The Second Annual ArabTRUST Quiz Night A Massive Success
Posted Tuesday 5th October 2010
£1,000 was raised this evening at the Fort Bar, Broughty Ferry, Dundee during our second annual Quiz Night.
Over 100 people took up every seat going as Quiz Master John Brown put the general knowledge questions to the crowd as the Scottish Cup looked on.
At half-time, the team '3 Roses And A Thong' (pictured) were in the lead with an impressive 48 points out of a possible 50 and finished in first place on 91 and a half points. 'Fat Kids Are Harder To Kidnap' finished second.
The auction featured a £20 M&S voucher, 2 adults and 2 concessions Tannadice Match Day tickets, a two-ball for Carnoustie Golf Course, a football signed by the Dundee United 2010 Scottish Cup winning team and Tannadice Match Day Boardroom Hospitality for 2 raising a total of £388.
ArabTRUST would like to thank the following organisations and individuals who generously contributed to the event:-
John Bennett, The Fort Hotel, Carnoustie Golf Links, Groucho's, Dundee United Football Club, George's Barber Shop (Lochee High Street), Ronnie Dare, Cineworld (Dundee) Debenhams (Overgate, Dundee) and Dianne McInnes.
This evening was organised by ArabTRUST Board member George Cunningham. Never one to seek praise and always working tirelessly for our cause, we'd like to thank him for his efforts in making tonight possible.
Carnage At Club'83!!
Friday 21st May 2010
Club'83, Dundee was packed tonight as an estimated 300+ people arrived to have their moment with the Scottish Cup.
By the time the cup showed up, hundreds had already crammed into the St.Salvador Street haunt on both floors just to hold the oldest trophy in world football and get their picture taken with the silverware.
Arabs young and old queued patiently on the ground floor whilst a ticket system had to be used on the first floor for Club'83 members to get their chance.
The ArabTRUST Euro/Lee4Life Night
Sunday 9th May 2010
Last night, ArabTRUST hosted a special event to celebrate United's return to Europe and also the career of Captain Lee Wikie. Euro/Lee4Life had a strong attendance on hand at Club'83, Dundee despite the Scottish Cup Final being just a week away and all of the cost that goes with it.
With DJing duties overseen by ArabTRUST's Chris Bennison, Lee entered to a standing applause whilst a specially made montage of his greatest moments played on the big screen courtasy of Mark McCreery of Dundee United Media. ArabTRUST Chairman Stephen Simpson then welcomed everybody and made a personal address to Lee.
He said, "It's not something I often admit to, but I have been known to go and watch Dundee FC too, and I've followed your career on both sides of the road as well as watching you play for Scotland. I've got great, great memories of you as I'm sure everybody here does.
When I heard that your football career was at an end I, as I know everybody here too, was tremendously sad to know that we would no longer be seeing you play.
But whatever the next step is, I know I represent everybody here when I wish you well and every success with whatever the next step is."
Stephen then presented the guest of honour with a trophy from ArabTRUST as a memento of the evening.
Lee himself then took the mic to make his own address. He said, "Thank you very much to ArabTRUST for organising this night for me. The support and best wishes I've had recently have all been fantastic. Fans of Dundee FC as well as United and just anybody that recognises me have been coming up to me to say 'Good luck' and thank me for what I did on the park."
The disco was then in full swing as those present went up to Lee for a chat and a photograph. Always outgoing and perfectly happy to sign autographs, Lee was never short of conversation all evening and happily chatted with all comers.
After the high jinks of the 'Nearest The Bottle' contest and the raffle (featuring the inevitable accusations of 'fix'!), an auction took place for a return taxi journey to either Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow airport for United's first Europa fixture abroad.
As the disco continued and the night began to wind down, Lee told arabtrust.co.uk, "As I said before, I really must thank fans from both Dundee FC and United and actually, just everybody that's gotten in touch or even stopped me in the street for 5 seconds just to wish me well.
I'm really enjoying spending time with my family and taking it easy at the moment. My column in the Dundee Evening Telegraph is something I am enjoying and I've also been going to watch the United kids training and taking mental notes on how they are coached, so that's something to perhaps think about for the future but for now I'm in no hurry to choose what my next move will be.
As United Captain, I was always well aware of all the work ArabTRUST do, all of the players are, and I'm grateful that this night has been put on for me by you guys. I've enjoyed all the banter this evening and it's good to know that people enjoyed watching me play. It was nice to have a chance to be able to share stories and have a chat with the fans in a relaxed and informal way."
ArabTRUST would like to thank Lee for giving up his time to come along, and also to Club'83 for hosting the event.
ArabTRUST's Euro/Lee4Life was organised by Board member George Cunningham. Never one to seek praise, yet always quietly making a big contribution with his time and effort, the rest of the Board would like to thank him for all of his hard work and time towards this event.
The ArabTRUST AGM 2010
Saturday 27th February 2010
The ArabTRUST 2010 AGM took place at Club’83, Dundee today.
ArabTRUST Chairman Stephen Simpson formally welcomed the new additions to the Board for the year ahead and got the event underway by speaking of several points of praise in another packed 12 months.
He spoke firstly of arabtrust.co.uk’s major £8,000 kit sponsorship of the DUFC Youth ‘Take It And Play’ programme. Despite losing the Floodlight Derby penalties to Dee4Life, this half time event was acknowledged as a great success as well as the sponsorship of the Dundee United Hall of Fame Dinner for the third year running, the ArabTRUST Centenary Party with special guests including Ivan Golac, the ArabTRUST Quiz last November in Broughty Ferry, ‘An Evening With Ralph Milne’ in partnership with the DUBC and the ArabTRUST Player of the Month Award.
He also emphasised ArabTRUST’s strong links with Supporters Direct as well as sighting ArabTRUST merchandise sales as again being a hugely successful source of fund raising.
It was then over to the ArabTRUST Associate Director, Mike Barile.
Mike represents ArabTRUST on the Dundee United Football Club Board. He firstly addressed the high profile events in his personal life. He assured the membership that the integrity of his position was not in question and that he would remain Associate Director. He also spoke of the new charity United for All and appealed for interest in the one current trustee vacancy.
Mike described his concern for the number of Directors now on the Dundee United Board since the resignation of Derek Robertson, and also spoke of the continuing cooperation between ArabTRUST and the DUBC, the Dundee United Supporters Federation and United for All.
Next, ArabTRUST Treasurer Kenn Elder addressed the members with his assessment of the past 12 months but will deliver a full annual financial account in the coming weeks due to time constraints.
The first half of the AGM was rounded off with an address from Christopher Bennison who is in charge of Communications for ArabTRUST.
Chris began by saying how he has enjoyed having an outlet to ‘vent’ his passion for United and turn it into something positive and tangible for the benefit of ArabTRUST, sighting that, ‘What’s good for ArabTRUST is good for Dundee United’.
He went on to describe the extensive progress of ArabTRUST’s visibility and accessibility via it’s Facebook, Twitter and Bebo profiles as well as bringing ArabTRUST news to the 'savage' online football forums.
He went on to sight the ArabTRUST Player of the Month Award as a particular success in increasing visibility and as a good way of allowing fans to interact. Press coverage of Player of the Month has also been highly successful.
Chris described his pride as the troops paraded around Tannadice prior to the Floodlight Derby which was jointly arranged by ArabTRUST and United for All. He also spoke of the major £8,000 youth kit sponsorship as well as ArabTRUST’s informal contact with Jim McLean which, in part, lead to his attendance at the Dundee United Centenary Dinner in the Caird Hall.
It was then time for the AGM special guest, Dundee United Chairman Stephen Thompson.
Stephen spoke honestly and candidly about the club’s current financial position and invited questions from the membership which included further discussion of United’s finances as well as the Team Manager and the future of the position, the SFA, the SPL, the summer transfer market, Sandaza, Craig Levein, the stadium and a whole host of other topics before his closing comments of praise for ArabTRUST.
He said that most football clubs are ‘at loggerheads’ with their supporters trusts but that the unique relationship between ArabTRUST and United was as strong and productive as ever and speculated that it’s probably the closest club/trust relationship in British football.
Stephen Simpson and Stephen Thompson rounded off the AGM with a presentation of flowers and vouchers for Stella Brodie, the ‘unsung hero’ of ArabTRUST’s merchandise fund raising.
Stella’s husband, Alistair ‘Breeks’ Brodie was a foundation member and has been an ArabTRUST Board member for the past 8 years. Breeks has raised a massive amount of money during his time being in charge of the ‘Tangerine Trading Posts’ in the George Fox and Eddie Thompson stands, with his wife Stella always by his side.
Breeks and Stella stood down at the AGM and their absence will certainly be felt by ArabTRUST, the void they leave is a reflection of just how much time, talent, aptitude and skill they have both contributed.
Breeks has, and rightly so, been singled out for major praise in recent weeks and as a token of ArabTRUST’s appreciation for his outstanding and immeasurable contribution, he was visibly touched when informed that he is now the one and only ever ArabTRUST Life Member.
It was a fitting end to the AGM and ArabTRUST now look forward to another productive and successful year.
ArabTRUST would like to thank Club’83 for hosting the AGM and to Stephen Thompson for giving up his valuable match day time to attend.
Tuesday 1st December 2009
A Full House At ArabTRUST's Quiz Night
Over £500 was raised for ArabTRUST at yesterdays Quiz Night in The Fort Bar, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
It was a full house with every seat taken as Quizmaster John Brown put the general knowledge questions to all in attendance.
Norfolk & Chance were the eventual winners scoring an impressive 92 out of a possible 100 points.
4 Arabs & A Dee (members of which included the ArabTRUST Board's Chris Bennison and Joe Duncan as well as Tay FM's Dave Connor) finished last with a woeful 63 points!
Before the prizes were awarded, a highly successful auction took place with the most notable lot of Match Day Boardroom Hospitality going for £130 to Alec Kenneth.
The ArabTRUST Quiz Night raised vital funds that will now go towards Dundee United's youth policy, football related community projects and Boardroom fan representation.
Thank you to John Brown, The Fort Bar staff and all who attended.
Also, a special mention for the night's principle organiser, ArabTRUST Board member George Cunningham and ArabTRUST Vice Chair Joe Duncan.
Tuesday 10th November 2009
ArabTRUST At The Derby
Despite sustaining an injury last night that is rumoured to see him out until December, Garry Kenneth still made time for ArabTRUST last night following United’s 3-1 friendly victory over Dundee FC. He was presented with the ArabTRUST Player of the Month shield for October by ArabTRUST Chairman Stephen Simpson and his wife – ArabTRUST member Carol Simpson.
We thank everybody who turned up early to show their appreciation for the Black Watch members who were shown the respect and appreciation of all in attendance.
140 Black Watch members and their families were invited as guests for the night thanks to ArabTRUST, United for All and Dee4Life together with Dundee Untied. ArabTRUST Board member and United for All Chairman Dave Mulholland, is a serving officer with Tayforth UOTC and was able to liaise directly with the troops in Afghanistan.
Despite the United win, ArabTRUST suffered a set-back loosing 8-6 in the half-time fans penalty shoot-out to Dee4Life. But, it was a light-hearted affair and we thank Cameron Forbes, Kris Norrie, Haydn Knox, Gareth Dickson, Graeme Taylor, Allan Carver, Liam Duncanson, Gavin Muir, Gordon Black and Roy Mason who took the spot-kicks on our behalf.
Monday 2nd November 2009
Last night, together with DUBC, ArabTRUST hosted 'An Evening With Ralph Milne' in the George Fox Lounge at Tannadice.
Ralph was accompanied by Gary Robertson, co-author of the new auto-biography 'What's It All About Ralphie?'.
Ralph, who is very much in demand due to the book at the moment, cheerfully answered all questions put to him with the same candour and humour that can be found in the book, with no subject off limits.
The inevitable question about 'that goal' was asked as well as subjects ranging from Jim McLean, the current squad, Walter Smith, Alex Ferguson, dressing room stories and lots of anecdotes that never made it into the book for one reason or another - more than enough material for the paperback edition! Several long standing rumours were also quashed.
Gary also took his share of questions on how the book came together along with some tales of his own.
The evening was rounded off by a long succession of attendees wishing to have their book signed with every copy being sold out and more having to be brought in!
Thank you to all who were present last night and together with DUBC, ArabTRUST would like to give thanks to Ralph and Gary who have had to attend many book signing events of late, yet still found time to make this event possible.
Saturday 23rd May 2009
ArabTRUST's Centenary party last night at Genna's, Dundee was a huge success and raised vital funds for our youth and community projects.
Entertainment was provided by the band Hector's House (featuring ArabTRUST's very own Colin Stewart on drums) and DJing from ArabTRUST's very own Chris Bennison.
United legends in attendance included Ivan Golac, Hamish McAlpine, David Bowman, Ralph Milne, John Holt, Gary Bollan, Kenny Cameron, George Fleming, Davie Sturrock and John Reilly.
Dundee United Football Club Chairman Stephen Thompson got the night under way with a rousing speech followed by Ivan Golac on the mic who topically recalled his memories of beating Rangers at Ibrox and Hampden with comical Golac delivery!
As ever, the ArabTRUST merchandise stall did a roaring trade courtasy of 'Breeks' and Stella Brodie, and the night was rounded off by ArabTRUST Associate Director Mike Barile and ArabTRUST Chairman Dave Mulholland's cutting of a centenary cake on the stroke of midnight. Centenary cake was also taken into Roxburghe House, Dundee as ArabTRUST is aware of United supporters there who are in the final stages of their treatment.
Pictured is Ralph Milne and fan John McKaig modeling some of the latest ArabTRUST merchandise, a 'Proud To Be An Arab' cap (Ralph) and a 'Dundee Hibernian 1909' cap (John). For more photos, please click HERE
Many thanks to all of those in attendance.
Thursday 19th February 2009
The sixth Annual General Meeting of ArabTRUST took place in the George Fox Lounges at Tannadice.
A number of changes have taken place on the Society Board following the recent elections, with some Board members taking the opportunity to stand down from office or the Board itself after several years of unstinting service to the Trust.
Treasurer David Dorward and board members Scott Simpson and Mark Dorward intimated their resignation from the Board, while Kenn Elder stepped down as Chairman. New members Ewen Allardyce, Chris Bennison, Stephen Simpson and George Cunningham were welcomed on to the Board.
The following office bearers were elected: Chair - Dave Mulholland, Vice Chair - Stephen Simpson, Secretary - Kevin Payne, Treasurer - Kenn Elder, Associate Director - Mike Barile.
The night got underway with an address from the outgoing ArabTRUST Chairman Kenn Elder who reflected on the achievements of the Trust to date and, in particular, another productive year. In total the Trust has invested some £120k to date, including a major principal sponsorship and partnership involvement with the Dundee United youth & community programmes during the course of this year. The Trust also provided another highly successful sponsorship for the Club's second Hall of Fame event and hosted events such as the "We Won the League at Dens" 25th Anniversary celebration party and the recent Q&A with Craig Levein and Stephen Thompson. The new ArabTRUST website has recently been launched and a new membership database system is already proving to be a success, providing instant email and text messaging communication to members.
Before departing from office, both Kenn Elder and Treasurer David Dorward paid special tribute to the tremendous work done by Breeks and Stella Brodie on merchandise sales through the Tangerine Trading Posts, Groucho's and this website. It is worth noting that merchandise profits have accounted for some £60k (almost half the total income) since the Trust began and without these profits it would simply not have been possible for the Trust to achieve the success it has had.
This year's special guest was Dundee United's Under 19s coach Stevie Campbell, who gave an entertaining and informative Q&A as the highlight of the evening.
Those in attendance were also treated to a short 'teaser' of the forthcoming follow up to the book 'A Passion For Survival' by it's author, Steve Gracie, who intrigued all with what’s in store for the second part of his trilogy, which is due to be called ‘Rise Of The Terrors’, out later this year.
Many thanks to all of those who were in attendance for this years AGM, the next 12 months look set to be just as productive under the new chairmanship of Dave Mulholland.
Question & Answer - 15th January 2009
Over 100 members of ArabTRUST attended a lively Question & Answer session with Chairman Stephen Thompson and Manager Craig Levein at Tannadice last Thursday.
The meeting followed the release of United’s financial results to June 2008 and the Chairman took time to outline the figures and provide an overview of the current financial position and challenges facing the Club and, indeed, Scottish football. While he viewed the results as encouraging, he cautioned that the financial climate was still difficult and that football would not be immune from the consequences of the pressures being felt throughout the economy as a whole. Nevertheless, the Club was now in much better shape to cope with these pressures and an agreed programme of debt reduction was now in place. In addition to this, the Club was about to embark on major cost projects, including upgrading the floodlights at a cost of some £200,000 and the provision of a new customised training facility. All of the associated expenditure will have to be found from normal revenues and budgets have been agreed accordingly.
The Manager confirmed that he and his representatives had asked tough questions of the Chairman before agreeing his new contract, but that he was entirely happy with the direction and strategies outlined for the Club. While he has made no secret of his ambitions he did say that he’d be quite happy if it turned out he was “still here in ten years time”. Unfortunately, the Chairman did not have a new contract to hand!
The Manager answered a whole range of questions regarding players (past and present), recruitment policy, future prospects and his overall philosophy as a football Manager – all delivered in a thoughtful and concise manner. His one liners weren’t bad either.
The evening was a huge success and once again the ArabTRUST would like to thank the Club for their much valued and appreciated support.
'We Won The League At Dens' Party - Friday 16th May 2008
A packed Friary was host to ArabTRUST’s party on Friday 16th May 2008 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of winning the Premier League in 1983.
Captain Paul Hegarty, Ralph Milne, John Holt and John Reilly attended the event and were given a hero’s welcome by all those present. Footage can be viewed on ArabZONE.
The ex-players were presented with special awards by ArabTRUST to mark the occasion. Also in attendance and in big demand for photographs, was the Club’s replica Championship Trophy.
Entertainment for the night was provided by The Directors (available for weddings, parties and functions it says here), Gary Robertson & The Cundeez and The Auld Toon Band, featuring Dundee United’s own Head of Youth Development and Academy Director Graeme Liveston. Christopher Bennison provided the DJ-ing for the late night revellers.
This was another hugely enjoyable social event by ArabTRUST with the unique merchandising stall, ably staffed as usual by Breeks and Stella, doing a roaring trade in memorabilia and other items.
The event raised well over £2000 for ArabTRUST and this will, as ever, find its way into youth and community projects supported by the Club.
Thanks are due to event organiser Dave Mulholland and all the volunteers who helped make the night such a success.
ArabTRUST Masters 2008 - Monday 5th May 2008
The annual ArabTRUST Masters took place on Monday 5th May 2008 at St Michaels Golf Course, near Leuchars, Fife.
This year's winner of the coveted tangerine jacket was Craig Conway (no, not that Craig Conway!) and his team "Three Arabs and a Tic" also took the team prize.
A special mention should also be made for the Inverness Arabs who travelled down for the occasion.
Despite a few sore heads from the night before, a great day out was had by all.
Thanks are due to Joe Duncan for organising the event on behalf of ArabTRUST.