Carolyn Tuthill reports:We had been quite apprehensive about the weather with all the warnings of snow, and were concerned that we would not have a large enough turnout of members to allow the AGM to go ahead. However we need not have feared as we were lucky enough to drive to Kirdford in hazy sunshine, but bitter cold! 42 brave souls joined us for the AGM at Kirdford Village Hall. As has become the custom, members were greeted with a cup of coffee and biscuits kindly made by Melanie and Jill Myles, I'm sure this was most welcome in the cold weather.
Paul welcomed us all to the meeting, reading out a list of apologies of those who could not be there, including Lucienne and Geoffrey Cooper who we were hoping would join us for our Christmas lunch next week. However, unfortunately, Geoffrey had a fall on Thursday evening and ended up in the Royal Surrey with a broken hip. He was due to be operated on that day, which was also his 91st birthday. Cards were produced to wish him well, these were taken along to Lucienne by Joan Dyas for onward transmission to Geoff.
The meeting was a good one, Paul gave a report on his last year as Chairman outlining some of the highs and lows of his time in Office. He advised us that there would not now be a contest for his successor, as Ian Fox had stepped down in favour of Mike Kateley. Ian had made this decision as he felt that there could be a conflict of loyalties, and lead to a division in the Club. Paul commended Ian for his selflessness and hoped he would continue in his role as Club Captain which he does so well.
Paul then read the Treasurer's Report on behalf of David Lipman who was on holiday. The minor blip on the dates had been corrected!
Ian gave his report as Club Captain and hoped that we would have a more successful year next year.
After this respite, Paul then reported on the progress that had at last been made on the agreement with the Brewery - also telling us that our host pub - the Foresters Arms had been voted Pub of the Year by Hall & Woodhouse (The Brewery) We feel that our presence there must have given Karl & Linda a great boost!!
The Brewery Document is now in its final stages, almost ready to sign and Paul will continue to oversea this to its conclusion.
Paul then called upon Valerie Esplen to clarify what she meant by asking us to consider a change to the Club Strip. I think some members were rather disappointed at this stage as they had read Club Strip on the Agenda and expected something quite else!! - far too cold I'm afraid. In the event, Valerie said that many members did not think the yellow polo shirts were at all flattering - (some bright spark remarked that the colour seemed to suit Anne Widecombe all the more reason for a change!!).
A short discussion followed and it was agreed that a sub committee would be set up to investigate other possibilities.
We then came to the election of Officers and Committee for the next year. Paul of course,was stepping down as Chairman, this left a vacancy on the Committee and this would be filled by Bob Webster. The remaining members of the Committee would serve for a further year.
At this point Paul officially handed over the Chair to Mike Kateley who had been returned unopposed as Chairman. Mike then thanked everyone for their support and Ian for standing down in his favour, and said he looked forward to serving as Chairman for, hopefully, the next three years.
There being no other business, Mike closed the meeting at 11.05pm
During the proceedings, Ingrid had been accepting Subs, any members who have not yet paid are invited to do so at the first available opportunity.
Commitee for 2010/11Committee Members:
Chairman - Mike Kateley
Secretary - Carolyn Tuthill
Treasurer - David Lipman
Club Captain - Ian Fox
Others:
Ingrid Richards
Sonia Lee
Bob Webster
