AGM 2014
Published June 2014ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
11 a.m. on Sunday 15 June 2014 at the Isca Centre,
Draft minutes awaiting approval at the next AGM.
Present:
G.Simnett (vice-Chairman, in the Chair for items 1-7), M.Hamon (new Chairman, in the Chair for items 7 onwards), T.Treeby (Hon. Secretary), V Peters (Hon. Treasurer) and about 50 members.
Apologies:
M.Gregory, R.Lingham, J.Pellow, P. and G.Ward.
2. Minutes
of 2013 AGM were approved and signed.
3. Matters arising
None.
4.Chairman’s Report
Howard Kent-Webster had resigned as Chairman in May after serving since September 2011. He was thanked by the vice-Chairman and the members for his work during his term of office.
5.Presentation of prizes
Western Morning News for Devon Teams : W.Solomon, A.Maddocks, P.Bowles, M.Orriel
The Devon Teams Plate : final not played yet
Devon Inter-Club Teams of 4 Knockout : not held
Devon Winter Pairs ladder winners : M.Orriel and J.Pietrzycki
The Kevin and Ann Slee Trophy (Victor Ludorum) R.Lingham
Swiss Teams trophy will be presented at the end of the event.
6.Treasurer’s Report
The accounts showed a small surplus of £37. On-off expenses included about £800 towards the Michael Byrne tour and £450 for replacement tables. In addition to the central assets of £17112, the sections hold a further £15402. A question from the floor asked why we need to keep such large reserves. The Treasurer explained that Central Committee "reserves" were actually just under £14,000 i.e. the sum on deposit and, without transfers from the Sections, some of that would have to be called on to finance normal activities. Income from the 2014 Congress was some £1200 down on the previous year. In addition, some capital expenditure was anticipated, for example, the purchase of new sets of boards at a likely cost of £650. Previous Treasurers had, it seemed, taken the same view as she that DBA should endeavour to retain about £10,000 in reserve against major capital expenditure, i.e. bridgemates, dealing machines, tables, etc. The accounts were accepted (proposed R.Mardlin, seconded M.Hamon).
7. Election of Chairman, vice-Chairman, Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Secretary
Michael Hamon was the only nominee as Chairman (proposed by Jeanine Keith, seconded by Pam Ward); George Simnett was the only nominee as vice-Chairman (proposed by Paul Ainsworth, seconded by Neil Marsden); Terence Treeby was the only nominee as Hon. Secretary (proposed by Ros Morgan, seconded by Paul Ainsworth); Vivien Peters was the only nominee as Hon. Treasurer (proposed by Terry Cannon, seconded by David Clarke). All were elected with no votes against.
8. DBA P2P Component
The committee agreed to propose to the AGM that for the year from April 2015 the DBA P2P component will remain at 3p; the club subscription will remain at zero. This was accepted. This is held at 3p due to savings by not printing and posting individual calendars.
9. Committee proposal re Constitution
The committee agreed to propose changes to the Constitution regarding notification of the 2015 AGM and connected matters. (Item B on separate document). The motion was carried.
The changes are caused by not posting individual calendars with notification contained therein. Concern was expressed over the time scales in the new wording (taken from the EBU model constitution) and the implementation of a new method of notification.
10. Committee proposal re Constitution
The committee agreed to propose changes to the Constitution regarding section finances and responsibilities. (Item C on separate document).
The changes are to regularise existing arrangements, by agreement with all section treasurers. Concern was expressed that money raised within sections may be used elsewhere, but the member concerned was reassured that Sections would be asked for reasonable amounts and reliance could be placed on Section representatives at Central Committee to protect Sectional interests. The motion was carried.
11. Member’s proposal
That the 4 sections of Devon County be disbanded and replaced by a sub committee comprising members of each section in order that the interests of same be safeguarded. This would, I feel, ensure all monies raised in County and for County are accounted for by the County Treasurer as well as the outgoings. Proposed by Jean Whitlam, seconded by Graham Hoare.
This motion was withdrawn because financial agreements between the County and the sections have already been reviewed and revised by the committee (see 10).
12. Member’s proposal
I propose in order to keep the EBU abreast of the concerns of their affiliated clubs, DBA contact on a regular basis all of their affiliated clubs having regular meetings with officers of larger clubs in the County who contribute more to the County funds than the majority of affiliated clubs put together. In this way when our shareholders use their vote at an EBU meeting they will more truly reflect the views of their membership. Proposed by Jean Whitlam, seconded by Graham Hoare.
The committee and shareholders pointed out that they believe they do everything reasonably practicable to keep affiliated clubs informed, and that the EBU Club Working Group (county organiser Dick Andrews) is the appropriate channel for clubs have their views reach an EBU Board member. Dick Andrews is always open to input from clubs but requests circulated from him usually receive minimal response. The motion was defeated.
13. Member’s proposal
I have recently been made aware of the fact that members chosen to play for County are subsidised by County quite heavily. As the honour to represent our County falls to only a few members, I propose that the subsidy is reduced quite considerably or not paid at all. Proposed by Jean Whitlam, seconded by Graham Hoare.
The proposal was withdrawn because the level and spread of payments to members chosen to play for County is already under review and due for a full discussion at the July committee meeting.
11. Any other business
None.
The meeting closed at 11.53 am.