AGM 2006

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Great Shelford Tennis Club, held on Wednesday 8 February 2006 at the pavilion 

Present:  Geraldine Barber, Fiona Bennett, Elaine Bowman, Radeslav Chlpek, Sarah Coppendale, James Diver, Hazel Felton, Sue Fox, Tim Goode, Manne Guron, Neil Harvey, Hamid Hejazi, Russel Lee, Jacqui Lloyd, Jill McMenemy, Sylvia Morton, Sandra Nowottny, Rachel Prowse, John Rodger (President) Dawn and Mark Sanders, Gordon and Val Scripps, Steve Shaw, Milo Simonic, Pauline Stratford, Nick Tait (in the Chair), Helen Tavare, Ingrid Walter, James Westcott, Ailsa Wier, Biddy Wilkinson and Neil Wilson. 

Apologies for absence:  John Bicknell, Nick Bowman, Jim Bryant, Valerie Dean, Norman De’ath, Lisa Ellis, Charlie Gilderdale, Dani Grant, Hannah Grant, Colin Hitchcock, Tisha Hug, Beryl Johnson, Peter Kennard, Mr and Mrs Kynaston, Pam Mace, Brian McCarthy, Penny Saich, Jeff Scripps, Colin Tait, Ed Walters and Ailsa Wilkey. 

Welcome:  The Chairman welcomed the President and members to the 2006 Annual General Meeting, introduced the Committee and asked if there were any further nominations for the 2006/7 Committee.  There were none. 

Minutes of the AGM, held Wednesday 9 February 2005 were approved as circulated and signed as correct. 

Matters arising:  None. 

Treasurer’s report:  The income and expenditure account and the balance sheet to the year ended 31 December 2005 had been circulated.  The Treasurer reported that the financial situation was healthy with net assets of £28,904 represented by £11,904 as a capital account and £17,000 in the sinking fund.  6k had been put in the sinking fund in 2005 but anticipated court maintenance meant that less surplus was expected in 2006. 

15k of the total income of £20,244 was derived from subscriptions.  Floodlight money was down, the new Club clothing range had shown a profit and no grants had been received.  The Club coach, Hamid Hejazi was responsible for all coaching income and expenditure.  The largest increase in expenditure had been for tennis balls.  Some subsidy of social events had been made. No major maintenance had occurred so expenditure was down and totalled £13,129.  This resulted in a surplus of £7,115 of which 6k had been placed in the sinking fund.

Questions concerning expenditure on balls in 2005, the amount of the subsidy for the Club dinner, the absence of visitors’ fees, the inconsistent collection of floodlight money during winter sessions, were raised.  The low turn out of members for floodlight winter sessions was worrying.  It was resolved to market Monday and Wednesday nights better and to have a spreadsheet on the notice board for payment of dues.  It was not the electricity that was expensive but the cost of replacing bulbs, necessitating 2 men and a hoist at a cost of £200.

Fiona Bennett pointed out an error where the variance on social expenditure should be a positive figure, not a negative one and this was agreed. 

The motion to accept the 2005 accounts was proposed by Nick Tait, seconded by Sue Fox and the motion was carried unanimously. 

Ladies’ Captain’s report

The 2005 summer league results had been circulated.

Ladies 4 (Division 7) had won the division and would be promoted to Division 6.

Ladies 3 (Division 4) had come fourth in their division.

Ladies 2 (Division 4) had won the division and would be promoted to Division 3.

Ladies 1 (Division 1) had come second, beaten by only 2 sets by Newmarket 1.  

For the 2006 summer league, the Committee has entered a fifth ladies’ team in Division 7 to allow more ladies to play competitive tennis.  Ailsa thanked all the players and team captains. 

In the 2005 winter league, Ladies 1 was mid-table in Division 1, Ladies 2 face relegation from Division 2 and Ladies 3 was mid-table in Division 4. 

In the NCL league, Great Shelford came second to Next Generation with wins against St Neots and Fulbourn, whilst losing to Cambridge University and Next Generation. 

In the Insight Investment Challenge (2 ladies and 2 men per match) Great Shelford reached the final of the South East Region, getting through to the National round of the last 32 clubs but losing to Woodford Wells Club. 

In the Grays Cup, the ladies’ team beat Risbygate and Ely to reach the final where they narrowly lost to the Cambridge Club in a well supported final. 

Congratulations to those ladies who played in the summer and winter County Championships:  Kathryn Dewdney represented Derbyshire and Jodie Tiley and Marsali Grant represented Cambridgeshire in summer County week while Marsali Grant, Jodie Tiley and Amanda Black represented Cambridgeshire in the winter County Championships. 

Men’s Captain’s report 

The 2005 summer league results had been circulated.

Men’s 1 (Division 1) was runner-up to Cocks and Hens.

Men’s 2 (Division 1) was mid table.

Men’s 3 (Division 2) was mid table.

Men’s 4 (Division 5) was second in their division but promotion was uncertain as some games were not played.

Men’s 5 (Division 7) was mid table.

Mixed 1 (Division 2) had won the division and would be promoted to Division 1.

Mixed 2 (Division 2) was runner-up and would be promoted to Division 1.

Mixed 3 (Division 3) was runner-up and would be promoted to Division 2.

Mixed 4 (Division 4) was second to bottom and would probably be relegated.

Mixed 5 (Division 7) was third in their division.

In the 2005 winter league, Men’s 1 was the champion.  Men’s 2 was third in Division 1. Men’s 3 and 4 were mid-table in Divisions 3 and 5 respectively.  Mixed 1 also won the league and Mixed 2 was runner-up in Division 3 so would be promoted. 

In the Veteran’s league, Veteran’s 1 was runner-up in Division 1, Veteran’s 2 was runner-up in Division 2, Veteran’s 3 won division 3 while Veteran’s 4 was the runner-up.  The 2006 league will have 2 teams in Division 1 and 2 teams in Division 2. 

In the Grays Cup, the men’s team, like the ladies’ reached the final where they also lost to the Cambridge Club.  Sam Fleck was just 12 when he played in the final. 

In the NCL league, Great Shelford reached the play-offs and lost 11-13 to Letchworth in a tie-break shoot out. 

The performance in the Cambridge leagues was the strongest overall of any club and an improvement on last year’s results.  The finalists were congratulated for their prowess in the Club tournament and the names of the runners-up read out (the names of the winners being displayed on the glory boards). 

Club Coach’s report

In the NCL league, under 12, under 14 and under 16 boy’s teams, and under 14 and under 16 girl’s teams had been entered without any getting through to the County stages. 

In the Road to Wimbledon, Amanda Black and Sam Fleck had both gone through County, Regional and National rounds to reach Wimbledon. 

Coaching had continued well with the removal of ‘performance coaching’ and 3 levels of attainment, substituted.  One of the Club juniors had won a recent Great Shelford Grand Slam Cup tournament. 

Mini tennis had been taken into local schools as well as continuing in Little Shelford Village Hall.  This had been subsidised by the LTA and about 300 children had benefited. 

The coach was sponsored by Babolat who had supplied the Club with wind-breaks.  Hamid was able to re-string players’ racquets on request.  He had plans for additional adult coaching but needed more courts in order to do so. 

The Chairman stated how lucky the Club was to have the services of Hamid.  Questions about coaching sessions impinging on Club session start time were raised and the Chairman would ensure that any time courts were reserved for coaching it would be posted on the Club notice board and on the revamped web site. 

Chairman’s and social report

Club events: The social events began with the Generation tournament which had been good and enjoyed by all those who played.  The mixed handicapped tournament had a record entry of 15 pairs and was won by Marsali Grant and Dan Thompson.  The barbecue had not been well attended due to a date clash but the punt trip would be repeated, having been supported by 25 people in 4 punts and ended up with an impromptu game of rounders played with an oar.  The Club dinner had been held at Gonville and Caius, with 60 guests.  Boxing Day tennis had its usual good attendance and mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls had been provided.

The coming year, the Club would celebrate its 70^th anniversary and an Anniversary Dinner would be held at Jesus College on 14 October (not following the Club finals) with a target of 100 attendees.  There would also be a ceilidh in Neil Harvey’s barn around mid summer.  Any ideas for new social events were welcomed. 

Hamid had raised just under £1,000 for rheumatoid arthritis with a 24-hour tennis marathon which he hoped to repeat in 2006.

Junior membership was down due to the tag system preventing junior members from attending without paying subscriptions ie numbers now represented fully paid up juniors. The shoe tags would be repeated and those using the courts without them should be asked to leave. 

Club sessions and the need for a membership survey: Club sessions were poorly attended with a marked decline in winter participation.  It was thought to be due to a higher number playing matches and the fact that some players only wanted match play and tournaments. A mistake had been made on the Fixture card about the start time of winter sessions and confusion about the time that coaching was intended on Wednesday evenings (the elite squad).  An e-mail would be sent around the membership confirming a start time of 7 pm.  A survey would be compiled by the new committee asking for members’ opinions on winter sessions (the need, when they would like to play, whether a Sunday morning session should be re-instated).  Due to the variation in standards, the elite squad (men’s first and second team players) were being coached separately but coaching sessions could equally well be held for beginners or intermediate players if the demand existed.  Questions about coaching needs, the need to get more people to sessions and how to improve Club sessions would be included in the survey.  It would go to Associate members also. 

Club house:  Club house tidiness had been an issue this season and been raised at every Committee meeting.  Bins would be installed on the courts for litter.  The coaches did not have adequate storage space so plans were afoot to reorganise the Club house.  The mess in the Club house gave a bad impression to visiting teams and tidiness would be monitored and the coach reminded with the possibility of a financial forfeit being imposed  A foldable table would be purchased for match teas and the recycling bins reorganised.  Balls were left on and around the courts after sessions and the coaches would be reminded about the need to collect them.  Steve Shaw was thanked for painting the kitchen area. 

2006 had been a sound year financially and the teams had performed well.  The results were among the best in the County and in numbers, Shelford was the second biggest club.  The clothing range had sold well and there were items in stock. 

Retainer for the Head Coach:  The Chairman outlined the background for paying a retainer to the Head coach.  The playing standard was up and the coaching had increased. Hamid had played in the NCL team and would assist with team selection.  He had achieved accreditation for raw tennis, an LTA initiative for children to try to prevent losing girl players in the 14/15 age group by making tennis “cool”.  He had initiated the Grand Slam tournaments where Club members paid £5 to enter (non Club members - £7) and prizes were awarded.  He had arranged wind breaks for the Club from Babolat.  Without a retained coach, Shelford would not be in a position to obtain LTA funding if we made an application for support for any future move to new premises.  A retained and committed coach would prevent disruption and he proposed that Great Shelford Tennis Club paid Hamid Hejazi a retainer in 2006/7.   

Several members spoke in favour.  John Rodger warned against windbreaks bending the netting support posts as they had in the past but was in support of a retained Club Coach and confirmed that the LTA were developing tennis via clubs which needed the commitment of a permanent coach.  He also recognised that over the years, Shelford’s success had been due to committed people who had brought the Club to where it was today. 

Proposal:  That the Committee of Great Shelford Tennis Club be empowered to pay a retainer to the Head coach, Hamid Hejazi for 2006, set at 3k to be paid in 1k instalments.  Any change to this regime to be put before an AGM.  This was proposed by Nick Tait, seconded by Fiona Bennett and the motion was carried. 

Sports pavilion on the recreation ground:  Shelford was short of court space and with 360 members realistically needed 6 courts.  Representatives had been attending pavilion meetings and 2 more courts had been requested on the recreation ground.  As the proposed site was in the Conservation area, the planners had not agreed and this left no other area in which they could feasibly be built.  The pavilion committee had no financial plan and no operating plan and we had learned that we would be unable to replace our own pavilion in the future.  With this in mind, dedicated space was requested in the proposed new pavilion but denied.  The Tennis Club had thus withdrawn from the pavilion project.  Having said that we would back the project in theory and help fundraise if requested but would also look for a new site where more courts could be built.  The ideal would be 6 – 8 courts with a winter bubble and a brick build Club house as a long term aim.  One or two potential sites were being explored but there were no plans to move in the immediate future.  AGM/EGM approval would be sought if there was any advance. 

Club house:  A proposal to move the kitchen to the changing area end of the Club house was put forward and to board in the roof space for storage; cost about 2k.  We were not on mains drainage and moving the soak-away may be problematic.  The proposal included a new kitchen and improved storage.  A furniture review would be undertaken. 

Tim Goode suggested that the Chairman attend an Open Day at Ciba Geigy in Duxford where a brick built building and 2 courts existed and they may be open to offers.  The Chairman felt that the aim would be to stay in Shelford but it would be followed up. 

John Rodger warned of the large financial commitment in seeking to move and rebuild.  The Huntingdon project consisted of 3 courts in a bubble, 3 more outside courts and a wooden pavilion and had cost in the order of 750k.  Grants and loans existed but it would mean a larger membership and subscription increases, especially if 2 sites were maintained.  Sue Fox felt that the Club had grown and belonged on Great Shelford recreation ground and people were attached to the current site. 

Election of Officers and Committee

Elaine Bowman and James Westcott were standing down.  Rachel Prowse would assume the post of Secretary in the summer (proposed: Nick Tait, seconded: Ailsa Wier) but Elaine would continue to deal with renewals until then.  Ed Walters would take over as Treasurer (proposed: James Westcott, seconded: Sarah Coppendale).  Manne Guron would join the Committee post in a non-specific role (proposed: Jacqui Lloyd, seconded: Mark Sanders).

The 2006/7 Committee would thus comprise:

Chairman                      Nick Tait

Secretary                      Rachel Prowse

Treasurer                      Ed Walters

Men’s Captain                Neil Harvey

Ladies’ Captain   Ailsa Wier

Maintenance                  Steve Shaw

Publicity                        Sarah Coppendale

Non specific roles           Jacqui Lloyd

                                    Manne Guron

Head Coach                   Hamid Hejazi

It was additionally proposed to co-opt an an Associate member to the Committee; Helen Tavaré (proposed: Elaine Bowman, seconded: Sarah Coppendale).

In the absence of any other nominations, the 2006/7 Committee was elected en bloc.

Jo Diver had indicated her willingness to continue as auditor.

Colin Hitchcock would continue as Child Protection Officer.

Graham and Jacqui Lloyd would take over web site maintenance and updating.

Subscriptions

A small increase was proposed.  A joining fee would be levied for adult members but not for Junior or Mini players.  A late payment fee of £10 would be levied for all categories of membership. 

The subscriptions for 2006/7 would therefore be:

Senior player                 - £85 (£83 in 2005)

Associate/student           - £52 (£50 in 2005)

Junior players                - £34 (£32 in 2005)

Mini players                   - £17 (£16 in 2005)

Change to rule 4

Members at last year’s AGM had requested a discounted membership for Senior Citizens which necessitated a change to rule 4 (Membership).  The following was inserted:

Senior citizens – those Senior or Associate members aged 65 years or greater on 31 December of the previous year are eligible for a 20% discount on their annual subscription.

The change was passed unanimously.

Match fees

It was agreed that match fees should rise from £1 to £2.

Any other business

The step from the decking to the ground outside the Club house was dangerous and a photo luminescent strip should be placed on it to improve visibility.

James and Elaine were thanked for their services as Treasurer and Secretary respectively with gifts.

John Rodger reiterated that the Club’s success was due to the people and thanked the Committee.

Mark Sanders thanked the Chairman and noted that there was a lot to be done to take the Club forward to the next stages.

There being no other business the meeting finished at 10.25 pm.

******

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Great Shelford Tennis Club, held on Wednesday 8 February 2006 at the pavilion 

Present:  Geraldine Barber, Fiona Bennett, Elaine Bowman, Radeslav Chlpek, Sarah Coppendale, James Diver, Hazel Felton, Sue Fox, Tim Goode, Manne Guron, Neil Harvey, Hamid Hejazi, Russel Lee, Jacqui Lloyd, Jill McMenemy, Sylvia Morton, Sandra Nowottny, Rachel Prowse, John Rodger (President) Dawn and Mark Sanders, Gordon and Val Scripps, Steve Shaw, Milo Simonic, Pauline Stratford, Nick Tait (in the Chair), Helen Tavare, Ingrid Walter, James Westcott, Ailsa Wier, Biddy Wilkinson and Neil Wilson.

 Apologies for absence:  John Bicknell, Nick Bowman, Jim Bryant, Valerie Dean, Norman De’ath, Lisa Ellis, Charlie Gilderdale, Dani Grant, Hannah Grant, Colin Hitchcock, Tisha Hug, Beryl Johnson, Peter Kennard, Mr and Mrs Kynaston, Pam Mace, Brian McCarthy, Penny Saich, Jeff Scripps, Colin Tait, Ed Walters and Ailsa Wilkey. 

Welcome:  The Chairman welcomed the President and members to the 2006 Annual General Meeting, introduced the Committee and asked if there were any further nominations for the 2006/7 Committee.  There were none. 

Minutes of the AGM, held Wednesday 9 February 2005 were approved as circulated and signed as correct. 

Matters arising:  None. 

Treasurer’s report:  The income and expenditure account and the balance sheet to the year ended 31 December 2005 had been circulated.  The Treasurer reported that the financial situation was healthy with net assets of £28,904 represented by £11,904 as a capital account and £17,000 in the sinking fund.  6k had been put in the sinking fund in 2005 but anticipated court maintenance meant that less surplus was expected in 2006. 

15k of the total income of £20,244 was derived from subscriptions.  Floodlight money was down, the new Club clothing range had shown a profit and no grants had been received.  The Club coach, Hamid Hejazi was responsible for all coaching income and expenditure.  The largest increase in expenditure had been for tennis balls.  Some subsidy of social events had been made. No major maintenance had occurred so expenditure was down and totalled £13,129.  This resulted in a surplus of £7,115 of which 6k had been placed in the sinking fund.

Questions concerning expenditure on balls in 2005, the amount of the subsidy for the Club dinner, the absence of visitors’ fees, the inconsistent collection of floodlight money during winter sessions, were raised.  The low turn out of members for floodlight winter sessions was worrying.  It was resolved to market Monday and Wednesday nights better and to have a spreadsheet on the notice board for payment of dues.  It was not the electricity that was expensive but the cost of replacing bulbs, necessitating 2 men and a hoist at a cost of £200.

Fiona Bennett pointed out an error where the variance on social expenditure should be a positive figure, not a negative one and this was agreed. 

The motion to accept the 2005 accounts was proposed by Nick Tait, seconded by Sue Fox and the motion was carried unanimously. 

Ladies’ Captain’s report

The 2005 summer league results had been circulated.

Ladies 4 (Division 7) had won the division and would be promoted to Division 6.

Ladies 3 (Division 4) had come fourth in their division.

Ladies 2 (Division 4) had won the division and would be promoted to Division 3.

Ladies 1 (Division 1) had come second, beaten by only 2 sets by Newmarket 1.  

For the 2006 summer league, the Committee has entered a fifth ladies’ team in Division 7 to allow more ladies to play competitive tennis.  Ailsa thanked all the players and team captains. 

In the 2005 winter league, Ladies 1 was mid-table in Division 1, Ladies 2 face relegation from Division 2 and Ladies 3 was mid-table in Division 4. 

In the NCL league, Great Shelford came second to Next Generation with wins against St Neots and Fulbourn, whilst losing to Cambridge University and Next Generation. 

In the Insight Investment Challenge (2 ladies and 2 men per match) Great Shelford reached the final of the South East Region, getting through to the National round of the last 32 clubs but losing to Woodford Wells Club. 

In the Grays Cup, the ladies’ team beat Risbygate and Ely to reach the final where they narrowly lost to the Cambridge Club in a well supported final. 

Congratulations to those ladies who played in the summer and winter County Championships:  Kathryn Dewdney represented Derbyshire and Jodie Tiley and Marsali Grant represented Cambridgeshire in summer County week while Marsali Grant, Jodie Tiley and Amanda Black represented Cambridgeshire in the winter County Championships. 

Men’s Captain’s report 

The 2005 summer league results had been circulated.

Men’s 1 (Division 1) was runner-up to Cocks and Hens.

Men’s 2 (Division 1) was mid table.

Men’s 3 (Division 2) was mid table.

Men’s 4 (Division 5) was second in their division but promotion was uncertain as some games were not played.

Men’s 5 (Division 7) was mid table.

Mixed 1 (Division 2) had won the division and would be promoted to Division 1.

Mixed 2 (Division 2) was runner-up and would be promoted to Division 1.

Mixed 3 (Division 3) was runner-up and would be promoted to Division 2.

Mixed 4 (Division 4) was second to bottom and would probably be relegated.

Mixed 5 (Division 7) was third in their division. 

In the 2005 winter league, Men’s 1 was the champion.  Men’s 2 was third in Division 1. Men’s 3 and 4 were mid-table in Divisions 3 and 5 respectively.  Mixed 1 also won the league and Mixed 2 was runner-up in Division 3 so would be promoted. 

In the Veteran’s league, Veteran’s 1 was runner-up in Division 1, Veteran’s 2 was runner-up in Division 2, Veteran’s 3 won division 3 while Veteran’s 4 was the runner-up.  The 2006 league will have 2 teams in Division 1 and 2 teams in Division 2. 

In the Grays Cup, the men’s team, like the ladies’ reached the final where they also lost to the Cambridge Club.  Sam Fleck was just 12 when he played in the final. 

In the NCL league, Great Shelford reached the play-offs and lost 11-13 to Letchworth in a tie-break shoot out. 

The performance in the Cambridge leagues was the strongest overall of any club and an improvement on last year’s results.  The finalists were congratulated for their prowess in the Club tournament and the names of the runners-up read out (the names of the winners being displayed on the glory boards). 

Club Coach’s report

In the NCL league, under 12, under 14 and under 16 boy’s teams, and under 14 and under 16 girl’s teams had been entered without any getting through to the County stages. 

In the Road to Wimbledon, Amanda Black and Sam Fleck had both gone through County, Regional and National rounds to reach Wimbledon. 

Coaching had continued well with the removal of ‘performance coaching’ and 3 levels of attainment, substituted.  One of the Club juniors had won a recent Great Shelford Grand Slam Cup tournament. 

Mini tennis had been taken into local schools as well as continuing in Little Shelford Village Hall.  This had been subsidised by the LTA and about 300 children had benefited. 

The coach was sponsored by Babolat who had supplied the Club with wind-breaks.  Hamid was able to re-string players’ racquets on request.  He had plans for additional adult coaching but needed more courts in order to do so. 

The Chairman stated how lucky the Club was to have the services of Hamid.  Questions about coaching sessions impinging on Club session start time were raised and the Chairman would ensure that any time courts were reserved for coaching it would be posted on the Club notice board and on the revamped web site. 

Chairman’s and social report

Club events: The social events began with the Generation tournament which had been good and enjoyed by all those who played.  The mixed handicapped tournament had a record entry of 15 pairs and was won by Marsali Grant and Dan Thompson.  The barbecue had not been well attended due to a date clash but the punt trip would be repeated, having been supported by 25 people in 4 punts and ended up with an impromptu game of rounders played with an oar.  The Club dinner had been held at Gonville and Caius, with 60 guests.  Boxing Day tennis had its usual good attendance and mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls had been provided.

The coming year, the Club would celebrate its 70^th anniversary and an Anniversary Dinner would be held at Jesus College on 14 October (not following the Club finals) with a target of 100 attendees.  There would also be a ceilidh in Neil Harvey’s barn around mid summer.  Any ideas for new social events were welcomed. 

Hamid had raised just under £1,000 for rheumatoid arthritis with a 24-hour tennis marathon which he hoped to repeat in 2006.

Junior membership was down due to the tag system preventing junior members from attending without paying subscriptions ie numbers now represented fully paid up juniors. The shoe tags would be repeated and those using the courts without them should be asked to leave. 

Club sessions and the need for a membership survey: Club sessions were poorly attended with a marked decline in winter participation.  It was thought to be due to a higher number playing matches and the fact that some players only wanted match play and tournaments. A mistake had been made on the Fixture card about the start time of winter sessions and confusion about the time that coaching was intended on Wednesday evenings (the elite squad).  An e-mail would be sent around the membership confirming a start time of 7 pm.  A survey would be compiled by the new committee asking for members’ opinions on winter sessions (the need, when they would like to play, whether a Sunday morning session should be re-instated).  Due to the variation in standards, the elite squad (men’s first and second team players) were being coached separately but coaching sessions could equally well be held for beginners or intermediate players if the demand existed.  Questions about coaching needs, the need to get more people to sessions and how to improve Club sessions would be included in the survey.  It would go to Associate members also. 

Club house:  Club house tidiness had been an issue this season and been raised at every Committee meeting.  Bins would be installed on the courts for litter.  The coaches did not have adequate storage space so plans were afoot to reorganise the Club house.  The mess in the Club house gave a bad impression to visiting teams and tidiness would be monitored and the coach reminded with the possibility of a financial forfeit being imposed  A foldable table would be purchased for match teas and the recycling bins reorganised.  Balls were left on and around the courts after sessions and the coaches would be reminded about the need to collect them.  Steve Shaw was thanked for painting the kitchen area. 

2006 had been a sound year financially and the teams had performed well.  The results were among the best in the County and in numbers, Shelford was the second biggest club.  The clothing range had sold well and there were items in stock. 

Retainer for the Head Coach:  The Chairman outlined the background for paying a retainer to the Head coach.  The playing standard was up and the coaching had increased. Hamid had played in the NCL team and would assist with team selection.  He had achieved accreditation for raw tennis, an LTA initiative for children to try to prevent losing girl players in the 14/15 age group by making tennis “cool”.  He had initiated the Grand Slam tournaments where Club members paid £5 to enter (non Club members - £7) and prizes were awarded.  He had arranged wind breaks for the Club from Babolat.  Without a retained coach, Shelford would not be in a position to obtain LTA funding if we made an application for support for any future move to new premises.  A retained and committed coach would prevent disruption and he proposed that Great Shelford Tennis Club paid Hamid Hejazi a retainer in 2006/7.   

Several members spoke in favour.  John Rodger warned against windbreaks bending the netting support posts as they had in the past but was in support of a retained Club Coach and confirmed that the LTA were developing tennis via clubs which needed the commitment of a permanent coach.  He also recognised that over the years, Shelford’s success had been due to committed people who had brought the Club to where it was today. 

Proposal:  That the Committee of Great Shelford Tennis Club be empowered to pay a retainer to the Head coach, Hamid Hejazi for 2006, set at 3k to be paid in 1k instalments.  Any change to this regime to be put before an AGM.  This was proposed by Nick Tait, seconded by Fiona Bennett and the motion was carried. 

Sports pavilion on the recreation ground:  Shelford was short of court space and with 360 members realistically needed 6 courts.  Representatives had been attending pavilion meetings and 2 more courts had been requested on the recreation ground.  As the proposed site was in the Conservation area, the planners had not agreed and this left no other area in which they could feasibly be built.  The pavilion committee had no financial plan and no operating plan and we had learned that we would be unable to replace our own pavilion in the future.  With this in mind, dedicated space was requested in the proposed new pavilion but denied.  The Tennis Club had thus withdrawn from the pavilion project.  Having said that we would back the project in theory and help fundraise if requested but would also look for a new site where more courts could be built.  The ideal would be 6 – 8 courts with a winter bubble and a brick build Club house as a long term aim.  One or two potential sites were being explored but there were no plans to move in the immediate future.  AGM/EGM approval would be sought if there was any advance. 

Club house:  A proposal to move the kitchen to the changing area end of the Club house was put forward and to board in the roof space for storage; cost about 2k.  We were not on mains drainage and moving the soak-away may be problematic.  The proposal included a new kitchen and improved storage.  A furniture review would be undertaken. 

Tim Goode suggested that the Chairman attend an Open Day at Ciba Geigy in Duxford where a brick built building and 2 courts existed and they may be open to offers.  The Chairman felt that the aim would be to stay in Shelford but it would be followed up. 

John Rodger warned of the large financial commitment in seeking to move and rebuild.  The Huntingdon project consisted of 3 courts in a bubble, 3 more outside courts and a wooden pavilion and had cost in the order of 750k.  Grants and loans existed but it would mean a larger membership and subscription increases, especially if 2 sites were maintained.  Sue Fox felt that the Club had grown and belonged on Great Shelford recreation ground and people were attached to the current site. 

Election of Officers and Committee

Elaine Bowman and James Westcott were standing down.  Rachel Prowse would assume the post of Secretary in the summer (proposed: Nick Tait, seconded: Ailsa Wier) but Elaine would continue to deal with renewals until then.  Ed Walters would take over as Treasurer (proposed: James Westcott, seconded: Sarah Coppendale).  Manne Guron would join the Committee post in a non-specific role (proposed: Jacqui Lloyd, seconded: Mark Sanders).

The 2006/7 Committee would thus comprise:

Chairman                      Nick Tait

Secretary                      Rachel Prowse

Treasurer                       Ed Walters

Men’s Captain               Neil Harvey

Ladies’ Captain              Ailsa Wier

Maintenance                  Steve Shaw

Publicity                        Sarah Coppendale

Non specific roles          Jacqui Lloyd

                                    Manne Guron

Head Coach                  Hamid Hejazi

It was additionally proposed to co-opt an an Associate member to the Committee; Helen Tavaré (proposed: Elaine Bowman, seconded: Sarah Coppendale).

In the absence of any other nominations, the 2006/7 Committee was elected en bloc.

Jo Diver had indicated her willingness to continue as auditor.

Colin Hitchcock would continue as Child Protection Officer.

Graham and Jacqui Lloyd would take over web site maintenance and updating. 

Subscriptions

A small increase was proposed.  A joining fee would be levied for adult members but not for Junior or Mini players.  A late payment fee of £10 would be levied for all categories of membership. 

The subscriptions for 2006/7 would therefore be: 

Senior player                 - £85 (£83 in 2005)

Associate/student          - £52 (£50 in 2005)

Junior players                - £34 (£32 in 2005)

Mini players                   - £17 (£16 in 2005) 

Change to rule 4

Members at last year’s AGM had requested a discounted membership for Senior Citizens which necessitated a change to rule 4 (Membership).  The following was inserted:

Senior citizens – those Senior or Associate members aged 65 years or greater on 31 December of the previous year are eligible for a 20% discount on their annual subscription.

The change was passed unanimously. 

Match fees

It was agreed that match fees should rise from £1 to £2. 

Any other business

The step from the decking to the ground outside the Club house was dangerous and a photo luminescent strip should be placed on it to improve visibility.

James and Elaine were thanked for their services as Treasurer and Secretary respectively with gifts.

John Rodger reiterated that the Club’s success was due to the people and thanked the Committee.

Mark Sanders thanked the Chairman and noted that there was a lot to be done to take the Club forward to the next stages. 

There being no other business the meeting finished at 10.25 pm.