Annual General Meeting, Tuesday 27^th January 2026 at 6.00pm

Ordsall Parish Hall and on Zoom

Agenda

Present:  John Rolph; Ian Maxwell; Tessa Rolph; Keith Abel; Richard Howard; Janet Styles;

Judith Phillips; Michael Bradley; David Garside; Mary Cook; Mike Vessey; Joan Vessey;    Jim Burnett;

                Online: Sandy Fulton; Julia Staniforth; Barbara Sayer; Jenny Bywater; Daphne Coggles;

    Mike Coggles; Valerie Ovington; Mary Forristal; Hilary Leigh

Apologies: Richard Sendall; Dawn Ingham; Graham & Norma Bonson; Ken Crane; Peter Hunt;

                Lynda Starling; Roger Stock

1. Minutes of meeting held on 26th January 2025

These were approved without alteration

2. Matters arising

There were no matters arising

3. Chair’s Report 2024-5

John Rolph’s report (attached) was circulated by email earlier in the day.  John emphasised the need for more members and the need for more volunteers to direct online.  He also stressed the value of a committee member to represent our online players. 

John also thanked Mike and Daphne Coggles for their 40+ years of service to the club and hoped that we would continue to see them both regularly. 

4. Secretary’s Report 2024-5

Keith referred members to his report in the Trustees Report and also thanked the Chair, Treasurer and Committee for their work.  He also thanked Ian Maxwell for his work on improving the club’s website and for setting up the hybrid AGM. 

He went on to report on our membership figures which have fallen by approx 10% this year.  We now have about 50+ local members and 30+ distant members, including 6 Icelandic players who play regularly on a Thursday evening.  This represents a huge change in the last five years.

Finally Keith reminded the meeting that. under the Club’s Constitution, he is required to retire as Secretary at the end of 2026, so a replacement is urgently needed.  He reminded members of the key responsibilities of the role. 

5. Treasurer’s Report (a) Audited Accounts for year ending 30^th September 2026

(b) Subscriptions and table money 2026-27    

 In the absence of our Treasurer, John Rolph presented the annual Financial Statement, which

shows a surplus for the year of £534.22.   He reported that the annual subscription and table      money will remain unchanged for the next 12 months.  He stressed that the Committee is actively looking for constructive ways to use some of its reserves to promote Bridge locally.

The report was accepted, and the Accounts were approved by the meeting.

6. Team Secretary’s Report

Julia Staniforth reported that our Team of Eight is now in division 1 of the Nottinghamshire League after gaining promotion last year.  After 5 matches, Retford leads the division with 5/5 wins. 

 Members were reminded that NCBA (Nottinghamshire Contract Bridge Association) organises

 regular events, which all members are welcome to attend.  These are advertised on their website.

7. Trustees Report to the members and Charity Commission

This has been circulated and was accepted.

8.  Officer Reappointments  -  J Rolph, S Fulton

     John Rolph (Chair)                     Proposer:      S Fulton           Seconder:  J Staniforth

     Sandy Fulton (Vice Chair)          Proposer:      J Rolph            Seconder:  J Staniforth

     Both appointments were unanimously agreed.

            9. Election of new Committee members (if required)

There have been no nominations to join the committee – it would be good to have a committee member to represent our online community, and anyone interested should contact the Secretary.

            10. Resolutions proposed by members of the Club

                  No resolutions were brought to the meeting.

11. Members items

No issues were raised for discussion.  Julia Staniforth offered further thanks to Daphne and Mike

                  Coggles and to the Committee.

12. Trophy winners

John stressed the nature of each competition and reminded members that these are explained on the Club website, together with full details of winners and runners-up in 2025. In summary:-

Scratch Cup                     Sandy Fulton and John Rolph

Hopkinson Cup               Graham and Norma Bonson

Judy Shinner Trophy     Sandy Fulton

      Al’nSal Trophy               David Garside

      Hallcroft Cup                  Peter Hunt

      Haslam Trophy               Judith Phillips

      Joyce Irving Bowl           Julia Staniforth and Roger Stock

      The Tuesday Cup            Judith Phillips

      Les Harris Trophy          David Fulton

      Improvers Cup                Helen Tulip

Keith Abel (January 2026)

Chair’s Statement

Welcome everyone. I hope that many of you will make it along to this year’s AGM, either in person or by  joining us remotely.

The Club is on a firm financial footing, as I am sure that Roger will confirm, and the Committee is looking for ways to improve facilities for existing members, invest in activities to attract new members, and ensure that equipment is up to date.  Keith will provide an update on membership. Last year he complained that I stole all his material, so I will limit what I want to cover here.

The numbers playing F2F on a Tuesday have stayed fairly static. In recent years, Janet Styles has joined us, playing with Richard Howard, and Judith Phillips, Hazel Marsh and Jo Postlethwaite have been regular attendees. We have lost some regular members, mainly as a result of health problems and getting older! Here I need to make special mention of Mike and Daphne Coggles, who have been members for over 40 years. Mike has found playing each week to be be more of a struggle and less enjoyable since the pre- pandemic days. He has decided to give up Tuesday nights and Daphne has cut back to ‘reserve status’, making up partnerships when we need an additional player to make up numbers. I, and all the committee wish to recognise and record their immense contribution to the Club over the years.

Some new players have joined us online, and a number of Icelanders have joined our ranks on a Thursday evening.

We have maintained our 3 weekly sessions throughout the year, combining with North Cray and Wilmington BC on a Wednesday and Allendale BC on a Thursday. Players can decide the appropriate level

for themselves; the average NGS of Tuesday players is around 52, Wednesday players is around 48 and Thursday players, a well attended high standard event, around 55-56.

More members would obviously be welcome, as some sessions suffer from low numbers especially at peak holiday times. Tessa organised an afternoon at Retford Museum last year, to introduce people to playing cards. This proved very successful and was attended by several families, so another session is being held next month in Retford Library.

Equally important is the number of helpers/directors available at certain times of the year. Directing online is more of an administrative task requiring some basic IT skills. Detailed knowledge of bridge laws is not essential, as queries can always be referred to Sandy, Roger or me for a ruling. Any necessary adjustment can be made after the event and  communicated to the players involved, before the results are finalised. Anyone prepared to help can contact a committee member. With Roger in India and Sandy in Tenerife, we are particularly stretched at this time of year.

The Club has completed 10 years in its present form as a CIO. In order to celebrate this, the Committee is looking at organising an afternoon event in the summer, possibly at the West Retford Hotel. This would consist of an afternoon’s bridge and a buffet style meal, with no charge to members. More details later.

My thanks to all who have helped in running the club over the past year, and best wishes to all members for a successful 2026.

John Rolph, 27 January 2026

RBC ZOOM COMMITTEE MEETING:  30th October 2025 @ 3.00

 Minutes

Present:              J Rolph, K Abel, R Stock, I Maxwell, J Staniforth, S Fulton, T Rolph

Apologies:          D Garside

1. Welcome and Apologies

We expressed disappointment that Joanne had left the club and committee.  It would be good to look for another non-Retford committee member before the AGM.

2. Approval of Minutes for meeting on 24th July

Approved without change

3. Matters arising not covered below

Ian reminded us about the issue of slow play online, mentioned at the last meeting.  This has been successfully addressed.

4. Treasurer’s report  - Final figures for 24-25

We noted a small surplus, which was pleasing.  The figures represent the sort of financial result that we are looking for.  However some concern was expressed that we still have a surplus and have no plans for spending it.  Could we offer free Bridge at the club?  It was felt we are still offering very reasonable rates compared with other clubs.  A donation could be made to the EBU to support junior Bridge nationally.  This brought a mixed response.  Linking up with local schools could also be a way forward, and Sandy will make contact shortly with Worksop College. 

The Accounts were approved by the Committee.  Roger has made a gift to Mr Meakin, our new Accountant, as we did with Bill Milligan. 

5. Membership 2025-26

Figures are a little down on 2024-5 in terms of subscriptions paid.  A number of members have left the club.  We anticipate a final membership of 80-85, a drop of about 10% from the previous year.  We have at least four members who never play but still renew their membership.  Roger confirmed that 77 different members had played in 2024-5, not including the Icelandic players. 

Roger wondered if it was worth making all Wednesday afternoon players club members, as North Cray is not an EBU affiliated club, so that results can be submitted to the EBU when we are hosts.  Sandy felt that this was not worth pursuing further.

6. Joyce Irving event – review

This event was very successful with participation from Doncaster players (8.5 tables) and additional money raised.  We had suggested a different venue for our 10-year anniversary event in 2026, for example The West Retford Hotel.  This would be more expensive but we can afford to put on a free event as a celebration.  John will explore this before the next meeting. 

7.  Card playing event in Museum – review (August 25)

This was a successful event and we are welcome to try this again during half term in February.  In principle the Committee supports that idea.  We could make the choice of games a little more challenging, leading towards trying a simple format of Bridge.  Support for a future event was promised from members of the Committee.

8. IT issues / computer

The club computer is still working well and the dealing machine is also behaving reliably.  Security updates have been installed on the computer but support for Windows 10 in the future is unclear.  However, as we don’t do anything which puts us at high risk of hacking, this is not a major issue.  Ian is confident that we are in a good position in terms of our equipment. 

Ian regularly checks usage of the website and it seems it is rarely used, even in terms of checking results.  This is anecdotal but perhaps we should do more to promote our competitions and other items feature on the website. 

9. AGM – confirm date and format

It was suggested that we could meet at Ordsall Parish Hall, where we can access the wifi.  This would allow an evening meeting, at 6.30 for example, followed by Bridge, although it takes away the possibility of a social event, on a Sunday afternoon for example.  It was felt that a hybrid meeting was worth trying as an experiment, although sorting this out in the evening followed by Bridge would be difficult for Ian.  However Tuesday seemed to be the best alternative and Tuesday 27^th January was suggested as a possible date. 

In terms of club officers, no one is forced to stand down in January 2026.  We will review committee membership at our Trustees meeting.  One specific member will be approached about joining the Committee.

Roger queried how many members are required for an AGM and how many trustees we need – on checking the Constitution, 5% of the membership need to attend the AGM to make it quorate, and the club should have between 5 and 10 trustees.  

10. New Secretary

There has been no direct interest in the post of Secretary, although one or two members have mentioned it in conversation.  Keith explained on reflection he would be prepared to complete his 9^th year in post, which takes us to January 2027.  It was suggested that AI could be used to minute meetings, but others had serious concerns about this.  Julia would be prepared to take minutes and set agendas, but does not want to take on the whole role.  We will continue to look for a replacement Secretary.

11. County teams update and match with Doncaster BC

We have won 2/2 matches so far this season, but have not played the strongest teams.  We may have difficulties when both Sandy and Roger are away, but there is flexibility within the system.   Sandy can play online even if he is away. 

Doncaster BC will be approached about another match, maybe in April.  This could again be at Doncaster BC.    

12. AOB

Alan Jillott Obituary – Ian would like a picture of Alan at the Bridge Club if one can be found.  David will represent the club at the funeral.

Tessa suggested that the F2F session on the final Tuesday of the month could be promoted more strongly to attract more members.  We could invite players from Doncaster or elsewhere to join us.  However there is a danger of diluting the Realbridge session and not providing a viable session for online players.  It was agreed that four tables is a good number at Hallcroft for satisfactory competition, and we should not draw too many online players away from Realbridge.

Worksop BC is threatened with closure so we need to offer the opportunity for members to join us and play with us.  Sandy will speak to Richard Orme about this. 

Sandy reported on our ongoing relationship with Keyworth BC.  Joint sessions on a Friday are working well, with some participation from our members.  Do we continue with the present system, or should we host some sessions?  Sandy could direct for us and possibly Graham Bonson, and the link would have to be on our site. 

It was agreed that Keyworth are grateful for our support and that the current system should continue, as this is the easiest option. 

13. Date of next meeting (Trustees)

Tuesday 25^th November @ 4pm (short meeting to plan for the AGM).

It was agreed that we should check the Charity Commission requirements before submitting our Trustees report and Financial Report, to ensure that we are compliant with charity Commission requirements.  Keith will look into this. 

Keith Abel 02/11/25

RBC ZOOM COMMITTEE MEETING 24^th JULY 2025 @ 3.00

Minutes

           Present:                 J Rolph, K Abel, R Stock, J Staniforth, T Rolph, I Maxwell, S Fulton

Apologies:              J King, D Garside

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. Approval of Minutes for meeting on 22^nd May

The Minutes were approved without alteration or addition

3. Matters arising not covered below

None

4. Finance overview

In terms of an overall surplus for the year, we are ahead of expectations for Quarter 3, depending on the cost of the Joyce Irving event.  The balance for next year looks as if it will still be positive even if we don’t increase subscriptions or table money.  Funding for IT upgrades is readily available.  Membership projections for 2025-6 are pessimistic – we don’t know how many of the Icelandic players will rejoin and we have not received email addresses for them.  The current Gift Aid claim is ongoing.  Andrew Meakin, a contact of Roger’s, will be our new Auditor. 

5. Proposal for subscriptions 2025-6

Roger’s budget for 2025-6 assumes no increase in table money or the annual subscription. The Committee agreed that the membership fee should remain at £5 and table money at £1.20 per session.

6. Review of regular joint sessions and Keyworth Friday sessions

Wednesday afternoon attracts 5/6 tables with equal numbers from each club more or less.  There has been limited engagement with the Keyworth Friday opportunity, but only one session has been cancelled through lack of pairs.  No Keyworth players have joined our Wednesday afternoon session.  Tuesday attendance is unpredictable, but on Thursday we have about 6/7 pairs of members who play regularly.  The standard is high with junior internationals often taking part.

7. Joyce Irving Charity event 3rd August

Organisation for this event is in hand and we have had approaches from three pairs of non-members from Doncaster.  We will probably have 6-7 tables.  Hospitality is in hand but offers of cakes would be welcome.  Tessa pointed out that money for the Hospice can be legitimately processed without appearing directly in our accounts.  Ian offered to be a spare player if anyone comes without a partner.  Roger will sell raffle tickets.  Prizes will be purchased in the form of drinks or chocolates.  There will be some ‘quirky’ prizes for less obvious achievements!  Roger reminded the meeting of the door code for the event - 44124.  Start and end times need to be re-circulated – 6pm is a cut-off time although the hall is booked until 6.30. There may be some setting up time required as there is a previous booking.  The raffle could be dealt with during the refreshment period.  A session of 21-22 hands is probably sufficient.

8. Technical / equipment issues

Ian is aware that the equipment needs to be checked soon.  He has done some research about website use amongst members, and was surprised by the lack of interest in the website.  It is largely used just for logging-in to RealBridge session.  There was uncertainty about whether members received an individual communication from the EBU about lifetime awards and promotions.  Ian referred to the ‘Hand of the Day’, which has not been updated by John Auld.  Sandy will consider reinstating this.  John pointed out that we can use the RealBridge Banner headlines to publicise events such as 3^rd August.  This will be implemented.

9. NCBA and team competitions update

Roger had nothing to report from NCBA itself but an event in Spondon in October, hosted by Andrew Robson, is being planned with Derbyshire CBA if there is sufficient interest.  We will publicise this but the cost is likely to be around £40.

We have entered a team to compete in Notts League Division 1 next season.  Seven pairs are willing to play and Julia will circulate possible dates shortly.  We are competing in a friendly match with Doncaster BC on 31^st August with a team of four pairs.  It would be good to find two more pairs but it is not clear who these might be. 

10. Appointment of new Secretary

There have been no expressions of interest in the position of Secretary. John requested a job description for the role, with Membership Secretary as a separate item, so that details can be circulated to all members – Keith will address this.  We should reinforce the fact that the role could be done online by a distant member.  Keith is a signatory to the Eastern Counties Bank account, so a replacement signatory might be useful, especially if Keith does not remain on the Committee. 

11. AOB

Ian was concerned by the slow play of one member online.  This is causing some concern amongst other players, even though the online session finish time for 27 boards is acceptable.  We will share this issue with our Safeguarding Officer. 

Retford Museum is prepared for us to host a card playing session during the summer holidays.  This can be done without DBS checks.  A number of card games could be introduced to family groups.  This might be a way-in to introducing more people to Bridge-related games.  Tessa is prepared to lead this if there is sufficient interest.  Others were prepared to support this initiative.

Keith enquired about online Bridge learning resources, which might be worth investing in.  These exist but we are not conversant with them and Sandy does not use them in his teaching.  However we have money to invest if we can see a good platform to use.  Sandy is currently teaching a good number of learners. 

The Committee agreed to make a donation of £60 to NCBA as a contribution towards the costs of providing bridge facilities in the County.

12.  Date of next meeting - 30^th October @ 3pm

Keith Abel 24/07/25

COMMITTEE MEETING OF RETFORD BRIDGE CLUB

 Thursday 6th March 2025, 3.00pm on Zoom

Minutes

Present:      John Rolph, Keith Abel, Roger Stock, Julia Staniforth, Tessa Rolph. Joanne King,

                      Sandy Fulton, David Garside

Apologies:  Ian Maxwell

1. Welcome and apologies

2. Approval of Trustee Meeting Minutes 5^th December 2024

Minutes were approved unaltered

3. Matters arising

There were Bridgepad issues on 4^th February and results were sorted out manually. Initially, merging was not thought possible, so it was decided not to charge for this session.  No money was collected on 11^th February to compensate.  However, complete merged results were eventually produced so two Hallcroft members owe table money for a session as a result.  A conversation will take place to try to sort this out amicably.

4. Approval of AGM Minutes

Minutes were approved unaltered.

5. Matters arising

To achieve a virtual AGM in future, Ian needs to trial the equipment early in the year.  We still feel that this is a worthwhile aim and it would help two committee members in 2026.  There are significant technical issues because of the lack of internet.  We would like Ian to go to the Centre at a suitable time to test this; it might be better done during the week, rather than Tuesday evening.  Roger is happy to facilitate this by getting a temporary door code if required.

To enable individual table money balances to be visible on the website, we need to give everyone an individual password to access a restricted area of the website where up to date balances and additional information could be made available.  Roger thinks this might be helpful but the system needs to be enabled through Bridgewebs by Ian.  It might create more work for the Treasurer and Ian but those who have seen the system at other clubs feel it might be worthwhile. 

A new runners-up Trophy for the Improvers competition will be purchased by John.

We will continue to look for incentives to encourage more players to play and to improve.  It was noted that in other clubs afternoon F2F Bridge sessions are often more popular than evening ones. 

6. Treasurer’s Financial Update

First Quarter figures have already been presented and discussed.  There have been problems withdrawing money from our 35-day notice Nat West account while Roger has been away.  We will need to make some investment decisions on the expiry of our Cambridge and Counties term deposit.  Roger will ensure we have sufficient readily available cash reserves. 

7. Membership issues

We continue to recruit Icelandic players and one new F2F player has joined the club recently.  It is concerning that there are only a small number of local players playing regularly.  The Tuesday evening virtual session has been at risk on occasions.  It was noted 20 out of our 90 members have not played once since September. 

It was pointed out that this was not simply a Retford issue; it is a national problem and many well established county events are at risk. 

It was asked who adds members to Bridgewebs – Roger said that was usually his responsibility. 

There have been one or two language issues with the Icelandic players talking during a hand in Icelandic.  Roger will contact his Icelandic contact to ensure that this problem is addressed. 

8. Teams news

Retford will most likely win Division Two.  There are two more matches to play, but one is proving difficult to arrange.  A further pair has joined the squad.  It would be good to invite the Icelandic players to take part in future, although it is difficult to contact them individually.  Perhaps a practice session on BBO might be helpful for some members.  More matches on Realbridge might be possible in Division One next year. 

9. Joyce Irving Charity event

Last year we arranged this event on the first Sunday in August – this year 3^rd August.  Roger will check the availability of the hall (1.30 – 6.30pm).  We need to be clear about start and finish times after confusion at the AGM. 

10. AOB

Summer Holiday Clubs might be a good opportunity to introduce card playing to young people.  Tessa will look into this.  No Fear Bridge might be a good source of resources. 

One member had a fall recently at Hallcroft due to poor lighting outside the Centre.  We need to notify Sam from BDC as this is not the first instance of a fall – Roger will do this. 

Congratulations to John and Sandy for an excellent result in the EBU Ranked Pairs Grand Masters section (2nd).  A mention in the Daily Telegraph!

11.  Date of next meeting

22^nd May at 3pm on Zoom

Keith Abel, 6^th March 2025