Titchfield Bridge Club - Minutes 17th November 2008

The Meeting was opened by the Chairperson at 5.45 p.m.

In attendance: Gina Hunt-Chairperson, Neville Vernon-Treasurer, Jean Pike-Secretary, Jim Sherman-Competition Secretary, Pat Lee-Membership Secretary, Susan Poole-Community Centre Representative, Chris Barrable and David Hunt.

Apologies: None.

Minutes of the last meeting held 14th July 2008.

Neville raised one amendment that was required. In his last Treasurers Report the estimated hire charges from August should read £1201.71 and not £1498.11. The minutes were then accepted unanimously.

Matters Arising.

The direction of the “Sitting Out Pairs” from the beginning of the year had been counted and currently stands at N/S 12 and E/W 22 for Mitchell movements. This will continue to be monitored to ensure fairness to all.

Chairperson’s Report.

As this was the last Committee meeting of 2008 Gina thanked Pat, Neville, Jean, Susan and David for accomplishing their duties so admirably over the past year. She gave special thanks to Jim who is resigning as Competition Secretary after 8 years on the Committee for his steadfast, no nonsense approach which has been largely responsible for the good running of the Club during her tenure as Chairperson.

Changes are underway within the EBU. At the shareholders meeting in June 2009 the Pay to Play fee will be agreed so that it can be inserted into the Club Contract. In July 2009 the first contracts go out to clubs with the national Pay to Play fee and County Pay to Play component. The Pay to Play system will be launched in April 2010. Gina said that no action by our Club was required at the present time, a meeting of the Club members would be called to decide the way forward once the Club Contract had been received from the EBU.

Gina said that attendance on Club nights are steady with roughly 20 tables a week participating. Are there any black clouds on the horizon?

Due to a difference of opinion with a member Bill does not wish to direct anymore. Gina said she always tries turn disadvantage into advantage and this can be achieved by encouraging many more directors. Firstly by having a rota system similar to that which which was in operation when she joined about 13 years ago and secondly to consider the director’s responsibilities in 3 parts.

a) The table movement, which many of our players are willing to do.

b) Director’s rulings, which could be dealt with by the most experienced and knowledgeable person present.

c) Scoring, which at the moment Jim would continue to do with Peter Francis as a supportive back-up.

Gina thanked Bill, Jim, Peter, Chris, Barbara and Brian for all their work in directing. She said that this a very important part of our bridge evenings and all of them have made her life much easier with their efforts.

Treasurer's Report.

Please see attached Audit Report.

The Deposit Account stands at £1,429.48 and the Current Account is in credit 31p.

Neville said that expenditure now exceeded income and with known increases to Room Rent, EBU affiliation fees and EBU points it was time to review our subscriptions and make proposals for the coming AGM.

After some discussion it was agreed to propose the following rates to the AGM:- Annual Membership Fee £50. Six Month Membership Fee £28. Visitors Fees £2.50. & Sim Pairs Evening Fee £3.

Membership Secretary’s Report.

We currently have 87 members compared to 84 last year, 6 members did not renew their membership and 9 new members have joined. Pat foresees the possibility of 5 existing members failing to renew their membership.

Competition Secretary’s Report.

Trophies need to be handed in for engraving of the names of this year’s winners.

The winner of the Rose Bowl was decided.

Draft programme for 2009 agreed, to include Committee Meeting, AGM and Xmas Party dates. The Sims Pairs competitions will remain at six, same as this year.

Any Other Business.

(a) Christmas party is on 22nd December, similar arrangements to last year with Gina organising the event (finger buffet). Room is hired from 6.15 pm to allow for preparation work. Chris will direct and organise play.

(b) Club is open Monday 29th December for Bridge.

(c) Jim has decided to step down from the Committee after serving for 8 years. Gina thanked him for all the work he has done for the Club and regretted his decision to stand down. She said that Peter Aubeck has volunteered to take on the Competition Secretary’s position.

(d) General discussion took place on the various changes the EBU are making. Until these are finalised it is impossible for the Committee to recommend to the Club membership whether to continue to affiliate to the EBU or not. It is anticipated that a general meeting will be called of the Club members sometime during the summer to decide on the way forward.

Meeting closed at 6.45 p.m.

Date of next meeting Monday 23rd March 2009.