Minutes of Windmill Angling Club AGM – March 18th, 2024

Venue: Bulls Head, Mottram St Andrew (change of venue due to Turner’s Refurbishment)

Introduction:
Mark Bowden opened the meeting, expressing gratitude to the members for their attendance. He acknowledged apologies for absence received from Paul Davies, Nick Metcalfe, Brian Smith, Paul Abela, Peter Pantiledes, Alistair Gibson, Brian Smith, Allan Kaye, Ben Crosbie, Darren Bergman, Chris Plant, Adam Sebes, Mick Greenhall, Andrew O’Brien, Colin Bowden and Nick Hunt.

Minutes of the Last AGM:
Mark Bowden read out the minutes of the 2023 AGM. These were proposed by Andy Southern and seconded by Bob Hallworth. No matters arising from the minutes were reported.

Secretary’s Report:
Pete Boyce provided updates:
The Solar Aerator is now operational, with plans to reinstate it in the coming weeks after being in storage over the winter.
An application for a further Environment Agency Grant from the 2024 budget has been submitted and awaits feedback.
The club has been notified of the potential to receive Golden Ide from a third party conducting netting at other waters, pending test results.

Treasurer’s Report:
Andy Southern presented the financial report, highlighting that the 2023 Accounts were audited and signed off by our President, Ray Boden. These were available to view on request, but basically show a increase for the year of £295.54, helped, mostly, by some extremely generous donations from our members. The current financial status of the club is £3,013.84 in the bank as of 18/3/24 with the Fish Donations Fund standing at £425 and the General Donations Fund standing at £429. The Insurance for the year had yet to be paid (Approximately £450) – which is an anticipated increase on last year like everything else in current climate.
Club remains in good financial health – significantly more Cash the bank thanks to donations and subs increase.

Match Secretary’s Report:
Stuart Drabble provided updates:
Approval was granted to move the Thales match to July 6th, swapping with the Working Party.
Nick Metcalfe’s wife (Libby) informed us that she would prefer not to do the catering for the Junior match this year. The Committee acknowledged and passed on appreciation the whole club for all her help in previous years and advised/asked the members to consider alternative catering options for this year.
Several matches at Hunters are planned in the coming months, with dates to be confirmed.

Working Party/Fisheries Officer Report:
Bob Hallworth reported:
Hunters is fishing well, meeting the club’s objectives.
Maintenance and improvements are needed, with there first working parties of the year scheduled for April 20th & 21st.

Election of Officers:
The following positions were confirmed, with no changes from the previous year:
President/Honorary Auditor: Ray Boden
Chair: Mark Bowden
Secretary: Pete Boyce
Treasurer, Data Protection, and Assistant Welfare Officer: Andy Southern
Work Parties and Fisheries Officer: Bob Hallworth
Match and Minutes Secretary: Stuart Drabble
Welfare and Aerator Officer: Craig Watson-Parke

Proposals:
Andy Southern outlined proposed rule changes, which were unanimously approved. These include clarifications on membership fees, donation usage, attendance rules for matches, and guidelines for the club’s WhatsApp group.

Any Other Business (AOB):
Mark Bowden discussed ongoing actions to address trustee registration anomalies and sought recommendations for future club policy.

Stuart Drabble agreed to explore organising matches at alternative venues.
Ideas for attracting more junior members, including open days during holidays, were proposed for consideration.

The meeting adjourned at 21:15.