Brussels Croquet Club at Genval

 

DRAFT/ Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

held at rue des Trois Arbres 10, 1180 Uccle

17.30 Sunday, 19th March 2006

                               

Present: 

John Swabey (president)

Apologies:

Bruno Eeman (treasurer)

 

Charles-Eric Vilain XIIII

 

Arthur Forbes

 

Bob Appels

 

Gabor Weiner

 

Hugh Burton

 

Pierre Beaudry

 

Wyn Burton

 

Sally Batten

 

Dick Leonard

 

Guy Monseu

 

Allan Morris

 

 

 

Hilary Morris

 

 

 

Anne White

 

 

 

Fran

 

 

 

Alex Jardine

 

 

               

The meeting was brought to order and all present were duly welcomed.

 

President’s review of the previous year.

The membership has been broadly stable, with the addition of several new members, although the departure of a few stalwart advanced players was a real loss. The year had started off with an alternate-stroke doubles day, organised as a Pro-Am so that everyone could take part. The away visit to Ramsgate in May was as always a great success, with play ranging across advanced, handicap and golf.  Only relatively few members played in the club’s main handicap event for “the Mallet” and it was hoped that more would play in 2006. The end-of-season event was however well supported, even to the extent of attracting on to the lawn for the first time at least one player. Most recently, an EGM was held at the Chateau to brainstorm about the long-term future of the club; thanks to Charles-Eric for facilitating, and to Alex for note taking. The club’s web-site has been restored thanks to Allan’s efforts.

 

Treasurer’s report

In the unavoidable absence of the Treasurer, it was noted that the latest report to the BCCG Committee had disclosed a very healthy positive balance in the accounts, although a substantial proportion of that is due to the hotel.  The Treasurer is invited to send members a reminder to pay their subscriptions for 2006.

 

Future Activities

The fixtures calendar for 2006, previously circulated was agreed, with the addition of the Oxford/Cambridge match on 14th May plus various items suggested by the newly formed social committee (Hilary leading), including a Pimms & Strawberries day on 9th July. Club night is switched from Mondays to Thursday evenings. Beginners’ coaching will be provided in the month following the “try it out” event planned for Ascension day (Thursday 25th May). Coaching will be provided on Wednesday evenings by Alex for those who already have a basic understanding of association croquet. The social committee’s idea of acquiring a BBQ was welcomed, provided suitable storage can be found both for it and for the fuel.

 

It was agreed that the club would subsidise part of the cost of one or two members attending coaching courses in England, details to be arranged by the Committee. It was agreed that some additional mallets would be bought by the club, Allan to investigate further.

 

Any Other Business

As part of the planned review with John Martin, it was urged that the state of dilapidation of the club house be raised, not just the soggy floor around the fridge; also the continuing damage being caused to the lawn by the two trees on the chalet side. Another request to be put to him would be for a permanent shelter to be erected, and the issue raised of insurance cover regarding liability for accidents.

 

There being no further business, the Meeting was closed at 19.30, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.