2011-2012 Abbotsley Squash Club AGM

Item

Present :

Graham Osmond (Chairman), John Tose (Club Captain), Dave Bradbury, Chris Reeve, Tony Gay, Keith Hackett, Tony Barker, Graham Mitchell, Jake Mitchell, Colin Usher, Tim Walker, Matt Nankavill

1. Apologies for absence :

Jo Walker (Treasurer)

2. Approval and signature of minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

3. Election of Officers

Graham Osmond was re-elected as Chairman proposed by Graham Mitchell and seconded by Keith Hackett.

After 5 years of involvement John Tose confirmed that he was unable to continue in the role. All members thanked John for his hard work. A new Club Captain was appointed in Chris Reeve, proposed by Jake Mitchell and seconded by Keith Hackett.
Jo Walker was re-elected as Treasurer, proposed by Graham Osmond and seconded by Tim Walker.

Dave Bradbury was re-elected as Junior Organiser.

4. Tournaments.

Auction Handicap: There was no Action Handicap tournament held this year, however the tournament to be re-instigated in a revised form to not include the auction aspect. It was thought that this would make the tournament better supported. To be arranged for 2nd week in October. CR
Club Championship: Agreed to take place at the end of the season and include junior, open, over 45 and over 55, with corresponding plates.
On-Site Tyres Doubles Tournament: Thanks to Graham Mitchell (sponsor) also supported by Steve Papworth to another successful competition.
Graded Singles Tournament: Arranged by Tony Gay & Simon Scott was supported well by local sponsors. Everyone agreed that the tournament was very professional and well supported by players from as far away as Scotland, including some paid entrants. Tony Gay said that intended for the tournament to take place every year with the next being in April 2012. From the proceeds of the tournament, Tony Gay provided £200 to the club that was used to install a new water dispenser. The tournament provided a higher level of competition with 2 professional players attending with Viviane providing them with free hotel accommodation and golf.
Graded Doubles Tournament: Planned to take place on 6th August 2011.

5. Team Squash

It was proposed to increase the number of teams from 3 to 4. There was some discussion as to if there was enough players to support an additional team. Chris Reeve to invite players to record their interest to play, once reviewed the number of teams will be decided.
Team Captains: 1st Team – Jake Mitchell, 2nd Team – Dean Goulden, 3rd Team – Tim Walker, 4th Team – Simon Joyce (if applicable)
Summer League: This has been the most supported year, with Abbotsley fielding 3 teams.

6. Treasurer’s Report

No treasures report was available as Jo Walker was absent. Treasures report to be requested.

7. Junior Coaching/ Child Protection Policy

With 30 members the number of juniors continues to be strong. The end of year tournament was well supported, 3 teams in the county leagues with 2 under 11s finishing a strong 1st & 2nd. County championship resulted in an under 13s – runner up and under 11s – winner. Saturday coaches Dave Bradbury, Tony Barker & Simon Joyce. The members applauded the good work done. There was discussion regarding the introduction of revised charges for Saturday coaching with money now paid for the court time. It was discussed if the club could support the juniors with funding. Dave Bradbury said that he felt the current arrangement was a reasonable compromise. Graham Mitchell said that the entrance fee for the On-Site Tyres Doubles tournament will be increased to £5 and contributed to the juniors. Graham was thanked for his support. Dave Bradbury is taking over county junior role, with Tony Barker in a supporting role.

8. ESR Child Protection Policy and Procedures

The club continues to apply the ESR Child Protection Policy and Procedures. Dave Bradbury is the nominated Child Welfare Officer. New Codes of conduct are being drafted for the coming season, to be applied to Coaches/Volunteers/Children and Parents. These will be completed/applied as part of the Clubs ESR Charter application.

9. Leagues

There has been a new lease of life with more games being played since being organised by Adam Tuke.

10. Court Maintenance

Tony Gay said that Vivien is committed to keep the courts in good condition. It was acknowledged that there had been a significant improvement in the ladies golf, fitness, squash changing room and the men’s golf changing room. The men’s fitness, squash changing rooms are planned to be improved. Sweeping of courts to be investigated (who, how often). Cleanliness of the men’s changing room to be reported – GO. Viviane has committed to opening up the balcony on No 1 court. Tony Gay to progress all court and facility maintenance.

11. Club Night

Club night continues to not be well supported with no funds forwarded to the treasurer. Review to understand the financial arrangements – GO. How is club night now run with the movement of personnel to the reception? Jake Mitchell suggested that the pegs could be paid for and controlled via the reception. To increase the appeal of club night it was discussed and agreed that one top club player will attend.

12 Honours Board

13 AOB

Charter status – Dave Bradbury spoke about the Gold, Silver & Bronze rankings and that he assesses Abbotsley as being just below Silver. By improving are ranking, there is potential to obtain funding from England Squash. The members need to be seen to be upholding the Club Charter.
It was agreed that a committee would established, made up of: Chairman, Club Captain, Dave Bradbury, Tony Gay etc. with occasional attendance by Colin Usher. The group will meet every 2 months to review and promote improvements.
It was discussed that marker training has been arranged at Hunts County, to take place in August it is free and anyone interested to improve their skills is invited to attend.