The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of SCOTTISH GOLDEN OLDIESRUGBY.

HIGHLAND RUGBY CLUB, INVERNESS on 1ST JUNE, 2013.

PRESENT: Representatives of the Festival Teams, the Local Organising Committee and members of the Scottish Golden Oldies Rugby Committee.

APOLOGIES: Alan Lawson Esq ( SRU President ), Donald MacLeod Esq ( SRU President Elect ), David Carnegie Esq ( SGOR Vice President ). A number of other Clubs and Individuals had tendered their Apologies.

Welcome - The Chairman – David McDonald welcome the Clubs present to the Open Air AGM….and hoped it would be completed before the next rain storm. The AGM was Quorate.

He advised that he was delighted that Jim Stevenson was still an HonoraryVice- President and when Alan Lawson has demitted his post as the SRU President – he shall also become an Honorary Vice-President. Donald McLeod, who had attended the Festival in the morning had to return South at Lunchtime and is to be the new President of the SRU. Dave stressed that it was essential that Golden Oldies Rugby has Representation by your Club at the SRU Annual General Meeting at the end of June. From the three Candidates for SRU Vice President, Clubs should ensure they vote for the Candidate they think shall be the best Supporter foryour Club and Golden Oldies Rugby. Dave intimated that he was delighted that Highlandfound an excellent Festival Ambassador in Ernie Michie Esq – a former Scottish Internationalist and Lions Player – a remarkable Gentleman.

With 21 Scottish Clubs represented, and Players from England and Canada participating at the Festival, which also attracted three ‘ new ’ Oldies Teams, the future of Golden Oldies Rugby in Scotland looks good. Colin Baillie MBE ( Chairman of the Local Organising Committee ) stated that he would not be organising a Scottish Festival next year, but he would look at the possibility of a Highlands and Islands Golden Oldies Rugby Festival. Dave requested all Clubs present to submit information on any Festivals they are planning to the SGO Website, or Facebook Page.

The President then formally announced that the 6th Scottish Festival shall be held at Hillfoots RFC, Tillycoultry on 16thAugust, 2014. As places are limited, early Registration is recommended. He added that he already had two approaches from Clubs wishing to Host the Scottish Festival in 2015.

Ladies Teams are becoming popular and representatives were planning tocome to the Highland Festival….. but numbers prevented this – instead of “Golden Oldies for the Ladies” the nicer name of “Golden Angels” could be used. It is possible there will be Ladies Teams at Hillfoots, next year.

The European Festival is in Prague from the 13th to 16th June, 2013 and the 2015 event will be in San Sebastian – Northern Spain – a fabulous venue with 5 pitches in the centre of the Race Track. Next Year the World Golden Oldies will be in Argentina. It is hoped that if Clubs do not enter, a Scottish XV can be formed…..anyone interested, was asked to contact SGO.

As you know Golden Oldies was supported by Air New Zealand but they sold out last year to Vintage Rugby who have been in operation for some years.

Hillfoots – Scottish Golden Oldies Festival is on the 16th August, 2014 – please ensure that you keep the two weeks prior, clear of Club Festivals.

Jim Stevenson stated that Golden Oldies had now been recognized by the SRU and were Associate Members, he stated that the only thing was that the Insurance Cover was up to age 55. However the Chairman, David McDonald advised that he had received from the Insurers AON a Certificate confirming that the age was now 75. However, it was stressed that every Golden Oldies Player should have their own Personal Insurance Cover.

oweever, all Golden Oldies Rugby Pla\yers should ensure the have their ownHH

David McDonald intimated that SGO always gave to an appropriate cause following our Festivals – this year it is again the Bill McLaren Foundation. All were asked to notify SGO, if they wished to suggest other Charities / Good Causes and consideration will be given to any request from Members.

It was agreed that all Clubs with Golden Oldies Teams should be asked to pay a nominal Annual Subscription Fee. Details shall be posted on the Website and Facebook Page….and also circulated electronically to all Clubs.

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer – Don Burns distributed a set of Annual Accounts to those present and stated that there was little to report other than the one entry for last year’s Festivalwhich has provided a balance of £1,170.44 after expenditure in the Bank Account.

There being no questions to the Treasurer, the Accounts were proposed by Moray; Seconded by Mackie.

David advised that we had received Vouchers from Slaters and Commonwealth Games. It was finally agreed, following discussion that these be handed to Highland Rugby Club for their use.

Thanks were extended to Don Burns for dealing with the Accounts for the Club.

Election of Office Bearers:

Jim Stevenson ESQ, took the Chair to preside over the election of Office Bearers.

David McDonald – proposed that Alan Lawson would become an Hon Vice-President

This was unanimously agreed.

Jim Stevenson asked for nominations for the position of SGO President. David McDonald proposed by Eddie Inglis. Unanimously agreed.

Vice President – David Carnegie – proposed – Jim Stevenson seconded – Moray.

Secretary – Katie Barnett – Unanimously agreed.

Treasurer – Don Burns – Unanimously agreed.

The Regional Executive Committee were re – elected en bloc. However, it was stated that anyone interested in joining the Committee….who was willing to work for SGO, would be welcome.

The President thanked everyone for their attendance, and Katie for taking the Minutes. He also thanked Highland RFC and the Local Organising Committee for all their hard work which made the Festival the success it was.A Vote of Thanks was offered to the Chair and thereafter, the AGM was closed…….and all adjourned to the Bar !