The meeting was attended by 30 Officers and Members.

The Commodore opened the meeting and welcomed all those present.

Item Details

1 Apologies for Absence were received from Alf Reynolds, John Torrance, Ann Ashford, Robert & Jenni Blunden, Patrick & Karen Gregory, Michael & Karen Harden, Paul Tavinor, Paul & Norma Sutton, Jo Barker, Doug Baldwin, Sue Hardy, Janice Jones and Simon & Angela Mitchell.

2 Minutes of the Previous Annual General Meeting held on 8th February 2009 were approved. The Acceptance of the Accounts was dealt with at the EGM on 6th September 2009.

3 The Commodore’s Report

In his report, Mike Gibson said that the 2009 season had got off to a good start, both Wednesday’s and Friday’s. This continued without interruption following the fire on 16th May which rendered the clubhouse uninhabitable. Thanks to many individuals and organisations, notably the Crouch Yacht Club, the full sailing and social programme was completed, and we go on into 2010 in a strong position. Following the insurance settlement, builders were on site at the beginning of January. Completion is expected mid-April. The completion of the purchase of land is expected by the end of the month.

4 The Sailing Secretary’s Report

John Hardy commenced by thanking the Race Box crew and all the Junior Helpers. We are short of entries for Classes 1 to 3, but the Hunter 707 fleet is increasing this year. The Jimmy Starling Trophy and HMS St Mathew Cup were well supported – we were narrowly beaten into second place for the latter. Our 2010 programme is on our website. John asked for any suggestions regarding racing matters. Member David Lewin also thanked the Race Box crew.

5 The House Secretary’s Report

John Paul handed this item to John Hardy as it related solely to the rebuilding. John thanked the main underwriters for an honourable settlement which should cover all the re-building costs. The re-building is on schedule. John thanked all who had helped, especially “Digger” Harden for his project-management, Tracy Saunders for her interior design work and also Heath Puxley. John was pleased to say that Dick & Hilary Barnes will be back catering for us.

The extension to the Clubhouse that was agreed by members at the EGM is, of course, a separate project which is nearing the planning consent stage. Members were assured that all gifts and loans pledged for this work would be re-paid if it did not go ahead. Although we had originally hoped that the two aspects could be dealt with in tandem, much more work was needed on the extension project and our priority was to get the clubhouse back in use as soon as we could.

6 Presentation of Accounts

Mike Gibson began by warmly thanking Rosemary Beeson, our outgoing Treasurer, for all her dedication and hard work for the Club over some 30 years, and he presented her with a crystal rose bowl.

Rosemary Prior, who had taken over as Treasurer during the year, then presented the Income & Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st October 2009. This now included the Junior Section’s funds. She explained the differences between the individual items where there were marked contrasts in the 2009 accounts and those of 2008.

In answer to a question from a member, assurance was given that regular reviews of our insurance cover would be undertaken.

Mike Gibson thanked Rosemary for taking over during the year.

Andy Jones proposed that the accounts are adopted. This was seconded by John Deacon and agreed the membership.

7 Election of President and Vice President

Mike Gibson started by outlining the changes that had taken place since the last AGM. Murray Prior had been appointed as President following the death of Bob Cole, and John Mellard following the sad loss of Murray. He also said that Jonathan Tucker and Rosemary Prior had been appointed Trustees.

John Mellard was elected President and John Torrance Vice President.

(Note: nominations for ALL positions had been proposed and seconded as set out in the Agenda.)

8 Election of Club Officers

John Hardy was elected Commodore; John Paul vice Commodore and Michael (Digger) Harden as Rear Commodore.

9 Election of Honorary Secretary

Abi Davies was elected.

10 Election of Honorary Treasurer

Rosemary Prior was elected

11 Election of General Committee

The following members of the General Committee stood for re-election:

Colin Blanks (Race Officer), Karen Sadler (Membership Secretary), Andy Jones, Alf Reynolds, Richard Taylor, Caroline Weetch and Geoff Bell. In addition, Mike Gibson, Jenni Blunden, John Saunders and Heath Puxley had been nominated.

All were elected.

12 Election of Honorary Auditor

Roger Noble, having indicated his willingness to continue, was re-appointed as Auditor.

At 3.10pm, after the conclusion of the formal business, the following presentations were made:

Karen Sadler to Robin Mapes, in recognitions of 13 years as a Junior Leader. Work commitments now prevent him for carrying on.

Rosemary Prior to Laura Gibson, in recognition of her support to Mike during his Commodoreship; and to Mike for his two-year term. John Hardy expressed his thanks to Mike. Jenni Blunden and David Pinkney, who were stepping-down as Secretary and Minutes Secretary respectively, were also thanked.

An informal Question & Answer Session then took place, which the incoming committee noted, and agreed to follow-up, certain matters.

David Pinkney

Minutes Secretary

15th February 2010

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