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| HORFIELD & REDLAND CHESS CLUB AGM - 6TH SEPT 2005The meeting was held at No.1 Redland Park and commenced at 7.35pm with John Richards in the chair and 10 other members present. Apologies for absence were received from Alex Dunn, Brian Crewe, Dave Elphick, Mike Gladstone, Phil Nendick, and Simon Greely. The minutes of last year's meeting were accepted as a fair record, although the question of greater detail (who said what, etc) was raised by Nigel. It was generally felt that the style of the minutes is the prerogative of the minute-taker and that prompt publication on the website/club noticeboard would ensure sufficient precision. The SECRETARY reported that under Peter Ridsdale's captaincy the club had won 3 of its' 4 Summer Lightning matches. The club also won the League's Minor K.O. Tournament for the first time and Graham Strickland, a key member of that team, had won the minor section of the League Congress. Otherwise, the A team almost pulled off a shock win over Bath in the K.O. and finished a very creditable 4th in Division One (where the University ousted Bath from their residency as champions) Our C team will return to Division Three after a tough time in Div Two. From his position as League Vice President, Nigel reported that the contraction of the League to 4 divisions is primarily due to the continuing reduction in the number of teams. Speaking as club TREASURER Nigel presented the annual accounts. Our reserves show an increase of £127 on last year (now £477) and on the assumption that our rent remains at £15 per night he suggested that we spend £100-£150 replacing equipment. This was agreed to be a good idea, although precisely what should be purchased wasn't settled - apart from the observation that more scoresheets were urgently needed! The annual accounts were accepted and it was agreed that on this occasion the absence of an audit was also acceptable. (This will be remedied henceforward.). It was agreed to keep club subscriptions the same. The CHAIRMAN asked if members were happy with the club's website; to which the response was unanimously affirmative. He went on to ask for the prompt supply of match results from team captains. The chairman reported an unacceptably large number of simultaneous fixtures for our teams which, given our membership, would pose difficulties in fielding full teams at all matches. He will communicate immediately with the League with a proposal to reschedule some matches and alleviate this problem. He also raised the matter of club closures for economic reasons.[Before Christmas these will be 13th Sept and 22nd Nov.]. John also reported the current crisis in the League Management Committee: resignations from both the Chair and General Secretary. Other important items he conveyed were - Yate Chess Club moving back to Jackson's Social Club in Station Road, and two new FIDE rulings: NO electronic devices in the playing area; NO writing of moves before playing them! An important local rule change is that both our K.O. tournaments will have quickplay finishes. After the traditional shuffling, fudging, and lack of contest, the club's chairman, secretary, and treasurer were re-elected en bloc, and team captains will be: John Richards (A and K.O.), Prakesh Chatterjee (B), Peter Ridsdale (C), Howard Millbank (Minor K.O.). A.O.B. Jim Draisey presented the club with his electronic buzzer. There was a discussion of team memberships for the coming season. The meeting closed at approx. 9pm. |