1. Welcome and Introductions
The meeting was opened, by the chairman, Dave Calverley, who welcomed the attending members and introduced our guest, Danny Brough.
2. Apologies
James Eaton, Margaret Mallinson, Roy Shaw
3. Minutes of 2011 Meeting
Proposed Brendan Callaghan, seconded Mick Beevers, accepted
4. Matters Arising
None has
5. Chairman's Report
The Association has not quite reached its target membership, of 100, this year, however we are still growing and it has members from far and wide.
The Tuesday meetings, with guest speakers, continue to be an outstanding success. It was agree at last year's AGM to continue with Wednesday meetings to see how they went. Unfortunately, attendance continued to be very poor and these were dropped in favour of Special Events evenings. Amongst these was the very successful Reindeer Race night and the Olympics Race night.
Amongst other events there were: the Junior Disco which was much enjoyed by those who attended, though numbers were lower than expected, possibly due to clashing with the Olympic torch coming to town; our regular speakers on the first Tuesday of the month who included current club players, ex-players, the Benevolent Fund and the Laura Crane Trust.
We have invested in an Association flag which can be seen on match days at the stadium (most games!!) and have raised sufficient funds to make two donations, totalling £500, to the club.
Turnbridge Working Men's Club was thanked for the welcome, support and assistance it has provided over the last year.
The chairman thanked the committee for their hard work over the year, especially in turning out to leaflet on match days, trying to drum up the membership. Their effort and commitment is not to be underestimated.
We do however need more members. What other steps have been taken to develop membership? The Discount Club, a letter has been sent to all members about the Discount Club they will, hopefully, hand these out to their local shopkeepers and suppliers. This effort is being co-ordinated by Liz Atherton; for youngsters, more match-day discos which are being discussed with club; the Heritage Project, planned for 2014, which celebrates the anniversary of a number of events, including the team of all talents and is currently looking for more volunteers for a whole range of tasks.
The report ended with a challenge to all present to recruit one new member each during the year.
6. Treasurer's Report
The accounts have not been audited yet. The Association's income over the year was £1,737.10 and expenditure £2,070.31. Although the Association has spent more than it raised there are still funds of £326.82 in hand and the new year subs would be coming in shortly. The income and expenditure items were highlighted in particular that Paypal was now starting to generate some income. Thanks went to Paul …… for his help in running the football cards at meetings.
Acceptance proposed by Mick Beevers, seconded Paul …., accepted.
7. Membership Secretary's Report
It was announced that we now have a new member in Suffolk.
There are 94 paid up members. Records are not entirely accurate so the Association may have actually hit the 100 mark compared to 60 last year. An increase of approximated 60%.
8. Meetings Secretary's Report
The Association has had a good range of speakers, as outlines by the Chairman, who have gone down very well with the members. Bookings are in progress for next year but if any members have suggestions please let Mick know.
9 Election of Officials
The following were unanimously re-elected:
Chairman Dave Calverley
Secretary Liz Atherton (previously co-opted)
Treasurer James Atherton
Speakers' Secretary Mick Beevers
Membership Secretary Phil Nelson
Minutes Secretary Margaret Callaghan
General Members Paul Hulin,
There were no nominations for either the Deputy Chairman's or Publicity Officer's roles. The incumbents did not stand for re-election due to personal commitments.
Margaret Callaghan said she may be willing to help out with the publicity but would need to speak with James Eaton before committing herself.
Helen and Chris Simpson were nominated as general committee members.
Proposed James Atherton, seconded Dave Calverly,elected unanimously.
10. Any Other Business
10.1 Subscriptions: to be kept at £5.00. It was suggested that there be a family rate. Meeting agreed to defer to committee who would come back to the membership with proposals.
10.2 The Association was asked if there was a complaints procedure. No, deferred to committee for consideration.
10.3 2013 plans: start of season meal not a curry this time please put forward suggestions.
10.4 Signing of cheques: deferred to committee.
10.5 Audit of accounts: the constitution requires audited accounts by an approved company. Margaret Callaghan suggested Robert Addy. Agreed.
11. Date of next AGM: 1st October 2013