Titchfield Bridge Club - Minutes 17th March 2008

The Meeting was opened by the Chairperson at 5.30 p.m.

In attendance : Bill Boswell-President, Gina Hunt-Chairperson, Neville Vernon-Treasurer, Jean Pike-Secretary, Jim Sherman-Competition Secretary, Pat Lee-Membership Secretary, Susan Poole-Community Centre Representative & David Hunt.

Apologies : Chris Barrable-Publicity.

Minutes of the last meeting held 12nd November 2007.

Paragraph 8 to read that fees for the second 6 months would be £25 less any visitor's fees paid. The minutes were then accepted unanimously.

Matters Arising.

It was decided that fees for the first 6 months would also be £25 less any visitor’s fees paid.

Chairperson’s Report.

Gina welcomed everybody to the first meeting of 2008.

She said how very sorry we all were to hear of the death of Ken Hoxey, an ex member of the club. Ken was a committee member for many years serving as our representative on the committee of the Titchfield Community Association. His funeral was attended by two members of the T.C.A. and by Susan Poole our current representative.

Gina said that the AGM went off smoothly. Our president Leslie Ellis retired from his position and she congratulated Bill on his election as President. The Xmas party was well attended, so 2007 came to a successful end.

She thanked Bill Boswell and Peter Francis for the work they did whilst our Competition Secretary was away.

The main topic of conversation within the club is the forthcoming EBU meeting on 4th June 2008. The general feeling is that the current proposals will not be favourably received however the club will await the outcome of the June meeting. It is anticipated that an extraordinary general meeting of the Titchfield Bridge Club will be held for our members to discuss and vote on any future arrangements.

Treasurer's Report.

Our Deposit Account stands at £3,742.00 and the Current Account is in credit £15.36. The Treasurer also holds £133.56 in cash and cheques.

Membership Secretary’s Report.

We currently have 79 members compared to 84 last year; 6 members did not renew their membership and 1 new member has joined. It was suggested that Chris, who will be looking after Publicity, should try to advertise in the free press for new members.

Competition Secretary’s Report.

The draft programme for this year was outlined and agreed at the AGM. Note that the AGM will be held on 15th December 2008 and the Xmas party will be held 22nd December 2008. The club has reached the last round of the Basingstoke Cup and will play against Newbury or Andover in the final.

Community Centre Representative's Report.

Susan said she had attended the funeral of Ken Hoxey, a very long standing member of the club. It had been suggested to her that perhaps the Bridge Club would like to donate £40 towards the cost of a chair to be dedicated to his memory. Susan said she had also received a letter from TCA who have started an appeal to individual members to sponsor a chair at a cost of £40 if the “Gift Aid” form is used. It was decided to donate £40 in Ken’s memory. Susan was asked to remind the Community Centre Manager that the Barleycorn lounge lighting is still considered to be inadequate.

Any Other Business.

(a) Bill brought to the committee’s attention some of the difficulties he was experiencing as Director due to the behaviour of certain members. He felt that these members should be reminded of the need for polite conduct whilst playing in the Club. It was decided that the Director should give an official warning on such occasions and report the matter to the Committee, if such behaviour continues after a second warning then the Committee would consider banning the member from playing at the Club for a period of time.

(b) Bill raised the issue of whether members should be given a choice as to who should or should not be allowed to play at the Club. He was concerned about the suitability of some visitors. Gina said that our Constitution instructs the Membership Secretary to place the name and address of proposed members on the Notice Board for 14 days to enable members to voice their opinion on the suitability of applicants. This does not apply to visitors. A discussion took place with varying views being expressed. It was generally felt that the member bringing a visitor into the Club was responsible for their guests conduct whilst on the premises. However it was pointed out that it is possible for two visitors to play together having made prior arrangements with the Secretary and no member was responsible for their conduct. It was generally agreed that no action was required by the Committee at this time. Bill felt that it might be necessary to summon a special meeting of Members to discuss the matter.

Meeting closed at 6.45 p.m.

Date of next meeting AGM Monday 14th July 2008.

Latest News. The EBU’s Strategy Proposal for the future of the EBU and Duplicate Bridge in England has now been published and will be discussed at an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on 4th June 2008