MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING O

PORT MACQUARIE HASTINGS BRIDGE ASSOCIATION INC.
HELD AT DUPLICATE HOUSE, PORT MACQUARIE

ON SATURDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2011

President declared the meeting open at 12 noon and welcomed all those present.
Present: A Anlezark, N Badger, C Berry, C Briscoe, B Burgmann, Y Cains, J Campbell, M Crighton, V Dawson, F&S Dobner, B Elliott, R Evans, J Francis, G Gilbert, B Griffiths, R Griffiths, H Gwalter, R Hardman, M Hayman, A Hensley, R Herdegen, K Hilder, G Humphrey, F&A Husken, R Ingielewicz, P Johnson, N Kebby, F Luick, M Morris, P&B Munro, M Nelson, A Oates, L Pascoe, I Peterson, K Raicevich, J Reid, L Richards, J Schwab, M Seymour, E Sinclair, P Sleat, H Sligar, F Sommerton, A Stevens, N Taylor, M Thorn, G Uptin, M Walch, M Walker, R Weatherley, S Webber, C Williamson, T Woolford, E Wren, N Young (58)
Apologies: P Blair, M Booth, P Briscoe, J Broomham, J Carroll, SE Deacon, L&K Easton, R Easton, R Ferguson, J Flanagan, D Franklin, J Gott, M Gregg, B&P Hamilton, K Howe, G&M James, B Kohut, S&A Lindner, D Marks, E Moss, D Nelson, L Neville, J Newman, R Palasthy, B Quibell, M Reynolds, B Riordan, S Roberts, L Robins, S Ross, N Sadlo, B&M Salkind, J Seago, D&J Seaton, C Sinclair, M Spaans (42)
Confirmation of Minutes of 2010 Annual General Meeting
President asked the Secretary to read the minutes. It was moved and agreed that the minutes be confirmed as a correct record (Walker/Stevens)

President’s Report

Noelle Kebby presented the report from the Committee for the year just ended (see below).

Consideration of Annual Financial Reports

The Treasurer tabled Profit & Loss Statement for the period October 2010 to September 2011, showing an Operating Profit of $1,552.15 before provision for depreciation of $14.234 and a net loss for the year of $12,681.85. The Balance Sheet presented showed depreciated net assets of $203,081.51.(see below)
As there were no questions, the Treasurer moved that the annual financial reports be accepted; seconded Frank Sommerton and carried.

Election of Office Bearers

The following nominations had been received:

Position	Nominee	Nominated by	Seconded by
President	Noelle Kebby	Sue Lindner	Carol Briscoe
Vice-President	Carol Briscoe	Noelle Kebby	Pat McNeill
Secretary	Neil Badger	Robyn Griffiths	Arthur Anlezark
Treasurer	Arthur Anlezark	Sue Lindner	Margaret Thorn
Committee Member	Robyn Griffiths	Judi England	Barbara Griffiths
	Freya Luick	Arthur Anlezark	Margaret Thorn
	Len Pascoe	Arthur Anlezark	Margot Nelson
	Frank Sommerton	Sue Lindner	Allana Stevens

The President announced that as there was only one nomination for each position on the Committee, those nominated were elected unopposed.
The President congratulated all those elected to the committee for 2011-12.

GENERAL BUSINESS

The President announced that no motions had been submitted for consideration by the meeting.

The President asked if there were any matters members would like the incoming committee to consider.
Yvonne Cains was concerned that the Wednesday afternoon session is not well supported, mainly because most of those who play on Wednesdays go to Panthers. When a survey was conducted several years ago, a number of respondents had shown interest in playing on Tuesday afternoons. Yvonne suggested switching the Wednesday session to Tuesday for a trial period.
Margaret Thorn spoke in favour of retaining the Wednesday session, as there are some regular players who are very happy with that timeslot. John Schwab spoke in favour of trying a new session on Tuesday, but supported retaining the Wednesday session. Bob Munro agreed with John’s suggestion that the present Wednesday session be retained. Arthur Anlezark suggested the club start a Tuesday session, retain Wednesday and see how it goes.

John Schwab suggested increased use of the electronic facilities available, such as sending out AGM notices by email. In addition, AGM minutes, financial and committee reports could be included on the club website.

Margaret Thorn pointed out that since Arthur became Treasurer nearly all bills have been paid on the internet, simplifying accounting procedures considerably.

Barbara Griffiths commented that starting a new session on Tuesdays could create a problem with finding a director. It may also make it more difficult to find an extra pair to play on Tuesday night to make up an even number for teams.

Noreen Taylor suggested that on Saturdays, players in the room that finishes first leave the building without walking through the room where people are still playing, to avoid disturbing them.

As there was no further business, the President declared the meeting closed at 12.20pm.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

2011 has been another very successful year for our Club. As always this is due to the efforts of so many members in so many different areas and mostly behind the scenes. I intend to thank them this afternoon and apologise in advance if I miss anyone.

First I would like to thank the Committee. Every Committee member has worked extremely hard throughout the year to keep the Club running smoothly. This year we are losing two valuable Committee members. Our Vice President Sue is standing down – we thank her for her excellent contribution. Our Secretary Margaret is also standing down after 9 years on the Committee - 8 of which she served as Secretary – we thank her for those years of dedicated service to the club.

Our calendar this year was a very busy one, with red point and championship events almost weekly. This year we introduced a Restricted Pairs Championship and this event has been added to the Club Honour Board.

The Committee has addressed several areas of maintenance to the Clubhouse during the year and we are in negotiations with the Council regarding the sealing of the complete club carpark areas.

The Committee continues to support our directors in every way possible. Ray and Neil attended the Australian Bridge Directors’ Association seminar in Sydney in October and gained valuable knowledge over the weekend. Arthur has qualified as a Congress Director C2 level and several of our directors are currently in the process of gaining the same qualification. Our directors do a wonderful job and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Our board dealers continue to provide us with our pre-dealt boards which have become such an important part of our enjoyment of bridge. The Club purchased a new dealing machine during the year which has eased the pressure on our older machine. Thanks to Allana, Elaine, Chris Sinclair, Len and Frank.

Yvonne’s beginners’ lessons were very popular again this year and also her bidding tips and conventions in the newsletter are appreciated. Yvonne also looks after member welfare and often visits people in hospital.

Our two congresses this year were a great success. Thanks to our congress convenor Sue Ellen whose attention to detail ensures everything goes smoothly. Thanks also to our wonderful cooks and helpers for their ongoing support.

The Friday Intermediate teams session continues to be invaluable for easing newer players into the mainstream sessions. Thanks to Rowan, Len & Margot for their help in running this session. During Rowan’s absence, Bob Jess, Robyn Griffiths and Yvonne will be assisting with the lessons on Fridays.

The Tuesday night teams continues to grow in popularity. Thanks to Chris Manser (and in his absence Carol) for their continued organisation of this session.

Thanks to Allana who looks after the Club library, with purchase recommendations from Yvonne. The library is a very important part of any bridge club and it is good to see it used so extensively.

Neil is our publicity officer – he also maintains our webpage as well as working closely with Ray in the ongoing implementation of the bridgemates. Thanks Neil...

Thanks also to Ray who, along with his work with the bridgemates, is our masterpoint secretary. An important job as everyone likes to get their masterpoints!

Bridgemates have been an unqualified success and with the help of Ray and Neil and all directors, their use has been consolidated and expanded over the year. For the first time they were used for the Swiss Pairs Lindner Shield event.

Pat Sleat continues to coordinate the Club’s social events with her usual enthusiasm and skill. The Saturday evening fish n chips nights are very popular and the Melbourne Cup day was a great success this year. Thanks to Pat and her helpers.

George and Elaine put a lot of work into maintaining the gardens around the club – they always look great – so thanks to them.

And thanks to all of you, our members, - we look forward to another successful year.

TREASURER’S REPORT