HARPENDEN DOLPHINS CRICKET CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, Thursday 31^st January 2008, 8pm, at Harpenden Cricket Club

Present

Tony Hall, Paul Jubb, Graham Downes, Richard Gilbert, Mike Lacey, Jason Brooks, Tom Roche, Brett Row, Don Downes, Graham Coulthard, Ian Holden, Andrew Gregory, Richard Gull, Ron Giovanni.

Ron Giovanni was especially welcomed, as a new member.

1. Apologies for Absence

Richard Finch, Andrew Crichton, Roger Gregory, Bob Partridge, Mike Downes, Paul Bonney, Will Gull, Tim Crompton, Amit Mathur, Mark Day, Ian Atkinson, Chris Rayner, Dean Burford, Greg Lunz.

2. Minutes 2007

Accepted without further discussion.

3. Captains Report

Graham Downes summarised the team’s achievements in 2006.

-          Dolphins finished 12^th in Division 10, having lost 6 games to the weather.

-          Bowler of the Year : Jason Brooks for third year in a row.

-          Batsman of the Year : Richard Gull.

-          Clubman of the Year (Trevor Crompton Memorial Cup): Tom Roche.

-          Champagne moment : Greg Lunz for his salmon-like leap at Northwood on 4 August.

-          Bill Clarke’s Players Player : Tom Roche.

-          We lost the family day to the weather but President’s Day went ahead, where the President’s team won for the first time this millennium. Thanks to Roger and his family for hosting a wonderful event in the evening.

4. Team Secretary’s Report

Jason Brooks summarised the issues we confronted in 2007.

-          21 fixtures (excluding President’s Day) were scheduled. 26 players played in these matches. We had an average 13.2 available per match, with Tom Roche being available 19 times, Paul Bonney 17, Gully 16 and Zippy 15.

-          We only had 9 players available for the match against West Herts, but this was cancelled due to the weather. The most we had available was 17 for one match.

-          Jason made a request for people to commit their availabilities early and to then stick to this commitment as there were too many times when people withdrew in the week before a game.

-          He requested that the web-editors try and re-establish the availability sheet ready for next season.

 

5. Fixture Secretary’s Report

Richard Gilbert summarised the 2008 fixture list.

-          21 fixtures, of which 19 are league matches. 10 of these will be at home and the two friendlies are our usual Bamville at home as the first game of the season and Harpenden away on the August bank holiday weekend.

-          Presidents Day and family day will be amalgamated this year and has been scheduled for 6 July.

-          A good relationship has been developed with Debbie at John O’Connor and this has resulted in her keeping pitches available for us when required. However, Rich was pleased to record that the last game of the season will be away this season to avoid the problem of having a clash with other sports’ requirements in the park.

The fixture list can be found on the website.

6. Social Secretary’s Report

Gully summarised the social calendar for 2008.

-          25/4 Pre-season quiz.

-          6/7 Combined Family and President’s Day.

-          TBA Golf Day.

-          4/10 (a Saturday) End of Season do has been booked at Aldwickbury Golf Club.

-          A curry night will be organised at some stage during the season.

-          Richard requested that people respond promptly and positively (and stick to their commitment) when details of social events get released. We are all busy people and do not have time to chase up for responses and there is a danger that things will have to be cancelled, such as tour this year due to lack of interest, or it will result in the Club losing money.

Details to follow on the website.

7. Treasurers Report

Graham Downes reviewed the financial position of the Club.

-          A loss of £258 was recorded in the year, with the bank balance closing at £2075. The loss of so many matches to the weather has had an impact (estimated £150) to the finances of the club but the position remains comfortable despite pre-season commitments.

-          Donations were gratefully received from a number of regular contributors and Graham sends letters of gratitude on behalf of the Club.

-          29 full memberships were collected through subs.

-          Nets lost £68, but following a debate it was decided to retain the fees at the current level for the rest of the year. The position will be reviewed at the end of the season but all members are encouraged to come along to hone their skills ready for the season and improve our chances of success.

-          Insurance cost was flat for third year in a row.

-          Pitch costs were up slightly and a continuation of this trend is expected this year.

-          The Social side returned a shortfall of -£234 for the year, but this was considered acceptable in view of the surplus in the previous year and the fact that an event specifically to raise funds for the Club was not organised.

-          We have decided to continue purchasing the higher quality ball, noting that we have 9 left over from last season.

-          It was noted that the league sponsors are enforcing the acquisition of 6 tickets for Saracens for their game on 30 March against Leeds if the Club has not acquired other tickets in the meantime. A provision for these of c£100 has to be assumed.

-          It was proposed/agreed to retain the same fees/subs as last year, namely nets £3 (juniors £2), Teas £35, Match Fees £6, Subscriptions £25.

8. Election of Officers

Due to Roger Gregory resigning as President and Mike Lacey relocating overseas a number of roles became vacant.

After discussion (see below) the following Officers were elected unanimously :-

9. Any Other Business

Conduct : The issue of conduct on the pitch was discussed at length. Whilst it was re-emphasised and agreed that the Captain of the day has the power to take bowlers off and discuss with the opposing captain/umpire regarding doing the same re batsmen if situations arise, it was very much hoped that self policing would mean that we do not experience any conduct issues in the forthcoming season. We rightly have pride in playing for Dolphins, and what the Club stands for, and this must continue.

Tour : Due to lack of interest this has been cancelled for the second year in a row.

Attracting New Members : Being a single side Club we are reliant on players attracting new members and Gully reminded us of this fact. It will be especially important this season due to the changing commitment of a number of players.

Vice Presidents : It was recorded that regrettably Don Basey passed away during last year. Also, it has been decided that we have not had any contact with Chris Randall for such a long time that it was appropriate to remove him from the list. In replacement it was agreed that both Gavin Hamilton and Kevin Rowan would be invited to become a VP. Also, it was proposed that Mike Lacey become a VP in recognition of his work for the Club and his forthcoming relocation out to Hong Kong and the offer was accepted.

State of pitch and changing rooms : Jason commented on how it appeared as if only 4/5 of the 10 pitches were used last season and it was agreed that Rich Gilbert would write to John O’Conner asking for a greater variety of fully prepared pitches next season as well as improved showers. It was requested that Rich pursue a response in this regard as previous requests have fallen on deaf ears.

Tom Roche, our very own ‘kit monitor’, had an example shirt to see whether people were interested in getting a new one. Details will be added to the website but please let Tom know if you are interested in purchasing a new club shirt (cost c£15-16).

In recognition of Mike Lacey and his family moving out to Hong Kong for a couple of years, Tony Hall remembered playing cricket there and provided some details of clubs, whilst Graham Downes paid tribute and awarded a Club calendar.

It was also recorded that William Downes has been accepted into the District squad and has regional trials coming up. Good luck Will!

Paul Jubb closed the evening by thanking Roger Gregory (in his absence) for his service to the Club not only as player, captain and ‘senior pro’ but also latterly as captain. We obviously hope he stays in contact with the club and that we see him from time to time.

Meeting Closed.