Hi all,
The 2017 AGM was held recently. Details below –
Taunton Chess Club – 2017 AGM Minutes
Tuesday 30th May 2017.
1: Members present:
Nick Wilson, Alex Conway, David Graham, Mike Ward, Vic McAndrew, Matt Haines, Mike Watson, Steve Smith, Ian Hardy, Stephen Downes, Martyn Maber, Moises Delarosa, Simon Cook, Nathan (and Sharon) Tretheway.
Apologies from Julian Watkiss and Stan Wojcik
2: Previous minutes from 2016 AGM reviewed and accepted.
3: Trophy Winners
Major club tournament: Martyn Maber – receives new trophy.
Lightning tournament: Matt Haines – receives ‘upgraded’ Lightning Trophy.
Challenge trophy for club minor tournament: n/a – not contested.
Division trophies: Taunton did not win any division competition in the 2016/17 season.
Somerset Cup competition: Taunton not winners.
4 Treasures Report
Mike Ward gave gloomy report – essentially club had income of £647.64 against expenses of £1,067.26. This has resulted in a near zero account balance. The bulk of the extra expense has been due to the costs of our new venue. There was broad acceptance that the new venue is worth the cost and therefore club membership costs would have to raise to allow the club to continue. This issue had been raised prior to the AGM, an a figure of £50 had been suggested. However, on considering the lower number of likely paying members, it was calculated a figure of £60 needs to be applied. There was near unanimous acceptance of this. A couple of caveats were also proposed, these being that any new members starting part-way through the season should pay a pre-rata rate – e.g if they joined half season, then only £30 would apply. Also, the club has a number of ‘occasional’ members – it was decided they should pay £2 per night to contribute, although this would be waived for the very first visit for new members to the club.
5 Division 1
Taunton finished 2nd, some way behind winners Yeovil. Big thanks to Martin and Alex for taking over partway through the season and making this happen. However, there were a large number of defaulted matches (roughly 50% were defaulted). It became clear due to player availability and members leaving, the club cannot support a future Division 1 team. Therefore Taunton will withdraw from Division 1 for the next season. This issue had been discussed prior to the AGM and Alex Conway has formally invited any Taunton player wishing to play in Division 1 matches can join the Wellington team. As a club, we support this. Any Taunton player who does play for the Wellington Div1 team can still play in the other divisions for Taunton (so long as they qualify).
6 Division 2
Taunton finished bottom – again player availability meant either matches were defaulted or much weakened teams used. Martin Worrall tried to hold it all together but had the same issues as faced by the Div1 team. Looking towards next season, it was also decided that Taunton cannot support a Division 2 team, and so will withdraw for the 2017/8 season.
7 Division 3 Knights
Martyn captained the Division 3 team. They ultimately finished 5th in a closely fought league. Matt Haines was the player of the season. Martyn will continue as captain for the next season.
8 Division 3 Bishops
Mike Ward captained here, and they finished bottom of the league. Mike was also the top rated player, performance-wise. However, Mike is stepping down as captain, and David Graham will take over for next season.
9 Friendly matches.
There were no official friendly matches this season to report on.
10 Somerset Cup competition.
Taunton lost in round 1 to Yeovil, scoring 3.5 : 5.5, with James being the only player to win a game – Nick, Mike and Martin drawing theirs.
Trowbridge were the Cup winners, beating Glastonbury 4.5 : 3.5 in the Final.
Due to Taunton not entering a Div1 or Div2 team for next season, we will also withdraw from the Somerset Cub
11 Club Championship
Matt Haines won this, which was arranged by MikeW. Many thanks to all for keeping this working so well.
12 Election of officers
A Div 1 captain: Nick Wilson stepped down mid way. Alex at Wellington to captain the combined team.
B Div 2 captain: Martin Worrall – steps down. No new captain nominated as no Div2 team going forward
C Div 3 Bishops captain: Mike Ward – stepping down and David Graham taking over.
D Div 3 Knights Captain: Martyn Maber – continuing
E Somerset Cup captain: Nick Wilson – stepping down – no replacement as no Somerset Cup team next year.
F Treasurer: Martin Worrall – stepping down. Mike Ward temporarily taking over
G Deputy Treasurer: Mike Ward –stepping down. Steve Smith assisting.
H Secretary: Nick Wilson – stepping down. Sharon Tretheway taking over
J: Club Webmaster; Nick Wilson to continue, but Sharon, and all club captains to be given access and training so match reports and news can be added.
Club championship organiser – Mike Ward
13 Any Other Business
- Grading limits of Div3 teams – MikeW has arranged for a proposal of a maximum 125 grade for Div3 players.
- Extra web masters needed – Nick to assist training Sharon and Division captains.
- Club season to have a week or two trimmed off ends of season to help lower costs. New season to start on Tues 19th Sept and end on 21st
- Club secretary to help promote club via local press – results in paper, also possibly contacting local schools to encourage membership
14 Date of next meeting. Suggested: 21st May 2018
Meeting closed.