Dons Trust Board meeting summary – 15 December

Posted on December 23, 2021 by The Dons Trust

On Wednesday 15 December, the Dons Trust Board (DTB) gathered via Microsoft Teams for its regular monthly meeting. This is a summary of matters discussed, pending publication of full minutes.

Attendees were as follows:

From the Dons Trust Board (DTB): Jane Lonsdale, Niall Couper, Luke Mackenzie, Graham Stacey, Tim Hillyer, Charlie Talbot, Hannah Kitcher, Ed Leek

Incoming Board members attending as observers only: Michele Little, Freddy Flaxman, Kris Stewart

Also in attendance: Secretary – Martin Newton, Communications Assistant – Matt Stockbridge

Apologies: Xavier Wiggins

A warm welcome and congratulations were extended to the three new DTB members who were attending as..

Introducing the new Dons Trust Secretary

Posted on December 12, 2021 by The Dons Trust

The Dons Trust Board is delighted to welcome Martin Newton, who is taking on the Dons Trust Secretary role, following the recent announcement that current Secretary, David Growns would be stepping down. 

Martin sat in on the last Dons Trust Board meeting, held on Wednesday 17 November 2021 (see meeting summary here), and formally took over all secretarial responsibilities on 1 December 2021.

Martin’s experience and credentials include 34 years in corporate governance and formal meetings management with extensive experience of reviewing, updating and streamlining decision-making processes and ensuring..

Dons Trust Board meeting summary – 17 November

Posted on December 5, 2021 by The Dons Trust

On Wednesday 17 November 2021, the Dons Trust Board (DTB) gathered via Microsoft Teams for its regular monthly meeting. This is a summary of matters discussed, pending publication of full minutes.

Attendees were as follows:

From the Dons Trust Board (DTB): Xavier Wiggins, Jane Lonsdale, Niall Couper, Luke Mackenzie, Graham Stacey, Tim Hillyer, Charlie Talbot, Hannah Kitcher, Edward Leek.

Also in attendance: Michele Little, Treasurer and Martin Newton, incoming Secretary.

Apologies: David Growns, outgoing Secretary.

The meeting opened by welcoming Martin Newton who is taking on the Dons Trust Secretary role, following the recent announcement that current Secretary, David Growns is stepping down on 1 December 2021. 

Martin’s..

Meet the DTB with Xavier Wiggins, feat. Joe Palmer, AFC Wimbledon CEO

Posted on November 19, 2021 by The Dons Trust

The Dons Trust Board is delighted to announce the return of our regular Meet the DTB events.

Kicking off at 19:00 GMT on Monday 22 November, the event will be with DTB Co-Chair Xavier Wiggins alongside special guest AFC Wimbledon CEO Joe Palmer.

For anyone who missed earlier sessions, the idea is that we host a Q&A with Dons Trust members online. The format is designed to allow for more informal, in-depth, and more personal, direct engagement between fans and..

Dons Trust Board election hustings

Posted on November 12, 2021 by The Dons Trust

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Dons Trust Board election hustings will take place on Saturday 13 November 2021.

The hustings will be live streamed on the 9yrs YouTube channel, and will take on an exciting new format with two Question Time-style shows. Starting from 10:00 GMT, each session will run for approximately 90 minutes. The second session will kick off at midday.

Session 1 – KO 10:00 GMT:

Dennis Lowndes Mark Engelbretson Freddy Flaxman Kris Stewart Graeme..

Financial update: Refinancing plans ahead of April 2022

Posted on November 5, 2021 by The Dons Trust

Following on from our financial review at the end of the 20/21 season, the Dons Trust Board and AFC Wimbledon PLC Board would like to update members and fans on the overall picture as the refinancing deadline of April 2022 approaches.

We wrote in June:

“The most critical challenge facing the club and Trust is to refinance the £4.6m bridging loan by spring 2022.”

This remains the case. The PLC Board, Dons Trust Board and Finance Committee have been working..

Dons Trust Board Election Nominees 2021

Posted on November 1, 2021 by The Dons Trust

On behalf of the Dons Trust Election Steering Group, I can confirm that the following have been nominated for the election to fill five places on the Dons Trust Board:

Click on the name of the candidate to view their manifesto or download all the manifestos [887KB colour PDF]

Michele Little Adam Procter Dennis Lowndes Mark Engelbretson Kris Stewart Graeme Price Colin Shergold Graham Stacey Ben Ransome Niall Couper Freddy Flaxman James Macdonald

(This is in reverse to the order they..

Manifesto James Macdonald

Posted on November 1, 2021 by The Dons Trust

Proposers: Dr Lee Willett and Danny Norris

As the Chief Operating Officer of a 6-school, £14 million turnover, Muli Academy Trust, I have the experience and skills necessary to play the role of a critical friend to give support and challenge to the club’s management to help the club run efficiently and sustainably.

Over the last 18 months, three schools have joined our Trust I have led on many aspects of bringing these schools within the Trust. I have successfully..

Manifesto Freddy Flaxman

Posted on November 1, 2021 by The Dons Trust

Proposers: Alex Gyr and Brian Flaxman

I’m thrilled to again run for election to the Dons Trust Board.

My pitch is simple: I would like to use my business experience to help AFC Wimbledon strengthen its financial position and remain supporter-owned.

My entire career has been focused on leading sports and media companies into the next chapter of their history while remaining steadfastly true the core of what made them great. I did this as a consultant at McKinsey &..

Manifesto Niall Couper

Posted on November 1, 2021 by The Dons Trust

Proposers: Kevin Rye and Lou Carton-Kelly

I am a current member of the Dons Trust Board, and I am asking you to re-elect me.

My mantra is simple: I want every Wimbledon fan to be able to put on our club shirt proud in everything it stands for, safe in the knowledge that the club will always be there for you and owned by you.

I am unequivocally in favour of the club remaining fan owned. We only have to..