General Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF LONG STRATTON BOWLS CLUB MEETING _ 7TH JULY 2019

The meeting was called to order by the Club Chairman Alan Scholes at 10:35hrs, with 24 members in attendance.
The floor was then given over Bernie Searle who outlined the main purpose of the meeting which was to discuss some issues that have been expressed by some members and brought to the attention of the Committee on 23rd June.
1. The listing of the reserves for EBA and UWL fixtures.
  1. It was felt that the listing of reserves covering all the nominated players was cumbersome and causing confusing.
    1. Bernie pointed out that this was done to build a sense of belonging to a team.
2. Names being listed in the Reserves listing and for a match taking place on the same day in another league.
  1. Some members were confused about the protocol of what to do if they were listed as a reserved and as a player in another league match taking place on the same day.
    1. If the above occurs the member should decide their own course of action.
    2. If they want to be sure of playing, they should tick their name and put a cross against their name on the reserve listing.
  2. Bernie informed the meeting that the concerns raised in the foregoing para 2. Would not now arise as only three or four reserves would be listed.
3. Some members felt they were not being picked for enough games.
  1. After some discussion it was evident that some of the complainers have not been putting their names on the listings to show that they were wishing to play. It was emphasised that if your name is not put down you will not be picked, as the team captains will not know you are available.
It was brought the attention of the meeting that the concerns and discontent being mooted, for which the meeting had been called, originated from casual talk at the bar and in the local pubs.
1. It was stated that if members have any concerns they should bring them to the attention of a Committee member.
2. It was also noted that those members who were reportedly having issues were not in attendance at the meeting. This was evidence by the fact members present did not affirm having any serious issues in reply to a series of questions from Bernie.
Lenny explained the reason why a recent match had been cancelled. It was solely due to so many players being away, and therefore unable to put their names down.
Match availability.
1. It was pointed out to the meeting that if you are picked to play, or be a reserve, then a tick should be placed against your name to verify that you are able to play.
2. For those unable to get to the Club House Peter Smith has re-instigated the form on the web – he assures us that it is now working as it should.
3. If you are subsequently unable to play, after verifying that you can, the appropriate Captain should be informed as early as possible so a reserve can be contacted.
In respect to para. 5c. it was suggested that it would be useful if member’s mobile numbers were listed as well as their home number.
1. This would be considered by the Committee.
It was suggested that we drop out of one of the leagues to enable the promise that all players would be picked for at least one match each week.
1. This would be considered by the Committee.
In conjunction with para. 7. It was further suggested that one evening a week should be given over to a practice/social bowls session.
1. This would be considered by the Committee.
Martin asked about the arrangements for the Fun Day on Sunday 11th August concerning the funding for the BBQ.
1. The Chairman asked that Martin form a sub-committee for this purpose.
The Chairman thanked all in attendance and closed the meeting at 11:25hrs.

LONG STRATTON BOWLS CLUB

Minutes of Committee Meeting Sunday 23rd June 2019 at the Clubhouse.

1) Apologies - Sally Lovett & Karl Staff

2) Review of the Season so far: Lenny reported that we are currently bottom of the BDR league which is very disheartening. Members are not putting their names down for games but then complaining they do not get selected ! He is struggling to put a team together sometimes. Peter has re-instated the match availability page on our website and will also put a reminder on there to encourage members to put their names down and remind them to also to tick to confirm when they are selected. Sid reported that he was relatively satisfied with our performance in the SNL. Bernie reported that we are surviving in the EBA but noted that there is a stark contrast in the standard of play between the 1st and 2nd division. We are doing well in the UWL ( currently 2nd or 3rd) and Bernie and Karl are keen for us to remain on-track within this league.

2A) Review of the current team selection process: Peter raised concerns about the current selection method which does not see to be working too well at the moment. He suggested we do not display the list of 12 reserves for the UWL matches as this seems to cause issues. General discussion then highlighted that a feeling of unrest concerning selection and games was emerging within the Club and it was therefore decided to hold a General Meeting where members could air their issues and League Captains could explain their methods and the reasoning behind them. This is planned for 7th July. Gill will email members and Bernie will ring those members not on email. A notice will go up in the changing room too. The bar will be open from 11am on 7th.

3) Agree a date for the Christmas Bingo: Sid will book the school hall for Friday 6th December 2019

4) Agree a date for the Annual Presentation Dinner: Sid will book the Jolly Farmers for Thursday 28th November 2019

5) Fun and BBQ day - 11th August. Bernie was keen to take ownership of the day and will organise a handicapped singles tournament and trophy. This will now be the Captain's Fun Day and BBQ with registration from 10:30 am and start time of 11:00am. Martin will be asked to find out about meat for the BBQ and Elaine will sort rolls, salads etc. A charge of £10 a head was agreed and family and friends will be welcome.

6) Pauline Thrower Competition: Gill will email Zoe (BDR secretary) to ascertain if the competition is going ahead and to ask when we can expect an update on numbers for catering. Elaine & Peter will organise sandwiches and cakes.

7) Catering for Cavendish friendly 4th August: Elaine & Peter will sort out food and suggested a charge of £10 a head for bowlers and £5 for non-bowlers.Peter will find out if the Cavendish team are bringing the old trophy with them or whether we need to source an alternative. A quality raffle will be needed.

8) Catering for NCBA & SNDC friendly matches 14th & 19th August. Elaine will put up a notice in the changing room with a list of suggested buffet food for members to supply. We will re-imburse members for the food they supply.

9) Oakley BC Friendly 24th August. Only requires tea, coffee and biscuits which Elaine will supply.

10) Review and update on re-wording of our Constitution & Rules: Alan and Lenny have made a start but have asked for Sid's input to help with the re-wording.However, in the meantime, it was agreed that the criteria for Life Membership, with the waiver of Club Annual Subscriptions will be - Aged 80 years with a minimum of 10 years service to the Club. All decisions concerning elevation to this class of membership will be at the discretion of the Committee. As regards Social Membership, Sid proposed that no further applications for consideration for Social Membership be accepted until the criteria has been clarified and adopted as part of our Constitution and rules. Lenny seconded the proposal and a unanimous vote was carried. It was agreed however, that a charge of £5 would be fair.

10) AOB: Sally proposed we had paper plates for home refreshments, but this was rejected as an unnecessary expense. Sally also requested that EBA /EBF rules could be explained or displayed. Peter will define the basic differences and post them on the website. Elaine requested that Captains of home matches take on the responsibility for ensuring the Club and outbuildings are secure before leaving as it is always down to a certain few. Peter informed the Committee that he had found the Clubhouse unlocked one morning recently and no alarm had been set. !! Elaine would also like some members to take on responsibility for cleaning the toilets as this seems to be left to her which is not on. The toilets are often in a pretty poor state which does not give a very good impression of us when we have visiting teams. Maybe Captains could allocate a rink each game to set up, check the loos etc ?? Sid proposed that in view of what had been discussed and ongoing issues we need regular Committee meetings every month which was agreed.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 12:30 pm.