Monthly Update January 2024

Monthly update January 2024 including minutes from monthly branch meeting held Sunday January 14th 2024.

Apologies for being incognito since last year, it’s been a bit hectic.

January 2024 update.

It’s freezing!

Ray Fell

Very sad news that former LUSC Chairman Ray Fell sadly passed away in December after a long illness. Ray was a great friend and until he stepped down as Chair in 2016, was a very active, hard working and loyal servant to Leeds United Supporters Club. Even after he stepped down, Ray was still keen to attend exec meetings (health permitting) and always happy to have a quick pint and chat in The Peacock afterwards. Ray was given Honorary Vice President after stepping down from his 31 year tenure. But hestill attended the AGM and the odd exec even after lockdown. He probably saw more Leeds United Chairmen and owners than anyone I know. He met them dignity and humility. But always representing the LUSC with honour and pride. He always fought for our voice to be heard as representatives of season ticket holders, members and travelling fans both home and away.

Ray led us through our darkest hours when B*tes did his very best to destroy the Supporters Club and replace it with his very own “Regional Members Clubs” . RMCs who took the B*tes shilling. K*n’s masterplan of taking the LUSC down failed. We said at the time, “we were here before you, we are still here now and we will be here long after you are gone”. B*tes has gone from our Club at least. Thankfully Cellino did what needed to be done – cheers Massimo – I always liked you! (However, given K*n has made a pact with Old Nick and sold his soul, gone may be a long time coming.)

The LUSC is still growing, despite football changing “progressing” into what it is now. It is nothing like what it used to be when I started going, but time and tide stop for no man.

The fact that the LUSC is still going is testimony to Ray and Eric Carlisle before him. These two laid the groundwork. Building on the foundations of those before them, who founded Leeds United itself in 1919. It is something that we should never forget. Rest In Peace my friend.

Monthly Branch Meeting

The meeting was a week late due to us playing away (no surprise there then!) in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup the week before. Good job too, as we won at Peterborough. Woo hoo! And we are now proudly through to the 4th Round – yes – 4th round of the FA Cup. At home – yes – at HOME – to Plymouth.

Minutes from the four execs were read through and discussed.

1)There were lengthy discussions re the thieving charlatans at Sunderland who forced unsuspecting Leeds fans to part with their coinage, lighters, phone chargers etc. in order to gain entry into the Stadium of Light. Our branch feel that this is an outrage, and things need to be taken further. The buckets outside taking the coinage were allegedly going to be given to charity. Given that any legal charity collecting should be done in sealed buckets and clear signage of said charity should be clearly displayed, we don’t think that this is the actual case. We will await further discussions.  2)Turnstile problems were also discussed. There have been ongoing issues at the Captains Corner since the start of the season with many fans not being able to get in because the turnstile has jammed. These fans who have not been able to get in, have been forced to walk round to the ticket office to get a replacement. Some have had to go through Fullerton Car Park as an alternative to doing a 3/4 lap and back round the ground. Some fans have managed to fight through the away fans in the West Stand car park. Either way, it is not satisfactory at all, that in this day and age of electronic ticketing, the ageing turnstiles and infrastructure simply cannot cope. Luckily the ticket office staff were there to help out at the Ipswich game and then a man from the turnstile company was there at the Birmingham game. Some fans still did not get in, and were forced to go to the ticket office. If there are any other parts of the ground where people struggle to gain access, this may need to be noted and Leeds United informed of the issues. If they don’t know, they cannot improve. It was noted that when we had season ticket cards this was never an issue.

Memberships

The Membership Secretary is still very active. We are continuing to get more enquiries via the website, all forms with self addressed stamped envelopes will be returned with the 2023/4 season membership cards. No envelopes will mean you take your chances with getting to an away game or seeing us in the pub if we remember to bring the cards along.

Away travel

We have said we will try to run buses to every away again (tickets permitting). We have so far, and will be hoping to run to Plymouth, tickets permitting. All members are reminded and encouraged to buy their own away tickets if at all possible to save work for the rest of us. Bookings currently being taken for Bristol. Members are also reminded to keep an eye on the Leeds website for sale dates.

Treasurers Report

Despite running buses to every game this season we are still breaking even thanks to more new members joining and travelling. Long may this continue.

Fund Raising and Events

Andy Yates would like to thank everyone who participates in the football cards. Draw tonight for the Big Card was won by Mick Pratt. We will aim to do a raffle at the Spring event, anyone who wishes to donate a prize, please get in touch with Andy

Rowsey and Andy have spoken to The Londesborough. The plan is for the Spring event to be held there on Saturday March 23rd from 1pm to 7pm approx. Paul Wilson will be providing the music later on in the day. We are hoping to have special guest(s) to do a Q and A session and hopefully help to draw the raffle prizes out. No decision made yet re tickets etc. but we will expect either pay on the door or some donation, if no formal tickets organised. Once costs paid out, there will be a donation as usual to St Michaels Hospice, Harrogate.

A. O. B

The Annual LUSC quiz night will be held in April. Format will be the same, 4 people per team and pie and peas supper (bring your own mint sauce). We had 6 teams last year. We still didn’t win. Come on people – let’s at least try to give Fullerton and Griffin a run for their money this year. Please try to revise. 1st goal scorer is good bet and some random question about soaps (not the stuff you use to wash with).

We have put a request in for Millwall to be the chosen game for our Hospitality tickets as part of the sponsorship package. Still awaiting confirmation.

Anyone who has any experience on wordpress is welcome to help with the website. It is hard work to keep everything going. Anyone who thinks they can help out with any aspect of running the branch is very welcome to get in touch.