CROSS IN HAND BRIDGE CLUB
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held on Wednesday 22 January 2014 at Punnetts Town Village Hall
1. Apologies for absence
26 members were present . Apologies were received from Christine Bennett, Helen Garvey and Pat Maycock.
2. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 30th January 2013
The Minutes of the meeting having been previously circulated, David Hilbourne proposed and Pat Warren seconded their acceptance and this was carried unanimously.
3 Matters arising
No matters were raised.
4. Hon Treasurer’s Report
The Hon Treasurer, Tricia Russell, presented the accounts, copies of which were circulated to the meeting, reporting that the finances of the club have improved slightly with a small trading profit of £220 compared with a loss for the previous year.
Membership remained static but the increased annual subscription had resulted in improved income. The number of members is still around 10 below that enjoyed in 2010 and 2011 and it would help finances if more members could be recruited.
The expenditure being self-explanatory, Tricia highlighted that less money had been spent on the Christmas party and there had been lower match costs, otherwise expenditure was similar to the previous year. Questions were invited but none being received, the accounts were proposed for acceptance by Deidre Hilbourne, seconded by Audrey Wright and unanimously approved.
5. Chairman’s Report
The Chairman regretted that the numbers during the year continued to be on the low side but felt that the spirit at the club had been good. It had not been helped by the loss of another long standing member and good friend but he was glad to see that both Jan and Helen were now back and enjoying their bridge again.
The Committee had tried various ways to recruit new members and thanks were expressed to Pat Maycock for her efforts in producing the leaflet which had been widely circulated and her work on the website. Thanks were also offered to those members who had been involved In organising the monthly supervised play sessions.
Despite the low numbers, the Chairman felt the club had a good spirit and was looking forward to 2014.
Finally, as he had not been present at the Annual Event owing to his sojourn on the Eastbourne holiday coast, the Chairman had missed the club presentation but would like to formally record the club’s thanks to David and Deidre for their many years of service to the club.
6 Election of Chairman
Maurice Locke had indicated his willingness to continue as Chairman. His re-election was proposed by Tricia Russell, seconded by George Hearn and carried unanimously.
7. Election of Committee
Tricia Russell had confirmed her willingness to continue as Hon Treasurer and Pat Maycock had agreed to act as Hon Secretary on a temporary basis. Jim Benson, Patricia Evans, Helen Garvey and George Hearn had all indicated their willingness to continue as Committee members.
Jan Moore has been proposed as a new member of the Committee by Tricia Russell and seconded by Audrey Wright. Anne Wykeham had been proposed by George Hearn and seconded by Audrey Wright.
The proposal for re-election of the existing members and the election of the new members was carried unanimously.
The point of view was expressed that the Committee was too numerous and could become unwieldy but the view was also expressed that the fact that people were willing to serve on the Committee was a sign of an active club with interested members.
The Committee now comprises the following:
Chairman Maurice Locke
Hon Secretary Pat Maycock
Hon Treasurer Tricia Russell
Committee Members: Jim Benson, Patricia Evans, Helen Garvey, George Hearn, Jan Moore,
Anne Wykeham
8. Annual Subscription and Table Money
The Hon Treasurer suggested that the Annual Subscription should remain at £10 for the year with table money continuing at £2.50 for members and £3 for visitors. This was proposed by Deidre Hilbourne, seconded by David Hilbourne and agreed unanimously.
9. Election of Independent Examiner
Mr Norman Stutters kindly offered his services as Independent Examiner.
10. Resolution
Pat Maycock had put forward the following resolution:
I recommend that we reconsider the structure of our early evening start. I propose that during the winter months we start play at 7.00 pm but when the clocks change for summer time, we revert back to a 7.30 pm start. This allows those who enjoy golf and other outdoor activities to fully enjoy the afternoon. When the clocks change back for winter time, we go back to 7.00 pm.
This proposal was discussed. Some members felt this might be too complicated and people would forget the start time. It was pointed out that this arrangement is in place at another club without any problem. One member suggested a compromise of a 7.15 start be adopted. Another member felt that play at the club tended to run late and the later start would make it even later.
A vote was taken on the Resolution with 9 members supporting it. However, the majority of the meeting voted that the start time should remain at 7.00 pm all the year round. The resolution was therefore not adopted.
10. Any Other Business
(i) The Chairman reported receipt of a letter from David and Deidre Hilbourne which was read to the meeting as follows:
Dear Committee
Dave and I thank you very much for the lovely gift to recognise our years working on the Committee.
It was a nice surprise. Having reached fourscore we feel it is time to hand over to other more ‘youthful’ members. However, we are always ready to help if called upon.
The annual dinner was a great success and we wish the Committee a ‘grand slam’ 2014.
Yours sincerely, Deidre and David.
(ii) George Hearn suggested there should be a Vice Chairman. This will be discussed by the Committee.
(iii) Ways of advertising the club were discussed. Pat Warren suggested a display could be put up in Burwash Post Office which offers clubs the use of a window for a week at a time. Norman Stutters suggested something could go in the Horam news. Pat Warren suggested a tea time match be organised against the Thursday afternoon club organised by Bernard Maishman.
(iv) It was reported that in order to enable more people to qualify, the number of games to be played for the Hilbourne Cup would be reduced from 6 to 5. This was approved by David and Deidre with David pointing out that if a member plays with the same partner more than once, it is the first score that counts.
11. There being no further business the meeting closed.
This has been sent by e mail and will be displayed on club notice board. A copy will shortly appear in this site but I have a bit of a technical "hitch" at the moment!
|