FAKENHAM BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Fakenham Sports Centre on January 26th 2023
Agenda
Welcome
Apologies
Minutes
Mattress arising
Chairperson’s report
Treasurer’s report
Election of officers
Questions/comments
Closing words
Members Present: Marlene Rogers (Chairperson) , Steve Rogers (Treasurer) , Robert Smith, Paul Provost, Christine Hart, Maureen Rose, Anne Hallett, Molly Freemantle, Barry Barnes, Brenda Townsend, Angela Harcourt, Chris Drysdale, Lesley Wordsworth, Carol Whittle, Malcolm Thompson, Neal Foster, Sue Day, Brian Burlingham, Faith Dewhurst, Les Baker, Jo Wells, Richard Brocklehurst, Grania Ward-Brown , Mark Buckle.
Apologies for Absence: Hilldred Harman, Janet Cockburn, Jo Thompson, Lenny Brocklebank, Janet Smith, Steve Wells, Barbara Morrison, Andy Bakewell, Sue Heath, Chris Collinson, Martyn Sloman, Sylvia McColville,
Minutes of AGM held May 5th 2022:
The Minutes were agreed and signed as correct.
Matters Arising:
Marlene said that she had written to all the previous members who had not come back to bridge after lockdown in order to encourage them to do so. She had one reply, a pleasant note from Pam Jackson who said that ill health had prevented her from doing so and wished everyone well.
Short articles were sent to several local papers some of which were printed. A Facebook page was started but it hasn’t been successful. Marlene said she tried to keep the website updated and follow up quickly to any enquiries. She also tried to find suitable partners for newcomers and make sure they felt welcome in the club.
Chairperson’s Report:
Another year on and things in our little club are beginning to look rosier. Thursdays are now attracting a fairly regular attendance of about seven tables, sometimes more. We’ve enjoyed several lunch sessions and a delightful Christmas luncheon organised by Brenda. It’s been lovely to be able to meet up with all our old friends and we’ve also been very lucky to welcome new members into our fold.
We’ve had a few blips with the technology but renewing the computer and the scoring system are on the agenda and the committee will be looking to update these this year. It’s a good job that, although we are a competitive group of players, we’re not obsessed with results and are willing to wait for them to be posted online.
We are now back to playing regularly in the Lancaster room. During the Summer we will probably need to go back to the Sports Bar if the Lancaster Room bar becomes the main bar area. This should be fine as there is no appreciable usage of the bowls rinks and since the bar will not be open there will be no reason for others to linger.
We are steadily growing in numbers on Thursdays and hopefully this will be replicated if the new committee decides to re-start our Tuesday meetings. It is unfortunate that Monday night sessions have not continued but failing to attract more than two to three tables doesn’t really provide members with good bridge. I feel sorry for the members who are only able to attend on Mondays but there isn’t anything we can do at the moment.
We still need more members to become directors as the responsibility has fallen on Robert and Steve’s shoulders with the help of new recruit Barry in the last few months. Training and support is offered to any volunteers for this role.
I’m very grateful for the help given by Janet and Faith with the scoring, Faith with money and teas and an enormous thank you should be extended to Lenny, who does so much of the setting up and clearing away after sessions. In a small club such as this it is incumbent on us all to help out.
I’m stepping down as chairperson after four rather turbulent years but have offered my services to Anne as secretary to the secretary. If she’s happy for me to do so I’ll still do a lot of the online stuff.
Again let’s hope the coming year gives us good bridge and good company.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer’s Report 05.05.22 to 31.12.2022
Income Expenditure21.05.22 to 31.12.22
In bank at 04.05.22 2616.85Drinks 1090.60
Cash at 04.05.22 135.03Biscuits 18.68
Total at 04.05.22 2751.88Levy 1928.00
Table money 4558.00Equipment 0.00
Misc. cash income 161.00Administration 48.00
(Raffles)
Food 1368.19
Prizes 35.16
Refund 18.00
Donations (FSCA) 50.00
Total expenditure 4556.63
In bank at 31.12.22 2866.03
Cash at 31.12.22 48.19
Total at 31.12.22 2914.22
_______________
7470.88 7470.85
Please note that these figures have not been independently audited.
Key features:
1. We currently have £2914 in reserves.
2. This represents a small increase from May to December, entirely due to the raffle fund-raising by Brenda. Our table money just covers our present expenditure.
Certain decisions have been left for the next committee:
1. It is likely that the FSCA will ask for an increase in levy and drinks payments. This is in line with a general review taking place of the room hire rates and increases in food and drink prices. This is largely a consequence of an expected 10% rise in the wage bill. Thus, our table money may need to be raised.
2. Our scorebridge system has served us very well over the past decade. It is now generally thought that it is in need of upgrading. This will not be cheap. Alternatives that I have looked at start at about £1000. We have the money to pay for it. Whatever system is chosen, in my view, it needs to be simple to operate, reliable and self-contained.
Election of Officers:
There are no new members proposed.
Chairperson: Barry Barnes has agreed to act in this position.
Secretary: Anne Hallett has agreed to act in this position.
Treasurer: Janet Smith has agreed to act in this position.
Social Secretary: Brenda Townsend has agreed to continue.
Other Committee Members may be co-opted as required by the new Committee.
Marlene asked for volunteers to become Tournament Directors to help Robert, Steve and Barry.
Questions:
Anne asked whether or not it would be a good idea to go back to scoring by hand. The general consensus was that we should use the available electronic technology to help. Faith asked Steve to speak to the manager about the apparent low strength of the internet in the Lancaster Room, and whether or not a better booster could be found.
A.O.B.
There was no other business and the meeting closed at 1.15pm. There was no date set for the next AGM.
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