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September 2013 Meeting Minutes

Published September 2013

Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the DBA held on Tuesday 17 September 2013 at the Isca Centre.

Draft minutes awaiting approval at the next meeting.

Present: Howard Kent-Webster (Chairman), Terence Treeby (Hon Secretary), Vivien Peters (Hon Treasurer), Ros Morgan (West), Terry Cannon (East), John Boxall, David Clarke (North), Jeanine Keith (Tournament Administrator).

1. Apologies. George Simnett (vice-Chairman), Paul Ainsworth, Pam Ward (South), Keith Ponsford (East).

2. Minutes. Agreed and signed.

3. Matters arising

3.1. (Jul 3.1). What insurance exists for county and section trophies? Deferred to November.

3.2. (Jul 5.3). The psyching report was finalised and sent to all clubs and the website.

3.3. (Jul 6.2). Committee agreed that in future cheques would be signed by any 2 of 3 nominated signatories. This is not compatible with access to internet banking and will not be implemented.

3.4. (Jul 6.6). Clubs are reminded that EBU affiliation fees should be paid to the EBU and copy invoices remitted to DBA for payment. This offer also applies to newly affiliating clubs.

3.5. (Jul 7.4). Report on County Chairman’s Conference June 2013 : the EBU are committed to raising membership through education and encouraging more clubs to affiliate. Detailed report available for inspection.

3.6. (Jul 7.6). The education sub-committee reviewed the list of teachers’ names on website and appropriate links. One query referred back to sub-committee.

3.7. (Jul 7.7). Clubs who have equipment part-funded by DBA are reminded of the county’s expectations with regard to use for county events. Correspondence from Plymouth BC. The DBA will be reviewing its expenses rates list which expires at the end of December 2013 and will include clearer indications of charges. The Treasurer will draft conditions for future help with subsidised equipment Possible charges regarding replacement of subsidised equipment will be considered on an individual case basis.

3.8. (Jul 8.2). South have in hand the use of bridgemates at the Winter Pairs. The DBA bridgemates have been transferred to the care of Andrew Leslie and Don Pearson.

3.9. (Jul 9.3). support to clubs sending trainee directors to the EBU courses at Newton Abbot : details agreed and circulated to clubs and website. Limited to 4 trainees per club for clarification : 2 are free EBU places, 2 are subsidised).

3.10. (Jul 10.1). calendar back from printers and circulated.

4. Treasurer's Report

4.1. Accounts are reconciled from a April to present showing a deficit of £7382.72.

4.2. (Jul 6.3). It was noted that budgets had been submitted by all 4 sections. A detailed discussion followed which highlighted flaws in the DBA constitution. The constitution will be reviewed. The Hon Treasurer will continue negotiations with individual section treasurers. Future budgets should not include capital expenditure which should be listed separately.

4.3. (Jul 3.1.) Barnstaple borrowed bridgemates for a demonstration and may well be applying for help to proceed. This was shown in the North budget. It was agreed to approve this help but that in future applications for help with capital projects should be referred by clubs or sections to the central committee.

5. Secretary’s Report and Correspondence (including Shareholders’ report on EBU matters)

5.1. Blue Book slimmer and revised to replace Orange Book in Aug 2013 and also revised White Book. Entirely online or downloadable. With links. Includes new VP scales from 1 Sep 2013. VP scales distributed to Devon organisers.

5.2. EBU County voucher (last year of issue) awarded to Brenda Martin.

5.3. Darren Evetts is EBU Board member for Counties and Clubs and will be following up on relevant parts of Chairman’s meeting report. The Regional Club committee has been disbanded.

5.4. Nigel Richardson will be replaced as one of our shareholders by Howard Kent-Webster after the EBU AGM.

5.5. EBU AGM papers have been circulated showing increase in EBU membership (up 2000 to 54k) and Devon (up to 1425 from 1340). Budget beating target. At this stage no matters requiring DBA advice.

6. Section Reports

6.1 North. League has 2 divisions of 9 and inevitably clashes with one club night.

6.2. West. Plymouth Congress entries low at this stage; Heart Foundation leaftets distributed.

6.3. East League has 3 divisions of 8 and others were turned away.

6.4. South.6 clubs in first sims next week; 13 teams in league (from 14) – no extras from NA after night change; winter pairs preparations in hand.

7. Sub-committee reports

7.1. Tournament Administrator Negotations for favourable rates for use of Isca completed. Entries needed for Devon Teams (new closing date 7 Oct).

7.2. Selection Sub-Committee Teams have been selected for the Western League and the Tollemache qualifier. Entry fee £389 – EBU will send entry form / invoice in due course. Players will be asked to let Treasurer know their bank details or request cheque for expenses (£62 = sharing DB&B rate at venue hotel). Venue hotel has no rooms left so players will be advised to book their own accommodation.

7.3 Education Sub-Committee There is time for the usual last minute additions to numbers, but current expectations of attendances at Byrne seminars are Exmouth 25, Barnstaple 45, Thurlestone 50, Exeter 25, a potential shortfall below original estimates of between 10 and 20. Workshops currently stands at 13 pairs (target / maximum 16). Otherwise planning and preparations seem to be well in hand.
7.4. Congress Sub-Committee Brochure printed and circulation starts at this meeting. Advert in December EBU magazine at reduced rate. 10 new tables bought and paid for.
7.5. Technology sub-committee no report
7.6. Conduct and Disciplinary Sub-Committees: nothing to report.

8. Any Other Business

8.1. Some clubs seem to have too many calendars.

9. Next meetings

9.1. Wed 27 Nov. Apologies John Boxall