| Members who called the Trust EGM 19:35 - Aug 26 with 4796 views | judd |
It saddens me deeply to write this, but not as much as it did to read what I have.
An email sent to the Trust by a member, challenging an issue with data protection, was shared, with a response, to the whole Trust board. Unfortunately, the internal response was shared with the originator, incredibly naive and ironic, given the nature of the initial email. I was asked to view the email trail as the recipient wanted at least another person to see what had been written.
Throughout the process of following the procedure allowed by the articles of the Trust, efforts have been met with contempt, delay, and a startling arrogance. Even now - 6 1/2 weeks after the meeting, still no minutes, despite the requirement of the articles for such meetings to be minuted. Or monthlyed, such is the delay.
Here's how one of you may be viewed:
"... more than glad to respond to (Member)and copy the club officials (X, X & X) in on the email. Indeed I am more than happy to have emailed the members to explain, however this would just lead the Toxic Five to get more hot under the collar."
Toxic Five.
That is how some of the 30+ members are viewed and discussed at Trust board level.
This group of members simply challenged a process, following the correct process themselves in setting up the first ever Trust EGM (I think it was the first called by members, anyway).
When you challenge, you get this from the same email trail:
"...obviously part of the mob making things difficult re the Trust Director business, shows that group what for they are." (sic)
Mob : a large and disorderly crowd of people. especially : one bent on riotous or destructive action.
Sufficient in number to trigger an EGM, conducted in an orderly fashion, requesting respectfully that the board listen to members in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.
Mob? Really?
Certain of this group that challenged the process have been labelled "trouble causer" and causing "mither".
Please do not forget that the members who called the EGM did not agree on the appointment/non-appointment, just the process used by the Trust board. We wanted member consultation on this decision. Instead, members of the Trust board exhibit contempt, disdain and unaccountability.
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:12 - Aug 26 with 3603 views | TalkingSutty |
Glad you've posted this because i approached a senior member of the Trust last week with a serious safeguarding concern and was treated as though i was the problem, completely nothing to do with me. Something that was the topic of conversation between numerous fans pre- match in the bar and something that i thought the Trust needed to be aware of. I was spoken to as though i was the person at fault when all i had done was forwarded information that they really needed to be aware of. I thought they would have welcomed the information and thanked me for flagging it up.
I think they call it shooting the messenger, unfortunately though there are some things that shouldn't be brushed under the carpet. If it's not taken seriously by the Trust then i'll take it up with the club. All i did was report something that should be of concern to all Trust members and the Trust Board in particular. You can't say anything to the Trust though, disagree with them at your peril because any hint of criticism and they label you as a trouble causer. [Post edited 26 Aug 21:01]
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:26 - Aug 26 with 3536 views | D_Alien |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:12 - Aug 26 by TalkingSutty |
Glad you've posted this because i approached a senior member of the Trust last week with a serious safeguarding concern and was treated as though i was the problem, completely nothing to do with me. Something that was the topic of conversation between numerous fans pre- match in the bar and something that i thought the Trust needed to be aware of. I was spoken to as though i was the person at fault when all i had done was forwarded information that they really needed to be aware of. I thought they would have welcomed the information and thanked me for flagging it up.
I think they call it shooting the messenger, unfortunately though there are some things that shouldn't be brushed under the carpet. If it's not taken seriously by the Trust then i'll take it up with the club. All i did was report something that should be of concern to all Trust members and the Trust Board in particular. You can't say anything to the Trust though, disagree with them at your peril because any hint of criticism and they label you as a trouble causer. [Post edited 26 Aug 21:01]
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What should be of concern to us all, whether Trust members or not; even if there's nothing to suggest that any safeguarding principles have been actively breached - is the potential for reputational damage to both the Trust and also the club as a whole
I've no doubt there will be voices that suggest that, given our league position and the fantastic effort the Ogdens have put in to bring forward the club as a community asset, that no-one should be "rocking the boat". As the OP alludes to, and notwithstanding good work that's been put in by the Trust itself in community terms, due process has clearly been abandoned in favour of the "we know best, so shut up" attitude. This... from the Trust itself, taking the word trust to the cleaners
It's still very recent history that informs us what can happen when those in positions of authority at the club take that stance |  |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM (n/t) on 20:38 - Aug 26 with 3496 views | TalkingSutty |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:26 - Aug 26 by D_Alien |
What should be of concern to us all, whether Trust members or not; even if there's nothing to suggest that any safeguarding principles have been actively breached - is the potential for reputational damage to both the Trust and also the club as a whole
I've no doubt there will be voices that suggest that, given our league position and the fantastic effort the Ogdens have put in to bring forward the club as a community asset, that no-one should be "rocking the boat". As the OP alludes to, and notwithstanding good work that's been put in by the Trust itself in community terms, due process has clearly been abandoned in favour of the "we know best, so shut up" attitude. This... from the Trust itself, taking the word trust to the cleaners
It's still very recent history that informs us what can happen when those in positions of authority at the club take that stance |
[Post edited 26 Aug 20:54]
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:45 - Aug 26 with 3478 views | TalkingSutty |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:26 - Aug 26 by D_Alien |
What should be of concern to us all, whether Trust members or not; even if there's nothing to suggest that any safeguarding principles have been actively breached - is the potential for reputational damage to both the Trust and also the club as a whole
I've no doubt there will be voices that suggest that, given our league position and the fantastic effort the Ogdens have put in to bring forward the club as a community asset, that no-one should be "rocking the boat". As the OP alludes to, and notwithstanding good work that's been put in by the Trust itself in community terms, due process has clearly been abandoned in favour of the "we know best, so shut up" attitude. This... from the Trust itself, taking the word trust to the cleaners
It's still very recent history that informs us what can happen when those in positions of authority at the club take that stance |
Yes, agree with that. Not bothered how anybody on the Trust Board views me, it only needs good people to stay silent for bad things to happen. Let them get on with it.
Toxic five..probably some of the fans who put their life on hold to help save the club. Holding people to account and asking difficult questions is what all supporters should be doing. It doesn't make people toxic if its warranted. | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:14 - Aug 26 with 3292 views | judd |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:45 - Aug 26 by TalkingSutty |
Yes, agree with that. Not bothered how anybody on the Trust Board views me, it only needs good people to stay silent for bad things to happen. Let them get on with it.
Toxic five..probably some of the fans who put their life on hold to help save the club. Holding people to account and asking difficult questions is what all supporters should be doing. It doesn't make people toxic if its warranted. |
Just as shareholders rallied to challenge the club board and remove directors a few short years ago, it is simply unwise to ignore the members following the correct procedure.
This was not a debate about the type of ketchup we should have on retail outlets, it was about the appointment of an individual to a position with potentially onerous statutory responsibilities. Granted we have an incredible ownership now, but that is not the issue.
That a sensible group challenges a process and is then labelled as toxic and a mob and that an internal email regarding data protection leaks these odious opnions of members speaks volumes. | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:25 - Aug 26 with 3248 views | R17ALE |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:45 - Aug 26 by TalkingSutty |
Yes, agree with that. Not bothered how anybody on the Trust Board views me, it only needs good people to stay silent for bad things to happen. Let them get on with it.
Toxic five..probably some of the fans who put their life on hold to help save the club. Holding people to account and asking difficult questions is what all supporters should be doing. It doesn't make people toxic if its warranted. |
Toxic Five?
I'd love to know who they are.
If I'm not in it then I want a recount! |  |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:30 - Aug 26 with 3208 views | judd |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:25 - Aug 26 by R17ALE |
Toxic Five?
I'd love to know who they are.
If I'm not in it then I want a recount! |
Perhaps you should direct the question to the organisation proudly using that label?
And inexplicably share the answer. | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:40 - Aug 26 with 3158 views | TalkingSutty |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:14 - Aug 26 by judd |
Just as shareholders rallied to challenge the club board and remove directors a few short years ago, it is simply unwise to ignore the members following the correct procedure.
This was not a debate about the type of ketchup we should have on retail outlets, it was about the appointment of an individual to a position with potentially onerous statutory responsibilities. Granted we have an incredible ownership now, but that is not the issue.
That a sensible group challenges a process and is then labelled as toxic and a mob and that an internal email regarding data protection leaks these odious opnions of members speaks volumes. |
Yes, it's ridiculous it's come to this to be honest. The group challenging the process simply wanted to air their opinions in relation to the Trust Director role. Personally i thought the job spec was too involved and needed looking at. I was on the fence as to whether a Trust Director role was required or not. I think a lot of the group were in favour of the role. It wasn't a good meeting at all , i thought the Trust Board approached it with the wrong mentality which antagonised those present. Thats just my view. The Trust Board are there to act on behalf of the members, it didn't seem like that to me on the day. Its obvious now that we were viewed as a'mob' before the meeting actually took place. | | | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:48 - Aug 26 with 3128 views | judd |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:40 - Aug 26 by TalkingSutty |
Yes, it's ridiculous it's come to this to be honest. The group challenging the process simply wanted to air their opinions in relation to the Trust Director role. Personally i thought the job spec was too involved and needed looking at. I was on the fence as to whether a Trust Director role was required or not. I think a lot of the group were in favour of the role. It wasn't a good meeting at all , i thought the Trust Board approached it with the wrong mentality which antagonised those present. Thats just my view. The Trust Board are there to act on behalf of the members, it didn't seem like that to me on the day. Its obvious now that we were viewed as a'mob' before the meeting actually took place. |
Infantile labelling of organised dissenting voices does a representative body no favours . | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:48 - Aug 26 with 3125 views | TalkingSutty |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:25 - Aug 26 by R17ALE |
Toxic Five?
I'd love to know who they are.
If I'm not in it then I want a recount! |
We have no toxic fans. We have some fans who challenge things and ask difficult questions, wear their heart on their sleeve and get passionate about the club. We have fall outs and cross words, differences of opinions. None of that is being toxic, its called caring about the club. Nobody at the club is above criticism, well maybe the Ogden family are but you know what i mean. | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:54 - Aug 26 with 3106 views | TalkingSutty |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:48 - Aug 26 by judd |
Infantile labelling of organised dissenting voices does a representative body no favours . |
No, it's poor but it is what it is. | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 00:44 - Aug 27 with 2976 views | Sandyman |
As a signatory and attendee of the EGM, who barely spoke at said meeting, I am unsure as to whether I am an ordinary Trust member taking an interest in its affairs, or part of a "mob" or even one of the "Toxic 5".
Thought I got on cordially with the Trust board members I know. Conversations with such after the meeting, and e mails, further conversations, correspondence and one meeting since, suggested that was the case. Seems I've been stereotyped otherwise, along with other concerned Trust members (the mob) who made proposals that the Trust board have included in the updated Trust directors spec, which they sent out to members in an e mail dated 18th August 2025.
Said e mail at no point mentioned the EGM called by members, no acknowledgement of their wise contributions to amending the role, nor have any minutes of said meeting been seen.
As a founder member of the Dale Trust board when it launched on 22nd January 2004, it is repellent to see the democratic values that are at the core of THE MEMBERS Dale Trust are being treated with such disdain, and that internal correspondence that needs to remain internal is being handled irresponsibly. Hence this unfortunate thread.
Serving on the Dale Trust board is time consuming and not always an easy task. Service in that role is appreciated, but it comes with responsibility. Name calling of lay members involved in the democratic process because is doesn't suit what certain board members would like is not on. Leaking such abuse is even worse.
FFS we're not bury.
Sad to say Dale Trust have cocked up this time. Apology required, learn lessons then move on. |  | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 06:09 - Aug 27 with 2823 views | Trev |
I sent an email to the Trust recently to flag an issue. This was greeted with a laughing face emoji and a nonchalant response. |  | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 07:58 - Aug 27 with 2713 views | Plattyswrinklynuts |
There’s also the small matter of posts mysteriously disappearing, notably from the “election of a new trust board main director” thread in my case. No explanation or PM… as has been said, we’re not Bury… |  | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 08:30 - Aug 27 with 2677 views | isitme |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 22:48 - Aug 26 by TalkingSutty |
We have no toxic fans. We have some fans who challenge things and ask difficult questions, wear their heart on their sleeve and get passionate about the club. We have fall outs and cross words, differences of opinions. None of that is being toxic, its called caring about the club. Nobody at the club is above criticism, well maybe the Ogden family are but you know what i mean. |
In any organisation if everyone thinks the same then you have problems. You need people with different ideas and opinions to hold people to account. Supporters want the best for the club and an organisation that represents supporters cannot cope with differing views and challenge then there is a problem.
I wonder what member numbers are like this season? We have been lucky enough to have a number of wonderful people on the trust board, but at times it feels like some are on an ego trip. |  | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 09:40 - Aug 27 with 2570 views | TalkingSutty |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 08:30 - Aug 27 by isitme |
In any organisation if everyone thinks the same then you have problems. You need people with different ideas and opinions to hold people to account. Supporters want the best for the club and an organisation that represents supporters cannot cope with differing views and challenge then there is a problem.
I wonder what member numbers are like this season? We have been lucky enough to have a number of wonderful people on the trust board, but at times it feels like some are on an ego trip. |
A Supporters Trust should be actively encouraging all members to contact them if they have any concerns in relation to the Trust or the club. If you look around our fanbase and any fanbase, not just ours, you can identify some fans who might need a little bit of help, or maybe suffer with a disability or health issue. We have now got a brilliant initiative up and running with Her Game Too. We are actively encouraging families, that in turn means young children. Now i would put all of those supporters as potentially 'vulnerable' people if there isn't safeguarding in place and as fans we all have a responsibility to look after each other, i would suggest even more so if its a supporter who might need help for whatever reason.
So we come back to safeguarding and best practice, as a club and as a supporters trust that is a very important aspect of their responsibilities, they have in their posession the personal details and data of over 2000 supporters between them. Some of those people will be classed as vulnerable and everyone of us has a right to expect that our data is stored securely, the person viewing it is of good character and trustworthy and that the data is used for its intended purpose and not divulged to other parties. It's commonsense but its also the law. A CBR check on those with access to personal data would be commonsense because expecting those with a criminal record to declare it themselves would be very naive. Best practice i think they call it. I'm confident George Delves will be aware of all that anyway, he's switched on.
If i raise a legitimate worry that i have with the Supporters Trust then i expect it to be treated with the seriousness it deserves and not to be castigated or made to feel guilty for coming forward. I would also expect them to investigate it without favour looking at all the information available and apply best practice to their thinking. Safeguarding issues need to be front and centre of everything now, the Ogden family would expect that. Those associated with initiatives like Her Game Too deserve to know that they are in a safe space and their welfare is a top priority. As a club we are now embracing community involvement and with that comes added responsibilty, the landscape of the club is changing for the good. So if we see something that doesn't seem right then speak up and report it. Nobody deserves to be stigmatised or derided for doing that. [Post edited 28 Aug 9:04]
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 10:42 - Aug 27 with 2427 views | 100notout |
Oh dear.
This is starting to feel like a “Forever Bury” situation and we all know how that ended up. This needs nipping in the bud - sooner rather than later. If you can’t stand the heat don’t go in the kitchen. | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 11:04 - Aug 27 with 2379 views | turnthescrew |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 10:42 - Aug 27 by 100notout |
Oh dear.
This is starting to feel like a “Forever Bury” situation and we all know how that ended up. This needs nipping in the bud - sooner rather than later. If you can’t stand the heat don’t go in the kitchen. |
It's not really comparable. The issue with the Trust is that there are serious concerns about the suitability of certain people to hold specific roles.
This has been highlighted and brought to the attention of others, quite legitimately, but has only led to others sticking their ostrich heads into the sand and blaming the members for doing the right thing.
The Trust have failed to produce accurate minutes of the meeting called by the members, and treated it and the members as an irrelevance.
The time is overdue when certain Trust board members should be seriously considering their positions. Or do the members have to step in again? | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:42 - Aug 27 with 1782 views | Marjorie_Plane |
Toxic 6
Count me in |  | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 21:52 - Aug 27 with 1682 views | judd |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:42 - Aug 27 by Marjorie_Plane |
Toxic 6
Count me in |
Dear Marjorie, you are already 4 of them.
Did you get your membership renewal reminder today? | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 00:25 - Aug 28 with 1527 views | Sandyman |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 20:42 - Aug 27 by Marjorie_Plane |
Toxic 6
Count me in |
Nonsense, Marjorie. You never have been or ever will be toxic, though I get your drift.
You have class. Some have none.
Your next Champagne in Ratcliffe's is on me.
Best wishes to Freda, how is she? | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 09:17 - Aug 28 with 1304 views | Marjorie_Plane |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 00:25 - Aug 28 by Sandyman |
Nonsense, Marjorie. You never have been or ever will be toxic, though I get your drift.
You have class. Some have none.
Your next Champagne in Ratcliffe's is on me.
Best wishes to Freda, how is she? |
Freda is fine and thank you so much for asking. You know she lost Sid recently. I told her that it was a big risk when he took up crown green bowls... anyway, one day he never got back up after he bent down. Sad, really lovely man. We are off to Morrisons later and have you seen the price of boiled ham these days!
I know what you lovely people do is all in the best interest of the club and more importantly, supporters. Like R17Dale - I'd be so disappointed if I wasn't in that toxic group. If not for that group, Roger would still be at the helm, wouldn't he, and Morton House would have stripped us bare by now.
Hold em to account!
Up the Dale! | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 09:23 - Aug 28 with 1297 views | Rehsad |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 21:52 - Aug 27 by judd |
Dear Marjorie, you are already 4 of them.
Did you get your membership renewal reminder today? |
I got mine. I was surprised as I hadn't received renewal invite and so when I opened the mail that was what I was expecting. What I actually received was a 'lapsed member letter'' . If that was the 'renewal invite' then it was a very poor way of reminding me! Had I received it a week ago I would have just paid up. Now I'm wondering whether to or not. | | | |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 10:46 - Aug 28 with 1160 views | D_Alien |
| Members who called the Trust EGM on 09:23 - Aug 28 by Rehsad |
I got mine. I was surprised as I hadn't received renewal invite and so when I opened the mail that was what I was expecting. What I actually received was a 'lapsed member letter'' . If that was the 'renewal invite' then it was a very poor way of reminding me! Had I received it a week ago I would have just paid up. Now I'm wondering whether to or not. |
That's up to each individual of course, we can all think for ourselves
The timing of the renewal letter is indeed noteworthy... | |
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| Members who called the Trust EGM on 11:17 - Aug 28 with 1077 views | dawlishdale |
I haven't had any contact from the trust. It's sad to see an organisation that has been strong for 15 years struggling recently. | | | |
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