Meridian Bridge Club

MERIDIAN BRIDGE CLUB

14 TH JANUARY 2016

APOLOGIES: Received from Sue Collinge, Jo Edwarde, Val Clarke, Angela Shaw-Hamilton, Monica Giddens, Carol Mitchell, Joy Turner & Helen Kent.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM-15.01.15 : Approved by Eileen McNicol, seconded by Sheila Hilliard and unanimously accepted by the members.

MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS AGM: None

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:

The basis of GB’s 3rd & final report as chairman, was one of thanks:-

 To her committee who have helped make all social events successful

 To John Darwood, a retiring committee member, for organising the 1st Meridian Club bridge holiday

 To the members for adapting well to a new early start & all who help with setting out & clearing-away

 To Michael & Dorothy Haynes for their auditing duties

 To Ken & Carole Oliver for their efforts/efficiency scoring

 To Dave Burman for his web-master/mathematical calculations duties

 To the directors who strive to manage the speed of play each week

 To Dave Burman, Colin Hillyer & Ken Oliver for running another series of bridge lessons

(Small gifts were presented to Ken & Carole Oliver & Dave Burman)

In conclusion, she announced that the committee had decided to increase the annual subscription, that the treasurer would explain further and she wished everyone the very best for 2016. TREASURERS REPORT:

CH explained that income was down about £550 on the previous year as only one teaching session was held in 2015 and table numbers averaged only 12 ½ whereas just under 14 was needed to break even. Total expenses were up by 3%, due mainly to the purchase of more playing cards, which are now changed quarterly.

In view of the overall deficit of just under £700 for the year, the committee has decided to increase the annual subscription from £5 to £10 from 1st January 2016. This should generate a further £450, and together with the surplus from the teaching sessions in 2016, should result in a breakeven position at the year end.

It was considered preferable to increase the annual subscription rather than table money at this stage, as the surplus so generated would be excessive after a few years.

The treasurer’s report was approved by Michael Haynes, seconded by Ken Oliver and unanimously accepted by the members.

PROPOSITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None had been received.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE:

 Michael Haynes has agreed to become the new chairman, replacing GB who has served 3 years. He was nominated by Dave Burman & seconded by Christina Harvey.

 Pam Kaur was nominated onto the committee by Joan Moxham (seconded by Sheila Hilliard) as John Darwood was stepping down

ELECTION OF AUDITOR:

As Michael Haynes is now the new chairman, Ann Brown has agreed to become the new auditor and she was unanimously elected by all the members.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES: GB presented the 2015 trophies to the following winners:-

 Meridian Cup (Highest Master Points-1365)= Dave Burman

 Rosemary Wootton Plate (Highest Average %Age-59.54%)=Dave Burman

 Charity Cup=John Cull & Peter Wigley

 Most Improved Player (3.3%)=Nick Kerr

 Top %Age in any one Week(71.99%)=Murray Ferguson & Kong Luk ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Ken Oliver requested that we have a vote on whether the members wanted to continue with ‘Polarity’ days.

GB explained that such a request must be sent in writing to the secretary 14 days prior to the AGM to be included in ‘Proposals & Recommendations’.

This would give the committee time to prepare a response and members early notice to formulate their views.

So, technically we couldn’t hold such a vote.

There being no further items, GB declared the meeting over.

Michael Haynes proposed a vote of thanks to Genia for her devoted service as chairman for the past three years and LS presented her with a small gift from the members of a voucher to buy one of her favourite flowering plants in springtime.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….