BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes for the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 22nd April 2014 at 6.00pm
Present: Chris Nichols, Neil Trenaman, Stephen Smith, Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth, Ann Bennett, Steven Clifton, Maureen Fallows, Christine Theobald
1. APOLOGIES
none
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (4th March)
Approved and signed
3. MATTERS ARISING
none
4. CHAIR’S REPORT
none
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
none
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
We have had three annual expenses recently:
Engraving of trophies £134.00
EBU annual subscription £34.00
Booklets £59.00
The cost of renting the Parkhouse Centre has gone up again this year, Stephen assumes this is an annual rise
We have £4,582.00 in the bank.
7. Publicity
Stephen S. has produced an excellent piece that it is suggested goes in all local Parish magazines.
Linda wished to change the adjective competitive as she thought it made the play sound too intense - Stephen agreed to make the change.
He will ask members who live in local parishes to add their contact details and put it on a notice board or in the parish magazine. Steven C. said that he can distribute the notices to nearby parishes with no resident bridge club members. Linda suggested we post notices in prominent town sites and golf clubs - also the Holsworthy Library was suggested.
8. Times and Movements
On the agenda:
"We need to keep the session times under review. No point starting early unless we are also going to finish by 10.15 at the latest on Tuesdays. A reminder to Directors that there is a list of suggested movements in the Directors' Box, ensuring a minimum of 24 boards and a maximum of 28 boards are played.
In the spirit of the resolution, we should leave out the final round if we feel we are going to finish past 10.15 p.m. The only exception to this may be on a Friday if we get exactly 5 or 6 tables and we try to fit in 30 boards in a Mitchell."
Steven C. requested that directors should not put too much pressure on the players by repeatedly hurrying them. It's better to speak to slow players individually. He also said that if we were not finished until 10.20 sometimes no-one would mind, it was the 10.45 finish that happened sometimes in the past that members found too late. The directors agreed not to move the players when there are more than two tables still playing.
This was supported by Neil and it was agreed by all.
9. Allocation of roles
The 4 Officers have fairly defined and full roles.
Maureen does a great job with the stationery, Linda with refreshments etc. Steven directs.
Christine has kindly agreed to be the Social Secretary (cards, flowers etc)
Ann has kindly agreed to be our Partner Finder
Chris agreed to send our results to the press when Neil is away.
11. Suggestions to update calendar
Are there redundant competitions and any ideas for new ones? Friday Singles for example?
We will think about this during the year, the calendar is printed for 2014-15.
Steven C. suggested that more competitions might NOT be on the first Tuesday of the month, to allow for more diversity in pairings.
Chris, Stephen and Neil need to discuss whether Wednesday afternoons are to continue. They will meet for this.
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Chris welcomed our new committee memebers, Christine and Ann, and thanked them for agreeing to join us.
The caretaker has not been given his Christmas Box, normally £25.00. Stephen will see to this.
The meeting closed at 6.30
The next meeting will probably be in July to discuss the Wednesday afternoon group.
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 4th March 2014 at 6.00pm
Present: Chris Nichols, Neil Trenaman, Stephen Smith, Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth, Maureen Fallows, Steven Clifton.
1. APOLOGIES
Kathleen Bence
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (26th November)
Approved and signed
3. MATTERS ARISING
none
4. CHAIR’S REPORT
none
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
none
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Stephen told us that this year we have made a profit of c. £440.00, although there has been a slight drop in overall attendance. 63 members have paid their subscriptions for the coming year. Going through those who have not renewed, we could see that at least some will renew, apart from one who has left the area.
We found that although we are not losing members, we do not have many coming new to the club.
7. AGM:
a. Any proposals for voting on?
No
b. Any suggestions for change in subs?
Stephen said there was no need to raise subs.
c. Any nominations for life membership?
Chris Nichols was proposed by Neil and seconded by Linda. He has been a member of the club for approximately 30 years, has served on the committee for 25 including two spells as Chair. He works extremely hard for the club, this includes directing, teaching, running competitions. This proposal must go on the notice board for the members' attention.
d. Any subjects we want members' views on?
None were suggested
e. Timings of notices
Voting sheets (for officers and committee) to go on the notice board next week - also a list where members can propose topics for debate.
Before the meeting, Jane will email all members with a copy of last year's AGM minutes, and this year's accounts. She will print some hardcopies to be handed out on the day for those without email.
f. Date for emergency committee meeting if needed
1st April
g. Arrangements for trophy engraving.
We need to get the rest of the trophies in next week. Jane will chase the missing ones. Chris will take them for engraving.
h. Arrangements for collecting apologies, etc.
A list for apologies will go up next week. Jane will ask someone to collect the names of attendees on the day.
i. Membership lists - continue with booklets?
The booklets seem popular and useful. Linda will get a quote from a printer who she thinks may be cheaper than Martins.
8. Engraving of club trophies (Steve C.)
Steve C. asked that both the John Ridding Club Championship trophies should be engraved, rather than just one. This was voted on and agreed. He also requested that his name should be corrected as the engravers had omitted a letter.
9. Vacancy for Vice-Chairman from April. (Neil)
Neil would like to have fewer commitments this coming year and would prefer to step down.
10. Additional committee member. (Neil)
Several names were suggested. They will be approached to ascertain how they feel about serving on the committee.
11. New Press Officer
Neil said that he was able to continue with the monthly press reports, but was no longer able to send the weekly results in. He said he had someone in mind to ask to do it, Jane said she would fill the gap if necessary.
12. Attendance on Friday nights. (Neil)
Neil commented on the drop in attendance on Fridays, and gave us a detailed breakdown. (see appendix)
Linda suggested that we do not wish to cancel Fridays, it is a gentler friendly evening suitable for encouraging improvers. All agreed.
It was suggested that we ask on Tuesdays who is likely to attend on Fridays, to try to ensure enough come for a worthwhile evening.
Stephen S. said that we only need 3 tables to break even on costs so this was not a problem.
Steven C. suggested we ask around to try to discover why more attend Tuesdays than Thursdays
13. Possible Wednesday afternoon pairs competition on 19th March (Stephen S.)
This was agreed. We have a spare trophy to award which could be used.
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
There is a novice pairs event to be held in Falmouth. Chris agreed to inform the members.
The meeting ended at 6.50pm.
A meeting was provisionally planned for Tuesday 1st April, a week before the AGM, to be held if there are any members' proposals to be discussed.
Appendix.
Friday evening attendances 01/03/2013 - 28/02/2014 by Neil Trenaman
The average was between 4 and 5 tables with highest being 6.5 tables and lowest 3 tables. On 14th Feb there were only 2 tables and teams were played, on 3rd Jan only 5 members came so no session was played.
It is not a financial problem for the club, but if there are less than 4 tables it is less enjoyable.
With 3.5 tables everyone has to sit out for 4 boards, not ideal in winter.
With 3 tables - the top score on a board is 4 and bottom is 0, scores get distorted because you can be joint 2nd on a board and only score 1 i.e. 25%.
On 7 occasions there were 3.5 tables (22nd March, 16th Aug., 11th and 18th Oct., 15th and 22nd Nov. and 7th Feb.)
On 3 occasions there were 3 tables (13th Sept., 20th Dec. and 21st Feb.)
With the possible exception of a longer Christmas break I feel we should continue with Friday evenings, but should look at ways of boosting attendances. In winter the director should have an idea of how many are coming so that the evening can be cancelled if unviable.
There needs to be a system in place for cancelling. Obviously email but perhaps also phone?
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 26th November 2013 at 6.00pm
Present:
Chris Nichols, Neil Trenaman, Stephen Smith, Kathleen Bence, Maureen Fallows, Steven Clifton
1. APOLOGIES
Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Agreed and signed
3. MATTERS ARISING
Stratton Hospital cheque received and letter of thanks received
4. CHAIR’S REPORT
None
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
None
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Stephen told us that our total funds are £4,781.00, this is £526.00 higher than at the AGM. There are no bills outstanding, and it includes a paid stationery bill for Maureen’s order.
We raised £107.00 for Children in Need - £2 table money per person, an additional £1 donation per person plus a personal donation from a member.
7. Bridgemates
The County Bridgemates are on loan to the club, insured by CCBA. County will use them for their competitions and we shall use them at the Directors’ discretion.
8. Friday Night Attendance
Consideration was given to the falling attendance on a Friday evening. Kathleen to ask on a Tuesday if members were coming on a Friday and link those without a partner.
It was suggested that afternoon sessions be considered, initially one Wednesday afternoon per month as a full club session after Christmas.
9. Wednesday afternoons and other training groups
Chris, Neil and Stephen have led sessions on a Wednesday afternoon, although attendance has been below average. We hope that some of the members will now attend on a Friday evening.
10. Christmas Fun Evening.
Chris would direct a fun evening. Stephen offered to buy the drinks and to borrow glasses for the evening.
Jane to be asked to consider what food will be needed – just mince pies or nibbles as well?
11. Coffee Break
Jane had suggested we try free biscuits with the tea/coffee. All agreed. Jane had also offered to trial this for a month. Again, all thanked Jane and suggested starting in the New Year.
Kathleen was concerned with the state of the cups and washing bowl. Kathleen to purchase new bowl and cupboard to be re-organised to hold our own stock of 40 mugs.
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
a) Kathleen raised again the issue of fair seating for Sims Pairs events.
The committee resolved that, in future, all Competitions will be seated by random lottery. Steven will prepare East/West and North/South cards for 9 tables, to first be used for the Clifton Cup on December 10th.
b) Steven had an incident last week where a member constantly argued with a decision made by the Director. This behaviour was considered completely intolerable by the committee.
The Chair agreed to address the whole club on the matter with the Laws giving powers to the Director to exclude the member for the rest of the session (i.e. send them home).
c) Kathleen pointed out that she doesn’t have a key to the cupboard. More keys to be cut.
Next meeting Early February, to be agreed with Jane and Linda
Meeting closed at 6.45pm
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 3rd September 2013 at 6.00pm
Present: Chris Nichols, Neil Trenaman, Stephen Smith, Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth, Kathleen Bence, Maureen Fallows, Steven Clifton
1. APOLOGIES none
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING Agreed and signed
3. MATTERS ARISING
Linda asked Jane to put the date of the last meeting on agendas, so that we can look up and check the minutes more easily. .
4. CHAIR’S REPORT None
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT None
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Stephen told us that our total funds are £4,528.00, this is £456.00 higher than at the AGM. There are no bills outstanding, and itincludes a paid stationery bill for Maureen’s order
We raised £56.00 for the Stratton Hospital. Linda suggested that we try to have a photo of us presenting the cheque to a hospital representative put in the local press, but it was decided the sum was not large enough to merit this. Stephen will add up how much we have donated to the hospital over the last ten years – this may be worth a mention. It was decided not to increase the sum from club funds. Jane will send them the cheque.
7. Update on directors’ courses
Cornwall will hold a course between now and the end of the year – it will lead to qualifications. Linda wishes to take a refresher course, and Neil plans to take stages 3 and 4.
8. Wednesday afternoons and other training groups
Chris and Neil have held an initial meeting and are prepared to run the Wednesday group between them. It will mainly be designed for improvers and rubber bridge players with the main objective being to encourage those who don’t already attend the Club to do so.We can start on 9th.October and each session will begin with a brief lesson on bidding or play with maybe a prepared hand to demonstrate the points being made, followed by a normal duplicate session. Chris will concentrate on bidding and Neil on playing tips. Stephen Smith has kindly agreed to oversee the session on 13th.November when neither Chris nor Neil are available.
We only need two and a half tables to 'beak even' financially and we are confident we will have much more than that.
Neil will include information about Wednesday afternoon sessions in the September monthly report to the newspaper.
Stephen has now booked the room for the first 10 sessions from 9th October to 11th December.
Weare not planning to hold classes for absolute beginners. We decided that if any apply, they can receive one-to-one instruction from somebody suitable during the Wednesday afternoon sessions. We do not want to turn anyone away. There will be a message put on the website concerning this.
It was suggested that we devote some Friday evenings to novice players, when some of our more experienced players will partner them. This was thought to be a good idea.
9. Survey results.
Chris conducted an online survey about members’ wishes. 25 members responded. (33% of our members)
Our members are happy with the movements as they are on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Only one member wanted a series of team competitions, so the single event will remain.
One competition a year for individuals, and two Mix and Matches, as we have now, was the most popular option.
Swiss pairs: only 2 wanted to repeat them
Pivot teams: popular, only 2 did not want to repeat them.
90% approved of our moving some competitions to the summer period, as we have done this year.
EBU competitions: 85% of members preferred 3 boards per table. This will mean an arrow switch for three rounds.
The committee thanked Chris for doing this.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
Kathleen said that we still have no notice on the outside board at the Parkhouse Centre, where passers by can see our details. Linda said that she will arrange for it to be put up.
Next meeting Tuesday 19th November
Meeting closed at 6.45pm
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 21st May 2013 at 6.00pm
Present: Chris Nichols, Neil Trenaman, Stephen Smith, Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth, Kathleen Bence, Maureen Fallows
1. APOLOGIES
Steven Clifton
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Agreed and signed
3. MATTERS ARISING
None .
4. CHAIR’S REPORT
Chris told us that the county is to hold another directors' course, probably in Bude. Chris is to be one of the tutors. Linda said that she would enjoy using it as a refresher course.
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
None
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
The total amount we have in our accounts is £4,633.00
The cost of hiring rooms in the Parkhouse Centre has been raised. This raise is 3.6% which is in line with inflation. Stephen questioned whether this can be done without warning or consultation. We thought that their heating costs must be high as the rooms are always warm enough
7. To welcome new committee members
We are delighted to welcome Stephen Smith as our new treasurer and committee member, and Maureen Fallows as our new committee member.
8. To discuss future training groups
The Wednesday afternoon groups will start again in the autumn. Neil said that he is still sorry that more of the people who attend do not go on to play at the club. He will ask them what might encourage them to do this. The possibility of having a straightforward 15 minute tutorial at the start of the Wednesday afternoon sessions was discussed. Neil said that attendees have said that they preferred to play. We will raise the suggestion of a short, simple point being made at the start of each week.
Kathleen introduced, and we discussed, the possibility of supporting other local bridge groups. We could offer them some informal tuition should they so wish. The possibility of one Friday a month being put aside to encourage newcomers, possibly partnering more experienced members, was discussed, and thought to be a good idea. Chris said that he would be prepared to give tuition on Wednesday evenings if it was wanted.
9. To discuss the filling-in of travellers
Directors will continue to ask members to fill in all columns, including the lead.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
None
Next meeting Tuesday 3rd September
Meeting closed at 6.47pm
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes for the 34th Annual General Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 2nd April 2013 at 6.30pm
1. PRESENT
Officers and Committee: Chris Nichols, Mary Hicks, Neil Trenaman, Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth, Kathleen Bence, Alan Biggs, Steven Clifton
Members: 38 members attended
2. APOLOGIES
Charles Clifton, John and Julia Hilder, Sandra Hayden, Peggy Cann, Annie Quartermain
3. MINUTES OF THE LAST AGM MEETING
Agreed, and signed by the Chairman. This was proposed by Micheline Smith, seconded by Mike Newman
4. MATTERS ARISING
none
5. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
This year has been dominated by the sad passing of our much-loved and respected Chairman, John Ridding. We are delighted that his sister, Julie is able to join us this evening to present the trophies that she has so generously donated.
John will always be remembered for his warmth of personality, his generosity of spirit, his helping hand and his selfless attitude, always putting others and the club first. He will always be greatly missed.
We also think of other respected members who have passed away this year - Dick Godden, always the gentleman, and gentle Pat Clarke, winner of several trophies over the years.
This year has seen the steady growth of Bude Bridge Club with an average of nearly an extra table each Tuesday. This has partly been due to the efficient ‘partner’ service run by Kathleen. Thanks, Kathleen! We have also welcomed new members and visitors, often as a result of Neil’s excellent reports in the local paper.
The standard of play is improving, thanks partly to the lessons given by Alan and Chris with help from Neil and because some of our more experienced players are happy to play with improvers. The Wednesday improvers session continues to flourish under the guidance of Neil and Mary.
I would like to pay tribute to your committee who have given a strategic steer to the club. To Jane, our long-suffering and efficient secretary, to Neil our Vice-Chairman, and to committee members Kathleen, Linda, Alan and Steven. We pay particular tribute tonight to Mary who is standing down as Treasurer. She has been an extremely efficient manager of our accounts and has battled with banks to get the best deals for the club. Linda presented Mary with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you gift form the club.
A special mention must be made here of Maureen who has taken on the arduous job of Stationery Officer.
We are also grateful to all those members who turn up early to set up, to those who help supply refreshments, and to that gallant band who stay behind to ensure everything is packed away at the end of the evening.
The club could not function without our team of experienced and calm Directors. Please show your appreciation to Linda, Neil, Steven and Chris.
We are fortunate in having members who bring their experience from playing in County and wider events. Alan and Ian have represented the County B team, turning round its fortunes and at present lying in the lead in the Western Counties’ League with one match to go. Jane and Chris have represented the County C Team.
Alan and Ian have played in many competitions this year, coming runners-up in the Falmouth Congress Pairs against a field containing national team members. They also came 6th in the Portcall Pairs.
Ian and Chris qualified for the National Pairs regional finals in Bristol.
In the club, I suspect it will be some time before we see another 80% on a Tuesday night!
The club web-site continues to develop and is well-visited – nearly 1,000 ‘visitors’ every week.
Finally, a huge thank you to ALL the club members who have played with grace, humour, dignity and some competitive edge to make Bude Bridge what it is. If any member ever has any comment or problem – well, that is what the committee is for, so please don't ever hold back on speaking to one of us about it.
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
The booklets for the coming year will be printed after this meeting. Sandra Hayden asked me to convey thanks from the beginners for all the help and support that they have received over the last year.
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Mary explained that the accounts are similar in amounts to last year. On paper it seems as though last year's were better, but this is because the gross takings for the training courses were included in last year's accounts, whereas the expenses for them were paid during this year's. She said that at present the club is showing a small profit, and as we are not a business, and the club's finances are run only for the good of the membership, this is fine and we will not need to raise table money in the foreseeable future.
OPENING BALANCES:
Money at Bank £4,317.93
Profit/loss Account -£246.65
Total £4,071.28
CLOSING BALANCES:
Alliance and Leicester Deposit Account £3,001.18
Current Account £1,682.37
Uncleared deposit £153.00
total £1,835.37
Less unpresented cheques
no. 33 £76.00
no. 34 £198.97
no. 35 £260.48
Less unpresented P2P D.D. £113.96
£54.55
£74.44
£778.40 £778.40
£1,056.97
Add petty cash balance £13.13 £1,070.10
TOTAL £4,071.28
This was accepted.
There was a vote of thanks to Christine Theobald for her efficient auditing of the accounts.
7. Election of Officers for 2013-2014
The officers were re-elected (unopposed) as follows:
Chair Chris Nichols
Vice-Chairman Neil Trenaman
Treasurer Stephen Smith
Secretary Jane Koldewey
Committee Linda Ashworth, Steven Clifton, Kathleen Bence, Maureen Fallows
8. The new Constitution for the Club
Chris explained that the first part of the constitution was drawn up by himself and Neil, and benignly outlines the way our club should be run. The second part are rules of the EBU which they ask to be included.
This was accepted by the membership, proposed by Alan Merchant-White, seconded by Roger Alway
9. Proposal of new Life Members
The following were proposed as Life Members:
Linda Ashworth
Brian and Elaine Relton
David and Wendy Voller
Chris gave a brief description of the work each had done for the club and they were all accepted by the members. Linda was presented with a certificate of life membership.
10. Presentation of Trophies
Leslie Davis Trophy (Mix and Match): Sheila Teale and Linda Ashworth
King's Arms Cup: Alan Biggs and Ian Edwards
Collian Cup: Jean and Michael Brookes
Christine Carey Cup: Linda Ashworth and Alan Merchant-White
Doris and Frank Clifton Trophy: Jane Koldewey and Chris Nichols
Stratton Cup (Handicap Pairs): Roger Alway and Alan Merchant-White
John and Bill Prize for the most Grand Slams bid and made during the year:
Third, with 12 points, are Brian Morgan and Brian Rogers
Second, with 16 points, is Paul Laming
The winner, with 5 grand slams and 23 points, is Chris Nichols
June Justice Trophy (Individual): James Sim
Championship Plate:(Mary Francis cup) Brian Morgan and Brian Rogers
Rodger Cup (Teams): Brian Morgan and Brian Rogers, Jacqueline Russell and James Sim
John Ridding Trophies for the Club Championship: Presented by Julie Grice (John Ridding's sister) Steven and Charles Clifton
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
none
The meeting closed at 7.00pm
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 19th March 2013 at 6.00pm
Present: Chris Nichols, Mary Hicks, Jane Koldewey, Alan Biggs, Linda Ashworth, Kathleen Bence
1. APOLOGIES
Steven Clifton, Neil Trenaman
2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Agreed and signed
3. MATTERS ARISING
Jane reported that Julie Grice, John Ridding's sister, is happy to attend our AGM in order to present the trophies she has given to the club in John's memory.
4. ACTING CHAIR’S REPORT
Chris gave us the sad news of Pat Clark's death. Pat was a founder member of Bude Bridge Club and a strong player for very many years.
Alan and Ian came second in the Cornwall Congress Championship Pairs.
David Clarke and Linda, with Brian and Elaine Relton, were 4th in the teams event there.
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
none
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
The accounts are audited (end of Feb.)and ready for the AGM. Mary explained that there is an anomaly which makes it seem as though the club's income was greater last year than this year. It was caused by the gross income for tuition being paid in before the end of the last financial year, while all the costs were met at the beginning of this year. In reality our income was similar for each of the last two years, and we are just breaking even.
Jane will email all members with the annual accounts. She will include the AGM agenda and include committee nominations for Life Members.
7. To thank departing committee members
We thanked Mary very much for the enormous amount of work she has put in over the last five years while she has been treasurer.
Alan is also retiring, we are very sorry and thanked him for all that he has done over the last year.
8. AGM.
** Check nominations.
There are two new nominated committee members, one to be the new treasurer.
** Feedback from members on constitution?
One member was quite upset by the new constitution. She felt that the second part was full of threats and discipline. Chris explained to us (as he had done to her) that the first part is our club's constitution, while the second, which she objected to, is a distillation of EBU laws which have to be included.
** Consider Competitions 2013/14
Last Tuesday when we had a Howell movement there were a couple of grumbles, members did not enjoy moving after two boards and found it cumbersome to find out to where they should move. It was suggested that normally we will have Mitchell movements on Tuesday club nights and restrict Howell movements to Fridays, national and special competitions where we would like to have one pair as winners.
Kathleen and Mary said that the Mitchell movements result in weaker pairs sometimes gaining some master points which they found very encouraging. Alan said that with the Howell movement the best players tend to rise to the top which is important and gives the less experienced players a target.
We wll allow only simple bidding for individual competitions, for Mix and Match it is free choice.
We will introduce Pivot Teams in the coming year. The teams could be Mix and Match so members can arrive as a pair.
Alan suggested we hold a Swiss Pairs, he will score for us.
** Look at any proposals for discussion that may have been brought forward.
None have been offered.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS. To discuss slow play.
Mary said that it can be a problem when a pair has to wait for their next table to be free and then feel short of time and hassled. Linda said that directors should be quicker to take an average if one table has not started to play a hand when others have finished, and this was agreed. If they wish, players can play the hand in the break.
Alan said it is very important not to hurry players, new players in particular can be slow and can be driven away if they often feel they are being rushed.
This was also agreed.
Next meeting AGM 2nd April
Meeting closed at 6.47pm
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 5th February 2013 at 6.00pm
1. PRESENT
Chris Nichols, Neil Trenaman, Mary Hicks, Jane Koldewey, Linda Ashworth, Kathleen Bence, Alan Biggs, Steven Clifton
2. APOLOGIES
none
3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Agreed and signed.
4. MATTERS ARISING
none
5. ACTING CHAIR’S REPORT
We were all very sad to hear of the death of Dick Godden, a valued member of our club for very many years.
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
none
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Santander /A & L Current A/c £1,221.47
Petty cash £13.13
Santander /A & L Deposit A/c £3,000.07
TOTAL £4,234.67
Mary told us that the club is making a tiny profit at the moment, so we agreed that there was no need to raise subscriptions or table money..
7. The John Ridding Trophy. Two valuable matched rose bowls have been ordered by John's sister Julie, for the winners of our Club Championships
We agreed that we should invite Julie Grice to present the trophies at our AGM.
8. Seating for EBU SIMs. Ian is to present a proposal to the AGM.
It was agreed that a full or three quarters Howell movement, where pairs change direction during the evening, is the fairest way to manage competition evenings.
9. Committee 2013/2014.
Mary is standing down as Treasurer. Stephen Smith is willing to take over. We are very grateful to Mary for all her hard work over the last four years.
Should we have a 'Social' secretary, to organise cards for members who are ill or in hospital, or to write letters of commiseration? We did not decide a definite answer. Kathleen will consider taking it on.
Alan and Steven encouraged Kathleen (our partner-finding officer) to have a clipboard and circulate the players on each club evening to see who is playing next evening and who would like a partner found for them. Alan said that this works extremely well in Wadebridge and Steven said it was successful at his previous club. Steven said that after they adopted this method they had improved attendance on club nights.
Maureen Fallows has agreed to be Stationery secretary.
10. Programme 2013/2014, including rules for competitions.
The committee was happy with the draft calendar.
Alan is prepared to organise a Swiss Pairs evening for us. He will research how best to do this..
The last Swiss Pairs we held was organised in such a way that everyone who wished to play was able so to do. Although this movement met every EBU criterion it meant that Masterpoints could not be awarded. Alan would prefer a movement that restricts the entry to multiples of 4 tables so that MPs can be awarded.
It is possible to have fewer than 6 evenings of handicap pairs should the need arise. Steven said that we have an extemely high number of competion evenings as opposed to ordinary club evenings. Alan said he would like to see even more competitions.
11. Constitution. To be presented for adoption at the AGM.
The committee was happy with the draft constitution. There was one change proposed and accepted - the date for re-registering for membership shall be February 28th at the latest. The draft constitution is on the club website so members can read it and comment. Jane will print some hardcopies for our non-email members.
12. AGM- organisation.
Jane will send out an email to all members next month to explain that they need to give a minimum of two weeks' notice if there is a proposal or subject that they wish to raise at the AGM. She will also prepare a list well in advance so that members can propose officers and committee members. She will also print hardcopy notices of these points for the non- email members.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Alan said that he was not happy with members who rarely or never play at our club continuing to be members. The point that these members do not receive subsidised entry fees for EBU events was made - this is only for members for whom Bude is their primary club. Alan would rather not see news of members who never/rarely play at our club published on the website. He said many of our members have no idea who these people are.
It was agreed that only the achievements of members for whom Bude is their primary club should be published on the club website.
Alan proposed that members should play at the club at least 10 times a year if they wish to be accepted for membership. A show of hands was taken. The committee voted 5 - 3.against making this change.
The meeting closed at 6.48pm
The date of the next meeting is 19th March 2013
BUDE BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Parkhouse Centre on Tuesday 9th October at 6.00pm
1. PRESENT
Neil Trenaman, Mary Hicks, Kathleen Bence, Alan Biggs, Jane Koldewey
2. APOLOGIES
Chris Nichols, Steven Clifton, Linda Ashworth.
3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Agreed, proposed by Mary, seconded by Kathleen, and signed.
4. MATTERS ARISING
none
5. ACTING VICE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Neil said: "I submit a weekly newspaper report in narrative form to the Bude and Stratton Post and copy it to the North Devon Journal Sports Desk. The North Devon Journal have always edited it and published results only because of space restraints, but until recently Bude and Stratton Post have nearly always published exactly what I submitted to them. In the last few weeks they have also only just published the results only so I contacted the Sports Editor to find out why. The editor said he had introduced the results format to allow more space to be offered across the two pages for newsworthy items. I agreed to continue to send in weekly results and about once a month send a report containing newsworthy items such as outstanding achievments at national or county level as well as local trophy and handicap pairs winners together with photographs as appropriate. In order to do that I need to be kept informed of members representing Cornwall etc. and Jane suggested Alan kept me informed, which he agreed to do.
I have had Scorebridge on a free temporary trial to get used to it, but have almost used up the number of times I am allowed. Chris was hoping that John’s licence could be transferred to me without cost. That is not possible so he has arranged to purchase a new licence for me, at a cost of £20." This was approved by the committee.
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
£75.00 of extra donations to the RNLI in memory of John Ridding, received during the last two Tuesday evenings, have been sent to the Funeral Directors
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Alliance and Leicester Current A/c £1,071.59
Petty cash £5.01
Standard Life Deposit A/c £3,000.07
TOTAL £4,076.67
7. Format and needs for Wednesday afternoons
Neil said: "Disappointing attendance but the first afternoon session went very well and we are grateful to Alan Biggs for attending for the first half of the session and giving helpful advice on bidding and play. We played a friendly Mitchell movement because the club do not have any suitable Howell movements for 3,4,5 or 6 tables when playing fewer boards than a normal club night.(i.e.14 to 18). I believe there are such movement cards available from the EBU Education Dept. They can’t be that expensive and would ask that the committee approve a purchase for future use." The committee approved this. (Afternote, Chris had obtained some movements so this expense will not be necessary)
"I am sure that the numbers attending will improve considerably, starting from tomorrow as Mary and myself have received apologies from persons who couldn’t make it last week. I am happy to supervise tomorrows session and not play if necessary but when it comes to item 7 will be asking for volunteers for the following week onwards."
Alan explained that he feels very strongly that Wed. attendees should have some formal coaching if they are going to improve at all. A progressive series of lectures, each lasting about an hour, followed by prepared hands which illustrate points made, and accompanied by information sheets to take home, would be the ideal format. He feels that playing a social game, even with an experienced player on hand to offer advice, will do nothing to improve their play. Jane said that playing, with advice on hand, does, in her opinion, have some merit, but would not be nearly as instructive as the lecture format Alan suggested. Neil felt that the combination of Wednesday afternoon sessions and the opportunity for improvers to attend Alan and Chris' evening sessions from early November onwards was the ideal way forward.
Mary and Neil are going to canvass the attendees tomorrow. They will be asked what they want from Wednesday afternoons, and whether they are prepared to bear the cost of an instructor. (Afternote: This was postponed for a week as there was not a representative section of attendees present.)
We did not prepare a rota as the above has not been decided upon. Brian Morgan has offered to oversee a series of three Wednesdays, with instruction.
8. Any interest in, and ideas for, Monday/Wednesday evening sessions.
Last Wednesday this idea received a very positive response. Jane, with advice from Alan and Chris, will compose a block email and flier to advertise them to the members. It was suggested that some ideas for topics would be included.
9. Bude/Barnstaple Teams.
It has been decided to leave this idea at least for the time being. Barnstaple can only manage January which is a busy month for us. Arranging the teams would have been very complex and not all the Bude committee were in favour.
10. Ideas for the John Ridding cup.
John's sister Julie Grice has told us that her family will present a cup to the club for the Club Championships in John's memory. John had asked her to do this. They plan to spend at least £250. We have used the Mary Francis Cup for the Club Championships in the past, and Chris has had it engraved with "John Ridding Club Championships". So we will have two cups for one competition. Jane suggested that each member of the winning pair be presented with a cup. The committee did not approve this and suggested we look into having the new engraving removed.
11. Constitution (if draft is prepared).
Neil told us that the draft is not yet prepared but that he and Chris are meeting to do so next Monday.
12. Web-site - any ideas to improve? No urgency, but ideas welcome.
Jane said that it would be good to have a copy of the full calendar somewhere on the website where it is easy to find. Alan said that the commentary for 'hand of the week' should use correct standard ACOL bidding so that it is instructive for beginners and improvers. He also suggested we ask Rob Mabley to do it, this was not seconded.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
none
The meeting closed at 6.48pm
The date of the next meeting has not yet been decided
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