At the meeting of LOFT held on 24th October 2002, LOFT members voted unanimously to become affiliatated to the Football Supporters' Federation, the new organisaation formed as a result of a merger between the Football Supporters' Asociation and the National Federation of Football Supporters' Clubs.

Guest Speaker Dave Boyle of Supporters' Direct and the FSF filled members in on important background information about the organisation, and argued that joining the FSF would enable Orient fans to be active at a national level, as well as at club level. At a time when there are so many threats to League Football, supporters need to be able to unite. The FSF are tackling important issues such as the redistribution of money to all levels of football, and the need for tighter rules governing ownership of football clubs.

Affiliation will cost LOFT £50 a year and will mean that LOFT has three votes at any FSF meeting. Individuals are also welcome to join the FSF - there will be more details available shortly.

Other things were discussed at the meeting, such as the recent activities of the Working Party, and the planned LOFT Christmas social (which will take place on December 14th, more details to be announced).

Finally, members bid a fond farewell to outgoing committee member Rory MacQueen. Rory has worked extremely hard on various LOFT projects and has been one of the main reasons for LOFT being so well known among other Trusts and Fan organisations. We will be electing a replacement for Rory at the next LOFT meeting on Saturday 14th December.