Trust News Update 26th December

For those unable to attend the Westfields game (or buy a programme), here is HUST Treasurer Mike Langford’s regular news update.

HUST in 2015……..where are we?

HUST is alive and kicking and to date well over 500 members have either joined or rejoined in the past few months to support our efforts to help Hereford FC rise through the divisions and regain Football League status.

The failings of the owners of our beloved Hereford United were good for membership and such is the euphoria both on and off the pitch that many supporters will ask why HUST is now needed. In the absence of another supporters club HUST intends to play an integral part in the well being and future of the new Club and provide much needed finance for Hereford FC, as it establishes itself back in its rightful home in Edgar Street. Years of neglect and lack of maintenance has seen the stadium look shabby both inside and out and since taking over the Lease earlier in the year considerable monies have been spent, helped by cost price work from supportive local companies and of course our magnificent volunteers.

During 2015 thanks to the generous support of HUST members by way of membership fees, share certificate donations and entry into the Prize Bull Lottery, £50,000 has been invested in the new club by way of share purchase. We also purchased the UITC under 18 team home and away strips for this season. Reduced prices at home games for Junior Members. Made donations to local clubs who had helped our new beginning and importantly provided the Hereford FC Board with 3 Directors to ensure the voice of the supporter is heard.

We have since added the 50/50 Prize Draw to our fundraising efforts as we continue to accumulate monies for the benefit of Hereford FC. So please join or rejoin and help keep the energy and enthusiasm for our new club. It is £10 for adult membership and £1 for Juniors. HUST needs you!

50/50 Prize Draw

Congratulations to our latest batch of winners, Stephen Rowbury, Colin Tingle and Naomi Waugh who all won prizes at the Brocton F A Vase game. Their support and that of every person who buys a ticket is gratefully received and shows the warmth for our new Club.

Tickets could not be sold without the ongoing commitment of a great band of helpers who turn out in all weathers. So a big thank you to Karen, Nikki, Jean, Joanie, Derek, Andy, Nigel, Tom, and Jeremy. To date we have raised just over £9,000 for HUST funds which will be used to purchase more shares in Hereford FC.

You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Hereford FC Annual General Meeting

My thanks to Graham Goodwin for his excellent coverage of the first AGM of Hereford FC which was for the 14 month period ending the 31st May 2015. The topics discussed have been reported in depth on Bulls News but I wanted to touch on the financials.

Trading really only commenced on the 1st April 2015 when the Lease was signed and there has been considerable activity from day one but income only came from merchandise sales and donations, some £6,564 after the cost of sales. Expenses were incurred in setting up an office with staff and work began on the stadium resulting in expenditure of £19,080 and a loss for the year of £12,516. With a start up capital of £225,000, which included £25,000 from HUST, the net worth of the Club reduced to £212,484. In the meantime the Club was selling season tickets and whilst these monies were going into the Bank account, they show as “Other Creditors” as they relate to trading in the next financial year. It is a statutory requirement to have to produce audited accounts.

Early in the New Year it is the intention of the Hereford FC Board to meet with the Council to discuss an extension to the term of the Lease and as mentioned by Chairman Jon Hale, they are looking for at least 25 years. This will give the Board the confidence and security to further invest and make it a stadium to be proud of and a focal point for the community. It would also allow the Club to apply for grants and other funding not currently available.

The next set of Accounts to the 31st May 2016 will cover the first year of football at Edgar Street and should make more exciting reading.

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT.

Mike Langford
HUST Treasurer