KHIST 2020 lottery – the decision

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The board of Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust, having taken into account the events of recent days, have made the regrettable decision that Friday’s draw of the KHIST 2020 Lottery will be the last.

We are determined that the Trust will not be drawn into a dispute between genuine Harriers supporters over the intended designation of lottery proceeds and, it’s now very clear that the KHFC board is no longer prepared to accept KHIST’s financial support from lottery receipts, unless offered without conditions (and, of course, we have had no meaningful input at board level in recent times). As an independent organisation, that’s not an acceptable arrangement, so we have decided to call it a day.

The Lottery was first set up in November 2010, with the first draw being made on 10th January 2011, since which time it has raised just short of £200,000 – a fantastic effort by a small group of committed volunteers. That has been part of a significantly larger overall KHIST investment, which has been passed over to the football club for numerous agreed projects. Until recently, we have always had a relationship whereby funds were actually used for those designated projects but it’s now quite apparent that our independence is no longer recognised and that little consideration is paid to the purpose for which our donations may be offered.

The recent club shares issue has resulted in effective overall ownership by one party (over 75% shareholding) and, we’ve been told on many occasions that the business has no need of donors and benefactors, so hopefully the decision we’ve taken will not affect our team’s success on the pitch.

It would be remiss of us not to offer our sincere thanks to all those who have helped us to make such a massive success of this venture, without which, Kidderminster Harriers would have been consigned to history. We cannot, of course name all these good people as we are indebted to so many. However, the board would particularly like to express our gratitude to:

Dave Williams (Mr. Lottery),

the late Steve Millington – former Chairman

Dave Pountney – former Chairman,

Martin Lewis – the Lottery Promoter,

John Davies and Hire-It,

Stuart Walstrom and Wombourne Service,

Hollyoak Recruitment,

Geoff Hand Automotive,

Reel Cinema,

Foley’s Fish Bar,

Merchants Fish Bar,

Stef’s Pizza & Grill,

‘Grade One’,

all the many individuals who have been sellers and agents and, of course, the supporters who have never failed to promote the interests of our club via the lottery.

The Supporters Trust will now review its activities and will look forward to the future. We have no problems with the fans – some of whom will also be KHIST members – who are setting up a separate group with its own different objectives. We are all Harriers Supporters and we wish them every success.

You’ll have an opportunity to purchase cash tickets for the final lottery draw when we play AFC Telford United, tomorrow evening (Tuesday). You can also purchase online at www.khist.org.uk

Remember to renew your KHIST membership and join up if you are not already a member. You can register online or with a KHIST board member.

Thank you all for your fantastic support!

KEEP THE FAITH!