The following TUST programme notes appeared in the programme for the game Vs Notts County - 08.05.2010
As another season draws to a close, Torquay United Supporters Trust would like to take the opportunity to have a quick glance back over its shoulder and look at some of the things that have happened over the past 10 months or so..
PROJECT COMPLETED
Starting back in pre-season after the Gulls had secured their place back in the Football League with that magnificent 2-0 win over Cambridge United at Wembley, the trust were quick to complete the major phase of the disabled project at Plainmoor.
The work went without a hiccup and provides Plainmoor with a facility which will benefit the disabled section of our supporter base.
After many, many months and an incredible amount of hard work, planning, red tape and unforseen problems, work on the new disabled area was finally completed, offering 11 new, raised wheelchair spaces, with facilities available for a carer or a friend to sit beside the disabled person, with ramp access also being installed.
It had been almost 18 months since the trust had first been given the mandate from its members to improve facilities for disabled supporters, which involved TUST carrying out a DDA Access Audit, a feasibility study as well as holding discussions and gaining agreement with our disabled supporters, club directors and the local council.
The trust had even held a disabled supporters forum, in which they asked the very people who would be using the new facilities at Plainmoor just what they wanted to see in a new disabled area.
Work was completed in three days, during which time five initial
The TUST committee member who was largely responsible for bringing this stage of works to fruition is John Mowl, and at the time John said: "It's great that we are finally able to move forward with this section of the work. This will give people something tangible to see for all the efforts of the trust, its members and the supporters who have helped us through being so generous and patient."
The trust's Disabled Liaison Officer, Martin Wildman, who is himself a tetraplegic and as a result is confined to a motorised wheelchair, said: "It's almost two years ago that at the trusts's first AGM we asked out members what they wanted us to do on their behalf. There were a number of options put to them, but the resounding answer was improve the facilities for the disabled. They gave us that mandate and we have worked toward it ever since."
PAINTING THE TRAINING GROUND
Following a request from the club, a group of TUST volunteers met up to freshen up the club's training facilities and changing rooms at Newton Abbot Racecourse.
It was a very successful day given the time constraints but everyone in attendance pulled together to complete all the jobs that needed doing, with TUST member Colin Jarvis manfully leading the troops with his expertise. He put in a fully committed shift throughout the day to ensure that the job got finished.
Other volunteers included Shachar Head, Adam Whipps and his daughter Rhiannon, Christina, Phil Smith, Sandra Smith and their grandson Jordan Smith. Regular TUST volunteers Simon and Sandra Keefe also came along and former TUST board member, Laurie Noble completed the team.
The trust had sourced all the paint used on the day and we would like to say a big thank you to Chris Mabbutt, branch manager at Brewers in Torquay who generously donated a considerable amount of paint to ensure the job got done. Brewers similarly stepped in a few years ago when the trust organised a 'Paint the Ground Day' at Plainmoor.
The main gym area was given a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceilings, and at another part of the site, the changing rooms and showers were also cleaned, prepped and freshened-up with a new coat of paint.
It was a job well done and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who kindly gave up their time to help. All projects such as this are wholly dependent on your support and we really appreciate your contribution. We reserve a massive thank you goes to Colin Jarvis for his time, expertise and sheer effort throughout the day.
SUPPORTING TODDY
Torquay United's first pre-season friendly at Buckland was also a charity fundraiser for Chris Todd's chosen charity of Leukaemia Research and the trust were only too pleased to help with some of the arrangements for the match.
We held an online auction in which the winning bidder would get to line-up with and play alongside the Torquay United players on the field of battle for half of the game, receive a signed Torquay United shirt from their new team-mates, sign a short-term contract with the club and be invited along with all the other players after the game to a fundraising evening function after the game, and this honour was won by 21-year-old Mark Penfold from Barnstaple.
After the game there was an auction held in the Buckland club-house with a whole host of lots on offer to the highest bidders and a great night raised lots of money for Leukaemia Research.
JUNIORS GET ABOUT
Just before the start of the season, the junior TUST members were guests of the club at the training ground at Newton Abbot Racecourse, when 21 of the trust's junior members turned up to watch the Torquay United players being put through their paces during a training session and take part in a mini training session themselves.
When the players had finished their training there was the opportunity for the juniors to have photographs taken with the players and get autographs, before Chris Hargreaves invited the children to have a shot at goal, but they had to get past him first and then try to get the ball past Martin Rice.
Then Chris organised a penalty shoot-out competition and the juniors loved it.
Then the juniors went of to the gym to have a look around, and some of the players were in there using the equipment. They showed the children what they were doing and let them participate a bit.
We would like to thank Sean North, Chris Hargreaves, Martin Rice and the rest of the squad for giving their time to the children and for giving them a fantastic time which they will remember for a long time to come.
As part of the growing range of activities, the Junior TUST members also enjoyed a trip to the theatre in September. Junior Liaison Officer, Louise Shaw and TUST board member, Phil Smith, accompanied a group of 24 adults and juniors to the Palace Theatre in Paignton to see their Summer Spectacular show.
RECESSION BEATER
Back in early September, the trust were stunned, amazed and delighted all in equal measure when a mystery benefactor donated £2,000 in cash to the trust.
This was given in recognition of the fantastic work undertaken by the trust and in thanks for their efforts, hard work and commitment to the supporters of Torquay United and the club itself.
We, as a trust, receive many donations each years and we are always extremely grateful for these gifts that help to boost our funds, but this one definitely took us by surprise and is the largest by far that we have ever received.
The benefactor, who wishes their identity to remain a secret said: "I know what a huge effort the board members of the trust make, and they are all volunteers, giving their time and efforts for free. They don't even receive expenses, and I think what they have already achieved is magnificent, so the potential of what they can achieve in the future is enormous, so I wanted to show my support and appreciation with this donation.
"It's a real shame that more people don't step forward and lend a hand instead of sitting back and pick holes in their efforts. It's easy to be critical but it's harder to actually put your hand up and help out."
JUNIOR GULLS LIFT OFF
After a great deal of hard work by representatives from both the trust and the club the Junior Gulls finally took flight at the end of October, with the Junior Gulls is managed by the trust in partnership with the club. The whole idea and process of establishing the Junior Gulls has always been something that is really close to the heart of the trust, as we have always believed in trying to encourage younger supporters to come to Plainmoor as they are the Torquay United supporters of tomorrow.
To launch the Junior Gulls, existing members paraded around the pitch during half-time at the home game versus Northampton Town on October 31, when they carried a giant Torquay United flag on a lap of the pitch along with Torquay United Chief Executive, Colin Lee and club director, Paul Bristow and TUST board members Louise Shaw and Phil Smith.
We believe that local youngsters are the Torquay United supporters of tomorrow and we want to encourage them to stay with Torquay United for the rest of their football supporting lives, and we are still recruiting for the Junior Gulls. If you would like your child to join the Junior Gulls, then please collect an application form from the club shop or reception. We want to ensure that we engage with the younger supporters and potential supporters from around Torbay and South Devon.
Membership costs just £10 for the year, and new members will receive a great pack of goodies as a welcome. The pack will include an exclusive Junior Gulls T-Shirt a leisure bag and other assorted exclusive items. Members will also receive a membership certificate and a membership card to show that they are a Junior Gull.
Members will also receive signed birthday and Christmas Cards and will be invited to Junior Gulls events. We hope to organise trips to the training ground, more varied Q&A sessions, where the children will learn about how a club runs as well as being able to meet Torquay United players and ask questions of them.
Application forms are available from the club shop or you can email us at webmaster@torquaysupporters.com and we will send you an application form in the post.
The Junior Gulls also have a web page on Torquay United's official website. Junior Gulls can be found under the 'Fans' tab.
DOING THE BUSINESS
TUST held their third AGM back in November, and a relatively low key affair it was, with around 25 members turning up to hear the latest from the trust board and the official business of the meeting was dealt with quite swiftly, before the meeting was opened up with comments from the floor and ideas being aired and shared.
At the time, TUST Chairman Hayden Jones said: "To be honest I was rather disappointed with the turnout. We have a membership of over 300 and only around ten per cent of that membership turned up to see what it going on. Even the lure of chilli and chips didn't seem to swing it.
"The trust is about its members and they have the opportunity in occasions like this to shape the agenda, and for that reason I am disappointed that they haven't taken the opportunity to do so."
Once the formal business of the AGM had been concluded, it was time to announce and unveil former Torquay United, Manchester United and Leicester City manager Mr Frank O'Farrell as the trust's Honorary Life President. Unsurprisingly, this news was warmly welcomed by the members.
Mr O'Farrell spoke to the members present for about ten minutes, and thoroughly entertaining and positive he was too about the trust and its future.
CHRISTMAS FOR THE KIDS
Back in December the Junior Gulls Christmas party took places as well another of the fabulous Q&A sessions, where the Junior Gulls get to meet with selected players and fire questions of all types at them. The children love to get involved in these sessions and as well as giving them an insight into the players and the game, it also involved them in the club and makes them feel like they're part of something at Torquay United, which is exactly what we want.
A Q&A was held before the Christmas party, and the players signed autographs, had pictures taken with the Juniors, and handed each Junior Gull a signed Christmas card which had been designed by Junior Gull Daniel Goodman.
Father Christmas made an appearance too, laden with a very large sack of Christmas Presents, and after he had handed out presents to all the juniors we thanked him for fitting us in to his very busy schedule, wished him a very Happy Christmas and on his merry way he went.
We would like to say a huge and collective thank you from the trust board, the Junior Gulls sub-committee and all the members of the Junior Gulls to the players and staff of Torquay United who have made this initiative such a success. The children love meeting the players and interacting and engaging with the many aspects of the club, and we are extremely grateful for you help and support.
On the same day as the Christmas party we were delighted to be able to announce that Torquay United legend and the club' record appearance record holder, Kevin Hill had agreed to be the Junior Gulls president. Kevin didn't have to think twice about his answer when we approached him to take on the presidents role, and we are thoroughly delighted - as were the children - to have him on board.
Kevin said yes straightaway and he is very keen to be involved with the Junior Gulls.
Also, at the beginning of January, the Junior Gulls and their parents enjoyed one of their first non-football events with a trip to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Palace Theatre in Paignton.
The group was joined by Kevin and Laura Hill, Colin and Lyn Lee, Paul and Thea Bristow, Phil and Sandra Smith and Louise Shaw.
A GRAND PRIZE
The trust's Grand Christmas Draw proved to be a massive success among supporters and took place on Saturday, December 12 after Torquay United's 5-0 victory over Darlington, and there was a £1,000 first prize up for grabs, so who would be the lucky winner?
The TUST's Honorary Life President, Frank O'Farrell was due to make the draw, but unfortuantely he had been called to Ireland to attend a funeral, so he was unable to be at the draw.
Thankfully, Torquay United's Chief Executive, Colin Lee, kindly stepped in at the last minute to allow us a high profile and respected presence at the tombola, and a great job he did too.
The winning tickets were duly drawn by Colin, and winning first prize of £1,000 was Paul Smith of Swindon.
There were also prizes of £500, £100 and two consolation prizes of £50. That gave us a prize total of £1,700.
Holding the draw was a large undertaking for the trust, especially as we had never done anything on this scale before, but it proved to a great success and raised around £1,500 for the trust. TUST Vice Chairman, John Mowl must be acknowledged for his diligent and concerted efforts in making the draw happen in such a way and bringing a boost to the trust's finances from the profits of the draw.
After the draw, TUST Chairman, Hayden Jones commented: "If it wasn't for John and his hard work and professionalism, this draw would have been a flop. This has become a labour of love for John over the last couple of months and as it was something we haven't done before, we were never quite sure how it would all pan out.
"Some people simply don't understand the need for us to raise funds in order to finance the various projects we run and would like to run. Money simply doesn't grow on trees and we have to raise it before we can spend it. Therefore, this has been a valuable and worthwhile exercise, and John's efforts must be acknowledged."
A SAD DAY
The board of Torquay United Supporters' Trust was saddenned to hear the news that Derrick Brad, former commentator for the blind at Plainmoor had passed away at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital on Friday, January 8.
Derrick, 85, collapsed at Plainmoor after the Gulls had been knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton after losing their Third Round match 0-1 on Saturday, January 2.
As many Torquay United supporters will know, Derrick was the man behind the microphone of the commentary for the blind at Plainmoor for over fifty years, and the trust were lucky enough to have dealings with Mr Brad when the trust, in conjunction with the RNIB purchased new state-of-the-art equipment to improve the quality of the service offered by the blind commentary.
When Derrick unplugged his microphone and stepped down from his commentary post to be replaced by Pete Wylie, it was our very great pleasure to invite him and his wife to lunch before a home game at Torquay United as a way of saying thank you for all his years of service to the supporters of Torquay United and his unbending loyalty to the club that we all have in common.
We're sure that many Torquay United supporters will have plenty of memories of Derrick, and it is true that he provided a vital service for the blind and partially-sighted at Plainmoor for the best part of 55 years. That represents an incredible and selfless length of service from a man who gave so much of himself so generously and selflessly that he should be fondly remembered as a man of great integrity.
ROADSHOW-A-GO-GO
Back in January a great mix of trust members and supporters joined club directors, officials, staff and a number of players for the inaugural TUST Roadshow.
The Eastern Eye Restaurant in Newton Abbot provided the venue for the for the first jointly-run TUST and club road show, and it was an excellent venue for an evening of questions in an informal fans forum.
Around fifty Torquay United supporters, many of whom are trust members were joined by Torquay United chairman Simon Baker, directors Tony Carter, Paul Bristow and Brian Palk, chief executive Colin Lee, The trust's honorary life president, Frank O'Farrell, newly appointed commercial manager Dean Edwards, players and club staff for an excellent three-course dinner.
There was a question and answer session which was hosted by BBC Radio Devon's David Fitzgerald, who added a great deal of humour to the proceedings and ensured that the evening flowed smoothly, and he dealt with the proceedings in a relaxed, informal yet highly professional manner.
Supporters asked questions about Torquay United's plans for the future concerning Plainmoor and the training ground at Newton Abbot, and concerns were raised about the club's current position in the league and attempts to strengthen the playing staff and the release of current players.
Questions were answered by a variety of the guests including Simon Baker, Colin Lee, Frank O'Farrell and some of the players, and as a result, the evening was an undoubted success.
We look forward to perhaps planning another roadshow in another satellite town later in the year, if the feedback is good and people want to attend.
JUNIOR GULL SPONSORSHIP DRAW
The trust launched a new initiative in order to raise money money to sustain, advance and support the newly-formed Junior Gulls.
The Junior Gulls is a project that the trust run in full consultation with the club and we are keen to expand the membership, increase the incentives and bring more and more youngster to the club, while at the same time bringing Torquay United to the attention of as many youngsters in the Torbay and South Devon area as we possibly can.
In looking for new ways to fund the Junior Gulls going forward, it was decided to hold a Junior Gulls Sponsorship Draw, in which tickets were sold for £10 each, giving entrants the chance to win a sponsorship deal worth around £1,500.
The money which was raised from the draw was in excess of £2,000 and will go directly toward supporting the Junior Gulls which is a self-financing project run by the trust in conjunction with the club, and the draw was won by L.J. Boyce Estate Agents in Brixham, who will sponsor the Junior Gulls until the end of the 2010-2011 season.
Congratulations to L.J. Boyce Estate Agents and thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and supported the draw.
JUNIORS ON THE TRAINING GROUND
Back in February the Junior Gulls visited Paignton Community College to watch the conclusion of a Torquay United training session before having their own training session with some of the Torquay players.
Defender Guy Branston took charge and he split the juniors into groups of ten. The player then teamed up and each took a group of juniors.
Each group had some shooting practice, they were shown some skills and tricks, and some practiced headers and some ball control skills, and it seems that some of the players were put through their paces as well by the juniors. Once the training session had finished, the juniors managed to get some autographs and then had photographs taken with the players.
As always at such events, the juniors had a really brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A very big thank you from the Junior Gulls go to Nicky Wroe, Lee Mansell, Scott Bevan, Guy Branston, Kieran Charnock, Euane O'Kane, Chris Zebroski and Michael Searle for giving the juniors such a fantastic time and a day that they will remember fondly and no doubt look back on in years to come.
Thank you as well to Paul Buckle, Sean North, Kenny Veysey, Colin Lee and Ann Sandford from the club and to Sean O'Donoghue for taking some fantastic photographs of the event.
Also back in February, after the home game versus Accrington Stanley, the Junior Gulls took part in another Q&A session with some of the players.
The players who faced a grilling this time around were Nicky Wroe, Elliot Benyon and Mark Ellis. We would of course like to thank them for giving up their own time to come and face the sometimes fierce questioning of the Junior Gulls. Elliot Benyon was also awarded the Junior Gulls' Player of the Month award for February.
Many and varied questions were asked of the players, but at the end of the day, a great time was had by both the players and Junior Gulls asking the questions.
EASTER EGGS
The trust were delighted to once again distribute Easter eggs again this year thanks to the enormous generosity of Tescos Garage at Hele Roundabout.
Store manager Ryan Goldthorpe kindly offered to donate 275 Easter eggs to the project, and we duly set about distributing them.
We were delighted to be able to distribute them to the various groups from around Torbay and South Devon including South Devon Disabled Sports Association, DownSouth - Down's Syndrome Support Group, Torbay Disability Group, Bidwell Brook School and Torbay Young Carers.
As always, it was a totally worthwhile exercise and it was great to link up with some other organisations in the Torbay and South Devon area. We hope that the children enjoyed receiving the eggs, and we hope a little Easter cheers was spread thanks to Tescos and TUST.
