 |
The Sobell Bridge Club |  |
|
The Sobell Bridge Club | |
[ Home | Results | Calendar | Weekends | About Bridge | Noticeboard | Links | Contacts | Map]
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The MINUTES of the 11th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Sunday 11th May 2003 in the Annexe to Michael Sobell House, Mount Vernon Hospital at 6.00 p.m.
Present:
Stan Nicholls Chairman
Ken Short Hon Treasurer
Geoff Gray Hon Secretary
Bill Graham Chairman, Building Committee
Michael Tucker Assistant Treasurer
Liz Crook Liaison Officer
Michael Melville, Jacquie North, Daphne Santon, Gerald Williams
Jo Aldridge, Bernie Allwright, Fay Benjamin, Margaret Broadbent, Ethel Broughton, Bill Burgess, Diana Burgess, Esther Casey, Thelma Charlton, Cedric Cohen, Alison Dewar, Sheena Edgar, Doug Edmonds, Asaf Ersoy, Muriel Feldman, John Francis, Pat Gayton, Cyril Gibor, Pat Gibor, Jane Graham, Pat Graham, Gwyneth Harrison, John Harrison, Hetty Hartman, Marjorie Haynes, Doreen Howlett, George Howlett, William Hughes, Anna Jameson, Tony King, Joan Knaggs, Shirley Lawrence, Rexine Malalgoda, Ahmad Mallick, Ulla Mallick, Maggie Martin, Derek Miles, Peggy Neale, Ann Paris, Freda Pickard, Joan Prior, Rob Pyburn, Margaret Rainbow, Valentine Rawal, Lucy Rees, Sheila Samuels, Joan Scoles, Janet Scott, Bea Segall, Sue Sheldon, Brian Simmonds, Margaret Smart, Lesley Snuggs, Mabel Spurr, Catherine Stafford, Ron Stevens, Zena Stewart, Ruby Stiles, Maureen Thackeray, Shirley Tucker, John Walsh, Vic Ward, Colin Wilder, Isobel Williams, Thelma Williamson, Irene Willis, Stuart Wood, Shirley Woods, Arthur Worth, Carina Young.
1.
Welcome
by the Chairman.
The Chairman opened the meeting by thanking all those present for
attending.
2.
Apologies
for absence
were received from Committee members Jennifer Hay and Kevin
Colling and from 59 ordinary members (list attached).
3.
The
minutes of the 10th AGM,
held on the 12th May 2002, were approved without
alteration, proposed Michael Melville, seconded Ethel Broughton.
4.
The
Chairman’s Report.
The
Chairman was pleased to say we have had another successful year.
The membership has settled down at between 450 and 500 and the
attendance at the evening sessions remains quite high with as
many as 22 or 23 tables on Mondays and Thursdays. We have as
usual run a number of training courses and also held the usual
four bridge weekends during the year.
One disappointment was having to cancel the Spring Bridge drive.
Bill Hassey and Brenda Weston, together with Brian Simmonds ran a
number of very successful drives last year, but Bill and Brenda
have now had to step down, and we could not find anyone to take
their place. The Chairman said he understood that a number of the
members have now got together and have volunteered to run the
catering for the other two bridge drives planned for the year.
On a brighter note, the Chairman said he was delighted to report
that after a delay of almost 18 months, Hillingdon Council have
at last granted planning permission to build a new Clubhouse. We
are hoping to build a new Clubhouse jointly with the Northwood
Cricket Club. Having attended the planning meeting back in
January, and being told publicly that the project was approved,
the Chairman and Bill Graham had been taken aback some months
later when they learnt that the scheme had to be referred to the
Office for Greater London for final approval. In the end, they
raised no objections so the way is now clear for the Club to go
ahead.
The Chairman commented that the estimated costs have risen and he
proposed that we set up a small fund-raising group whose task
would be to suggest possible ways of raising the extra finance we
may need without just raising our fees. The Chairman asked for 6
or so members to volunteer. Anyone with banking or accountancy
experience would be particularly welcome, or anyone with
knowledge of fund-raising. But the main asset would be enthusiasm
and drive. Should we borrow the money, seek sponsorship, hold
more events or try for grants. Who would be prepared to
volunteer?
Brian Simmonds asked about the likely cost of the building. Bill
Graham responded that the anticipated cost is now £500,000. Our
cost would be £250,000 plus extras and possibly VAT. Brian
commented that we must employ professional people if we go ahead,
as that way we will be covered by professional indemnity.
Maureen Thackeray said we should try the VAT helpline to get an
answer on VAT. Bill Graham commented that he had tried, but had
not been able to get firm advice. Cyril Gibor said we should get
a quantity surveyor on board, because it appeared that the
Cricket Club were getting more of the building than us. Bill
Graham responded that we have got a quantity surveyor.
Sue Sheldon commented that we raise money for the Friends, but
all the money appears to be going to the building. She asked how
much do we give to the hospice, and why do we need a building.
The Chairman said we have no security of tenure in any of our
current meeting places. The Friends are supporting us in this
venture. The Treasurer commented that the entire surplus goes to
the Friends. We have arranged that they will give the money back
to us for the building. Michael Melville commented that when the
Club is in the new building, all funds barring expenses will go
to the Friends.
Ruby Stiles asked about the likely maintenance costs, the
Chairman responded they will be less than the current rents we
pay.
Ruby Stiles asked who will own the building, the Chairman
responded that the Friends would be the owners.**
No volunteers for the fund-raising committee came forward at the
AGM.
The Chairman went on to thank the two other officers of the Club,
Ken Short and Geoff Gray, who both put in a prodigious amount of
work to keep the Club going, and he also thanked the other
members of the Club committee and the members of the
subcommittees for all the hard work they have put in behind the
scenes through the year. The Chairman included in this, Jane
Culley who has taken on the job of producing the Club’s
newsletter, Liz Crook who is now our Liaison Officer, Asaf Ersoy
for managing the website and publishing the scores so
efficiently, Ruby Stiles for finding partners and Joan Prior for
helping to organise the weekends.
The Chairman also thanked all those involved in organising and
running the various sessions, including the Friday afternoon
sessions run by Daphne Santon. He reminded all members that, when
they have finished playing, they can help by putting the chairs
and tables away. Some people seem to like to rush away,
presumably back to their husbands or wives, as soon as they have
finished playing.
The Chairman concluded by thanking all the members for their
continuing support.
** For information, the Chairman’s comment at this point was
incorrect. As currently proposed, there would be a 999 year lease
on the building, held by a management company. This company would
have two shares, one each held by the Cricket Club and the Bridge
Club. The management company would sub-lease to the Cricket Club
and the Bridge Club. The Friends would not be involved, except in
connection with item 18 of the Constitution, regarding the
disbandment of the Club.
5.
The
Hon Secretary’s Report.
The Secretary said that the Club now had 490 members, four more
than this time last year, which was three more than the year
before.
The Secretary endorsed the Chairman’s thanks to all those
who helped in running the Club, but said he wanted to single out
the Tournament Directors in running the sessions. He himself had
the easiest session to run, but, knowing the work involved, he
was impressed by the way the other directors coped with the
number we now have. We still seem to be able to keep our sessions
friendly and easy-going, even with 22 tables in play. The
Secretary thanked Kevin Colling, Brian Simmonds, George Howlett
and Gerald Williams, and Daphne Santon for the way they maintain
the sociable nature of the Club.
Finally the Secretary thanked Isobel Williams and Joan Prior for
providing the buffet after the AGM.
6.
The
Hon Treasurer’s Report.
The Treasurer said that last year, after the AGM gave approval to
go ahead with the building, the AGM also agreed to raise the
playing fees to £2.50. As a result, the Club has had its best
year ever, with a surplus of £42,033.61.
The bulk of the income is from the playing sessions; the net
income is up by £8,000. Although we would expect a 25% increase
from the raised fees, in fact more people are playing bridge,
mostly on the Monday, Thursday and Friday evening sessions. Fees
and Dues are roughly the same; we have about the same numbers of
members. The Suppers did well, bringing in an extra £200-£300.
Tuition also did well, with two beginners’ courses and an
improvers’ course. Also the weekends away are up,
particularly the weekend at Swindon did well. The marathon
brought in over £2000 again.
The Treasurer thanked his helpers, Shirley and Michael Tucker,
Ruby Stiles, Joan Knaggs and Kevin Colling.
Turning to the balance sheet, the Treasurer stated that cash in
hand was up a little, there would be another £10,000 going to
the Friends account shortly. Thee tables are shown as
depreciating assets, however it is worth noting that we have
found someone to repair them.
The Treasurer outlined the history of the building development
fund. Starting in 1996-97 the funds have been passed to the
Friends. They take the interest for their own purposes and keep
the principle on our behalf. In April the fund stood at
£200,000. The current estimated costs suggest we shall be just
short of our needs at the end of next year.
Irene Willis asked why the Friends took the interest; the
Treasurer responded that that was how it was set up originally.
In the early days the fund was small but interest rates were
higher.
Brian Simmonds noted that, as Auditor, he had signed the
accounts, but we are still waiting on receipts for the last two
donations to the Friends for £20,000. Lucy Rees asked how could
the accounts be certified if not audited. Brian Simmonds
responded that this is normal procedure, it would not be possible
to do a full audit in the time available, and the certification
procedure is acceptable practice.
The Treasurer said he had given a presentation about the building
to the Board of the Friends six weeks ago. The Board accepts that
it is an investment for the future.
7.
Motion
to Approve the Accounts.
The accounts were approved, proposed Ahmad Mallick, Pat Graham
seconded.
8.
Report
by the Chairman of the Playing Subcommittee.
The Playing Secretary had prepared a report in advance; this was
read to the members by the Competitions Manager: -
’ First of all, can I
apologise
for not being present this evening, but somehow the lure of the
Grand Canyon was greater. Also
may I thank Michael for presenting my report.
As
may already have been mentioned, our numbers playing in the Olwen
Bettesworth Hall have been growing throughout the year, and,
while this is good for our income, it means more work for the
people who set up the hall, the Tournament Directors and the
Scorers. On a few occasions something has gone wrong with the
cards or the travelers or the scoring, and some sessions have not
been scored. The purpose of me mentioning it here, is to stress
to all members that you ALL have a responsibility at the table to
make sure that everything is done correctly. If we all take that
on board, then hopefully the sessions will run smoothly and the
Tournament Director will not be forced to make these unpopular
decisions. Don’t forget that all our helpers are doing this
work so that you can enjoy your bridge, and I do not expect the
TD’s or the scorers to spend hours of their time trying to
sort out problems.
Well,
that’s the moan over with, so what else has been happening
this year.
Because all of the sessions are so popular, we decided half way
through the year to introduce 2 more annual competitions, for
Monday and Friday evenings, so that all sessions now have a
competition.
Ethel Broughton has very kindly donated a silver plate, The
Broughton Trophy, for the Monday evening competition. A silver
cup has been bought by the club for the Friday evening
competition, and has been named The Graham Trophy in recognition
of generous donations made to the club over the years by Helen
and Douglas Graham.
The criteria for all the evening competitions are the same –
the pair with the highest average percentage and a minimum number
of attendances of 25. For this year only, however, the Monday
competition has been based on the highest number of Master Points
gained from 2nd September 2002 to 31st
March 2003. This was due to technical difficulties in processing
the data.
We have had 2 teams competing in the West Herts League this year.
The team including Doug and Anne Edmonds and Robin Pyburn has
continued to play in the first division. After the AGM last year
a new team came forward, consisting of Pat and Cyril Gibor,
Howard and Elaine Atkins and Ron Stevens. As a new team they were
put into the 3rd division. They have reached the final
of the knockout plate competition.
The running of the simultaneous competitions became a little
contentious this year, with some people wanting to play and
others not. One of our members came up with a brilliantly simple
idea (but one that your committee had not thought of !) which was
to hold 2 sessions of bridge at the same time, one normal and one
simultaneous. This seems to have been successful and Michael will
report on the competitions next.
Before he does, I would like to thank everyone concerned with
running the bridge sessions. There is a great deal of work that
goes on to provide us all with enjoyable games of bridge. I hope
you all appreciate this, because I certainly do.’
The Competitions Manager went on to inform the meeting of the
results attained by the Club in the Simultaneous Pairs
competitions in which we participated during the year.
The Club did well in the David Boston Simultaneous Pairs, which
attracted 1129 pairs overall. Marion Sweet and Geoff Gray were 13th
overall, and winners of the Herts division, while Allan Chalmers
and Phil Ryan were 19th overall and winners of the
County Masters division. Both pairs received cash prizes.
In the Herts Simultaneous Pairs, we had three pairs in the top 7,
with Catherine Stafford and Mike Gentry 2nd, and Bob
Batchelor and Hermann Hirschberger 4th. There are
prizes for these pairs to be presented at the Herts Bridge
Association AGM on the 18th May. In 7th
place were Moira Wishart and Geoff Gray.
For the EBU Simultaneous Pairs, out of 2300 pairs participating,
the Club had 4 pairs in the top 100. They were Zofia Poplawska
and David Kilby, 18th; Catherine Stafford and Derek
Miles, 44th; Ian Teasdale and Mike Gentry, 51st,
and Shirley Tucker and Maggie Martin, 100th.
9.
Report
by the Chairman of the Social Subcommittee.
There was no report given.
10. Report
by the Chairman of the Building Subcommittee. The
Building Secretary started by apologising to the Club for
informing everyone in January that we had planning permission.
This was not the case despite three club members with good
hearing coming away from the planning meeting with that
conclusion. He thanked Len Turner for deputising for him at the
last two AGMs, and to the members as a whole for the support for
the petition to Hillingdon councillors.
The building committee and the officers of the Club have followed
the terms of reference agreed at the 2001 and 2002 AGMs. The
reasons behind those terms have not changed. Our accommodation at
the OB hall is not guaranteed, and the Annexe is also subject to
other demands. The future of Mount Vernon itself is in question.
Meetings with the Northwood CC have taken place through the year,
with little progress of late due to the delays to the planning
application. Nevertheless progress has been made on a framework
within which the two clubs can operate. We have draft agreements
developed by Alison Dewar; the buildings secretary expressed his
thanks to her for her work.
We have seen the draft planning permission document, and the 13
conditions attached thereto. None of them appear to relate to the
Bridge Club activities, but we need to discuss them with our
legal advisors, the CC and the architects in the near future.
Also we need to discuss the views expressed in this meeting. This
means further delay, so the planned September 2003 construction
start date may not be feasible.
The design of the building has altered considerably since the
2002 AGM. The plan now has a bridge playing area at ground floor
level that will accommodate 25 tables and adequate storage, bar
and office facilities for our own use. There are shared toilet
and kitchen facilities between the two club areas. There is a
difference between this plan and that approved by the planning
authorities, in that a stairway is shown providing access to the
upper space above the main hall. This could be used for Rubber
Bridge and tuition, if the Club agrees. Access for disabled
people and fire escapes would apply to this.
If we want to develop the first floor area, there would be an
extra capital cost of around £30,000. At the moment, the capital
cost on current estimates is basic cost of £250,000, plus
heating installation costs of £15,000. We must have adequate
heating. We have spent to date £2300. There is also the question
of VAT. We need concrete advice on VAT. The Cricket Club is
considering registering for VAT.
The next stage will be the architect’s detailed plans and
their submission to builders with an invitation to tender. This
will cost more money. At the same time, a legal framework for
both clubs will need to be established.
The Building Secretary concluded by thanking the officers of the
Club and the members of the Building Committee for their
contribution to the project.
Brian Simmonds asked what would be the benefit of registering for
VAT, as we would then have to pay VAT on our income.
Margaret Broadbent asked if the Club would sublet the room for
functions; the Chairman replied that we probably would.
Cyril Gibor asked if the Club had considered a loan or mortgage
to cover any shortfall; the Chairman said this is possible, but
it would be a matter for the fund-raising committee. Michael
Melville commented that one option would be to ask for
interest-free loans from members, which could be refunded by
exemption from playing fees.
11. Proposed
Changes to the Constitution.
No
proposed changes had been put forward.
12. Election
of Committee Members.
The
Secretary said that the position of Social Secretary was vacant.
At the moment a small group has got together to organise the next
drive, and we shall see if anyone from the group wishes to
represent the on the committee.
He commented that during the year Liz Crook had volunteered to
become our Liaison Officer. He expressed the committee’s
thanks to her and also to Len Turner, who had continued to do the
work long after he retired from the post.
The Secretary said that all the existing members were standing
for election again, and there was no competition for any places.
He therefore asked that the committee be re-elected en-bloc. This
was agreed, proposed Tony King, seconded Brian Simmonds.
13. Election
of Honorary Auditor.
Brian Simmonds said he was willing to continue as Auditor, Ron
Stevens proposed that he be re-appointed, Michael Melville
seconded.
14. Any
Other Formal Business.
Ron
Stevens commented that, in making his report, the Competitions
Secretary, Michael Melville, had omitted to include himself in
the team that had reached the final of the plate.
The
formal meeting closed at 7.20 p.m., and was followed by the
presentation of Championship Prizes. George Howlett announced the
prizewinners:
Broughton
Trophy (Monday evening):
1st
Michael Melville and Ron Stephens
2nd
Kevin Colling and John Wood
Ethel
Broughton presented the trophy to Michael Melville and Ron
Stephens
President’s
Trophy (Tuesday evening):
1st
Colin Thomas and Eddie O’Sullivan
2nd
Joan Prior and Barry Davey
None
of the prizewinners were present; the trophy will be presented at
the next Tuesday session.
L
and R Trophy (Thursday evening):
1st
Brian Simmonds and Michael Melville
2nd
Marion Davey and Barry Davey
Sue
Sheldon presented the L and R Trophy to Brian Simmonds and
Michael Melville.
The
trophies for the Friday afternoon sessions:
Individual
Trophy
1st
Arthur Worth
2nd
Lucy Rees
Daphne
Santon presented the trophy to Arthur Worth.
Pairs Trophy
1st
Shirley Lawrence and Lucy Rees
2nd
Esther Casey and Arthur Worth
Daphne
Santon presented the trophy to Shirley Lawrence and Lucy Rees.
Graham
Trophy (Friday Evenings):
1st
Bea Segall and Olive Stretch
2nd
Kevin Colling and Michael Melville
Geoff
Gray presented the trophy to Bea Segall.
Apologies
for absence were received from: -
Lynne Adler, Pat
Allard, Ruth Allenby, Audrie Amos, Rita Barker, Bob Batchelor,
June Beaumont-Howell, Joyce Beeston, Barbara Burge, Geoff Burge,
Ray Burnett, Vera Crowe, Barry Davey, Pat Fallan, Stan Figiela,
Liz Foster, Delyse Fyfe, Rita Gibson, Ann Godfrey, Brian Godfrey,
Carl Goldsmith, John Gwilt, Joyce Hickey, Hermann Hirschberger,
Martin Holden, Ann Hooker, Ron Hooker, Joyce Jackett, Arnold
Jacobs, David Kilby, Barbara Kohn, Tony Letts, Roland Lewis,
Fenella Lough, Audrey Mace, Alan Marks, Lynne Mathis, Marilyn
McAvoy, Jack McEnery, Peter Moir, Irene Newton, Moira Parry, Ray
Pearce, Joan Nolan, Jenny Ramprakash, Gordon Sadler, Derek Sate,
Jenny Schauerman, Gordon Shelton, Roy Sterry, John Taylor, Alan
Thomas, Judy Walshe, Valerie Weeks, Rosemary White, Phil
Williams, Eileen Williams, Moira Wishart, John Wood.
[ Home | Results | Calendar | Weekends | About Bridge | Noticeboard | Links | Contacts | Map]