Minutes of AGM held on Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Village Hall

Present: Allan Clements, Colin Darlington, Nigel Bunyan, Phil Smalley, Geoff Curry, Simon Reynolds, Roger Wood, Bob Little, Geoff Billows, Iain Harris, Tim Roberts

Apologies: Tim Hall, Mark Carlton, Paul Levet, Chris Seed, Mick Smalley, Chris Bosonnet, David, Joe and Rachael Bunyan

Chairman’s Report

Allan thanked everyone “who has made the club happen in the past year, from the tea ladies to supporters in the village”.

He went on to speak of the club’s deep sense of loss following the recent deaths of two club stalwarts, Dougie Moss and John Aspinall. He suggested that at its next meeting the executive committee should consider a suitable and permanent memorial to Dougie.

While Dougie’s massive contribution was well-known, current players and members were generally less aware of John’s involvement with the club. He therefore asked Colin to reflect on his contribution over many years.

Colin spoke of John’s immense enjoyment of the annual Court House Casuals’ fixture, and of his determination, enthusiastically supported by Edward, Joanna and the rest of the Aspinall family, to make it a success.
John came to the village with a reputation as an accomplished cricketer with credentials that stretched from his days as a colt to selection for an MCC side.
He was known for his “laid back” manner, and this was reflected in his ability to notch up runs without actually running them. He much preferred to walk between the wickets, and if he couldn’t do that he tended not to set off in the first place! In the field he ranked as an exceptional wicket-keeper who could stand up to all our bowlers.
The “edge” to his character was best summed up by the way he “… hated” Hurst Green! It was one of the many facets to his character that made him “one of the lads”.
John was going to be sadly missed by the club and far beyond. “We have all lost a true village cricketer and a good friend.”

Treasurer’s Report

Colin produced a set of accounts (available separately) that showed a current balance of £1,087.84, compared with £777.68 last year. The accounts also showed wine stocks worth £955.00 in addition to the current balance reported.

Colin thanked Iain for organising three successful social events, and for organising the 100 Club. Only six 100 Club tickets still need to be sold, so he appealed for latecomers to chip in!

The treasurer also pointed out that, while the three annual social events had become a pattern, if we were to miss one the club would be struggling.

Secretary’s Report

Nigel said there was nothing to report aside from messages of thanks from Joanne Bosonnet for flowers we sent her following the summer event at Fox Ghyll and, more recently, from Joanna Aspinall.

Captain’s Report

Simon said it had been an enjoyable season. In particular it was very pleasing to see the youngsters coming through and older players ready to step in when needed.

Midweek Captain’s Report

Tim wasn’t able to make the meeting, but Phil said he had been pleased by the players’ commitment during a rain-affected season.

Election of officers:

President: Geoff Billows
Vice-president: Chris Bosonnet
Chairman: Allan Clements
Vice-chairman: Iain Harris
Treasurer: Colin Darlington
Social secretary: Iain Harris
Secretary: Nigel Bunyan
Fixtures secretary: John Hill
Membership secretary: Geoff Curry
Captain: Simon Reynolds
Vice-captain: Damon Johnson
Midweek captain: Phil Smalley
Midweek vice-captain: Tim Hall
Players’ representative: Phil Smalley
Auditor: Eddie White

Exec Committee: chairman, deputy chairman, captain, treasurer, secretary, social secretary and players’ rep.

Selection committee: Chairman, captain and vice captain.

Groundsman: Mick Smalley

Fund-raising

Iain said he’d been contacted by Grindleton Football Club and had agreed to share a Race Night with them in February. They were enthusiastic supporters of our events and it seemed an ideal partnership.

The 2010 Safari Supper would be in April.

Bob Little is considering sponsoring a match against Grindleton.

Geoff Billows said he would be happy to sponsor a match.

Any other business

Fixtures

The executive committee is to hold an urgent meeting to discuss, with John Hill, some concerns about next season’s fixtures. Hurst Green appear to be doubtful about being able to raise a side for Sunday matches, and there is similar doubt concerning certain Thursday night fixtures. John is being asked to contact Hurst Green in an attempt to verify the position.

Meeting closed