News: Leon Looking Forward to Fan's Forum
By ComeOnYouSaints.com
February 14 2013
Northampton Saints chairman Leon Barwell says that he is looking forward to "constructive discussions" at the Season Ticket Holders Forum being held later this month.
All 250 available tickets were snapped up in just two days for the Forum, which will give Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to discuss the club's future with Barwell, vice chairman Tony Hewitt, chief executive Allan Robson and director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
"I'm happy to see that all of the tickets have been booked, and I hope that everyone attending will come with an open mind and ready to have a constructive discussion," Barwell commented. "It is a good opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with some of our core supporters, address issues and concerns and get feedback about how we are doing.
"In the age of social media one person's Chinese whisper becomes another person's gospel truth, and rumours can spread like wildfire, so it is important that supporters hear things directly from us, either on the night or via the recorded podcast that will be available.
"The Saints is a club which families have supported from generation to generation. Our supporters have been a big part of our development so far and will play a big role as we continue to build for a bigger and brighter future."
Although the Forum is fully booked, supporters will be able to listen to the evening's discussions in full via a free podcast which will be available the morning after. And to ensure that Season Ticket Holders who do attend will be fed and watered, vouchers will be given out upon entry for a complimentary pie and a drink on the night.
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Devil's advocate though tells me that telling 250 people out of a fan base that dwarfs that means one person telling the story when then another person will only understand it from that persons viewpoint and so on... which effectively is chinese whisper style. The truth can be faded the further away from the core point.
However I hope that whatever is discussed, all answers are given, it just takes one question unanswered at the end to start a rumour because it then becomes interpretation and personal views.
Think the podcast is a good idea for those that can't be there for whatever reason. Now everyone can hear the answers from the horses mouth.
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Quote:“We use all of those forums for communication but what we’re in danger of losing is a bit of the old fashioned culture of a rugby club where we get together, have a beer and discuss things amongst ourselves. I think that’s what we need to put back and instil and just get people more engaged.”
Northants Telegraph
Sorry, am I missing the point here?
But it would be grave error to assume that people will talk about any elephants in the room.
An open public meeting is a good way to communicate but its a poor way to receive difficult or sensitive information.
That needs a communication route where people can express their views either on one to one basis or otherwise confidentially.
Quote:StBleach
"complimentary pie and a drink " - you dont hear those words very often from the Saints
I hope not Bleach-I don't like my pie telling me how nice I am !
Phil!
is there no end to the sycophancy that you attract Alan?
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.

David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
I hope things don't get out of hand and they have to halter the proceedings. It shouldn't be all laughing and jockey though, there are serious points to be harnessed, so I hope there's no pony and trap or the panel will have to be reined in.
I'm sure some young Colt, thinking he's a stud, will try and saddle up to a nice filly..... perhaps best to leave the tackle sentence un-said.
I just hope that people will see this club as a thoroughbred at the end of the evening, and not something ready for the knackers yard.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon

Quote:SaintsDuncan
...or ANY sort of pie for that matter Ian
...if only to ensure that you're not required to eat alone, Duncan

I resemble that remark
