<p> Minutes of the Bowdon Croquet Club Committee Meeting</p><p>Saturday 22nd November 2014 (prior to the AGM)</p><p>1. Attendance</p><p>Ken Cooper; Lorna Frost (chair); Charles Harding; Barry Keen; Barry McKenzie; Kay Martin (minutes); Steve Reynolds; John Saxby; David Walters.</p><p>2. Apologies for Absence</p><p>Colin Irwin; Alan Mayne; Richard Smith.</p><p>3. Minutes of Previous Meeting</p><p>Approved </p><p>4. Matters Arising</p><p>KM expressed some concern that, contrary to what had been agreed at the last meeting, the newsletter had been given the title of “Clang” and was a more extensive publication than expected. This and the associated cost had not been agreed by the committee. JS apologised regarding the lack of consultation – he thought the cost was in the region of £200 and kept to a minimum by not posting to members and limiting to twice a year. BK pointed out that the agreement to dispense with “Clang” had been on the basis that results and photographs were available on the website and need not be replicated. The above concerns are not in any way a criticism of the editors and it was acknowledged that members welcomed and appreciated the publication.</p><p>KC referred to the issue raised by AM under AOB regarding Tony Thomas being advised upon our lawn availability – he would be sending this information in his capacity as Croquet Secretary and would do this after liaising with AM. </p><p>5. Secretary’s Report </p><p>The issue of replacement bar stools will be dealt with in BK’s report. </p><p>Suggestion that groups (Canasta and Bridge) using the clubhouse should pay a set contribution towards tea/coffee and heating similar to the Wednesday charge of 50p. Agreed that a 30p charge was sufficient as the Wednesday fee also included drinks, cakes etc for special days. 6. Treasurer’s Report</p><p>BMcK informed the meeting that the accounts had been audited by Michelle Miller on 06.11.2014 and were available now and at the AGM. Two members had already paid their fees. The October statement included £1,860 for John Greatbanks – this was for two months. £1,135 had been spent on lawn machinery (Trojan Sprayer and repairs to the mower). This was within budget and there was a balance of £24,453.</p><p>7. Croquet Secretary’s Report</p><p>Internal Club Competitions and Events</p><p>Outstanding Winners and Runners-Up </p><p> E Class: Bob Hunter and Leo Fletcher.</p><p> 14pt Handicap; Alan Mayne and Will Mellor.</p><p> Golf; Graham Good and Chris Evans.</p><p> Silver Box Final to be played next year: Steve Mores v Colin Irwin.</p><p>Changes are to be made to next year’s internal club competitions to reduce lawn usage:-</p><p> Silver Box to be a single life with losers entering a Plate event – is a new trophy required?</p><p> 14pt Handicap to be a single life.</p><p> Committee members involved in sorting the above to meet at 7pm prior to the next meeting.</p><p>The new Club Calendar for 2015 needs:-</p><p> Beginner’s Course dates.</p><p> Taster days.</p><p> Bowdon’s heat of the Charity One-Ball date (to be played before final on 10th May). No NW heat or NW final will be run by Bowdon next year. </p><p>Above put back to next meeting</p><p>N.W. Federation Events</p><p>What NWF Leagues are we going to enter?  Advanced League vote on our proposals to change the format still awaited – all clubs in the NWF will be eligible to vote.</p><p> Entries have to be in by 31st December along with lawn unavailability.</p><p>Above put back to next meeting.</p><p>8. Ground Manager’s Report</p><p>In AM’s absence it was reported that the lawns had been verti-drained and were closed until next Wednesday – a notice had been placed on the website.</p><p>9. Membership/Recruitment/Publicity</p><p>Nothing to report. </p><p>10. Social Committee Report</p><p>KM reported that 68 members were coming to the Annual Dinner. As previously the clubhouse will be open for pre-dinner drinks and a raffle.</p><p>11. House Manager’s Report </p><p>The request for replacement bar stools had been passed to BK who had researched styles/costs etc. He considered that the most suitable were from IKEA at a cost of £50. The committee asked that he go ahead with the purchase.</p><p>The replacement security light by the entrance gate was in hand – fortunately there is already independent mains power meaning the cost will not be as expensive as feared. The light cannot be set to cover the step from the car park as this would be triggered by people crossing the entrance. However, the light will operate and illuminate the slope. Agreed that this needs to be done – hopefully it can be managed by BK and John Greatbanks but with an electrician if necessary. </p><p>The Gas Fire has a limited life and whilst still safe will get worse. BK has arranged for a new one to be fitted at a total cost of £1,335.57 (including a very reasonable labour cost of £75). This has been booked for Tuesday 2nd December. He has advised the Canasta players that they cannot meet that day (telephone and website).</p><p>On the same day as the above BK and John will attempt to sort the dripping tap.</p><p>12. Equipment Officer’s Report </p><p>Nothing to report. </p><p>13. AOB</p><p>None 14. Date of Next Meeting – Monday 8th December at 7.30pm</p><p>Agenda for next Committee Meeting on Monday 8th December 2014 at 7.30pm </p><p>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/Recruitment/Publicity 10. Social Sub-committee Report 11. House manager’s Report 12. Equipment Officer’s Report 13. A.O.B. 14. Date of next Meeting, </p><p>7.30pm Monday 12th January 2015 </p>