PULBOROUGH BRIDGE CLUB
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 26 May 2016
The meeting commenced at 6.45 p.m. with 29 members in attendance. This number had increased to 36 by the close at 7.15 p.m. Any resolutions put to the meeting were approved and seconded, as appropriate.
1 Introduction Tom Garside welcomed members and introduced the Committee. Apologies had been received from Lueen Francis, Jeremy Harris, Geoff Kellett, Joan Kellett, Chris Kirk, Maureen Kirk, Peter Pearson, Deedee Tod, Birte Wachsmann and Fliss White. The Chairman’s Report and the Income and Expenditure Account had again been circulated in advance, along with an agenda and the minutes of last year’s meeting.
2 Minutes of the 2015 AGM These were approved.
3 Chairman’s Report TG highlighted items from his report, including a request for members to play in the February Mid-Sussex Teams of Eight event; the desirability of having additional Directors; asking members to continue to support Teams and Sims events; and the excellent service from a new caterer for the Party.
4 Treasurer’s Report The Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2016 was approved. The year-end cash balance had increased by £453 to £3,733. In view of the financial position, tonight’s session would again be free for members, the Club will continue to fund SIMs events for members, with only the usual table money to be paid, and extra prizes will be offered for Team events.
5 Annual Subscription The meeting approved the Committee’s recommendation that the annual subscription for 2016/17 should remain at £15.00, with table money of £2.00 per member; guests to pay £1.00 extra. Prospective members must attend three times as a guest. In view of the financial position, the Committee will consider the possibility of reducing the annual subscription next year.
6 Election of Officers As no new nominations had been received, Tom Garside (Chairman), David Tyte (Director), Tom Cole (Secretary), Michael Marriage (Committee member with special responsibilities as ‘WebMaster’) and Susan Spears (Treasurer) were re-elected unopposed. Stuart Henderson was thanked for his independent examination of the 2015/16 Accounts and reappointed as examiner for 2016/17.
7 Any other business Diana Caplin expressed concern over the pace of play at times. After discussion it was agreed that further efforts will be made to ensure a faster pace from the start, also using ‘you should be on your final board’ and if necessary moving whilst two tables are still playing. Richard Hodgson suggested the starting time be brought forward (to 6.30 or 7.00, compared with the current 7.20). Initially a majority were in favour of a 7.00 start, but after discussion an informal vote showed the meeting preferred the current starting time, but with play at a faster pace. It was noted that should an earlier time be agreed in the future, a setting up rota would be required and the Hall cost might increase. The possibility of introducing Bridgemate in the future was mentioned, but the majority of the meeting would not be in favour at this time. It was acknowledged that a Duplimate dealing machine and printed hands should also be considered as part of any such plan. TG agreed to Richard Hodgson’s request for the Club to purchase the EBU Sims booklets. TG will investigate the availability of an extra storage cupboard for stationery.
8 Close of meeting On behalf of the membership Stuart Henderson thanked the Committee for its efforts during the year in running the Club very efficiently and ensuring sessions are played in a good atmosphere. There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.15 p.m.
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