Since the club went into administration six weeks ago a number of fans have suggested the formation of an Ipswich Town Supporters Trust. With that aim in mind, TWTD is calling a public meeting to discuss the issue and take the first steps towards getting a Trust off the ground.
The current situation sees the future of Town unclear and a Trust is a way of giving supporters a coherent voice with which to be heard and have some say in the future running of their club.
The meeting, at the Robert Cross Hall in the Corn Exchange on Thursday, April 3rd (7.30pm), will introduce the workings of a Trust and outline the achievements of Trusts at other clubs in similar positions to our own.
A Supporters Trust is defined as a democratic, not-for-profit organisation of supporters, committed to strengthening the voice of fans in the decision-making process at a club, which also aims to strengthen the links between the club and the community it serves.
Government-funded organisation Supporters Direct helps fans form Trusts by offering them advice on how to get them off the ground and ensure that as many people as possible get involved. They have worked with fans setting up over 70 Trusts since 2001 and advise supporters on what works and what doesn't, giving examples of good ideas from other places.
Supporters Direct Development Officer Simon Binns will speak at the meeting along with representatives from established Trusts while the majority of the evening will taken up with questions from the floor.
Town chairman David Sheepshanks has already said that the current board would listen to a Town Trust while the planned share issue is an opportunity for fans to own part of the club.
TWTD is also hoping to help organise a similar meeting for Town fans in London at some point in the near future.
For more information on Supporters Trusts and Supporters Direct visit the Supporters Direct Website: http://www.supporters-direct.org/englandwales/faq.htm