One month has passed since the first public meeting to discuss the creation of a Wimbledon Supporters' Trust, writes Lou Carton-Kelly.

With continued guidance from Supporters Direct, the government-backed Trust initiative, there have been two working party meetings held since that first date.

Brian Lomax, the chairman of Supporters Direct, and Dave Boyle, the Wimbledon case worker, have attended all the meetings and have continued to advise, enthuse and inspire the many Wimbledon fans who turn up.

The meetings have been extremely lively and successful and the formation of a Wimbledon Supporters' Trust is moving along at a fast pace.

Since the first meeting it has been unanimously decided that the trust would take the form of an Industrial and Provident Society.

The trust will be branded The Dons' Trust; however the legal name will be Wimbledon Football Supporters Society Limited.

In order to make these fortnightly meetings productive and to gain full advantage of the broad skillset of the Wimbledon fans, the attendees have broken down into smaller more functional groups.

One group will bring a draft constitution to the next meeting for everyone's approval.

The other groups are:

l Trust Profile Group working on raising the profile of the Trust in and around Wimbledon.

l Inclusive Policy Group working on establishing an inclusive policy, which is to encourage all supporters to be part of The Dons' Trust.

l Media & Trust Launch working on designing a trust logo for branding and marketing purposes; and working towards the official launch of The Dons' Trust.

l Finance Group To be formed at the next meeting.

The Official Wimbledon Fans Forum has one position reserved for a representative of The Dons' Trust. Lou Carton-Kelly has agreed to represent the Trust on OWFF until such time as a democratically elected committee is formed.

Email the trust at supporterstrust@wisa.org.uk

December 4, 2001 15:48