A minute’s silence was observed for those members who had passed away during the last year.
Apologies for absence were received from Ann Penson (Treasurer) Peter Meir (Oughtrington) Dave Mee (Knutsford) Adrian Hough (Cranford) Ron Dawson (Mere) & Allison Gray (Chelford)
Oughtrington was not represented
22 members were in attendance
The minutes of last year’s AGM were posted on the web site and agreed to be a true and proper record.
The Chairman thanked the officers and committee for their work and contributions during the year. She thanked the captains for posting the results promptly enabling all members to see the relative league positions. She closed by wishing everyone an enjoyable season.
The Treasurer being away on holiday had left copies of the income and expenditure for the past year together with confirmation that they had been audited. She left a note to thank Chris Grice for his help in making the hand over very easy. In the Treasurers absence Chris identified the salient points. There being no questions they were accepted. Proposed by Chris Grice and seconded by Derek Hurdle.
As this was his last year as Secretary, he said that the league would be in good hands with his successor Tracey Goodwin. He went on to say that during his tenure the league had faced some challenges particularly the loss of so many local bowling greens. However, we managed not only to maintain our membership, but also increased the number of participating teams to 24. Unfortunately, we lost a team last year and need to actively recruit a team to take us back to two divisions of 12 teams. He said major advances in computer systems now allow us to self-report match results, post minutes of our meetings on the world wide web for all members to be kept up to date on league matters. He thanked the clubs who hosted last years competitions and Mere for the use of the room for our meetings. He closed by wishing everyone a successful season.
Individual – Mere Bowling Club – Sunday 31st May
Pairs – Goostrey - Sunday 28th June.
Mixed Pairs –High Legh – Sunday 22nd August (This was changed to Knutsford because of unavailability of the green at High Legh).
Withdraw prompt payment discount.
Proposed by League Treasurer Seconded by Brian Jones passed unanimously
Annual Rebate
The Treasurer proposed a rebate of £23 for each team who competed in the 2019 season to comply with rule 6.3. Seconded by Ken Barker passed unanimously
Chris Grice queried the amount as this would leave the bank balance £473.78. £73 above the maximum of £400 as stated in rule 6.3. The Chairman said that it may be possible that a provision had been made for some expense that she wasn’t aware of, but would confirm with the Treasurer on her return from holiday.
Following declining entries, the officers asked for recommendations regarding it’s future and received the following proposals.
Proposals 1 & 2 received no seconder.
Carole Critchley proposed cancelling the team competition and use the trophy to replace the existing shield which is currently awarded to the mixed pairs winners to enable the name of Jack Bryning to be remembered.
John Leah said that it was Jack’s late widow’s wish that we continue to award the cup in any way that the league thought viable. Carole’s suggestion was thought to be a good idea, and as no other acceptable alternative was proffered it was agreed to implement it from the 2020 season.
The league has trialed a “bring your own food” for presentation evening over the last two years instead of the league providing a buffet. The meeting was asked for confirmation of which choice should be adopted for the future.
Option 1 the League to provide a buffet
Option 2 Members to provide their own food
Option 1 - 7 votes
Option 2 - 10 votes
In future delegates will bring their own food.
The President, Chairman and Treasurer agreed to stand for another year, and as there were no nominations for these roles they were reelected.
A nomination had been received for the role of Secretary - Tracey Goodwin proposed by Alan Perks seconded by Carole Critchley
The Auditor has retired leaving this situation vacant. No nominations had been received. It was agreed that the Officers look to make an appointment during the season. Jack Stant suggested that we look to appoint an examiner rather than an auditor as the title auditor carries a greater responsibility.
The following appointments were made unopposed
President Chris Grice
Chairman Carole Critchley
Secretary Tracey Goodwin
Treasurer Ann Penson
Honoraria will be increased by C.P.I. (consumer price index) as agreed at the 2012 AGM.
The Secretary said that all players who played any league match in 2019 would automatically be registered for 2020. Those who were registered last year but did not play will NOT be registered unless the team/clubs advise him accordingly in writing (e-mail is acceptable). If clubs/teams have new players these again should be advised in writing together with their BCGBA and CCBA registration numbers. He stressed that players must not play without being first registered otherwise their result will be recorded as zero.
The season will commence on 3rd April with the first league match.
Will be held at Mere on 20th November
The meeting closed at 9.00pm
League Meetings were confirmed as follows for 2020. Thursday 14th May, Thursday 11thJune, Thursday 6th August
Delegates were asked to notify the secretary of any changes in their club officials following their respective AGMs.