VOTING is now well under way to select 14 members to serve as directors of Forever Bury (the Bury FC Supporters' Society).

A total of 20 candidates put their names forward for election in the postal ballot for the 14 places available. A professional and independent body, the Electoral Reform Society will count the votes.

The results of the ballot will be announced at the inaugural annual meeting of the Forever Bury Society to be held at the Bury FC Social Club at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 17.

Members are being asked to make a special effort to attend this meeting which will be open to members only. It will be followed at 8.30pm at 8.30pm by a Fans' Forum, open to all supporters. Manager Andy Preece and representatives of the Bury FC board and playing staff among others will attend to answer questions and hear supporters' viewpoints.

October 17 represents a landmark date in the short history of the Society. Since the club crisis became news early in the year, a dedicated band of volunteers have working towards the setting up of an organisation registered as a Friendly Society, conforming to the rules of the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts of 1965 and 1968.

Its aims are to give supporters a greater say in the affairs of the club, including the appointment of directors, and to provide the club with support and back-up to avoid future crises.

The people involved are keen that it should be a "friendly society" in spirit as well as a "Friendly Society" in title.

"The membership subscription (£10 adults, £5 junior and senior citizens) is useful, but it is the supporters in person who are doubly welcome", a prominent member has stated.