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OWLS AC. LEICESTER
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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2003 11.00am AT THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, BUSHLOE END, WIGSTON PRESENT John Alcock (Chairman), Mick Jordan (Treasurer), Ramon Howe (Sec) & 6 members APOLOGIES Les Chesterton, Sandra Grimes, Jenny Clark, Bernie Baggott, Bob Pople, Rob Orr Carole Priestley MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS AGM HELD 27 JAN 2002 The Minutes were accepted as a true record. MATTERS ARISING i) Saffron Lane Track. Wayne Walker reported that the original development plan was based on the concept of one club at Saffron Lane. Since rejection of this plan, Sport England requires a new plan for Saffron Lane Users as a whole, and this is being drafted for submission to a Working Party in February. Any funds available will be from UK Athletics via City Council. ii) Change of Name. The Chairman reminded the meeting of what had transpired since the proposal passed at the 2001 AGM to change the name to “Leicester Owls AC”. The Secretary then advised he had taken over the issue, dealing with Geoff Durbin, new Chairman at MCAA. He read out a letter dated 18 Jan 03 from Mr Durbin again refusing to accept the name change, but endeavouring to be helpful by suggesting alternatives. These alternatives were not acceptable to the meeting, but, after some discussion, it was agreed that the name “Owls Leicester AC” would be acceptable, if the original proposal was finally totally rejected. The Secretary agreed to approach “Roadhoggs Leicester AC” for ammunition. Wayne Walker felt we should not pursue this alternative until we had an answer to a) Was it the County Assn who first determined no two clubs should carry the same town name in their title? If so, can we see the Minute? b) Was it a previous ruling of MCAA which laid down this principle? The Secretary agreed to pursue this with MCAA and County Assn. CLUB REPORTS Guthlaxton Section Wayne Walker reported the Section was in some disarray. The Seniors in the squad were doing OK, but success at younger age groups was selective. Membership had reduced, and efforts on recruitment, particularly through schools, would have to be increased. The need for a suitable club base, preferably at Saffron Lane, was paramount to give the club and its supporters an identity and develop morale. The Website had been a great help in communication, and is used quite extensively by this Section. Girls Section John Alcock reported that the Sprint Section was doing well, but middle to long distance was not so good, and some members had moved to other clubs, resulting in quite a turnover of members in the Section. The general view is that the Section is only “ticking over”. Legion Section Ramon Howe reported another successful year, with membership remaining around 90. The Ladies won the Leicestershire Road Running League title, with Sandra Grimes winning a Vet title. The Men also did well, finishing 4th in Div I, as did the Men's Vets. The Owls John Fraser 10 was successfully organised, and profitable. We have joined the Derby Runner Cross-Country League, to provide X-C competition for the Legion standard of runner. Social and Training events have been organised, and we look forward to 2003. The Secretary is conscious of the need to support other Sections of the Club, and is circulating members to see if more can be done in this direction. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS Guthlaxton Section Wayne Walker presented Rob Orr’s report. Overall, the financial situation looks healthy, but this is due to receipt of a UK Athletics Grant of £1450, which has to be spent on specifics, such as coach education, coaching in schools and the community, physio-screening etc. There is a need to chase up membership fees and improve the system with regard to collection of fees for Guthlaxton sessions. More fund raising is required. Girls Section John Alcock presented Neil Carter’s report. Whilst income is reducing, expenditure is under control. Travel expenses have been eliminated. Attendees at Saffron Lane pay at the door and fees for Guthlaxton training sessions are income for Guthlaxton Section, to set against charges for use of facilities. Legion Section Mick Jordan presented his report. The financial position continues to be healthy. Member's subscriptions continue at the same level. Expenditure on race fees and social events are recovered from members. The Owls 10 race was more profitable, mainly due to an increase in the number of runners. The race may not be so profitable in 2003, as it does not have Summer League status this year. Rent for use of Legion premises is suspended whilst we do not have use of the Concert Room. The Section is happy to fund the whole of the Website costs on behalf of all Sections. Working & Emergency Funds (Club) Mick Jordan presented his report. The Working Fund mainly deals with Section Levies and payments to Affiliated Bodies, and with expenses relating to the Presentation Night. With regard to the Presentation Night, collection of monies from Sections has been unsatisfactory and time consuming, and the Treasurer has tabled a motion to change the approach. Peter Sylvester queried why we held so much money in the Emergency Fund account, and suggested some of it might be used on general club expenditure, like Presentation Nights. However, it was felt the reserve should be kept intact for unforeseen expenses, or for major club development costs, such as a dedicated clubhouse, etc. ELECTION OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS Chairperson John Alcock had already advised his intention to stand down due to work commitments and a reducing involvement with the Club. No nomination for the position was forthcoming, and John agreed to continue as Acting-Chairman for the foreseeable future. He was thanked for past services. He will continue to serve on the Management Committee. Treasurer Mick Jordan agreed to continue in office, and was re-elected by the members. Secretary Ramon Howe agreed to continue in office, and was re-elected by the members. PROPOSALS FOR MOTION Section Levies The proposal was to incorporate Presentation Night costs in Section Levies, using the usual basis of membership numbers to determine allocation. Affiliation fees and Presentation Night Costs amount to £1300, to be divided Guthlaxton £445, Girls £215, Legion £640. Each Section is required to pay their Levy in to the Fund by 30th April each year; otherwise a late payment surcharge of £10 per month will be added. The Proposal was unanimously agreed. Affiliated Bodies The Proposal was to update the listing of Affiliated Bodies as referred to in Section 5 & 16 of the Constitution. This included reference to the newly joined Derby Runner Cross-country League. Wayne Walker asked why, in discussion with Mr Mann of Ivanhoe Runners, he had been led to believe that Owls so called “elite” runners were discouraged from taking part. He was advised that this was probably an attempt to emphasise the relatively low status of the League, but that in practical terms our “elite” runners could not be prevented from participating if they so wished. The proposal was then unanimously agreed. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Club Headquarters Wayne Walker asked that the Constitution reflect the HQ of the Club as “Saffron Lane”, as approved at 2001 AGM. Mick Jordan pointed out that the meeting referred to Saffron Lane or Aylestone Leisure Centre, and no confirmation in writing had been received. The Secretary agreed to approach Mick Loach at Saffron Lane pointing out that our HQ was now there, and seeking his acceptance of this. Website A vote of thanks was passed to Peter Williams for his continuing fine work on the Website. Audit A vote of thanks was passed to Bob Pople for auditing the accounts. 21st Anniversary Bernie Baggott had advised the Secretary that 2003 is the 21st Anniversary of the formation of the Club. He would be willing to chair a working party to make recommendations to recognise this occasion at the Presentation Night. It was suggested Jenny Clark might join him, and they will liase with Guthlaxton and Girls Sections. Quarterly Management Meetings Dates for forthcoming Meetings are to be Mar 11th, June 10th, Sept 9th, and Dec 9th. All Tuesdays, 8.30pm at British Legion. Meeting closed at 1.09pm Ramon Howe. Secretary 21 01 03 |