Sims Competitions for 2016      

  These are as follows:

Stratified Sims - 14th March 2016 (Handicaps)

British Summer Sims - Monday 25th July 2016   

British Autumn Sims - Monday 3rd October 2016

THANET BRIDGE CLUB

Minutes of the Thirty Fourth

Annual General Meeting

Held on Monday 30th November, 2015

 at Northdown House

The meeting was opened by the President, Mrs Joyce Saker, who welcomed the thirty eight members present to the thirty fourth Annual General Meeting.   We are very glad to be back at Northdown House.   She thanked Alan for working so hard on the bargaining side to arrange for our payment to be £35 a session.   She said that the aim of founding Thanet Bridge Club was to form a friendly and happy Club which would still be a part of the EBU.   She said she had not taught a beginners class for five years but, of course, if anyone felt willing to do this it would be very welcome.

Apologies were received from:  Sue Barker, Mary Godden, Janet Powers,  Arleen Paton-Smith, Paul Gibbons, Sharon Bayne, Heidi  Baber, Colin Evans, Lin Watson, Mr and Mrs J Atkins, Jan and Ian Parsons, Janet Twynham, Stella Matsubara, John Cox, Mr and Mrs Ward, Margaret Gonella, Jill Lamerton, Audrey Rossiter, Maureen Tatham, Jackie Bowler, Lyn Bowler, Jim McCulkin, Irene and Roy Woolaston, Anne Kearsley, Gloria Moores, Bonnie Kinnear, Rose and Peter Cunningham, Chris Thompson, June Cutting, Celia McAvoy, Chris Cagney, Maire Blackman

The minutes of the last meeting were taken as read and signed.   Approved by Neville Thomas and seconded by Madeleine Cooke.

There were no matters arising.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman, Mr John McGeever welcomed everyone to the 34th AGM of Thanet Bridge Club.

We have settled in well to our first full year back at Northdown House but there are still a few minor problems to be resolved.

The most significant event of the last year was the passing of our chairman Nicholas Allen who was a wonderful  Chairman, a great mentor and a wonderful  personality.  He is and will continue to be sorely missed.

Another former member Cyril Rossiter passed away although, due to illness, he was not a member  in the last year we will all remember his cheerful smile which would light up any bridge table.

John thanked all members for their regular attendance which allows us to run 5 sessions per week.   Wednesday evenings would welcome more players.

Members have requested that Wednesday and Friday afternoon sessions should start at 1.45.   Those attending in the afternoons were asked to vote and it was virtually unanimous that the change will be made from this week.

John thanked all the directors and scorers for their efforts in the past year and in anticipation of their efforts in the coming year.

Finally John wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

Treasurer's Report

The accounts for year ending 31 October 2015 were distributed.   These show a loss for the year of £533.91.  

David Mann stated that we have not been getting enough people to play but this has picked up in the last few weeks because of the new Westgate members.

There were various suggestions and queries.

Michael Heigham suggested that Wednesday evening players pay £4.00 per table

Madeleine Cooke suggested that as the cost of refreshments was £321 perhaps they should be charged for.

It was questioned if we raised the table fee would we lose members.

David pointed out that one or two extra tables per week would cover costs.    David proposed  that we do not raise the table money now but the committee would like to ask members if we can raise this to £3.00 if this becomes necessary.   This was seconded by Madeleine Cooke.

Neville Thomas approved acceptance of the accounts and Michael Heigham seconded.

Competition Secretary's Report

Our competition secretary. Carol  explained the Chicago competition and asked if more members would consider participating.    She felt that eight pairs would be the minimum to make this worthwhile.

We will offer three Sims competitions next year.     These will be held on an ordinary evening where players wishing to play Sims can do so and those wishing to play a normal game will be able to do this.     It was pointed out that at the last Sims competition we held Thanet came first in the A, B and C categories.

Membership Secretary's  Report 

Last year we had 118 members, including 17 new ones.  To date 61 members have paid.     We have welcomed 8 people from Westgate.   We do try to play 24 boards each night.

Election of Officers

Election of Auditors

Neville Thomas

Proposer Michael Heigham, seconded Marlene Berry

Charity to Support

It was unanimously agreed that the Club should again support EKUBS and Prostate Cancer Kent for the year 2016.

Any Other Business

Ken Walker expressed disappointment in the web site.     He wanted the facility to contact people looking for a partner.    Carol Brocklehurst explained that improvement to the site is in hand and this feature will be available as soon as the Membership information can be completed.

No other business.    Bridge commenced immediately with  9 tables.