Windmill Angling Club – January 15th 2024
Meeting Minutes
Introduction
Mark Bowden welcomed a substantial gathering to the meeting, with approximately 20 attendees in addition to the Windmill AC committee.
Apologies for Absence
Regrettably, Peter Pantelides, Steve Scott, Allan Kaye, Stephen Dawson, and Ben Crosbie were unable to join the meeting.
Minutes of Last Meeting – June 23 at Hunters Pool
Mark Bowden recapped the minutes of the June 23rd meeting at Hunters Pool, highlighting the key points. The members expressed gratitude to Ray Wills for his generous donation to the stocking fund. Additionally, Andy Southern had secured another Environment Agency grant, successfully used for repairs on the new pool. Progress on the Aerator System installation project was also noted.
Matters Arising
The Aerator project was successfully completed successfully on time and on budget, a large thanks from the members for all the hard work of those involved.
Secretary’s Report
Andy Southern shared that his application for a third grant to support the maintenance and development of Hunters was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he expressed intent to reapply this year. Mark Bowden informed the members that the club’s solicitor have been in contact to inform us that the solicitor there Alan Bradley has sadly passed away and therefore they will no longer be able to deal with club business. However as a result of this, in checking their open files, it has come to their attention that the work we thought they had done for us in 2021 to modify our trustees hadn’t been completed. The change concerned swapping Mike Beswick and Adrian Wood for Bob Hallworth and Andy Southern has been implemented successfully with the land registry. Discussions between Andy Southern & Mark Bowden and Ron at Aboudi Bradley & Co. Solicitors have resulted in the matter being referred to a new Solicitor on our behalf at Bennett’s Solicitors – Jane Ambler with Aboudi Bradley & Co. agreeing to cover the costs. The current position is that Bennett’s are looking into how best to resubmit the Registration without contacting Adrian Wood or Mike Beswick.
Treasurer’s Report
Andy Southern reported a robust bank balance of £3199.80, comprising subs received (£1,480), general donations (£349), and fish stocking donations (£415) for 2024. Recognition was extended to generous donors, and efforts were underway to contact members with pending subs.
Match Secretary
Stuart conveyed gratitude for the support in the previous year’s matches and announced plans for an early spring match. Future match dates would be disclosed closer to the time on the WhatsApp group and via the website.
Working Party Officer
Bob expressed gratitude for the hard work at the pool and outlined plans for the upcoming year, focusing on maintenance, tidying up, and necessary treework during the first working party on the weekend of April 20/21.
Club Welfare Officer
Craig Watson-Parke introduced himself to the members and shared his background and experience in these matters, emphasising the importance of implemented policies for member and club protection. He highlighted the need for juniors to be accompanied by their designated adult (under 18s) for their wellbeing at the pool and to be continued to be covered by our Insurance.
AOB
There are approximately 12 people currently on the waiting list which will be considered for membership once we have been able to confirm the specific numbers who have renewed their membership at the end of January.
Andy Southern briefed the new proposed rule changes to be voted on at the AGM. Pete Turner voiced his concerns on 2 matters which were discussed. 1 concerned the use of donations in emergency situations and the other concerned members who attend Working Parties being given priority when fishing matches. Both amendments will be adjusted accordingly as a result of the discussions held and will be voted on at the AGM.
Paul Davies and Mark Bowden discussed the pros and cons as they see it associated with the removal of the rule which bans the use of Boilies. (Paul’s proposal) – again it was a healthy discussion that will be voted on at the AGM.
Update: Paul Davies has since withdrawn his proposal, so this will not be voted on at the AGM.
Andy Southern indicated that digital membership cards will be available next year to reduce costs and time, with printed versions still available as an option for members who do not want or can not display a digital card.
The meeting concluded at 9:20 pm.
Proposals to vote on at the AGM
Please see following the motions that have been, officially, proposed and seconded and will therefore be voted on at the AGM in March 2024.
1) Multiple Rule & Constitution changes -we went through each one at the January meeting and, they all got wide approval (well, at least no one spoke up against them). The only issues were raised by Pete Turner, which then prompted a debate and then we updated the rule(s) in question – rule 12 as mentioned in point 4.
Proposed by: Andy Southern
Seconded By: Robert Hallworth
2) Realigning of the new OAPs Membership Fees: All new OAPs from March 2024 will pay the same subs as Senior Members. All existing OAPs will continue to pay the discounted rate.
Proposed by: Andy Southern
Seconded By: Robert Hallworth
3) Changing the term “Senior Member” to “Member” and “OAP Member” to “Senior Member”
Proposed by: Andy Southern
Seconded By: Craig Watson-Parke
4) Change Rule 12 to Read: Members donating money to the club should specify whether it’s a “General Donation” or a “Fish-Specific Donation” for buying fish for Hunters Pool. In EXTREME EMERGENCIES, the Committee may seek permission from “Fish-Specific” donors to use funds for other purposes, with the commitment to replenish the fund at the earliest opportunity.
Proposed by: Andy Southern
Seconded By: Craig Watson-Parke