HORFIELD &
REDLAND CHESS
CLUB AGM -
4TH SEPT 2007
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with 9 members and 4 potential new members
in attendance. Apologies for absence had been received from Alan, Prakash, and
Mikes Gladstone and Levene.
Last year’s minutes were taken as read. There were no matters arising.
CHAIRMAN Alex Dunn in his opening remarks welcomed the new faces and asked all
present to briefly introduce themselves. He went on to stress the importance of
recruiting more new members, observing that our numbers barely cover the
requirements of 3 league teams.
SECRETARY Howard Millbank reported a few membership enquiries from very
inexperienced players and the difficulty of offering suitable opportunities to
novices when our activity is concentrated in the two top divisions of the
league.
It is possible that Nigel Pollett’s stay in Australia will be extended for a
further year.
As Oct 16th and Dec 11th involve no home fixtures he proposed saving £40 in rent
by not opening the club on those evenings.
Our attempt to take the Minor K.O. trophy for a third successive year was halted
by Clifton, the eventual winners. This year we are drawn at home in the first
round against Keynsham, on the 25th Sept.
Entry forms for the 25th Keynsham Rapid-play were circulated.
ACTING TREASURER Howard Millbank circulated a financial summary showing that the
club had returned a profit of at least £5 over the year with a current balance
of £286.14 This figure is apparently £110 understated, the discrepancy being due
to Nigel paying in this amount before flying south, and Howard not having a bank
statement since then! There is in any case no need to raise the standard
subscription above £45. (£30 for retired and unwaged).
Under TEAM REPORTS Martin Davies was pleased with another good performance from
the A’s. In finishing runners up to Clifton the team had generally performed
above its gradings. Occasional failure to take apart weaker opposition may have
cost the title, and losing narrowly to a typically strong Bath side (Sherwin on
board 3) in the K.O. was another disappointment. Having reached pole position in
this year’s Summer Lightning, Martin was annoyed that we had also let that slip
to Clifton at the final hurdle. This year’s resolutions : win all three!
The B team wasn’t represented at the meeting but their mid-table position was
noted and the suggestion made that this season’s (realistic) aim should be
promotion to the top division.
Alex displayed the C team’s trophy (Division 3 champions) and declared next
season’s aim to be holding a place in Div 2.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS proceeded with the customary examination of shoe laces as
the bonds of current incumbents were renewed without challenge. Team captains
should note that John Richards posts match reports and results on the club
website.
Following a discussion of the needs of less experienced players, new member
David Edmonds volunteered to captain a D team and seek fixtures with known
Division 5 opponents. Well done, Dave!
OTHER BUSINESS
Several members expressed a willingness to attend the club on non match nights
to provide opposition and advice for new members. The idea of mentoring was also
floated.
Following the success of last year’s pre-Christmas, time-handicap tourney (10
mins or less per player) it was agreed to repeat this format on December 18th,
followed by optional beer and curry.
The meeting concluded just before 9pm, leaving the 4 captains to draw up team
registrations.
Howard Millbank 20/09/07
