A Message From Mike
A message from Mike Langford, HUST Treasurer:
HUST really does need your support!
Bulls News recently brought the disappointing report of the increased cost of getting Edgar Street fit and ready for purpose and this has prompted me to bring forward a request for help. Hereford F C has to spend at least £120,000 before the season kicks off and this is much reduced thanks to the generosity of many supportive companies and local businesses. The many years of neglect have caught up with us.
All supporters want our new club to quickly rise through the divisions and probably this coming season in Step 5 will bring the greatest challenge with only one team being promoted. No prizes for coming second, whereas in Step 4 and above there is always the safety net of the play-offs. The building works will not affect the playing budget as this is ring fenced but it leaves little in the pot should we have injury problems and need to bring in cover or loan players.
As you will know HUST has the opportunity to purchase £250,000 of shares from the initial authorised capital issue and this we hope will be done over the next 3 years. Indeed we have already bought £25,000 worth and behind the scenes have been planning how we reach our goal within the time period. A Business Plan has been drafted by the HUST Board and shared with the HFC Board and if all goes to plan then the target is achievable.
Within the plan are fund raising activities such as:
• growing the Prize Bull Lottery
• increasing the HUST membership
• 50/50 draw tickets on match days
• quiz nights
• concerts/variety evenings
• sportsman dinner, not to clash with other established events
• guest speaker suppers
These are for the future but now there is the opportunity to support the share purchase by donating monies to HUST. Any amount will help the cause but HUST are pleased to recognise any supporter donating £50 or more with a framed HFC share certificate via HUST. This can be done by way of regular monthly standing order payments or one off donations. Whatever suits your pocket and budget?
The facility to donate is available via Paypal or direct to the HUST bank account with the Co-operative Bank, Business Direct,P O Box 250, Skelmerdale, WN8 6WT, account number 65682272 and sort code 08-92-99. The latter is the more efficient financial route as Paypal charges a commission on each transaction whereas the Co-op provides free banking. Standing order forms can be obtained from the Starlight Rooms or you can set up payments online with your bank.
I do appreciate that it has been an expensive time with over 800 supporters buying season tickets and monies for the new Club do take priority. If you are a member of the new Executive Club you now have the choice of a refund of £100 or you can leave it with the Club as a donation. If you do decide to take the £100 refund please do consider buying shares via HUST. The choice is yours and your help and support is greatly appreciated whatever you do.
Finally a thank you to the Board Directors of Hereford F C for the huge amount of time and work being invested in starting up the new club. This also includes fellow HUST Board Directors and the teams of volunteers ably marshalled by the great Ken Kinnersley all working towards a new beginning. Come on you Bulls!