| Meeting 17th February 2026 |
DURRINGTON BRIDGE CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING 17 February 2025
Present: Neil Fairburn (Chair); Kathryn Giles (Membership Secretary); Jill Lancaster (Secretary), Jerry Attwood (Play Director) and Roger Campbell (taking over as Treasurer) and Ken Bayes
1 Apologies for absence None
2 Minutes from last meeting No matters arising
3 Chair’s report Neil thanked the committee for the work they had done and commented that the club is doing very well with numbers attending, being steady. Finance: handover to Roger is now complete. There are 3 signatories on the account with Ken still one of these. Committee agreed that Ken will stay for as long as he is happy to do so. The change of treasurer involved communication by both phone and letter with Santander who had failed to read the AGM minutes correctly. Stationery: last year, as Treasurer, Neil dealt with the ordering. Agreed that Kathryn will do this in future by reimbursement [This covers travellers, score cards and occasional playing cards]. ACTION: Neil will give existing stock to Kathryn.
4 Treasurer’s report Detailed report circulated by Roger before the meeting. Christmas raffle successful and went a long way to covering gifts given. Roger has prepared a forecast [with the proviso that this is subjective]. It shows the expenditure of DUCCA rent, tea money and biscuits based on the table average of 8 last year. Conservative with biscuits and equipment costs. Average of 8 tables: £233 deficit forecasted Average of 8.5: - £177 Average of 9: would provide a surplus for the year ACTION: Roger will undertake quarterly reviews and circulate to Committee Members for comment. It was noted that DUCCA do not anticipate an increase in rent or tea money in 2026 although potentially this could be reviewed by a new council elected in May.
5 Membership update 48 members currently compared to 52 at the end of last year. Discussion about how to encourage more members as we have 12 tables available. Kathryn shared up to date list. ACTION: Kathryn to email to committee after the meeting.
6 Table money Committee agreed, given Roger’s forecast, to review again at the 6 month point as it was felt low table money makes the club more attractive Agreement that we have no need to maintain an ongoing balance at this point as we no longer subsidise the Christmas Lunch.
7 Bridge scoring system – BriAn
Committee discussed the possibility of using this or something similar in future. Jerry is not suggesting that this is should be adopted at this stage. It would probably about £175 pa against the minimal cost of travellers. Benefits are we would not need a scorer and there is an immediate result. Committee also felt this in turn may cause delay as people look to see how they are doing throughout the afternoon. Committee agreed this is an option should we need it in the future.
8 Any other business Discussed having a 3-month calendar to ensure key roles are covered; scoring and directing. Jerry will be away 10 & 17/3 and possibly 24/3. Directors: Jerry, Neil and Ken. Kathryn has directed in the past but would not feel confident about some of the bridge rules. Scorers: Neil, Roger and Kathryn. The current flexible rota is working well. ACTION: Jerry will ask Alice if she has any experience Directing.
10 Date of next meeting Neil will email committee members in August to agree next date – probably in late September.
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| AGM 2025 |
DURRINGTON BRIDGE CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 18 NOVEMBER 2025
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1
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Members present and welcome:
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Barry Wood
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Valerie Conway
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Paul Bowskill
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Carole Norwood
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Dorothy Way
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George Rambridge
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Roger Campbell
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Frank Spring
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Janet Roe
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Andy Cairns
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Jill Lancaster
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Joan Bayes
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Josie Rambridge
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Tony Lovatt
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Kathryn Giles
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Ken Bayes
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Marion Page
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Valerie Conway
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Neil Fairbairn
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Suzanne Cook
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Norma Percival
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Christine Ardley
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Jerry Attwood
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Les Ardley
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Angela Neale
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Ann Mackown
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Robin Suter
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Carole Norwood
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Annamarie Beresford
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Linda Sones
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2
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Apologies for absence:
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Kate Trimmings
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Tony Holley
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Geoff Bernstein
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Joy Holley
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David Wallis
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3
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Minutes of previous AGM held on 12 November 2024 and any matters arising
No questions
Proposer – Barry Wood, seconder Angela Neale and agreed unanimously.
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4
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Chairman’s Report:
Ken spoke about how the membership had strengthened over the past year. He has been pleased to have been chairman for 10-11 years but will now be standing down.
Neil paid tribute to Ken by saying that the Durrington Bridge Club was formed in 1988 and to date had never granted life membership. Ken has demonstrated significant, sustained and valuable service for over 10 years; a vast contribution to the Club which thoroughly deserves recognition. In appreciation of his service the committee has agreed that Ken should be honoured with a Life Membership and he was presented with a bottle of wine and a Life Membership card.
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5
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Treasurer’s Report (Neil):
In 2015 table money was £1.50 and this increased to £2 in 2017. There has been no increase since then and, currently, there is no need to increase this. However, the committee may need to make this decision in the next year. At the last AGM, it was agreed with members that the committee could raise table money when and if needed. Membership fee will stay at £10.
Documentation was shared with members showing a comparison chart over the past 2 financial years. This shows a gain over the year of £113.50, compared to a loss last year of £887.34. Neil highlighted that the website and bank fees are not shown. The £48 website charge has already been paid by cheque, with receipt acknowledged, but it has yet to be presented and will be shown in next year’s accounts. The new bank charge is paid one month in arrears. Therefore, the gain is only £60.50.
Rent: in June 2025 this increased from £40 to £45 but we are no longer charged a DUCCA membership. There may be a further increase in the coming year.
Robin asked if we were eating more biscuits as the cost had increased by £58. This was confirmed.
Approval of accounts proposed George Rambridge, seconded Robin Suter and agreed unanimously.
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6
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Election of Committee Members:
Chairman – Neil Fairbairn
Proposed Kathryn Giles, seconded by Jerry Attwood and agreed unanimously
Treasurer – Roger Campbell
Proposed Neil Fairbairn, seconded George Rambridge and agreed unanimously
Secretary – Jill Lancaster
Proposed Kathryn Giles, seconded Jerry Atwood and agreed unanimously
Play Director – Jerry Attwell
Proposed Kathryn Giles, seconded by Geoff Bernstein and agreed unanimously
Membership Secretary – Kathryn Giles
Proposed Jerry Attwood, seconded Valerie Conway and agreed unanimously
Member – it was unanimously agreed that Ken Bayes will remain on committee, as an account signatory, until the transfer to the new treasurer Roger Campbell has been completed with the bank.
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7
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Election of Auditor:
Geoff Bernstein has resigned and Angela Neale has offered to step in.
Proposed Marion Page and seconded Barry Wood and agreed unanimously
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8
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Christmas:
Meal: all monies needed by 25/11 at the latest along with any raffle prizes. It was agreed that there will be a fun bridge session after the meal with prizes awarded to the highest scoring N&S and E&W. (4x£5 tokens = £20). This is scored at the time. The tip will come out of the raffle income.
23/12: a vote it confirmed that the club will run as normal. Action: Neil will inform the office
DUCCA gift: agreed that, as in previous years, we will give x2 £20 vouchers to staff who provide the tea. Proposed Joan Bayes, seconded Valerie Conway and agreed unanimously
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9
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Any other business:
Votes of thanks to Valerie for providing the biscuits. She is happy to continue. Also, to Jill, Kathryn, Jerry, Roger and Neil.
Averaging hands: Joan queried this as it puts couples at a disadvantage when they may only have been held up by the late play of other players in the previous round. Jerry confirmed that once play has started, we are unable to average. He asked members, who know they are running behind, to take to take responsibility to average.
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13
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Date of 2025 AGM:
10 November 2026 @ 12:30
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Minutes signed by:
NEIL FAIRBIRN - CHAIR
Date:
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JILL LANCASTER - SECRETARY
Date: 19 November 2025
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| Meeting 21st October 2025 |
DURRINGTON BRIDGE CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING 21 OCTOBER 2025
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Present: Ken Bayes (Chair); Neil Fairburn (Treasurer); Kathryn Giles (Membership Secretary); Jill Lancaster (Secretary) and Roger Campbell (taking over as Treasurer)
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1
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Apologies for absence
Jerry Attwood (Director)
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2
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Minutes from last meeting
[Agreed that whilst Ken remains as Chair until the AGM, Neil will chair this meeting.]
Amend previous minutes to show 51 members following death of Neil Hook.
Table money – Neil anticipating we may not need to increase table money although bank charge (£5 a month), rent go up. Agreed to review at each meeting as the committee does have the approval of the members at last year’s AGM to increase at any time.
Cover for directors and scoring – Neil would like to score x2 a month. It was agreed that from next week (28/10) he will score weeks 2, 3 & 5, Roger week 1 and Kathryn week 4.
ACTION: Kathryn will create a schedule
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3
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Membership Report:
1 new member since the last meeting now 52 in total
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3
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Finance update & account signatories
Monthly accounts* distributed by Neil with 2 weeks remaining of this financial year.
Shows a gain of £127.25. Adding to this the difference of £35.52 between payments directly to and from bank, there is cash in hand of £162.77
Website fee - £48 has been paid to Bridgewebs but the cheque is yet to be presented although they have confirmed payment.
Bank charges – we will be charged £4.99 a month with effect from 1/10/25 although this has not yet been debited.
*Accounts shared do not include these payments
Membership fees – raised £505
Neil had anticipated a small loss for the year 24/25 but this will now not be the case due to an increase in table numbers over the year.
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4
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Relationship with DUCCA
Information has already been shared with the committee. DUCCA no longer charges an annual membership since the last rent increase.
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5
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Competition idea
Jerry not present but may say something at the AGM. Will be done outside the club in people’s homes so will not need ratification of committee.
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6
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AGM – 18 November 2025 @ 12:30
Discussed when it’s best to hold the AGM as 10 members away for the planned date. Agreed that this will move to the 18/11 @ 12.30pm
Committee changes:
Chair – Ken is keen to stand down. Neil is prepared to take over for the next year.
Treasurer – Roger taking over from the beginning of November (pending ratification at the AGM)
Membership – Kathryn
Secretary – Jill
Ken will remain on the committee until bank account signatories are sorted
Agenda:
Discussed what to go on the agenda. Need to give 2 weeks’ notice to members asking for proposal and anyone to stand on the committee.
ACTION: Neil will post details prominently on the website and put a notification on the noticeboard.
Jill will draw up an agenda.
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7
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Christmas Lunch
Raffle – some of the proceeds from this will be used to cover the tip. Next year we will incorporate this into the charge.
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8
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Any other business:
Biscuits – aware that potentially Val may not want to continue.
Banking – membership approx. £500 and Christmas lunch monies of approx. £600. To ensure money does not build up, Roger would like to see this going through the bank account as personal home insurance would not cover any loss. As an interim, Roger proposes using the Post Office on the day to bank monies using an account in his name which will then be transferred to the Santander account. Will use a book of receipts, giving one copy to the person collecting he monies and one for accounts. Discussed and agreed that until the new mandate is in place Neil will pay in funds to the Post Office and transfer to the Santander account.
Santander card – Roger has completed the documentation. When this has been completed Ken will be removed as a signatory.
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9
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Date of next meeting
TBA – after Christmas
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| AGM 2024 |
DURRINGTON BRIDGE CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 2024
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1
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Members present:
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Barry Wood
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Valerie Conway
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David Wallis
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Chris Ross
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Dorothy Way
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Eva Klaus
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Geoff Bernstein
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George Rambridge
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Janet Roe
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Jean Jorgensen
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Jill Lancaster
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Jesse Lyons
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Josie Rambridge
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Joan Bayes
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Kathryn Giles
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Kate Trimmings
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Marion Page
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Ken Bayes
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Neil Fairbairn
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Valerie Conway
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Norma Percival
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Neil Hook
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Pam Lee
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2
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Apologies for Absence:
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Jerry Attwood
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Denise Ireland
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Tony Holley
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Angela Neale
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Cathy Hall
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Jean Meneely
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Penny Mitchell
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Joy Holley
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Andy Cairns
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Robin Suter
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Ann Mackown
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Annamarie Beresford
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3
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Minutes of previous AGM – 14 November 2023
Agreed.
Proposed by – Val Conway Seconded by – Jesse Lyons
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4
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Matters Arising:
None
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5
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Chairman’s Report:
Will be covered within the agenda
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6
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Treasurer’s Report:
As he is standing down, Jesse Lyons thanked all who have helped him over his past years as Treasurer.
Balances as at 31 October 2024 shared. (Separate document)
Approval of accounts proposed by – Chris Ross Seconded by – Val Conway
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7
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Election of Committee Members:
Members standing down Jean Jorgensen, Joy Holley and Jesse Lyons
Chairman – Ken Bayes Proposed by – Jean Jorgensen Seconded by – Chris Ross
Other committee members voted together:
Treasurer – Neil Fairbairn
Secretary – Jill Lancaster
Director – Jerry Attwood
Members – Neil Hook (also Director) and Kathryn Giles
Proposed by – Val Conway Seconded by – Chris Ross
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8
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Proposals:
Weekly fee
New treasurer, Neil, explained that when the club joined DUCCA our bank balance was £1100 so anything under that amount remains ours but anything over £2000, at the end of the financial year, goes to DUCCA. Last year the club subsidised the Christmas lunch by £600 which took funds down. Room hire and tea money is likely to go up in January 2025 but not anticipated to be a large increase.
Proposal: table money to remain at £2 which will make it appealing to new members and that any necessary increase over the coming year should be decided by committee.
Proposed by – Chris Ross, seconded by – Kate Trimmings and agreed unanimously
Visitors’ fee
Currently required to pay £4 and can come x2 without membership. (The latter is stipulated in the centre’s insurance so cannot be changed).
Proposal: visitors to be encouraged by paying the same as members for their initial 2 sessions.
Proposed by – George Rambridge, seconded by – Chris Ross and agreed unanimously
To attract new players members are encouraged to publicise our low table rate wherever else they play bridge. (We are thought to be the cheapest club in the area).
Neil reminded that subscriptions are now due - £10 for the year.
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9
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Club Rules:
2 versions have been available for members to look at on the website for past 6 weeks.
Unanimously agreed that the committee will adopt one of these with some minor alterations.
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10
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Christmas Lunch:
12 December 2024 – 12:00 – Field Place.
Unanimously agreed that on the day we will collect £1 a person to be given as a tip to the caterers.
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11
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Election of Auditor:
Agreed unanimously that Geoff Bernstein should be asked to continue. Geoff requested that next year it would be useful to show the comparative figures.
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12
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Any other business:
Thank you - to Geoff as auditor and Val Conway for biscuits.
Christmas gift - unanimously agreed we will give £20 to 2 of DUCCA staff for teas.
Time allocated to play hands – proposed that if those who haven’t started their last hand when the majority have finished should have an average. Agreed unanimously.
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13
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Date of 2025 AGM:
11 November 2025 @ 12:30
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| Committee meeting 26th October 2024 |
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| AGM 2023 |
Please select the minutes or reports on the left.
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