WALLINGFORD BRIDGE CLUB

WALLINGFORD BRIDGE CLUB Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on Monday 13 May 2013 Present: G Rayner (President), C Jones (Chairman), N. Gascoyne (Vice Chairman), Gillian Weatherley (Secretary), J Bennett (Treasurer), M. Allin (Membership Secretary), Committee: R Ford, Yvonne Frost, F. Glassborow, M. Lucas, D. Paddon, Ron Quainton (Club Captain), and 42 other members. 1 Apologies for Absence Apologies for absence were received from Gillian Lonsdale, Deborah Astley, Irene Lascelles and Peter Finbow. 2 Minutes of the 2012 AGM The minutes were approved with no matters arising. 3 Chairman s Report I am delighted to report on another very successful year for Wallingford Bridge Club. Membership and attendances Every year I have been able to report that we have reached a new record in attendances and membership this year is no exception. The main income growth has been in the success of the No Fear and the new Friday afternoon sessions. The Swiss Pairs event proved to be very successful and plans are in hand to hold perhaps two or three each year. Teaching Teaching has continued to be successful with many students assimilating into the main events many thanks to Gillian and Francis. Finance & Surpluses what have we done? The Treasurer will report in more detail on the finances but in summary the growth in attendances has meant that we have been able to absorb increased costs and still show an ordinary surplus. Table money has been maintained at 2.50 which when subscriptions are taken into account is low compared to many other clubs. Nevertheless table money will be set at a minimum of 5 for charity nights to offset considerable costs incurred by the club However the Management committee has been active in improving the bridge playing environment which has converted the surplus into a deficit. Car park improvements and lighting have been the main area of expense. Hopefully we will not have another winter that has been so cold and wet which caused chaos in the overflow car park. Opening the middle room with new doors has been a significant improvement at a relatively modest cost. Future Strategy Looking to the future, the management committee have now achieved much in improving the playing environment, so much so that the VHC is attracting other tenants. We need to consider what improvements to the building can be made and the other options available. It is important to continue to uphold a friendly atmosphere. In addition to the appeals committee the management committee has set up a committee to consider cases of bad behaviour, where appropriate, chaired by the President. 1

Finally I shall make no apology for repeating what I have said on many occasions, bridge is a very inexpensive sport and entertainment, only because of the voluntary effort put in by members without payment for their time. I should like to thank everyone who has taken on roles within the organisation of the Club and encourage others to make a contribution however small. Many thanks to the Directors, Scorers and Webmaster. Sadly the Wednesday host system has temporarily collapsed due to lack of volunteers. However special thanks to everyone who helped with the backbreaking improvements to the car park. I apologise for not mentioning you individually perhaps that is as well as it did reveal how unfit some of our members are. My message is Think not what your bridge club can do for you but what you can do for your bridge club. With the correct attitude we can continue to spread the workload and we go from strength to strength 4 Treasurer s Report Joan reported that this was her first year as Treasurer and she said most people will be aware of the circumstances in which she took over from Jill Brereton. She reported that Jill has finally moved into her own house after a difficult year. Joan highlighted a few anomalies. The table money is more than last year, but this hides Francis s Tuesday afternoon session which is the figure after cakes are bought. There is no P2P fee so it is 100% profit. The Charity costs are more than the club collects for charity. Marion Allin had to buy 2 years coffee this year. There were no questions from those present about the accounts. The Chairman asked for the accounts to be accepted as an accurate record. Proposed by Dermot Paddon and Seconded by Lyn Arnold. 5. Club Captain s Report Ron Quainton thanked all the captains for their great efforts. Ron congratulated Richard Ford on captaining the winning Chiltern League team. The Wessex League - the A team, captained by Debbie Roberts, has been undefeated all year and we are in a playoff against the Menagerie to see if we can win the league. I am sorry to say Norman s B Team was relegated to Division 2 but I hope they are back next year. The C Team captained by Wendy Roderick, have done very well to become established in the 2 nd Division. The D Team finished 5 th in Division 5. And finally, the A team are representing Oxfordshire in the Garden Cities trophy on Saturday. The Chairman thanked Ron for his report. Francis Glassborow said club should feel very happy with the overall performance of its members both locally and nationally. He felt it should be recorded. The President agreed and added that Wallingford is arguably one of the best clubs in the county and possibly the country. This was received with warm applause. 6. Elections President Vice Presidents Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Club Captain G Rayner P Simmonds and J Squires C Jones N Gascoyne G Weatherley J Bennett R Quainton 2

Committee M Allin (Membership Secretary) P Finbow R Ford Y Frost F Glassborow M Lucas D Paddon It was agreed by those present, that all Officers and members of the Committee were re-elected. 7 Presentation of Trophies The Chairman announced the competition winners for 2012. The trophies were presented by Graham Rayner. Handicap Individual: Ron Quainton Open Pairs: Adrian Lambe and Ron Quainton Handicap Pairs: Gillian Weatherley and Isabel Ridge Teams: Olivia and Alan Woo, Ron Quainton and Peter Russell Butler Individual : Ron Quainton and Peter Russell (joint winners) Most Improved Monday Player Roy Newman Most Improved Student: Ann Manfield Election of Auditor Roger Griffiths was proposed and seconded as Auditor. Jennie Griffiths accepted on Roger s behalf. The Chairman announced the 2012 competition winners who were not able to attend the meeting: Open Individual: Mixed Pairs: Pead Plate: Nigel Wilkes Olivia and Alan Woo Margaret and Bob Sloper, Mick Colyer and Lee Duff. The Chairman announced a special Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented to Philip Simmonds, who unfortunately couldn t attend the AGM. Philip is a great credit to our club and we want to show him our appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the running and development of the club for over 44 years. This announcement was warmly received by all those in attendance. Graham thanked the Chairman. He added that a lot of the Club s great success has to do with the Colin s drive and hard work. He asked those present to show their appreciation for our leadership. This was received with unanimous applause. 8 Any Other Business There was no other business. The meeting was declared closed at 7.22pm. 3

Wallingford Bridge Club ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Friday 30 May 2014, 6.45pm AGENDA 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Minutes of the previous AGM 3. Chairman s Report 4. Treasurer s Report 5. Match Report 6. Elections (i) Election of President (ii) Election of Vice Presidents (iii) Election of Officers and Non-Executive Committee Members (iv) Election of Auditor 7. Presentation of Trophies 8. Motion to reintroduce membership subscription 9. Any Other Business Play Duplicate Bridge

Annual General Meeting 30 th May 2014 Chairman s Report Introduction I am delighted to report that Wallingford Bridge Club has produced another record performance. The club s continued ability to deliver a strong increase in attendances, year on year, has meant turnover has now reached 24k which means we are firmly established as one of the larger bridge clubs in the country and we are still growing. People This period of sustained growth is a testament to a clear plan and the manner in which the management committee and others have so successfully carried out the various tasks. I wish to record my personal thanks to Michael Lucas who after several years as a committee member has decided to step down. His personal contribution has been immense, particularly in computing. We must pay tribute to our Treasurer, Joan Bennett, who received national recognition in an award from the English Bridge Union for services to teaching children bridge. Our thanks should also go to Lyn Arnold for organising Monday evenings for the past few years and to David Seale who has recently taken over. Wendy Roderick for looking after internal competitions and Pay to Play; Janny Watson for keeping our website up to date with news and events; Francis for running social bridge on Tuesday afternoon. Pauline Dunn who has replaced David Seale as organiser on Friday afternoons. And finally our directors and scorers without whose continued support bridge would not be possible. I apologise for not mentioning everyone who has contributed to the successful running of the club. In some ways our problems are those of success. I have enjoyed chairing an excellent blend of skills on the management committee but there is need for more volunteers to help to cover the numerous tasks that are necessary for the efficient functioning of the club that offers so many sessions. Please speak to our Secretary or any committee member if you feel you can help. Achievements During the past year we have seen the niggling problem of a leaking roof become a major issue. This was replaced by the Village Hall Committee, accepting the club s offer of five years hire fees, paid in advance. Hopefully, we should be able consolidate our finances in the coming years. Despite significant investments in order to improve car parking in recent times, our best efforts have been distinguished by the failure to control the weather. Thank you for your good nature when we were faced with the need to double park. Our A team won the County Wessex League first division for the first time in 2012 and have won it every year since. I believe a feat only equalled by one other club.

Future developments Looking to the near future, plans are in hand to make internal improvements to the playing area by merging the two small rooms. Summary On behalf of the management committee I wish to thank all members for the support you have given us. We can look forward to a healthy future, building on our continued success. Personal Plea Finally, I have discovered, from a number of unfortunate incidents, my main role is not that of Chairman, but Director of Personnel and Human Resources, others might describe it as referee and agony aunt. Please try to be nice to each other and make my job a bit easier! Colin Jones Chairman April 2014

WALLINGFORD BRIDGE CLUB INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2014 2014 2013 2012 2011 2011 2010 2009 Income Table money Monday 5281 5030 4752 4,386 4,827 3,681 Tuesday 1376 904 0 0 0 0 Wednesday 4857 4538 4328 3,627 3,401 3,158 Wed NF &B 2140 6997 2059 6597 1749 6077 Thursday afternoon 4243 3035 3110 3,070 3,566 2,957 Friday evenings 3540 3860 3381 3,426 3,122 2,789 Friday afternoons 2397 1720 258 766 221 0 0 215 102 Total table money 23834 21146 17578 15,275 15,352 12,687 Other income AR 924-725 199 0 770 1,046 Donations 0 0 2205 Swiss pairs 912 760 Swiss pairs expenses 790 122-950 -190 OBA Seniors 660 660 680 0 615 547 EBU/OBA/BGB 315 524 278 274 Charity income 1275-121 1154 1209 715 1,242 202 770 Charity donnations 1235-81 -1754-545 Interest received 464 635 714 521 115 1,439 Miscellaneous 40 5 65 0 Total income 25198 21706 22247 17,567 17,397 16,763 Expenditure Rent and fuel 9320 9050 8475 8,100 7,350 7,200 1) Catering/Housekeeping 1036 1642 448 1,692 850 644 Stationery, postage and cards 1258 565 233 434 528 469 1,023 390 429 Directors training 250 215 80 75 30 85 EBU/OBA/BGB/League 4600 Est 3813 3817 1,328 496 680 Donations 0 750 1,281 602 757 Trophies and boards 48 302 102 133 79 133 Insurance 210 208 0 384 77 299 Repairs and replacements 80 44 0 253 114 14 Scorers, web and duplimate expenses 369 516 1230 121 483 268 6) Miscellaneous 358 609 264 188 306 85 BT 281 0 0 115 156 Ordinary expenditure 17810 16964 15399 15,012 11,420 11,219

Ordinary surplus for the year 7388 4742 6848 2,638 5,977 5,544 Other expenditure VH carpet & curtains 6505 889 5,300 Car park Donation to VHC 0 3000 0 480 Overflow costs 396 2053 Lighting 0 2386 7439 0 2,690 Dividing door 0 594 0 344 Bench and bridge tables 794 Total other expenditure 0 8033 6505 889 8,814 Deficiency/surplus for the year 6198-3291 343 1,749-2,837 5,544 WALLINGFORD BRIDGE CLUB BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2014 20 11 2010 2009 Assets Fixed assets Cards b/mates furn 4000 4000 Debtor OBA seniors 660 660 0 615 0 Insurance ppt 210 Rent ppyt VH 29460 Stock-coffee 400 400 Cash in hand Cash 499 151 648 363 315 0 Santander 4126 2153 5359 3,815 1,910 3,872 Scottish Widows 18414 45949 45315 44,601 44,080 45,990 48,779 46,305 49,862 Creditors 0-222 -327 EBU etc -1540-3282 -2000 Total net assets 56229 50031 49322 48,779 46,698 49,535 Represented by: Reserves Mrs J Bennett Hon Treasurer Dated April 2014 Balance brought forw 50031 49322 48779 46,698 49,535 43,991 Revaluation of assets 0 4000 Deficiency/surplus for year 6198-3291 343 2,081-2,837 5,544 48,779 46,698 49,535 56229 50031 49322 48,779 46,698 49,535 I have examinied the income and expenditure account and the Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2014 and certify that the figures are in accordance therewith R. Griffiths - Hon Auditor Dated:

Wallingford Bridge Club Membership 2014 Members are asked to agree that: 1. A membership subscription is re-introduced to the club with effect from 1 April 2014. Irrespective of when a prospective member seeks to join the club, the full membership subscription is due. 2. The sum is 10 p.a. There will be no joining fee. 3. The subscription is collected by direct debit, wherever possible. 4. The subscription is paid as soon as possible each new financial year. In 2014/2015 no later than 31 August. In subsequent years payment should be no later than 31 May. If not paid by the relevant date, visitor table money becomes payable (see 6 below). 5. The membership subscription is waived for students and any members under 18 at the start of the financial year. Students playing in club sessions will pay membership subscription on the 1 st April following the completion of their course. 6. Non members pay 4 table money. They may visit as often as they wish but should be charged extra for the use of our fantastic facilities, as in all other EBU affiliated clubs in the county. 7. Table money for members remains unchanged at 2.50 8. In recognition of their responsibilities scorers are no longer charged table money. The reasons for this proposal are: a. An annual renewal fee will make it possible to effectively manage our club membership list. The list has grown substantially since 2010, when subscriptions were cancelled, and it has become unmanageable. b. Every other bridge club in the county charges a membership subscription. Details are in the attached document (Bridge clubs cost comparison). c. Currently club members when directing are not charged table money in recognition of their responsibilities. We wish to do the same for scorers given the importance of this role in addressing any problems with scoring, ensuring that the computer records of a session are accurate and uploading the information to all who need it. Who will be a member? Anyone who regards Wallingford BC as their club either first choice or otherwise, and would therefore rather pay 10 p.a. regardless of how frequently they play. Those who choose to pay the proposed 4.00 table money will therefore be visitors by choice. Will the proposal raise money? Yes. We expect it will raise about 2,000 or 10% of our income. Why not increase table money? A 50p increase in the table money would raise 5,000. We do not believe this is necessary unless we have a clear plan which needs extra money.

Do we need more money? In the last six years we have spent all our table money on the club facilities for the benefit of members. More improvements are planned. The annual figures are: 2009 + 5544 2010-2834 2011 + 2081 2012 + 343 2013-3291 2014 + 6198 2015-5000 (est.) expected because of proposed expenditure, internal alterations and fire doors. There has been continued growth in table money and sessions. We have reserves, built up over the years, which it would be irresponsible to spend to cover club day to day running costs. The existence of those reserves has meant it has been possible for the roof to be replaced. If that had not been possible, there is no doubt the club would have been homeless in a relatively short time. Our operating finances would be improved by having a small, but guaranteed increase in income, which covers any lost sessions due to adverse weather and elections (note recently three sessions were lost to the roof works and we lose two sessions in June because of a wedding). This is all part of prudent management of the club s finances and business. Collection a. Direct debit is the preferred option, since there will be a lot of work to get the system started. Those who sign a direct debit form will not put the Treasurer to unnecessary work each year. We intend to email the forms to existing members. b. Standing Order. c. Electronic online transfer. c. Cheque. d. Cash a last resort as it is the most error prone option. We have six player sessions per week if Wednesdays are combined, and the amount of crossover between those sessions is considerable. In consideration to the Treasurer, payment in a way that can be traced is preferred. Joan Bennett Treasurer April 2014

BRIDGE PLAYING COST COMPARISON Apr-14 CLUB ANNUAL TABLE VISITORS SUB MONEY FEE WALLINGFORD BC 0 2.5 2.5 WALLINGFORD BC Proposed 10 2.5 4 OBA Abingdon x 5 2 3 Aylesbury As? 10 3 3.5 Aylesbury x 7.5 2 2.5 Aylesbury Vale? 15 4.5 6.5 Blewbury x 5 2 3 Faringdon x 5 2 3 OBC 24 4 6 Summertown x 15 3.5 4.5 Thame x 10 2.5 3.5 Wanderers x 96 0 2.5 Wantage x 10 2.5 4 x= once a week club, so often people are playing at, and paying 2 subscriptions BRB Chiltern Edge x 50 0 3 Goring & Streatley x 10 2 3 Hambleden x 10 2 3.5 Hungerford x 20 2 4 Lane end 5 2.5 3.5 SBBC 0 6 6 Only BRB close to Oxfordshire have been entered