Minutes of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Sunday
24th January 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the clubhouse.
Chaired by the Chairman J Scott with Secretary N Crocker and Captain J Williams.
1. WELCOME: J Scott welcomed attendees to the 164th AGM which started at 7:30 p.m. He explained that the President Bryan Chambers has been in hospital, he is home now and getting on well, Mrs Chambers, Bryan’s wife who was present was asked and agreed to pass on everyone’s best wishes to Bryan.
2. NOTICE OF MEETING: The secretary read out the notice of the meeting that had appeared in the letter to members. “The annual general meeting of Weston super Mare Cricket Club will take place on Sunday 24th January 2010 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the sports bar of the club house.”
3. ATTENDANCE: 26 people signed to confirm their attendance.
4. APOLOGIES: B Chambers, M Cannon and R Hedges.
5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: Time was allowed for those present to read the minutes of the 2008 annual general meeting. There were no comments and no matters arising so having been proposed by J Lawrence and seconded by S Curley they were agreed by the meeting as a true record.
6. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE CLUB YEAR 2008-2009 INCORPORATING CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: The features of the year 2008/ 2009 were that
i). We had success on the field notably the 1st XI; the youth section remains strong and the ladies enthusiastic. It is a tribute to Emma Whitehead that she made the visit of Adam Gilchrist to coach the ladies happen. But perhaps the most satisfying event was the consolidation of the Eaglets back into regular fixtures. Jon Lawrence is to be congratulated on his efforts in this respect.
As far as the ground is concerned the acquisition of a new outfield mower with the help of an ECB grant has made an enormous difference to the quality of the outfields on both grounds.
An extensive programme of work on the main square at the end of the season we hope will allow the preparation of more even and good cricket wickets in 2010 and onwards.
ii). It has been a difficult period for the bar, with wastage losses in the first half, but the appointment of the vastly experienced Kevin Court in May of 2009 the bar performance took a dramatic turn for the better, we are very fortunate to have secured Kevin’s services.
iii). Regretfully we have lost Brandon Trust as tenants the gross cost of which is £866 a month. However, apart from los of revenue there will be a saving of costs associated with their leaving.
iv). However, we do have excellent facilities here and I am sure that the incoming executive committee will find ways of using these to commercial advantage, certainly our new bar steward has already sold the facilities for use of weekends and during the day use which we have not done before.
On a personal note I would like to say that it is important to understand our business is to provide facilities for the comfort of our members and the playing of cricket. I sincerely hope that these principles will never be compromised in trying to make a shilling or two.
v). Unfortunately we did not secure a main sponsor for the 2009 season. I consider it is important to sell the brand we have to local businesses and this is an issue which needs urgent attention.
vi). Finally I should like to thank all members of the executive committee for their hard work in supporting me and the club not only in the last year but in the last five years. I say this because having chaired the club for the last five years I believe the time has come to step aside for new and younger blood with fresh ideas. It is not I have not enjoyed the task indeed it has been a pleasure and a privilege only bettered by my time as the captain.
I should like to wish my successor every success in his term of office.
7. CLUB CAPTAIN'S REPORT: Weston-super-Mare Cricket Club 1st XI Season Review
The summer of 2009 was a very successful one for the 1st XI, finishing second; our highest ever finish in the WEPL Premier 1 division. The side was strengthened at the start of the season with the arrival of Somerset fast bowler David Stiff and opening batsman Rob Holman. We were also lucky to gain the services of leg spinner Freddie Gabbittas midway through the season. These additions presented me with a number of selection problems but most importantly a very strong squad of players to choose from.
Unfortunately our cup success of 2008 was not to be replicated being beaten in a close game against Taunton St Andrews in the National knock out cup, and being well beaten in the Somerset cup by Glastonbury, who we had beaten in the 2008 final. We were also soundly beaten in a three way cockspur 20/twenty tie away at local rivals Bridgwater. This poor run of cup form however may have been a blessing in disguise as we were able to focus all our attention on league Cricket.
Throughout the season we showed that we were capable of posting big scores, picking up more batting points than any other team. Five of our batsman finished in the league's top ten run scorers. We were also a very dangerous bowling unit; our well balanced attack regularly took ten wickets. Individual highlights with the bat include Ed Brown's quite brilliant innings of 150 not out away at Downend and Rob Holman's grafting 118 not out at Knowle. Once again Robin D'souza, Andy Fear and Matt Kearsey produced consistent bowling performances throughout the season. This was added to by some excellent spells from Ben Main and David Stiff. One particularly sweet victory came in a nail biting finish at home against Bath, this was our first victory against Bath in the WEPL history! Had it not been for a shock defeat at home against Knowle and some indifferent weather we could have been picking up the Championship rather than the runners up medals. That being said, this is a very strong league and to finish second in it is a fantastic effort.
The 2nd XI finished third in their league. Performances of note were Batting R Scanlon average 60 and J Neave average 6 Bowling A Allen 30 wickets.
The 3rd XI finished sixth in their league. Performances of note were Batting M Bissex 360 runs P Lomax 315 runs.
The 4th XI finished ninth in their league. Performances of note were Batting J Lawrence 450 runs Bowling R Crocker 16 wickets.
Unfortunately, I am going to be unable to carry on in my role as 1st team captain and would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people. Firstly, Nicky Cannon whose scoring and all round support has been invaluable. Secondly, Carol and Bill Morgan who have consistently produced the best teas in the league!
Finally every one who has represented the 1st XI during this period especially my vice captain Gary Morgan for all his help and support. I haven't always been able to keep everyone happy but have tried to field my strongest team each week.
I would also like to wish the incoming captain the best of luck for the upcoming season, you will have my support all the way.
8. HONORARY TREASURER'S REPORT: J Scott presented the accounts to the meeting explaining that he had been instrumental in working with Alison Gregory the book keeper to finalise the accounts. Questions were invited at the end.
The presentation started with the Revenue account on page 3 which shows that bar profit was down this was extended by note 1 on page 5. Sales in year end 30/9/09 were the same as in year end 30/9/08 when the earlier year had benefitted from the Trecothick event income. During the year end 30/9/09 bar income in the 8 months to May 2009 were £47,000 and in the last 4 months bar sales totaled £43,000. The reduction in gross profit from £49,031 to £41,029 was due to wastage and led to the reduced gross profit rate percentage.
Net surplus was down from £21,205 to £8,948 and this was partly attributable to increased bar wages following the dismissal of the previous bar manager. Page 3 also shows that premises income and other income are down, note 3 on page 6 gives other revenue details. The insurance claim related to a break in. Sundry and sponsorship were both down. Grants related to a new mower. This year’s firework event was disappointing again. The phone mast income was good.
Note 4 on page 6 shows maintenance expenses were down and the club was indebted to Jon Lawrence who did not take any payment for his work. Building expenses were comparable.
Administrative expenses on page 6 were amplified by note 7 on page 8 and note 10 on page 9. Note 7 legal fees related to the dismissal of the previous bar manager. Note 10 sundries did not contain anything remarkable.
The balance sheet on page 4 was further explained by notes 6, 8 and 9. Note 6 on pages 7 and 8 listed the assets including the year’s additions totaling £19,599. Current assets cash at bank was down and reflected the loss mad during the year. Note 9 on page 8 lists the money owed by the club. The overall deficit for the year was £8,043. Fruit and gaming machine income was up.
John asked Neil to explain note 13 on page 9. Cricket income was down due to reduced bookings by Justin Burke and several local clubs who had not used the indoor nets. The Brandon Trust income had stopped. Other income was down due to the loss of the Rosemary Conley booking and there was a full year of not charging for the use of the function room.
Any questions were invited and it was asked if anything had been done about the 10% reduction in GPR%? The previous bar manager had been dismissed. Stock had been bought and not used. The GPR% has increased this year with bar sales up 75% on the same period last year.
It was noted that the previous bar manager had achieved a bar profit the previous year that was as good as the recent results and it was asked if there was any idea what the reason for the difference was? The previous bar manager was thought to have gone off the rails by responding to offers that benefitted him personally when ordering stock for the club.
It was asked why grass seed and top dressing were shown separately at note 8 to ground maintenance at note 4? It was agreed that expenditure on both should be together. The figure at note 8 is a stock in hand amount.
There were no further questions and G Morgan proposed that the accounts should be adopted, S Curley seconded and the accounts were accepted.
9. PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT: I have asked my son Martyn to read this out for me because most of you know I have been in hospital for a month or so and cannot make tonight.
I just wanted to say thank you to some club workers who toil away week by week and are very often taken for granted.
Firstly our chairman for the last five years, John Scott has decided that that was long enough in the job. John has been most generous to the club in many ways and we thank him for that.
With the chairman’s job there are always matters to resolve and so the new officers and committee will still have a few things to clear up when they start work.
Apart from thanks to John there are a number of others who deserve our thanks. Our secretary Neil Crocker for the mass of work he does behind the scenes. He chases money from anyone or any organisation he hears may have some. One major thing he will always be remembered for are the pages of minutes for every meeting beautifully presented but unfortunately at the expense of half the Brazilian rain forest.
A very very strong word of thanks is next to a lady who has guarded our money and has handled all the banking and all the day to day workings of the system. Lesley Farrow is at the club three or four mornings per week dealing with the bar and daily bills, she never stops.
I would also like to thank Sam Curley for the tremendous work with the brewerys increasing our discounts and getting money back. Sam is a great asset to the club.
Stu Roberts and Nicky Cannon have done a great job running the club’s social activities.
Jon Lawrence has saved the club lots of money. He has invested lots of time and effort running the grounds with the help of Nicky’s father Mike Cannon and his engineering skills.
All these people deserve your support during 2010 and we look forward to a prosperous new year.
10. CLUB OFFICIALS: The Secretary read out the following lists of positions, nominees proposers and seconders.
a) ELECTION OF CLUB OFFICERS AND ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:
Position / Nominee / Proposer / SeconderPresident / Bryan Chambers / Not needed / Not needed
Chairman / John Humphrey / John Scott / Chris Norton
Vice-Chairman / Sam Curley / John Scott / Bryan Chambers
Hon. Gen. Secretary / Neil Crocker / John Scott / Bryan Chambers
Hon. Membership Secretary / Jon lawrence / Nicola Cannon / Chris Norton
Hon. Fixtures Secretary / Stuart Roberts &
Nicola Cannon / Nicola Cannon &
Stuart Roberts / Chris Norton
Hon. Treasurer / Steve Thorne / John Scott / Nicola Cannon
Additional Club Member 3 years / Lesley Farrow / Bryan Chambers / Jon lawrence
Additional Club Member 3 years / Vacant
Additional Club Member 3 years / Vacant
Additional Club Member 2 years / Carol Morgan / Year 2 of 3 / Year 2 of 3
Additional Club Member 2 years / Emma Wistow / Year 2 of 3 / Year 2 of 3
Additional Club Member 2 years / Vacant
Additional Club Member 1 years / Malcolm Moore / Year 3 of 3 / Year 3 of 3
Additional Club Member 1 years / Selena Luff / Year 3 of 3 / Year 3 of 3
Additional Club Member 1 years / Vacant
b) ELECTION OF CAPTAINS AND VICE-CAPTAINS:
The Secretary read out the names he had been given following the players meetings.
CaptainsFirst Team Captain / Gary Morgan / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Second Team Captain / Jason Neave / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Falcons Team Captain / Stuart Roberts / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Eaglets Team Captain / Jon Lawrence / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Sunday Team Captain / Andre Belcher / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Midweek Team Manager / Andre Belcher / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Ladies Team Captain / Lisa Quick / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Vice Captains
First Team Vice Captain / Andy Fear / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Second Team Vice Captain / Tom Main / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Falcons Team Vice Captain / Mike Lee / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Eaglets Team Vice Captain / Rhys Crocker / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Sunday Team Vice Captain / Vacant
Ladies Team Vice Captain / Nicola Cannon / Players Meeting / Players Meeting
Acceptance of all the nominees was agreed by those present.
It was confirmed that several positions remained unfilled, that it was too late to add any nominees at this meeting and that the executive committee can take on new members.
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: There was no other business.
The meeting closed at 8:00 p.m.
Neil Crocker
Secretary
14th February 2010