The Chairman opened the AGM by welcoming all to the 10th Westcountry Blues AGM.
APOLOGIES
Mark Broadbent, Mike Bennett, Ken & Janet Davies, Ivan & Sharon Lewis.
MINUTES OF 9th (2010) AGM AND MATTERS ARISING
The Minutes of the 9th Westcountry Blues AGM were accepted as a true record. There were no matters arising, nor any outstanding actions from this AGM.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND REMARKS
Firstly, the Chairman wished to read out a letter received from June Shepherd, a long standing member of both WCB and of the previous SWEFCSC. Unfortunately, due to her health, June has decided that she would not be able to renew her WCB membership next season but wished to confirm that she would be more than happy to continue with the auditing of the WCB accounts. He expressed the Committee’s gratitude for this and for all her invaluable support in the past.
As part of his remarks the Chairman wished to raise the issue with the Player of the Season award that was an emotive subject at the last AGM. The Committee had asked for members to trust them to follow this issue up with EFC.
He advised that unfortunately the problems with EFC regarding presentations of the award continued. We did eventually get the offer to present the award to Steven Pienaar prior to the Birmingham game on Boxing Day which was not suitable date for us as a club. As many of you know this game was, in any event, cancelled (burst pipes). All this was just as well as very shortly after Pienaar left the club and it was felt that the awards perhaps did not mean a great deal to many of the players. For these reasons it was suggested that the awards should cease.
Jack McGovern asked whether consideration could be given to donating the money normally used for the award to the Everton Former Players Foundation. This, amongst other suggestions, had been suggested at the previous AGM and another suggestion from Ian was to consider a local charity.
John Riley made the point that for his and Sheila’s Diamond wedding anniversary they welcomed gift donations to the local Children’s Hospice and the subsequent letter received from the hospice was very gratifying. Although this continued to be an emotive topic it was decided to carry a vote from those members present on making a donation (£100) either to the Former Players Foundation or the South West Children’s charity, the latter being voted in as a majority. It was agreed that a charity would be selected for each season.
The Chairman ended his remarks by thanking all the committee for their contribution and hard work over the season. He particularly wished to thank John Derbyshire for his work as Ticket Secretary prior to Becky taking over. He emphasised how grateful he was to Becky for taking the role on mid season and asked that she be given as much support as possible if she continues in the post.
TREASURER’S REPORT AND REMARKS
Ian made available to all a copy of the WCB accounts for 2010/2011.
He reported that there was, unexpectedly, an overall profit from the season of £287 despite there being 12 less members and the ticket sales and numbers travelling on the coach being 2% down.
The downside of the season was the issue of a bad debt for the first time in WCB history. A cheque for £77 had bounced and despite a letter being sent to the individual the money has not been forthcoming. John Derbyshire, whose account was owed as a result, was re-imbursed from the club funds and this debt was detailed within the Treasurer’s Report. He stressed that the individual concerned would not be invited to renew membership until it had been paid.
He referred to the fuel increases and the fact that Berry’s had made a surcharge of £45 on each coach for only the last 4 games. Berry’s prices for next season:
49 Seater – increase of £50
53 Seater – increase of £60
Double Decker (71) – increase of £70
The Treasurer asked if there were any questions or comments on the Accounts. There were none forthcoming.
He proposed that the membership and travel costs remain the same for next season but with the proviso that it would be reviewed at the end of the calendar year potentially adding a £1 per head if felt necessary. This was seconded and all were in favour.
He ended by re-iterating the excellent job that had been done throughout the season by John, initially, as ticket secretary and the seamless manner in which Becky had taken over.
TICKET SECRETARY’S REPORT AND REMARKS
Becky issued her thanks to everyone for their co-operation and patience during the latter part of the season following her taking over the role of Ticket Secretary. All had been disciplined in getting their orders in by the deadline and making prompt payments and this was much appreciated.
Statistics for the season were included in the recent Newsletter issued by Ronnie but some highlights were:
- Total ticket sales approx £21,400.
- 672 tickets ordered.
- Average home attendance 39.
- Average away attendance 25
She advised that the Box Office had provided a brilliant service over the season but warned that they will be enforcing a much tighter policy on ticket returns. They may consider taking tickets back if cancelled more than 48 hours before the game but will not do so any later than that.
If elected to continue in the Ticket Secretary role she would wish to follow the process of assuming that all Season Ticket Holders will travel at all home games unless informing otherwise. She added that there was now a requirement included on the membership forms to state where in the ground tickets are required and the detailing of Customer Numbers which will help her greatly.
MARKETING SECRETARY’S REPORT AND REMARKS
Ron re-iterated his usual plea for more input from members for the Newsletters.
He reminded all that there were updated membership forms available and asked that all complete one to ensure the most up to date details were recorded – in particular E Mail addresses as many E Mails had recently bounced back to him - presumably obsolete.
As mentioned by the ticket secretary earlier, he confirmed that the new membership forms for 2011/2012 now included a couple of additional tick boxes which are designed to aid this role i.e. Season Ticket Holder status, bus requirements, ground location requirements etc and he emphasised the need to complete these.
RE-ELECTION OF OFICERS
The Chairman advised that he had not received any nominations for the Committee posts and none were received from the floor. He advised that the current committee members were all willing to stand for re-election, however, with a proposed swap of roles between Jackie and Vicky as Secretary and Additional Rep respectively.
Additionally, Becky was willing to stand as Ticket Secretary for next season and she was formally nominated and seconded. This and all other posts were formally re-elected en block with all in favour.
AOB
Paul Saleh wished to register a big thank you to the Chairman and Committee for the great privilege he and Daniel had at being selected to represent WCB at the Supporters Club Flag Day at Goodison on 16 April. A fantastic Day was had by both.
Ron Wilson made a further plea for all to check that the WCB Flag that had gone missing was not in their possession.
There being no AOB raised, the Chairman closed the 10th AGM.
Jackie Mounty (Sec) July 2011
WCB Committee details for 2011/2012:
Chairman: Andrew Maxwell 07814801217
Treasurer: Ian Martin 07751331063
Secretary: Vicky Gentle 07855385826
Ticket Secretary: Becky Martin 07879012124
Marketing Secretary: Ron Wilson 07917578831
Additional Reps: Ron Joynsonm 07720805118
Jackie Mounty 077734966861 |