MINUTES: of the 66th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of BECKFORD TENNIS CLUB held on Thursday 17 November 2016 at 7.30 pm in The Beckford Hotel – drinks were served from 7.15 pm
Chairman Peter Udale, welcomed everyone.
PRESENT: Peter Udale, Diane Atwell, Sue Somers, Jane Summers, Clive & Maggie Carver, Graham & Kim Outhwaite, Laurence Alexander, Simon Filiatrault, Richard & Angela Woods, Frank Sweet, David Lindgren, David Henry, Chris Burridge, Robin Rennie, Darren Peck, Paul Smith, Carol Perry, Ruth Marshall, Dee Clayton, Nicky Ellis, James Pearson, Julia Swann
Apologies for absence –Malle & Chris Hague, Martin Day, Heather Blucke, Jean Croft, Jessie Alexander, Pam Sweet, Derek McMullan, Tina Harrington, Martyn & Linda Ellis, Anita Rake, Linda Upton, Jan Morrow, Carol Henry, Marilena Risdale, Sid Ellis, Jane Ashton, Jane Beresford, Vale Udale
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7) Clubspark: A new online booking, membership and coaching site which will be introduced shortly and will transform how we run the club. It will hopefully relieve the pressure on Sue, Membership Secretary and Di, Club Secretary. It will also help Simon to collect information and get juniors signed up.
8) Thanks: Thanks to the current team who work so hard to keep the club running:
(i) Di and Sue in their roles
(ii) Jane and Clive as Treasurer and Acting Treasurer in Jane’s absence
(iii) Simon – hugely appreciated by the club and under-recognised by the county for all the work he does as Head Coach, particularly with the juniors
(iv) Frank & Pam – excellent work encouraging people taking up the sport and those returning. They have made a significant contribution to the vibrancy of tennis at our club, particularly ladies tennis. Sure that Frank will remain competitive for many years to come. Frank was presented with a gift in recognition of his and Pam’s contribution.
(v) Martin Day (supported by Graham Outhwaite) for his work as Maintenance Officer)
(vi) All the team captains, but especially Graham as Men’s Captain and Linda Upton (now Jane Summers) as Ladies Captain.
(vii) To those I have worked with in the past, especially Ruth Marshall who worked tirelessly to organise matches, organise membership, organise fixtures, key to obtaining Clubmark and working with Simon to ensure that the junior side was run responsibly
1) Retiring Remarks: Where does the club go now? I have enjoyed my time as Chairman, watching the club grow through the efforts of coaches, captains and committee members. As I finally retire, I hope that someone will soon step forward to take up the mantle of Chairman, assuring them of the continuing support of a very able committee.
b) TREASURER – (Report from Peter Udale in the absence of Jane Beresford).
The Club is in good financial health
Subscriptions in 2016 were nearly £14k, very slightly down from 2015
Income, less expenses showed a deficit of -£2,219, due to an expenditure of £10,008 on court and floodlight maintenance.
Club funds as at 31st Oct 2016 nearly £47.5K compared to £49.7k in 2015
Deposit of £40k in a 1yr deposit bond with Santander
Many thanks to Clive for his work in maintaining the accounts in Jane’s absence.Many thanks to our auditor – Jonathan Agutter. The secretary was asked to write a letter of thanks to Jonathan and purchase a token of our thanks.
Ruth proposed a motion to adopt the accounts, unanimously carried.
c) MAINTENANCE OFFICER – Martin Day.
In his absence, Peter reported that various repairs and general maintenance items had been carried out with Graham Outhwaite assisting. Both members were thanked for their time and efficiency.
d) MEN’S CAPTAIN – Graham Outhwaite
Waiting for Graham’s reports.
e) WOMEN’S CAPTAIN – Jane Summers
The A Team captained by Linda Upton finished in 3rd place in Division 1
The B Team captained by Sarah Coombes played in Division 1 but were relegated to Division 2. Painswick beating us by 1 point.
The C Team captained by Sally Plunkett played in Division 3 finished in the middle.
The D Team – details not available.
There is a H@W ladies doubles played in the winter where there are only 6 matches played on a Sunday. This team is made up of A @ B players - high standard of tennis we won 3 and lost 3.
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f) JUNIOR REPORT – David Lindgren, Junior Co-ordinator
First of all, a huge thankyou to Simon Filiatrault. He is at the heart of almost everything to do with our Junior membership, ably supported by Liam Gough. Together they enthuse and motivate children to play tennis 52 weeks per year.
We have an active Junior membership for a club of our size and entered 14 teams in the Aegon Junior leagues – all age groups (8 – 18yrs). For a club of our size, this is outstanding.
The following players need a special mention:
- Bethany Pye, Beckford Junior Player of the Year, runner-up in Hereford & Worcester Under 10s County Championships, represented the county playing No.2
- Charlton Van Staden, aged 9, 3rd in the county
- Aden Donnelly, 4th in the county for the under 9s.
4.Election of Officers, Committee & Auditor
Having been proposed and seconded according to the Constitution, the following committee members were duly elected:
Secretary Di Atwell 01386 725660
Membership Secretary Sue Somers 01386 881958
Treasurer Jane Beresford 01451 820447
Acting Treasurer Clive Carver 01386 725586
Men’s Captain Graham Outhwaite 01242 620335
Ladies’ Captain Jane Summers 01242 604638
Maintenance Co-ordinator Martin Day 01242 602395 07973 832235
Welfare Officer Jan Morrow 01386 881574
Junior Co-ordinator David Lindgren 07921 113516
Committee Members Tina Harrington 01386881005 Jean Croft 01386 881230
Paul Smith 07740 056064
5. Vote of thanks to retiring Committee Members
Peter proposed a vote of thanks to Laurence Alexander for his many year’s of service to the club. Members were unanimous in their gratitude for all his time and commitment over many, many years.
Graham Outhwaite proposed a vote of thanks for Peter Udale, commending his sterling work and unfailing commitment to the club over 7 years as Chairman. Under Peter’s leadership the club has gone from strength to strength and Peter has worked tirelessly on Clubmark, Clupspark, floodlights funding, court refurbishments, tournament organisation, juniors and school, Simon’s coaching, team progress, club days and barbeques. Thank you foryou’re your hard work. Members present were unanimous with a show of hands.
6. Chairman Vacancy
The role of Chairman is integral to the success of the club and any volunteers to fill the gap would be greatly appreciated. Discussion ensued that perhaps a restriction on the number of years committee members should be expected to serve to encourage more active participation by members.
Laurence Alexander proposed a period of 3 years, this was seconded by Maggie Carver and unanimously agreed by those present.
Di Atwell to amend the Club Rules.
7. Membership Subscriptions for 2016
Peter Udale reported that in view of current low inflation rates and the robust financial health of the club, the committee proposed maintaining subscriptions at 2016 rates. Proposed by Laurence Alexander, seconded by Jane Summers, the subscriptions for 2016 will be as follows:
Paid before 31.1.16 *
Adult £90 £ 85
Junior (up to 18 yrs) £25
Family– 2 adults + their children up to 18 yrs £190 £ 185
Student – 18 years + £ 42 £37
Associate – use of courts only £ 64 £59
- For renewals only if any of the above paid by 31 Jan a £5 discount applies.
- New members pay the full price.
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70 years + The £ rate