Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the DBA held on Wednesday 30 November 2009 at the Isca Centre.
Note : These are draft minutes awaiting approval at the next meeting.

The meeting was preceded by the draw for the Devon Teams Plate.

Present Amos Bridgman (in the Chair, North), David Hugo (vice Chairman, West), John Lankshear (Hon. Treas.), Terence Treeby (Hon. Sec.), Terry Cannon, Keith Ponsford (East), Pam Ward (South),  Terry Hammett (North).

1. Apologies John Boxall, (North), Jon Dixon (West), Paul Ainsworth (South).

2. Minutes Minutes of meeting of 16 Sep 2009 were taken as read and signed as a correct record after minor amendments.

3. Matters arising from last meeting

3.1. (Sep 3.2). Andrew Robson is not available until 2011; Ron Klinger’s availability to be monitored.
3.2. (Sep 3.4). From April 2010 the county intends to use Jeff Smith’s programs (free) as used by EBU and supported by Jeff Smith is definitely suitable (includes swiss pairs and teams etc as a convenient way to submit Master Points etc. Computer requirements to be investigated.
3.3. (Sep 9.5). At the September meeting, attempts to form a full selection committee having failed,  the Committee selected 10 players and 2 reserves for the 2009 Tollemache trial. Eleven of these players, including the intended captain, declared themselves unavailable. See also 9.4 below.

4. Treasurer's report

4.1. The Treasurer’s report was presented. Account balances £536.59 + 1439.46 + £25000.00. Includes profit of £173.60 from Jack and Jill. Tollemache cost is £820. Subs to date £1586 compared to £1900 last year but there is possibility of some being shown in wrong accounts year.
4.2. Funding for Bridgepads at Exmouth being handled by East on behalf of county.

4.3. Steve Quinn is shortly to give up the duplimate work. Discussion on successor(s) took place.

5. Secretary’s report and correspondence (including S shareholder’s report on EBU matters and T Tournament Secretary business)

S5.1. EBU AGM October : Shareholder did not attend. Various minutes now available, Letters of complaint from Mr Palmer tabled without comment as the Shareholder had not been there. Next meeting 9 March.  

5.2. Letter from Bob Arnheim re difficulty in arranging WMN dates. Noted without action as it was received after the event. 

5.3. The 2010-2011 draft handbook to be prepared along 2009-10 lines. Members asked to consider any changes to handbook or events before the next meeting.  

5.4. EBU County Chairmen’s meeting 16 Feb.

6. Section Reports

6.1. West. Plymouth Congress went well with profit about £200 although numbers were disappointing. 

6.2. East . Some no-shows in the league. Too early for Woolcott entries.  

6.3. North. £466 raised on the day at Hospice charity event.  

6.4. South. Too early for Petit Congress entries. Winter Pairs changing venue from Jan 2010.

7. Congress

7.1. 2010 Congress. 51 entries to date; all single rooms sold. Advert for £345 in current EBU magazine. Requirements for Directing etc to be negotiated with Robin Barker. 

7.2. 2011 Congress. Chairman reported that we have accepted the offer from the Palace Hotel for the 2011 Congress.

8. The future of the EBU and DBA (Strategy document and Bidding For The Future)

8.1. Report tabled showing final affiliation intentions of Devon clubs and national situation. Non-affiliated clubs will continue to receive DBA news but will no longer be shown on the website.

9. Expenses and Selection matters

9.1 Western league 2009-2010 : team of 8 to Somerset proved impossible because of clash with EBU Seniors.  

9.2. 2010-11 Western League. Confirmed  that Devon will continue now that the teams of 8 requirement has been withdrawn.  

9.3. Devon Mixed Pairs (Jack and Jill).  : 13 tables, won by John Vaughan and Sandra Bennett. 

9.4 Selection for the 2009 Tollemache. (see also 3.3). Hon Secretary presented a timetable of events leading to the selection of the eventual Tollemache team. The Committee decided the matter was now closed. The Chairman thanked those members of the committee who organised the eventual selection. 

9.5. A brief report on the 2009 Tollemache was tabled and has been posted on the website. Devon finished 10th of 10 in their group, 4 VPs behind 9th place. 

9.6. Confirmed that the 2010 Tollemache team would be selected from 2-day trials in July and Sep 2010. Discussion on format with agreement on many points. Hon Sec to re-write proposals for further consultation.

10. Any other business
none

11. Next meetings

11.1. Wed 31 Mar at Isca at 7.30 pm.

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