Beckenham & Bromley Chess Club
(incorporating the West Wickham Chess Club)
Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 September 2000 at Langley Park Sports and Social Club
Present: Fred Wellings (Chairman), Mark Brougham (Treasurer), Malcolm Mourant (Club Captain), John Lewin (Secretary), Sue Farrington (Committee Member), Andrew Heard (Committee Member), Jon Griffiths (Auditor) and about 20 other members
The Chairman opened the meeting by commenting that the past season had been a remarkably successful one for the club, with no less than four teams (nearly half the membership of the club) reaching the Kent finals, and the London League second team getting promotion.
1 Apologies for absence received from Frank Percival and Chris Bernard.
2 Minutes of the 1999 AGM were approved.
3 Matters arising - Ron Hale referred to match captains' expenses, and the Chairman confirmed, as Ron had previously been advised, that the Committee had carefully considered this and decided to retain the present structure. Specifically, it was not open to match captains to claim for expenses beyond the standard amounts already provided. While Ron was not happy with this, no other views in his support were expressed.
4 Secretary's report - JL reported that the current membership was about 50, much the same as the previous year. He requested members to keep him informed of changes of address or telephone number.
5 Treasurer's report - The Accounts had been circulated to all members. MB reported that there had been a small increase in assets, and the club's finances were in generally good shape. The Accounts were approved by the meeting. MB was unable to continue as treasurer because of other commitments, and was thanked for his efforts over the past year.
6 Club Captain's report - MM reported on a very successful season for the club's teams. Kent 1 got through to the Kent final, but lost there. Kent 2 were very successful and also got through to the final, but were not able to field the strongest team there, and also lost. Kent 3 won the Kent cup for the second year running! The cup was presented to Ron Hale, the Kent 3 captain. Kent 4 ended up around the middle of their league. Kent 5 also reached the Kent final, but lost there. Kent 6 and Kent 7 had more modest results, but enjoyed participating!
In the London league, the combined Beckenham and Charlton first team encountered very tough opposition in the first division, and have narrowly maintained their position in this division. The London league second team had a good season and have been promoted to the third division.
In the Croydon league, West Wickham A got 3½ points out of 6. West Wickham B got 1½ points out of 6.
The Verney Cup, for winning most points for the club, was presented to Brian Crouch.
7 Tournament Secretary's report - Club tournaments had not been so well supported, partly because of the large amount of league chess. A new tournament structure for this season had been presented to members. The Club tournament cup was not presented for the past season. Cups were presented for the knockout tournament (won by Andrew Bigg) and the 5 minute tournament (also won by Andrew Bigg).
8 Election of officers - The following were elected: chairman (Fred Wellings), secretary (John Lewin), treasurer (Howard Walden), club captain (Andrew Heard), tournament secretary (Malcolm Mourant), non-executive committee member (Sue Farrington).
9 Appointment of auditor - Jon Griffiths was appointed.
10 Membership fees - The committee's proposal to adopt unchanged fees (£36 full adult fee, £24 concessions) was approved by the meeting.
11 Any other business - MM mentioned that players were needed at various levels for Kent county matches. The match against St Olaves was proposed for next Wednesday (last year the club won 10:5).