Author Topic: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ  (Read 277713 times)

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baggiejohn

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #50 on: February 06, 2015, 02:00:02 PM »
great news that the pies were discussed,

Seriously though, I am being thick (again) I know, but what is "the forthcoming Fan Zone"


Isn't it the development of the old Hawthorns Pub?

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/11/18/landmark-hawthorns-pub-to-be-transformed-into-fan-zone-by-albion/
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BaggiesFacts

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #51 on: February 08, 2015, 01:06:30 AM »
I do wonder if any of those selected expected to be formally debating transfers, tactics and team selection.

 They'll be disappointed when they are locked in a freezing cold Richardson Suite talking about ways to stop people wetting in the Brummie sinks!

Quite the cynic aren't you Rowley?! ;D

Seriously though, I came out of the first meeting realising the club really are taking this seriously and they probably realise mistakes have been made in terms of club/support relations in recent years and they want to put it right and ensure it doesn't happen again.

Really good mix of people and looking forward to the next one.
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PsalmXXIII

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #52 on: February 08, 2015, 08:17:22 AM »
That ones easy, take the sinks out as no body these days wash their hands after a pee etc.

Erm I do? I'm also worried by what your etc stood for :P

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #53 on: February 08, 2015, 08:29:27 AM »
Erm I do? I'm also worried by what your etc stood for :P

ETC = et cetera is a Latin expression that means "and other things", or "and so forth".

Hope tha clarifies etc for you  :P
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Albionic

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #54 on: February 08, 2015, 04:52:39 PM »
ETC = et cetera is a Latin expression that means "and other things", or "and so forth".

Hope tha clarifies etc for you  :P

that'll be a dump then ??
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #55 on: February 08, 2015, 05:34:48 PM »
that'll be a dump then ??

Oh, you are crude, but I like you  ;)
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BigFrank20

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #56 on: March 16, 2015, 10:06:53 AM »
When is the first 'proper' meeting due? Must be soon and if so time to start racking/ranking up the suggestions?
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kc56wba

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #57 on: March 16, 2015, 10:10:32 AM »
When is the first 'proper' meeting due? Must be soon and if so time to start racking/ranking up the suggestions?
Waiting for the e-mail to arrive and when it does will tell you the date.
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kc56wba

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #58 on: March 24, 2015, 10:21:23 AM »
The next Albion Assembly is tomorrow at 7.30.
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #59 on: March 24, 2015, 10:23:55 AM »
The next Albion Assembly is tomorrow at 7.30.

Is wetting in the sinks on the agenda? ;D
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kc56wba

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #60 on: March 24, 2015, 10:27:37 AM »
Is wetting in the sinks on the agenda? ;D
I will ask the question ;)
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #61 on: March 24, 2015, 10:41:57 AM »
On a serious note, are the minutes of the meeting published?
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #62 on: March 24, 2015, 11:09:56 AM »
Have they provided you with an Agenda for tomorrow?
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #63 on: March 24, 2015, 11:17:29 AM »
Have they provided you with an Agenda for tomorrow?
No they haven't. ???
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #64 on: March 24, 2015, 12:54:04 PM »
No they haven't. ???

They may want to keep it underwraps until the time of the actual meeting, which is understandable I suppose.
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #66 on: March 26, 2015, 09:25:43 AM »
http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-reveal-plans-for-a-day-in-honour-of-jeff-astle-2358995.aspx

Thanks for the link, I have to admit to a tear or two whilst watching.

I am truely sorry that I am unable to attend the game as I would have very much wanted to pay my tribute to "The King"
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kc56wba

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #67 on: March 26, 2015, 09:34:44 AM »
Thanks for the link, I have to admit to a tear or two whilst watching.

I am truely sorry that I am unable to attend the game as I would have very much wanted to pay my tribute to "The King"
There was a few tears in the room last night when I first saw the video. Jeff Astle " The King " tribute  day will be very special.
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #68 on: March 26, 2015, 09:37:47 AM »
Are you able to share anything from last nights meeting?
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kc56wba

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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #69 on: March 26, 2015, 10:03:55 AM »
Yes we can tell people what happened, for a full version of what happened it will be posted on the Club web site by Friday ( If things go according to plan ).

Various things were discussed last night.

 The Hawthorns Experience

(a) up-date on club plans. The fan zone will be there for the first game of next season. ( we saw a plan but it was just a rough lay out of what they hope it will look like a lot of tinkering about is still needed.)

(b) Entertainment Pre Match and half time. This led to many ideas being put forward of what kind of music to be played, but one thing I can tell you The Liquidator wont be played every home game.

(c) Catering. Seems a big bug bearer with a lot of people, what with over priced food and drink, the quality of the products, the long queue's waiting to be served.

(d) Stewarding. A few complaints mainly about the stewards outside the gates against West Ham in the cup due to tickets and stile cards not working, the stewards were not helpful in any way according to some.

All this and more will go back to the hierarchy for them to discuss.

If any one has any ideas on the above or any questions we have been told to forward these on, so if it is ok with The Mods on this site I will be happy to forward on any ideas to The Assembly from the posters on this site.
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #70 on: March 26, 2015, 10:08:30 AM »
Many thanks kc
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #71 on: March 27, 2015, 04:49:11 PM »
Minutes from Albion Assembly meeting (25/03/15)

Albion Assembly – March 25, The Hawthorns.

*Apologies for absence from Gurdial Singh, Heidi Zoeller, Bedraj Ram, Matt Hadlington
*Welcome introduction to newest member Kev Candon from WBA Disabled Supporters’ Club
*Welcome to Albion Foundation director Rob Lake, who is in attendance for the meeting

*****

“Let’s get the atmosphere crackling again at The Hawthorns.”

That proved to be the dominant item of discussion at the first full meeting of the newly-formed Albion Assembly which has brought together supporters from all corners of the fan base.

The weeks leading up to the get-together saw the members nominating items for discussion in future meetings but there was no doubt that the issue dominating the thoughts of so many was giving a big lift to the Hawthorns atmosphere.

The club are thinking along the same lines. Chairman Martin Swain gave the members a sneak preview of their ideas with some proposed giant images which could feature in a stadium makeover.

They received a nod of approval from member Dan Watts who summarised: “That’s the thing we lack at The Hawthorns – something that shows it’s our home.”

Images of past players and club legends proved a popular suggestion as were calls for a revamp of the exterior of the Birmingham Road End to display “The Hawthorns.”

Others asked if images could be projected on to some of the stadium’s grey interiors to also brighten the mood and provide a more intimidating backdrop for the opposition.

Swain also spoke about ideas being considered further afield including drop-down banners from the the lamp-posts on the approaches to the stadium and said: “We are certainly looking to give The Hawthorns a makeover in the summer and these are the kinds of ideas we need to explore.”

Member John Homer cited the examples of the murals at the Emirates Stadium is decorated with wonderful murals, Goodison Park is decorated with historic images and Manchester City’s stadium is decorated with iconic images. “Fair point to say what you need to do is brighten it up.”

Other ideas included banners displays of famous quotes and commentary from the club’s history while there was a large show of support for making greater use of the Albion’s emblem, the Throstle, currently sited in the Woodman Corner interior.

Moving and illuminating the Throstle, suggested by David James, drew support with alternative locations  on top of the scoreboard and on top of the West Stand proposed.  And Christiaan Wallet suggested potential animations of a modernised Throstle in football action for a younger audience.

John Yeomans asked: “It’s all about branding and what is our brand? It seems to me that it is all about the Throstle. If we can get that common theme in everything, it will at least start to get some atmosphere going and feel we belong to something.”

Another member, Andrew Benbow, stated: “It’s all about history and relating to our past – but at the moment, the club doesn’t feel like the club we grew up with.”

And there was another idea from Selwyn Owens who suggested the currently grey bare expanse between the East Stand and the Birmingham Road End we could be resolved with a simple solution - painted white and then home to a huge Albion badge.

One of the most well-received ideas came from Dan Watts who proposed Albion emulate Manchester City’s idea of switching off the lights throughout their stadium shortly before night game kick-offs. With the Throstle illuminated still, the impact would be powerful, he argued.

That triggered a further discussion on a linked theme - match-day music and entertainment which Swain confirmed was also set for a major revamp during the summer. But to what and for how long?

Sted Gani insisted matchday music needed to be improved 10 minutes before kick off: “We need to make it an unfriendly place for opposing teams,” he said.

But there were other ideas, including playing classic old matchday commentaries or displaying memorable goals on the big screen in the vital pre kick-off countdown.

There was a consensus view that “The Liquidator”, while still a treasured part of the pre-match armoury, lost impact with regular use. It should be saved for occasions when we really need it, said one member to general agreement.

Making greater use of the “Lord Is My Shepherd” anthem was mooted as was a plea for youngsters waving huge flags to greet the players and build up the atmosphere. And there was a request for first half highlights to be shown at half-time, a greater “build-up” for the players when the teams were announced

But, offering a counter view, Chris Jones felt the PA music to be so loud - and poor - that it killed off any chance of an atmosphere. He too plumped for vintage commentaries as a primary source to stir the Baggies faithful before kick-off

Amanda Hume pointed out that the audio from the “Baggies Cam” on the big screen was not clear and agreed the music was too loud.

But there was a unanimous Assembly accord that whatever ideas were adopted, post-goal music should not be included.

And in another strand of discussion, joint-vice chair Hannah Weaver  suggests that when a new player signs we give them a hand-out sheet re history of the club, an induction into WBA. JH: new signing induction ceremony, tell them all about the club, this what it means to play for WBA.

MS closes final point on the music – we need an emblem tune, we need a song! Send us your ideas. Take that away with you.


*****

Other items for discussion on the agenda were shortened. Swain said that it was clear concerns about catering, and questions on stewarding at the Hawthorns were other key areas for the Assembly to which it would be best to return when Mark Miles, the Head of Facilities Operations and Development, was available to answer questions. This was expected to be at the next Assembly meeting towards the end of the season.

But among the problems highlighted were huge half-time queues which either made purchasing food or drink impossible or encouraged supporters to leave long before the interval whistle to ensure service (Gill Chimento).  This, it was claimed, was particularly a problem in the Smethwick End.

One solution suggested by Sted Gani were pop-up beer and burger booths while the Assembly wondered whether American-style stadium sellers walking around the concourse offering food and drink might be an alternative. Using digital technology to order food in advance was also put forward – an idea which was once tried out in the East Stand but then dropped.

Would it be possible to adopt Chelsea’s credit card system which again would speed up service? And ever-changing staff at the counters were also cited as a problem because of their unfamiliarity with the sales procedure and equipment.

Stewarding issues were also logged for future discussion.

The West Ham FA Cup match featured as a particular cause for complaint. Gill Chimento recounted her East Stand experience of ticket scans not working and a single elderly steward unable to cope with the complaints. When she pointed this out to a chief steward, she received a rude response for her trouble.

The Assembly felt that there was very inconsistent stewarding across different stands.

It was agreed that ticketing was another subject for more time although there was Assembly agreement for the away season ticket prices to be reviewed.

Warren Stephens raised this issue complaining about a system which currently sees fans pay £150 up front and then £1 booking fee for each away game purchased (total £169). In return,  £5 vouchers for each of the away games add up to a £95 discount  and total cost of £74 to guarantee an away ticket. This was poor value for money which punished the most loyal supporters, he argued.


*****

In Any Other Business, Swain acknowledged that concessions in the West Stand remained a bug bear for many while the issue of the living wage also featured in e-mails and contact from supporters.

He concluded: “We want to establish a series of key areas which I can take into the club, get responses to and hopefully get some success with.”

*****

Date of next meeting – Wednesday, May 6 (8pm).


http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/the-albion-assembly-first-meeting-lowdown-2360859.aspx#tlubBAv0Ph05U0od.99
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #72 on: March 27, 2015, 04:49:45 PM »
Thanks Phil saved me doing it. ;)
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #73 on: March 27, 2015, 06:10:58 PM »
I agree with most points, but I wouldn't want to see the huge flag waving as players entered the pitch. Save that for the Superbowl.
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Re: THE ALBION ASSEMBLY - PLEASE READ
« Reply #74 on: April 05, 2015, 02:42:50 AM »
Let's be fair, it's all a load of rubbish. The majority of fans up there aint bothered about big banners and pictures.

All any Albion fans I speak to want is:

• Cheaper tickets. 20 quid adult, 10 kid (all games)
• Cheaper food and beer in the ground
• The Hawthorns pub back as a pub
• A fair loyalty system with away tickets.

Most importantly, standing. But i appreciate that's out the clubs hands.

Ticket prices will bring the atmosphere back at most grounds, the working class who's more likely to sing are being priced out.