Titchfield Bridge Club - Minutes 12th Nov 2007

The Meeting was opened by the Chairperson at 5.30 p.m.

In attendance: Gina Hunt-Chairperson, Leslie Ellis-President, Jim Sherman-Competition Secretary, Neville Vernon-Treasurer, Pat Lee-Membership Secretary, Jean Pike-Master Points & House and David Hunt.

Apologies: Susan Poole-Community Centre Rep & Dennis Bonner-Publicity.

Minutes of the last meeting held 2nd July 2007.

The minutes were accepted unanimously.

Matters Arising.

None.

Chairperson’s Report.

Another year is coming to a close and so far most things have run smoothly. We have had the excitement of the EBU striving for change. There have been several meetings in an endeavour to ensure that if administrative changes to the EBU come, that they are in the best interests of us all.

Modifications to the bidding system have now been established although the majority of members me included are still not quite sure of procedures.

As with all member clubs we are reliant on the hard work of a minority of our members. I believe we should all seek to encourage new membership and also to get active involvement from more of our players.

I now come to the actual running of our Bridge evenings, Bill Boswell has borne the brunt of the Directorship work and Jim Sherman has heroically produced early morning results on the web. All our thanks should go to them for efficiently maintaining the most important aspect of the Club.

Pat, Neville and Jean have accomplished all tasks that have been asked of them and I thank you all for this.

Treasurer's Report.

The Treasurer reported that the Club’s finances remain very healthy with the current balance £50 below that previously reported. The room rental is expected to increase by about 3% in February 2008.

Membership Secretary’s Report.

Pat said that overall membership remains stable; we lost 6 members from last year and gained 7 new members this year, the total stands at 83.

Since the club opened its doors to members from 6.45 pm there has been a better relationship between Community Centre staff and our members. The start time for bridge remains at 7.15 pm and members should be seated by 7.10 pm.

Competition Secretary’s Report.

Jim presented his proposed programme for 2008; it is basically the same as this year with the Club Teams Championship being played in March rather than February.

He had received a request that the Children in Need SIM Pairs be added to the programme. After discussing the matter the Committee decided that 6 SIM Pairs each year was sufficient.

Any Other Business.

1. The Committee discussed this year’s award of the Rose Bowl and a winner was decided upon.

2. Present holders of trophies are asked to return them for engraving with the names of this year’s winners.

3. A request from Titchfield Community Centre for a contribution towards the cost of new chairs was discussed. It was decided that £100 should be donated.

4. Barbara Sheret is happy to continue as the point of contact for playing partners; Babs Boswell has volunteered to meet this commitment in her absence.

5. Gina will arrange the usual small annual gifts to those non Committee members that have incurred costs in helping the Club this year.

6. The Xmas party to be held on Monday 17th December was discussed. It was decided that simple food, mince pies etc, together with alcoholic and soft drinks, tea and coffee would be served from the kitchen. It would be served by a volunteer (a friend of Gina) who would also attend to the washing up. Members would be asked their opinion at the AGM. Bill Boswell will be asked to organise fun play that night and partners will be arranged on the night if necessary.

7. Leslie Ellis said he wished to resign as Club President and would prefer that this took immediate effect as he did not wish to chair the AGM. He proposed that Bill Boswell for the position, Gina seconded this proposal and it will be put to the members at the AGM.

8. Neville asked for clarification on the fees to be paid by members joining during the year. It was decided that during the first 6 months it would be the annual fee less any visitor’s fees paid and during the second 6 months it would be half the annual fee less any visitor’s fees paid. Visitors could delay joining if they wished to avoid overpayment.

9. Neville recommended that annual subscriptions remain unchanged at £45.

10. The revised Strategy Proposals from the EBU were briefly discussed. As the EBU are having further discussions about these before the final proposals are put to the Counties around April/May 2008 no action is required at this time. Gina asked that Jim give an update at the AGM.

11. David proposed that an extension of 30 minutes be applied for on the evening of the AGM. This was agreed.

Meeting closed at 6.45 p.m.

Date of next meeting AGM Monday 10th December 2007.