Yeovil Phoenix Bridge Club
AGM – 12.45pm 15th September 2022 Yeovil Golf Club
1. Apologies for Absence
Gilly Gibbons, Rachel Pantling, Jill Denham
2. Nomination and appointment of YPBC Committee
Proposed by Jane Darby and seconded by Shirley Durrant:
Bruce Critchley
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Robin Bell
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Bob Warrender
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Bridget Thorn
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David Steele
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Tony Manickam
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There being no further nominations the above named were duly elected.
3. Club Name
The name The Yeovil Phoenix Bridge Club was unanimously endorsed by a show of hands.
4. Chairman’s Report (Bruce Critchley (BC))
Our relocation to Yeovil Golf club was seen as a success and endorsed by all. BC reminded the meeting that space remained tight and that with the possible increase in numbers over the winter could lead to limitations on those numbers thus Informing Bob Warrender (Sec) of an intention to play became ever more important. BC had already spoken to YGC about larger numbers and (unless there was a big golf society taking up space) they were prepared for some overflow into the bar area. Any table charges for that extra space would go to YGC.
All agreed that the ‘assisited play’ facility was a success, those participating emphasized their enjoyment of it and Ray Walder was thanked for his role in masterminding it.
5. Treasurers Report (Robin Bell (RB))
RB began by thanking Mary Gordon both for her years of acting as Treasurer and for making his inheritance of the role as easy and well organized as possible.
He then reported on the state of the Club’s finances.
Sufficient funds were identified from the old Yeovil Bridge Club Funds which enabled YPBC to start up and function initially without table money.
Shortly after, Table Money was introduced at £2.50 per player. After 5 months of operating at the £2.50 per player funds were nearly back to where we were at the start minus the cost of a new Club computer.
The interim committee decided to takeup the Somerset County Bridge Association (SCBA) offer of initial funding of new Bridgemates for the Club. It is likely that YPBC will have to pay back 50% (£750) of the purchase price for these new Bridgemates in 2023.
RB also reported on the success of the Scratch Cards system for payment of Table Money. This system introduced, with the approval of the interim committee, is a card costing £20 which allows for 8 playing sessions at £2.50 and obviates the need for the collecting and holding of cash. (Players are allowed to elect to pay the Table Money if they so wish but are encouraged to purchase a Scratch Card) A player is asked to date one of the eight squares on the card at each playing session (inspected by the other players at the table). When all eight squares are dated a new card can be purchased from the Treasurer.
6. Membership Secretary’s Report (David Steele (DS))
A list of members is to be drawn up from the Membership Forms completed by all those who wished to join the club. Cost of joining will be £5 p.p. (Membership Forms will be available on the web site).
By Jan 1st next year a Dance Card (similar to that used in other clubs) will be produced with the Name & Telephone number of the member. Once printed, the card will be distributed to members.
The membership form also contains a paragraph relating to the Data Protection Act which must be signed by all members.
7. Any other business
Bridget Thorn enquired (on behalf of those who lived on the other side of Yeovil) if it might be possible to start at 1.30 instead of 2.00, as the Yeovil rush hour was in full swing at 5.00pm. While sympathizing, a show of hands found there was insufficient support for this idea.
Stephanie Lawrence wondered what was the point of becoming a member at a cost if anyone could come and play at the same rate (£2.50). After some discussion the committee agreed to address this anomaly and report back. Meanwhile all playing at YPBC will continue to pay the standard table money rate (£2.50) till the end of 2022.
In response to a question regarding the continued presence of hosts for any who turn up without a partner, the committee confirmed that the current system of a committee member or two always being available would continue. For the moment there is no plan for a specific host as this always ran the risk of someone (the host) not getting a game. This system also gave flexibility to those running the assisted section.
The subject of other forms of competition becoming a part of play at YPBC, such as Teams or Simultaneous Pairs, was aired but BW stated it was probably too early in the life of the YPBC for this to be considered. In time though introducing one or other, or both, would be on our agenda.
There being no further business, the AGM closed at 01.20pm
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