Annual General Meeting - Saturday 5th July 2025 held in the Player's Lounge at 3.30pm.

Minutes

1. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting

2. Chairman's report –

David’s report was discussed (copied below), and he emphasised that he would continue press for the new version of the Accessible Stadia Guidelines to be published as within there are important beneficial changes for disabled supporters.

With a new version of the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s “Green Guide” due 2027/28 Enables will input suggested safety changes e.g. P rails, barriers protecting disabled supporters etc.

3. Election of Officers

Under the revised Constitution, Officers shall be elected at the AGM for a two year tenure.  The following Officers / Representatives all offered to continue if elected by the members at the meeting :- 

  Chair                              David Butler

  Vice Chair                      Alan Murray

  WFC                               Dave Newman

  WFC                               Chris Hall

As there were no new candidates for any of the above Enables roles the meeting unanimously voted for continuance of the current officers and WFC representatives.

Any other business items discussed :-

1. Enables funds - It was agreed at the last AGM that the Enables bank account be closed, and the Chairman confirmed that the £220 balance was utilised for re-equipping the sensory room with new games and toys for the attending children.

2. Emails - Difficulties were expressed in the past that some emails were not being delivered because of new rules by Google, Yahoo etc so the Chairman has implemented a new Brevo system which overcomes the constraints of the main email providers.
   
   

3. "P" Rail project for the Upper Graham Taylor stand. David explained his initiative whereby individuals and particularly commercial sponsors can contribute buy buying a rail which will have a commemorative plate attached.
   
   

4. Pitch side refreshments update – particularly the Rookery Stand service.

Alan has been working on this for some time and will meet the new catering management team, Richard Green and Paul Dhanjal, to plan for a service this coming system.

5. Continuity of stewarding in Enables areas.

This issue was discussed as so often the stewards change match by match. The meeting felt that it was somewhat of a safety issue as when there is continuity that steward will get to know the capability or otherwise of disabled supporters and there carers should there be a evacuation incident. To be discussed with the club.

6. Will the TV monitors be working this season?

Ian Pope has asked maintenance to fix this problem and will follow up.

7. A medical matter was discussed and the suggested solution being the wearing of both bracelets and lanyards identifying the condition and any action needed. Supporters sitting around that person plus stewards and paramedics should also be made aware.
   
   

8. Tarmac - There appears to be a problem with tarmac breaking up in the Rookery Stand corner where the equipment is stored causing difficulties for wheelchairs with small front tyres digging in.           Alan and Chris to investigate.

9. Coach drivers - A vote of thanks was offered to the drivers of the coaches that transport disabled supporters to away matches in the very supportive and caring manner in which they operate. 

Kind regards

David

Chair – Watford FC Enables Group

Chairman's report

I am going to start with Membership which has only declined this year by 8 mainly due to contact being lost with emails not being delivered and lack of replacement contact addresses. (see minutes for the new system solution)

Regrettably a number are no longer with us, but we still have 159 and if you count in carers and assistants, Enables does still represent the majority of Watford disabled supporters and will continue to represent you at WFC senior management level.

The average age of fans is increasing, particularly within the ambulant sector, who are the fastest growing disabled group due to the ageing population.
 

This is why Enables have initiated a "P" rail safety sponsorship project for installations across the steep Upper GT stand.

I continue to feel a responsibility for the safety and accessibility of our Enables members when they visit other stadiums. We will continue to provide feedback to clubs we visit, and I thank Enables members who report back on their experiences at away games.

The next paragraph was written in the last minutes and not a single thing has changed – this revision is now 4 years overdue!

“As you know I have been trying to update the Accessible Stadia Guidelines and the Premier League have continued my involvement as a consultant on the draft of Version 2. I am looking for two particular updates for clarification which will make a real difference to disabled supporters:- the definition of “elevated” and the measurement of “extra legroom” for ambulant fans.

Level Playing Field is creating this revision but the draft is already a year late but I’ll let you know the outcome.”

This is a very important revision, and I will continue to push for its publication.

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity of thanking all my current and former Enables Officers and WFC representatives who have been part of our success over the last 10 years since I became Chair. Your support has been much appreciated. 

Thank you.

David