Ledbury Tennis Club - Annual General Meeting Minutes February 2019 (Page 1 of 2)

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 7th February 2019, in the Clubhouse at 7.30pm

Present;

Ann Hume (Chair), Liz Lewin, Steve Finch, Janet Day, Jeff Arlott, Percy Hunt, Claire Hollingsworth, Alan Bowyer, Brian Bowers, Julie Chandler, Margaret Bradstock, Katy Lewin, Sandy Orchard, Chris Marlow, Hugh Thompson, Gillian Chowns, Fred Moroni

1. Apologies;

Steve and Gill Swaithes, Janet Collings, Pat Symonds, Robert Williams, Kathy Malia, Sue Andrew, Judy Robinson, Roz Symons, David Wright, Steve Chandler, Derrick Masters, David Hemus, Alison Earp, Ruth Blair, Fran Bradley, Pat Symonds ,Penny Brazier,

2. Minutes of the Last AGM, 15thFebruary 2018

These were approved as a true copy of the event.

3. There were no matters arising

4. Chair Report

My thanks to all those on the committee for all their hard work and commitment to support you the membership. My thanks to all those who have been Captain of a team, a job that can be frustrating, at times! My thanks also to the non-committee folk who have volunteered. Those who have supported the club, on the cleaning rota, helping with RR, helping with the charity tournaments, helping with painting, gardening, leaf sweeping, grass cutting. It is only when looking back one is able to appreciate all the support and time many of you give to help with the running of the club. We are a club that is open to players of all abilities, from Senior county players, to Junior County players, division 1 to 8 team players and social members. At times a balancing act, but as a small club we have much to celebrate. 

Tournaments. A number of Tournaments starting with the Helen Kitching trophy, in early May. This was won by newcomer Harry Hale and Anne O’ Leary.  The Mixed Open in September also was well supported with 10 couples doing battle and Alison Earp and Patrick Brasil being the eventual winners. My thanks to Alison for running the tournament.  The Club Championships were better supported by Adults with some good round robin matches. Although it was disappointing to run Plate competitions in only one event.  The Juniors need more support to enter and a number of parents have offered to support the Juniors in playing the tournaments and basically organising them. 

The Championships were played early September in lovely weather. Thank you to the members who supported with food making, umpiring, putting up bunting, taking photos, Liz for collecting the umpire chairs, and Chris our coach for presenting the trophies. Trophies were taken back from the winners, engraved and then distributed. The New Year’s day tournament was great fun with around 20 players, plus families joining a fun morning and lunch.

Social tennis has been sparse on occasions, but seems to be well attended once again. It is good to attend these social sessions for us all to integrate more. Wednesday evenings, particularly are very popular with a number of new and younger players enjoying good, competitive tennis. League Teams continues to offer match playing opportunities for many. Katie Lewin will talk about the successes and otherwise… later. Rusty Rackets continues to be well supported with up to 12 Adults coming along. I would like to thank those who have helped me by taking sessions. a relief for those attending not always to be saddled with me.! Our Xmas drink had to be postponed due to the weather! It is good that some of the Rr players are turning up to social mornings, to be encouraged.

BTM membership will continue to be free and one to which we encourage you all to join to enable you to have a chance of gaining Wimbledon tickets.

GBTW

This coincided with our Open Morning and was well attended with over 20 people turning up. Thanks go to Katy and other committee members for their support on this day. We will continue with this format again this year. Advertising is key!

Community day

This year we had a stall in the Burgage Hall, selling the tennis Club. Unfortunately, we felt we needed to be with all the other sporting activities, and will hope to be placed in the Community hall this year. The request form has been submitted, so hopefully we will be moved.

I attended a presentation by Tim Keys on the future of the bells at St Michaels. A most informative evening and I then recommended to the Committee that we made a donation, from the Club, in support of a new bell, recognising the end of the First world war. Details of another ‘Bell’ evening are on the board, free to attend and a most pleasant evening to be had.

County Tennis

Our Congratulations go Katy and Sally Lewin who are all playing regularly for the County. We are very proud of them. As a club I submitted a commendation for Katy to be considered at the County Awards evening, as Young Volunteer of the year. Although not the overall winner, Katy received a highly commended award. Alison Earp has also been playing for the Over 55s at County tennis, although not yet 55… well done. Before her enforced rest from tennis, due to an operation on her shoulder, Liz Lewin had also been playing for the Over 50 County team. We wish her well in her recuperation and hope she is once again able to achieve this recognition.

Social events

Xmas Party, took place at the Farmers ARMS AT Wellington Heath. We had a room to ourselves and had lots of fun! I would like to thank very much the 2 Ks, Kathy Malia and Karen Williams. I secured the venue and they did everything else, decorating the room, providing us with entertainment and best of all, for me, providing a placemark with our food choices on… no more having to wrack ones brain! It was nice to Welcome Chris and his wife, also to the evening. 

Skittles and fish and chips tba Feb/Mar

Brian Partridge ‘You cannot be serious’, at Ledbury Market theatre on Friday 26th April from 7.30pm My grateful thanks to the Theatre who have promoted the event, selling tickets and all for a modest sum. Also included in the price of the ticket is a glass of Strawberry Hill vineyard wine, made by Sandy Orchard and her partner Tim. All those joining the Committee before the meeting will already have sampled their wine! Please do support this evening, and bring your friends along!

It is hoped to arrange a Wine tasting evening in the summer to their vineyard.

Also, The Helen Kitching tournament will kick off the summer on Sunday 12thMay. This is open to all members and includes a cream tea. Also, BBQ and summer American tournaments are on the cards, so watch this space.

The Club Championships will take place this year, with the Finals on Sunday 1stSept. The format of how we get to the finals may well change.

Tennis mark is now no longer, it is Club registration. LTA accreditation for all tennis clubs, which is now an annual event that must be done in conjunction with Club Registration and hence getting our Insurance from the LTA. Please check out on the board, all policies, Child Protection Officer, risk assessment, insurance, complaints procedure etc Minutes of meetings, AGM, yearly accounts, newsletters etc. Please ensure you complete the book for any accidents received however small.  Also, please fill out the book for informing the Committee of any concerns regarding the courts, netting etc.

Grounds.

The grounds are being better cared for and cleared. Ivy has now been removed from the wall, and the wall has been treated and rebuilt. Thank you, Steve, a great improvement. An annual clean of the ivy will now be a more manageable affair. Bob Cooper, as always, does a fab job of keeping us tidy and we are eternally grateful to him for this. We have engaged the services of an odd job man, who has helped keep the grounds tidy.

Club house

I thank those members who join me in Clubhouse cleaning. If we all did one cleaning session, we would only need to clean once every three years! So, I am always grateful to those who sign up. There is always room for others!

5. Match report.

Thank you to Katy for preparing and delivering this report.

Men’s A:
Ledbury Men's A were promoted to Division 2 at the start of the winter season, making them the highest placed Herefordshire team in the entire league. This is a proud achievement in itself and those who've played (Matt, Pete, Jeff, Steve, Harry and Fred) have relished the opportunity to test themselves at this level. With four matches played, the team is in equal 6th place on points and survival remains an achievable target. Special mention should be made for the contribution of Harry Hale. Harry is new to the team and is a bright hope for the future: his and Matt's narrow victory against a strong Stourbridge A pair was crucial in keeping the team in contention for the season.

Men’s B:
The Men’s B maintained their position in Division 5, after having some great matches last winter. They are doing well this Winter and are currently second in the division. In the Summer, the team had some close fought matches, including an excellent win against Woolhope. Many thanks to Patrick and Charles for Captaining the team.
 

Ladies A:
The Ladies A enjoyed challenging winter season after being promoted to division 1 the previous year. After some hard matches, but some great tennis, the team slipped into Division 2 for this Winter. They are currently doing well, positioned 2ndso promotion once again is a real possibility. In the Summer, we had an amazing season securing top spot in division 2 with Katy and Sally winning 14 out of 14 matches. Liz recklessly promised Katy a horse if we got promoted but unfortunately, she is still waiting! It has been disappointing that Liz has been injured and unable to play but thank you to Claire, Alison, Sally, Ann and Gill for your important achievements which have supported the team’s success. I have enjoyed captaining the team and looking forward to our time in Division 1 in the summer. 

Ladies B:
In the Summer, the B team came 2nd in Division 5 which secured them promotion. In the Winter they finished in the middle of the table where they have been having some enjoyable matches. Thanks to Sandy, who was the teams most achieved player as well as Pat, Margie, Kathy and Diana for their valuable contribution and to Janet for her captaincy of the team. 

Ladies C:
Our C team has provided the opportunity for many of our ladies who play socially as well as some of our younger members, to experience league tennis. In the Winter they have had to postpone many matches due to poor weather, however they have played some very enjoyable tennis. They are also seeing some improvements in their game, much helped by coaching from Chris. Thanks to Ruth for captaining the team.  

Mixed:

After being promoted, Claire led the Mixed Team into a great winter season where they finished mid table which was an excellent result.  They had some strong performances in a variety of inclement weather conditions. In the Summer, they came 2nd in Division 3 meaning they narrowly missed out on promotion, taking 44/60 points (league winners 46 points) from 6 matches. 6 men and 5 ladies contributed with Claire Hollingsworth winning 7 of 10 rubbers and Matt Baum 5 of 6. Thank you, Claire for your Captaincy. 

In the Summer 2019, we are entering 2 new teams, a Men’s C and a Mixed B team. Anyone who is wanting to be considered to play should sign up on the notice board, and for the Men’s Team contact Rob Stewart and for the Mixed, Greg Hobbs. 

6. Membership Secretary report and subscription rates for 2019.

My thanks to Liz Lewin for her report.

Subscription and membership 

I am pleased our total membership this last year has remained relatively consistent in comparison to previous years. 

We had 24 member who didn’t renew their membership, 1 weekday, 9 full adults, 7 child of full adult, 4 Juniors and 3 students. 

We have gained 22 new members, 14 of these joining part way through the year. We do lose members each year for a variety of reasons but its positive that our overall numbers remain consistent.

Last year, was our first full year on Club spark. It has made our Club administration so much easier, both for communicating with members and for payment and tracking of subs. You will be sent an invite during March with a link which will take you to membership renewal. Subs will be due on 1stApril and payment will be by the same method as last year as a one-off direct debit. All membership packages this year have been set up on a Fixed date basis which will make management of our membership lists easier.  Thank you for your support with paying this way. 

Overall, our membership remains healthy and will hopefully remain so into next year. 

With regard to subscriptions for this year, the outgoing Committee recommends the subs as below. There is an increase against last year’s subs, however, there was no increase last year. Our overall revenue from subs dropped last year as there is also a charge levied against the fees paid through Club spark of 1.8% of each transaction, which for last year we didn’t pass onto the membership. You will see the proposals for the subs for the forthcoming year and once again there will be pro-rata packages available for members who wish to join part way through the year.