Emsworth Bridge Club

Minutes of the 47^th AGM held on 30th January 2024

Present

Alan Thomas (Chairman/Playing Captain), Judith Humphreys (Treasurer) and Margaret Pascoe (Secretary).

There were 18 other members present.

Apologies  Elissa Jones, Graham Crane, Sue Robinson

Minutes of the last AGM and Matters Arising

The minutes were accepted.  There were no matters arising.

Chairman’s report

There has been a big reduction in numbers attending with some new members who joined at the start of the year not continuing. The average over the year was 5 tables but with higher numbers at the beginning and fewer at the end. It is clear that, without a resurgence of interest from younger people, terminal decline will be the outcome.  A short discussion ensued as to why this might be and how new members could be attracted.  Apart from members leaving through ill health and being disinclined to drive at night, the uncomfortable nature of the venue was cited - poor parking arrangements, cold room and sometimes noisy.  It was decided that we would continue as we are but information should be sought about other more suitable venues.  Consideration should be given to cost of hire, size of room and storage of equipment.

Treasurer’s report

The amount held in the bank account plus cash in hand is £1352.30.   Since guests do not pay a fee to the ESSC, we will continue to give half this year’s guest fees (i.e. £100) to ESSC. The recommendation to suspend the club membership fee of £10 for 2024 was put to the vote and passed unanimously!  Chris Evans was thanked for auditing the accounts.

Playing Captain’s report and presentation of prizes

Prizes winners were:

1. The Pairs Championship rose bowl was wone by

 Aubrey Welterveden & Dinos Theophanous

2. The winner of the Individual prize for the best average when playing with a person who is not their partner – the Perfect Partner – is Alan Thomas.
3. The player with the highest total of matchpoints is Warren Ornstein.
4. The player with most slams (a grand slam counting as 3) is Sylvia Mundy.

Election of Officers

All officers agreed to continue.  David Milne volunteered to act as liaison with ESSC. There was a vote of thanks to the committee and in particular to Alan Thomas.

 Host Duty for 2024

The chairman pointed out to members that, with fewer members, host duties would become more frequent. After an open discussion about the benefits of the host system there was a unanimous vote to continue.

AOB  None

Next meeting Tuesday 29th January 2025                                                                   

The meeting closed at 7.25