Exeter City FC is making a final appeal to holders of unclaimed shares in the club to make contact as it proceeds on updating and modernising its share register.
After an appeal earlier this year, and extensive work by volunteers from Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, the club successfully rehomed almost 2,800 shares, and in the process reconnected a number of shareholders with the club.
It is now moving towards the formal cancellation of the remaining unclaimed shares and making a final appeal to people to get in touch.
Nick Hawker, chair of the Supporters’ Trust, appealed to people to make contact. He added: ‘It is anticipated that Notice of a General Meeting to formally approve the cancellation of the unclaimed shares will go out in early October, with the meeting taking place by the end of that month.
‘This means it is shareholders’ last chance to lay claim to any of the shares we still cannot trace before they are gone forever. We would much prefer to keep people’s share on the register than write them off, so we encourage people to get in touch as soon as possible.’
The missing shareholders fall into two categories – those who are known to have died and whose shares were not transferred; and those who have moved from the address registered on their share and in some cases no address at all.
Nick added: “We want to avoid the need to repeatedly send out formal documentation to deceased persons and incorrect addresses. We have made significant efforts to trace all relevant parties and want to issue this final appeal.’
The £1shares have been issued a number of times over the years to raise capital for the club; most people acquired them because they were fans and wanted to support the club, and as such they are primarily of sentimental value. It is believed the earliest shares date back to the 1930s and may have been passed down through people’s families.
By owning a share in the club, you are entitled to attend the AGM and vote. The Supporters’ Trust remains the majority shareholder with the same shareholding that it acquired in 2003.
If you have information that you think can help (updated details or next of kin) please send it to shares@ecfc.co.uk or write to the Supporters’ Trust at the Club marking the envelope ‘shares’ at Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, St James Park, Stadium Way, Exeter, EX4 6PX .