Minutes of the Bowdon Croquet Club Committee Meeting. Monday 11 September 2017 at 7.30pm

Transcription

1 Minutes of the Bowdon Croquet Club Committee Meeting Monday 11 September 2017 at 7.30pm 1. Attendance Ken Cooper; Leo Fletcher; Lorna Frost (chair); Charles Harding; Colin Irwin; Barry Keen; Kay Martin (minutes); Alan Mayne; Cas Sinclair; David Walters. 2. Apologies for Absence Adrian Apps; Steve Reynolds. 3. Minutes of Previous Meeting Agreed 4. Matters Arising None. 5. Secretary s Report DW has collected the trophies from Peter Taylor and refunded his outstanding subs. A written complaint has been received from AM in respect of Peter Taylor s libellous allegations and this will be held on file. DW has confirmed that Summer School costs can be covered by bursaries from the CA. The cheque to Pendle and Craven in respect of the Millennium Handicap has gone astray at the bank. KC will confirm that it has not been cashed before electronic transfer is made. An from Jeff Dawson regarding the CA membership database has been circulated previously members could opt out but this now needs to change in line with data protection regulations. A form allowing members to actively opt in is to be trialled and DW will send this out to playing members. Suggestions sought by the NW Fed as to a candidate to become chairman no suggestions! 6. Treasurer s Report JLF circulated his forecast for the next financial year. The estimated deficit would reduce our reserves to 15,000. The loss of subs is the main difference where there had been a projection of 8 leavers compensated by 10 new members in fact we have lost 10 members and gained no new ones. The other substantial cost has

2 been the returfing and paving with a net cost of 3,327 (less the airport grant) which was agreed before the lack of new members was known. The projected loss for next year is 8,800 (taking account of a projected loss of 11 members and a potential gain of 5) the only way for the figures to balance is for the subs to be increased. JLF suggests that they be raised by 6% to 260. Discussion followed as to the overall increases, especially with reference to social membership. A definite decision to be made at next month s meeting. A solicitor s bill of 3,200 has been received and paid. This will feature in the balance presented to the AGM it relates to the necessity to respond to a legal letter sent by Peter Taylor attempting to stop the EGM. The committee were placed in a position where legal advice had to be sought to ensure we were acting correctly as an unincorporated body the trustees, committee and ultimately the members are personally liable. 7. Croquet Secretary s Report CA Events Inter-Club Tournament o Mary Rose: Bowdon lost 3-4 at home to Wrest Park in the Quarter-Final on 20 th August Wrest Park Advanced Tournament (12 th -13 th August) o David Maugham finished as the overall winner with 6 wins North of England Championship (25 th -28 th August) o David Maugham won, beating Marcus Evans in the final; the Plate was won by Joel Taylor o 4 Bowdon members played in the event out of a full complement of 22 players President s Cup at Hunstanton (7 th -10 th September): David Maugham came 7 th in the top Eights Week event B-Level Advanced Weekend (16 th -17 th September) o 11 entries have been received out of a possible 16 o 6 Bowdon members are playing o Only 3 lawns will be needed leaving one free for members. NW Federation Events NWF Leagues o Bowdon have won the Short Croquet League for the second consecutive time and Bowdon Bandits have won the Level-Play Golf Croquet League for the 3 rd consecutive year. AM reported that there would be one level play golf team next season instead of two. o The number of teams that Bowdon will put into next year s league needs to be decided discussion followed as to how to encourage new players to gain league experience especially with reference to the Short team. Decisions as to entries will need to be considered before the end of the year.

3 Club Events Internal Club Competitions o Not many games have been played in the competitions this last month and they are seriously beginning to run behind schedule; players will soon be scratched to ensure that the competition completes by the end of the season. Alternate Shot Doubles o KM reported that this Thursday is the last session and will be followed by a social supper. The event has proved very popular attracting an average of 24 players each week with a good mix of ability. It has provided for weaker players to enjoy a game, gaining experience and confidence. It is planned to commence at the beginning of the season next year. 8. Ground Manager s Report The lawns have been regularly prepared for daily use and during the week preceding the Northern Championships were double cut. During the championships they were cut every day and grateful thanks go to Mike Shelmerdine and Andrew Thompson for their assistance. Thanks also to Barry Keen for setting all four lawns. All lawns have been fed with during the month and Nematodes have been purchased and applied. The Hayter mower has been serviced and a new belt fitted to the Allett. The work of laying the wider path commenced last Monday and should be completed this week. 9. Membership An application for a new Junior Member was accepted. 10. Recruitment/Publicity Nothing to report. 11. Social Committee Report KM reported that the musical evening has been arranged for Saturday 14 th October. A flyer and list for signing is on the notice board and details will be placed on the web site. Forms for the Annual Dinner will also need to be circulated this month. 12. Catering LF reported that the profit from the catering at the Northern Championships was 560 (the Bar takings were 300) thanks to all those who helped. However, there are no volunteers to cover next Sunday for the B Class Weekend. This was arranged between the committee members.

4 13. House Manager s Report BK sought response regarding the purpose of a CCTV system following discussion it was agreed that nothing should be done at present. The fire alarms etc. have been tested. The Burglar Alarm was serviced last week. 14. Equipment Officer s Report Two sets of Uber clips have been purchased. We have arranged to borrow hoops from Southport during the winter so that ours can be sand blasted and painted. 15. AOB AM asked if the hedge alongside the car park should now be cut back as it had been allowed to grow when there was a possibility of building. Members did like to be able to see their cars agreed it should be tidied but not cut back too much. AM reported that the Buxton U3A were visiting the club on Thursday 21 st September at 10am for a 4 hour session. They will bring their own lunch and are paying a green fee of 40, or 6 ahead if there are less than 7 of them. They are coming to see what play is like on proper lawns! Meeting closed at 9.00 pm Date of Next Meeting Monday 19 th October at 7.30 pm

5 Agenda for next Committee Meeting on Monday 19 th October 2017 at 7.30pm. 1. Attendance 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 4. Matters Arising 5. Secretary s Report 6. Treasurer s report 7. Croquet Secretary s Report 8. Ground manager s Report 9. Membership Report 10. Recruitment/Publicity 11. Social Sub-committee Report 12. Catering Co-ordinator s Report 13. House manager s Report 14. Equipment Officer s Report 15. A.O.B. 16. Date of next Meeting, 7.30pm Monday 13 th November 2017.