' clubs first, prior to this message being posted)
With best regards,
William Kitchen