Yesterday evening, September 12th, saw RamsTrust host its Annual General Meeting in Harrison’s Hub at Pride Park Stadium.

The meeting was opened by Chair, Hilary Leam, who greeted members and guests, with particularly warm welcomes for Rams owner David Clowes and special guests and Rams legends John O’Hare and Robin van der Laan.

Hilary gave the Chair’s report detailing RamsTrust’s work over the past year, dominated by the creation of the new Supporters’ Board to sit alongside the existing Supporters’ Charter Group. This has always been one of the objectives of the Trust and we would like to thank Rams owner David Clowes, CEO Stephen Pearce and the FSA (Football Supporters Association) for their support in bringing this to fruition. She also detailed the renewal of both Pride Park Stadium and Moor Farm as “assets of community value”, again supported by the Club. The full Chair’s report can be found here.

Fellow Board member and Treasurer Tris Weavers offered up the annual financial report which was accepted by members. The 2024 accounts can be read here. John Boyle from Stafford Rangers Trust came along to ensure that correct procedure was followed during the election process to select new board members. Following the vote RamsTrust is delighted to announce Kevin Savage as a new Board member and an extension of Tris Weavers’ tenure. Welcome Kev and welcome back, Tris.

The absolute highlights of the evening were the contributions of our guest speakers. Board member Steve Kitson hosted a very interesting and entertaining interview with title winner John O’Hare. John’s recollections of his time at the Baseball Ground and his observations of Brian Clough’s time at Leeds were both nostalgic and humorous.

Next up it was Board member Ollie Wright’s turn to take to the stage with Robin van der Laan. Robin’s story about how he arrived in England was intriguing to say the least! Fantastic stuff from both.

A “Rams in the 21st Century” quiz was running throughout the evening which demonstrated the fantastic knowledge of some members. I stress the word “some”. Following a “tie break” question the winning team was “All Leeds, aren’t we?” (don’t ask) led by Tris Weavers. Thanks to Vice-Chair Jim Coyle for devising and hosting the quiz.

The finale was a RamsTrust Board “goodbye” to Director and founding member Elaine Dean, who stands down after 22 years’ service. We can’t stress enough the importance of Elaine’s contribution to the Trust, its formation and its invaluable work during various crises over almost a quarter of a century. To acknowledge her work Elaine was presented with a bouquet by Secretary Angie Kerry.

All AGMs have their “formal bits” to get through as was the case here, but all in all it was a very entertaining and well received evening.

Thanks go to Paul Newman and Simon Carnall of Derby County Community Trust for their support in supplying the venue and special thanks once again to David Clowes, John O’Hare and Robin van der Laan.

If you would like to join RamsTrust, or wish to support our work as a volunteer, simply contact us via our website, Facebook or X and we’ll get you involved.