ORMSKIRK RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB
Minutes of 73rd Annual General Meeting
Friday 22nd June 2007
1. Present
B Stevenson, A Montrose, A O’Malley, J Call, P Blackwood, H Leary, I Critchley,
D Jones, R Gregg, A Spencer, S Blood, A Molyneux, C Silcock, E Gander, J Turner,
M Hutchings, M Newton, A Green, A Jones, D Sutherland, A Troughton, N Buxton,
B Prescott, J Gregg, L Kenny, E Ashcroft, R Petersson, K Mahood, D Forshaw,
C Baxter, P Wallwork
2. Apologies
J Leitch, N Dermott, P Armstrong, G Spengler, N Spragg, R Brennan, C Ashworth,
C Kirby, P Davis, K Sumner, J Dobson, M Bailie, P Harland, A Wroe, L Davidson,
S Botfield, J Gaskell, D Firth, A Povey, D Valentine, P Williams, A Dean
3. Minutes of 72nd AGM (2006)
The minutes, having been circulated, were passed as a true record of events. No matters were arising which were not dealt with elsewhere on the agenda, or addressed in Chairman’s Report and Treasurer’s Report.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Report circulated. (Attached as Appendix A). B Stevenson thanked P Williams for his report and written comments, and made particular reference to:
• Shower/bath refurbishment
• A vote of thanks to P Harland who gave his services to the Club free of charge last season – this saved the Club a large sum of money
• A vote of thanks to K Mahood who helped out in supplying floodlights in the Winter months, thereby enabling training to continue
5. Subscriptions and Match Fees – Review
B Stevenson informed members that subscriptions and match fees would remain the same in 2007/2008 as they were in 2006/2007. Some discussion took place regarding the cost of membership compared to other Clubs. B Stevenson also referred back to Treasurer’s report and stressed the importance of paying subs early in the season to assist in a better cash-flow for the Club.
B Stevenson and D Sutherland made reference to the recent agreement that all minis/juniors will pay a £10 annual membership fee to the Club, which will in effect take the place of any current maintenance charge/agreement. Some discussion arose on this issue, but the decision for this to happen in 2007/2008 had already been made at the Minis/Juniors AGM earlier in the year, after much discussion at Committee level.
6. Club Awards 2006/2007 season
A Montrose reported that the annual Presentation Dinner had not taken place this year due to unforeseen circumstances. A plan to do a semi-formal presentation at the recent ORUFC Annual 7s Tournament also fell through, as only three of the 16 recipients of the awards were in attendance on the day.
Although not ideal, it was proposed by A Montrose that a formal function in mid-October – possibly at the Club with a marquee – would serve as a post-season celebration/awards evening. This would, however, involve a lot of organisation prior to the weekend in question, and much discussion would have to take place involving the minis/juniors section and possibly other outside agencies. The matter will be discussed at Committee level in July, but volunteers were urgently needed to make this event happen
7. Appointment of Honorary Solicitors/Auditors
Ian Grant was voted unanimously as Honorary Solicitor – proposed by J Call, seconded by
H Leary. B Stevenson publicly thanked I Grant for all his assistance on various issues last season, not least the help with re-wording of the amended Club Constitution
No nominations or proposals for Honorary Auditor. A O’Malley stated that J Schofield may be able to carry out this function if approached. B Stevenson to speak to J Schofield regarding this important role being filled
B Stevenson publicly thanked N O’Donovan for his help last season in preparing the Club’s finances for auditing
8. Life Members
No nominations
9. Vice presidents
Three nominations received for Vice Presidents:
I. M Bailie – proposed by A Spencer/seconded by D Jones
II. S Littleton – proposed by L Kenny/seconded by A O’Malley
III. D Sutherland – proposed by B Stevenson/seconded by C Baxter
The three proposers summarised the reasons for their nominations – all three were voted in as Vice-Presidents unanimously. Congratulations to all three people, who represent all three sections of our Club – Senior Men, Senior ladies and Minis/Juniors
A Montrose reminded members that the criteria for these honorary positions were on the notice board and posted on the Club’s web-site. A Montrose will collate a list of all VPs and post on notice-board and web-site in near future
10. Election of Officers
Full list of elected Officers attached (Appendix B)
B Stevenson stressed the importance of more people volunteering their services and time – some positions continue to remain unfilled, which puts an extra burden on the few who do help out in any capacity
11. Club Development Update
Appendix C summarises the latest news regarding the planned Club Development project.
B Stevenson made reference to the frustratingly slow progress, mainly due to ‘red tape’. He also took questions from the floor regarding the current lease at Green Lane (an extension has been agreed verbally and requested in writing) and the planned move. Rough plans for the new build were available for members to look at after the meeting this evening. A fund-raising Committee was agreed upon, whose remit will be to look into potential sources of income/funding for the move. Make up of this Committee would be – B Stevenson, A Montrose, R Brennan, C Sinclair, N Buxton G Spengler, K Mahood. Others wishing to join were more than welcome. A Montrose to set up a date next month for this sub-Committee to meet
12. Club Rules - Amendments
A few minor (and constitutionally allowed) changes were made to the highlighted amendments in Appendix D. Some discussion took place regarding the wording of a few of the amendments, but the amendments were all voted upon and ratified as new rules for at least this coming year, with a view to revising them possibly next year if necessary.
B Stevenson stressed that the two main reasons for the amendments were to integrate the club more (Men/Ladies/Minis & Juniors), and to ensure that we are as best-placed as possible financially for the future
13. To hear any other relevant matter for the consideration of the AGM and/or the Management Committee during the ensuing year, but on which no voting shall be allowed
I. L Kenny to be on the ‘call out’ list if the Club alarm goes off, instead of B Stevenson
II. E Gander (and helpers) offered to paint the posts
III. A Spencer brought members’ attention to the fact that the Club will be open for all the tri-nations matches and other major rugby games over the Summer period
IV. A Spencer also stated that the minis/juniors had a very tight system in terms of paying subs, and that the senior section should do likewise
V. D Sutherland brought members’ attention to the new rule next season whereby only ORUFC CRB-cleared personnel will be able to go into the changing-room areas.
VI. D Sutherland also reminded everyone that from 1st July the Club will be a no-smoking venue – a £2,000 ban would be imposed if this rules was flaunted!
B Stevenson thanked everyone for their attendance and support
The meeting closed at 10.30 pm
Appendices:
A – Treasurer’s Report
B – List of Elected Officers
C – Club Development Update
D – Amendments to Club Rules
E – Chairman’s Report
F – Ladies Report
(Copies of appendices available on request)
