<p> MERIDIAN BRIDGE CLUB</p><p>AGM</p><p>14 TH JANUARY 2016</p><p>APOLOGIES: Received from Sue Collinge, Jo Edwarde, Val Clarke, Angela Shaw-Hamilton, Monica Giddens, Carol Mitchell, Joy Turner & Helen Kent. </p><p>MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM-15.01.15 : Approved by Eileen McNicol, seconded by Sheila Hilliard and unanimously accepted by the members.</p><p>MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS AGM: None</p><p>CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: </p><p>The basis of GB’s 3rd & final report as chairman, was one of thanks:-</p><p> To her committee who have helped make all social events successful</p><p> To John Darwood, a retiring committee member, for organising the 1st Meridian Club bridge holiday</p><p> To the members for adapting well to a new early start & all who help with setting out & clearing-away </p><p> To Michael & Dorothy Haynes for their auditing duties</p><p> To Ken & Carole Oliver for their efforts/efficiency scoring</p><p> To Dave Burman for his web-master/mathematical calculations duties</p><p> To the directors who strive to manage the speed of play each week</p><p> To Dave Burman, Colin Hillyer & Ken Oliver for running another series of bridge lessons </p><p>(Small gifts were presented to Ken & Carole Oliver & Dave Burman)</p><p>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: </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>The treasurer’s report was approved by Michael Haynes, seconded by Ken Oliver and unanimously accepted by the members.</p><p>PROPOSITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None had been received.</p><p>ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE:</p><p> 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.</p><p> Pam Kaur was nominated onto the committee by Joan Moxham (seconded by Sheila Hilliard) as John Darwood was stepping down</p><p>ELECTION OF AUDITOR: </p><p>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.</p><p>PRESENTATION OF PRIZES: GB presented the 2015 trophies to the following winners:-</p><p> Meridian Cup (Highest Master Points-1365)= Dave Burman</p><p> Rosemary Wootton Plate (Highest Average %Age-59.54%)=Dave Burman</p><p> Charity Cup=John Cull & Peter Wigley</p><p> Most Improved Player (3.3%)=Nick Kerr</p><p> 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. </p><p>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’. </p><p>This would give the committee time to prepare a response and members early notice to formulate their views.</p><p>So, technically we couldn’t hold such a vote. </p><p>There being no further items, GB declared the meeting over.</p><p>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.</p><p>…………………………………………………………………………………………………….</p>