AGM Meeting held at Carmarthen golf Club 7.30pm held on 27th. November 2008.
Committee Present: - Chairman; Derek Baker Glyn Abbey. Secretary: William Beynon, Tenby Golf Club.
Clubs Present: - Aberystwyth GC, Ashburnham GC, Cardigan GC, Carmarthen GC, Cwmrhydneuadd GC, Garnant Park GC, Glyn Abbey GC, Glynhir GC, Haverfordwest GC, Milford Haven GC, Newport GC, Penrhos GC, South Pembs GC, Tenby GC.
Clubs not present: - Priskilly Forrest Golf Club.
Item 2: Apologies for Absentee Clubs or Members: - None
Item 3: Minutes of Last Meeting: - The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted as a true record of the last AGM. Proposed Frank Rimmer of Milford Haven Golf Club and Seconded by Gwylim Williams of Aberystwyth Golf Club.
Item 4: Matters arising: - No matters arising.
Item 5: Secretary’s report: -
The Secretary opened his report by extending a warm welcome to all and mentioned the fact that some 45 years ago this Summer League was founded by golf crazed high handicappers, and is possibly the best in Wales.
He continued to congratulate Carmarthen Golf Club as Winners of Pool A and Garnant Park Golf Club as runners up. What happened Tenby? Your first half of the season was outstanding.
His commiserations went to Priskilly Golf Club and Glyn Abbey Golf Club who will be playing in Pool B next year. Not that this is any lesser league… just ask Ashburnham, South Pembs, or Glynhir about the quality of players and golf Courses.
In Pool B his congratulations went to Glynhir Golf Club as Winners of Pool B and South Pembs Golf Club as runners up who will be playing in Pool A next year. Of course commiserations go to Cwmrhydneuadd Golf Club who ended up bottom of Pool B.
He informed the members present that it had been an exciting year in both pools, and explained he was in a better position than most to appreciate how tense things can get, and how a few unexpected results at the end of the season can ruin a teams dreams of picking up a winners trophy or staying in the same Pool for the following year. Just ask Tenby or Glyn Abbey for confirmation of this fact.
The reporting of results… The secretary asked that the results be reported as soon as possible so that the web site can be updated by the Tuesday of the same week.
He mentioned that the rules state that it is the winning Captains responsibility to send in the results, however when he took on the role of secretary some four to five years ago the league was in a pretty poor state with teams blaming each other for not reporting results. He requested that both Captains should report the result, and, perhaps an amendment to rule “5a” can be proposed for next year.
He reported that result returns had worked well this year with all matches being concluded in both Pool A and Pool B, well done to you all.
One item that caused concern was the poor response from some clubs in paying their subscriptions, with some subs’ outstanding still well into the summer.
The secretary felt that the subs should be paid on the night of the AGM or alternatively a penalty system introduced for those that fail to pay by April of that year.
Finally he reminded the clubs present to fill their details on the forms provided and return them before leaving tonight.
This basically concludes his report for 2008, so in closing he wished every one best of luck in 2009.
Item 6: Any Correspondence: - None.
Item 7: Appointment of Executive Committee: -
It was proposed that the current Chairman Derek Baker be voted back onto the executive committee as President for 2009. This was proposed by Jeff Rees and seconded by Mark Edwards and was unanimously accepted.
It was proposed that William Beynon continue with his duties as secretary by Frank Rimmer of Milford Haven Golf Club and seconded by Peter Evans of Penrhos Golf Club, which was carried.
Peter Evans of Penrhos Golf Club was then asked to fulfil the office of Chairman and joined the rest of the Executive Committee on the head table.
Item 8: Member Club Proposals: - There were four proposals: -
1st. Proposal was to change the annual subs from £25.00 to £30.00 per season.
This was approved all in favour.
2nd. Proposal was to change “rule 2b” reducing the handicaps from 16 to 28, to 14 to 28.
After a lengthy discussion with many comments for and against the change coming from almost all clubs present, it was decided to vote on an the second amendment to the proposal stating that the handicap be reduced from 15 to 28 with 7 shots given, with the original proposal altered to the first amendment being 15 to 28 handicap with 8 shots given.
The second amendment was approved by 7 votes to 5 votes thus amending the handicap from 15 to 28 with 7 shots given. The first amendment was defeated by eight votes to three.
3rd. Proposal was to replace the “pay for food if you play” resolution adopted in the 2007 AGM.
Proposed by Mark Edwards Tenby Golf Club and seconded by Anthony Jones Ashburnham that the number staying for food be agreed by both Captains on the Thursday or Friday prior to the match on Sunday with no alteration on the day.
Again after a lengthy discussion it was decided that the status quo remains with the proposal being defeated by twelve votes to two.
4th. Proposal was to replace the current two-pool system with a regional three-pool system.
New Chairman Peter Evans, who initiated this proposal, explained why he would like to see this proposal accepted and also suggested an amended that it could be used as a lead in to a new three-pool system. After a discussion looking at all aspects and possible implications of introducing such a three-pool system the proposal was put to the vote with a result of five in favour of the proposal and nine against. The existing Pool A and Pool B system will remain for the foreseeable future.
Item 10: Any Other Business: -
The Secretary informed the members present that an application had been received from Clwb Golff Penlanlas Golf Club to join the Three Counties Summer League. He read out the letter received and a discussion ensued. It was generally felt that Penlanlas return their application next year after their acceptance into the Welsh Golfing Union and the implementation of the CONGU handicap system has had a chance to filter into their Club System so that their members are more on a par with that in the Three Counties Summer League.
Further Terry Ely suggested that the Secretary write to Penlanlas formally of the decision and invite them as paying guests to the next Rabbit Summer League Open., all agreed.
At this point the new Chairman Mr. Peter Evans of Penrhos Golf Club informed the members present that the Rabbits Open will be held on the Sunday 19th. July 2009.
Item 10: Presentation of Trophies: -
The new President Derek Baker presented the Pool B trophy to Glynhir Golf Club and congratulated Carmarthen Golf Club on winning Pool A unfortunately he was unable to hand the trophy over to the attending Carmarthen Captain due to the absence of last years Pool A winners Priskilly along with the Pool A Trophy.
The Secretary agreed with the members present that the date and time of the next AGM would be decided closer to the date concerned. The meeting was brought to a close.