Notes on a meeting of members now deemed to be an inquorate AGM

Present. David Hugo (Vice-Chairman), John Lankshear (Hon Treasurer), Terence Treeby (Hon Secretary) and about 41 members.

1. Apologies. Amos Bridgman (retiring Chairman), Warner and Louise Solomon, Alan and Jette Bailey, Pam and Geoff Ward, Pat and Tim Walton, Linda Starling.

2. Minutes The minutes of the 2009 AGM were taken as read and signed as correct. This action was inquorate and is thus invalid.

3. Matters arising. The Vice-Chairman reported on 3 matters: This will need to be repeated at a re-convened AGM. #6. Prior to 1 April 2010 Devon had 565+ members and about 30 affiliated clubs; since 1 April 2010 Devon has over 1200 members and 20 affiliated clubs [EBU June]. This is in line with the figures used by the committee in its projections.

As a result of this the Committee was asked to review the clauses in the Consitution regarding a quorum at a General Meeting.

#13. From 2011-2012 the EBU proposes to amend its Garden Cities Rule to something very similar to our own 10-play rule. They propose a similar rule for their NICKO competition.

#15.Following the last AGM it proved impossible to form a selection committee for the 2009 Tollemache and the selection was made by the main County Committee. After the March 2010 committee meeting, the following agreed to serve on the selection committee for the 2010 Tollemache : Warner Solomon, Ruth Edmondson, David Hugo, and Terence Treeby.

4. Chairman's Report. This stands as a matter of record. The Vice-Chairman thanked Amos Bridgman for his work as Chairman; amongst other things he had visited many clubs during the run-up to Pay to Play and had been responsible for the change of format of the Congress to green point throughout and its forthcoming return to The Palace Hotel. The new format had on the whole been successful. He congratulated Alan and Jette Bailey for their pairs win at the Congress, Jim Grant and Stefan Lindfors for their win in the Corwen Trophy. The Western League results were mixed – mid-table finishes for A and B teams. He thanked the retiring Hon Treasurer, the Hon Secretary, the Tournament Administrator and the webmaster for their work.

5. Presentation of prizes. This stands as a matter of record. The Chairman presented the trophies to the following competition winners (other trophies having been presented at the events):Western Morning News for Devon Teams : A.Bailey, J.Bailey, J.Grant, S.Lindfors.
The Devon Teams Plate : W. And L. Solomon, P. Bowles and M. Orriel
The Kevin and Ann Slee Trophy (Victor Ludorum) : A. Slee.
Swiss Teams trophy was presented at the end of the event to : A.Slee, A.Pollok, R.Edmondon, B.McElroy.

6. Treasurer's report. This will need to be repeated at a re-convened AGM. The accounts were circulated and questions answered. The Pay to Play element of 3p for the county is estimated to produce approximately the same income as the previous membership schem. The Treasurer reported that during his 4-year tenure he had shifted the emphasis on spending so that as many members as possible benefited, in particular the Robson tour, one-third discount on duplimates and bridgemates to clubs and subsidised Directors’ courses. The accounts were accepted (proposed R.Mardlin, seconded T.Hammett). This action was inquorate and is thus invalid.

7. Elections etc. David Hugo is the only nominee as vice-Chairman; Terence Treeby the only nominee as Hon. Secretary. Both proposed by Tim Walton, seconded by Pat Walton. Both were accepted by the meeting. This action was inquorate and is thus invalid.

This stands as a matter of record. There were no nominations for Chairman or Hon. Treasurer. The Vice-Chairman appealed for late nominations or volunteers to be dealt with at the July committee meeting in accordance with the DBA Constitution : 7(g) The Committee may co-opt other members, as deemed appropriate from time to time, and shall have the power to fill any vacancies that arise from time to time to assist in the execution of its activities.

The committee was asked to seek clarifcation as to whether clause 7(g), especially the last part, referred only to members or did indeed give powers to the Committee to appoint officers if the AGM failed to do so.

8.The committee proposed that for the year from April 2011 the DBA P2P component will remain at 3p; the club subscription will still be nil. The motion was accepted. This action was inquorate and is thus invalid.

9. Any other business. None.
The meeting closed at 11.40 pm.

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