AGM 2023

1. Welcome

Rod Owen, Vice President, opened the meeting by ringing the bell. It was stated that this was the 189th year of the Club.

A one-minute silence was held to remember those who had passed away during the year, with a special mention of Anita Davies, a Life Member who had been a member since 1986.

2. Apologies

No apologies were received.

3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The previous meeting was held on 23rd March 2022. The minutes were not read out as they had been displayed on the noticeboard.

There were no objections, so they were accepted as correct and signed by Rod Owen.

4. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

5. Election of President

Resignation

David Horton had resigned as President.

Nomination

Peter Hodnett was proposed by Jerry Roper and seconded by Alison Bowdler.

Introduction

Peter introduced himself:

• Member since 1970
• Former BT Engineer
• Director of HR-5 Hospital Board

He described the Club as a safe, social haven.

Outcome

Elected by show of hands.
Rod Owen handed over the Chair to Peter Hodnett.

6. Auditor’s Report (Year Ended 31 December 2020)

Presentation

Matthew Morris (Folkes Worton) presented the report.

Financial Summary

• Deficit: £11,000 (considered reasonable)
• Bar & Catering: back to pre-Covid levels
• Price increases implemented to maintain margins
• Energy costs increased fourfold
• Snooker, events, and activities returned to pre-Covid levels
• Wages reduced due to manager retirement (expected to rise again)
• Balance sheet: £135,000

Questions & Clarifications

Bar Sales

Queried by John Tyler.
Mike Morris clarified cost vs gross/net figures.

Subscriptions

• £45,000 (2022) vs £49,000 (2021)
• Explained due to voucher timing and VAT adjustments

Snooker Income

• Net surplus: £25,000
• VAT differences explained

Professional Fees

Covers accountants, QuickBooks, and till systems.

Bank Funds

Carl Southwick explained:

• 4 bonds of £30,000
• Mature every 3 months
• Reinvested if not needed

Members were satisfied with explanations.

7. Adoption of Accounts (31 December 2022)

Accounts were adopted unanimously by show of hands.

8. Vote of Thanks to Retiring Officers

Re-election

Mike Morris was re-elected.

Retirement

Brian Winnington retired.

Acknowledgement

Thanks given to both.

9. Chairman’s Report

Financial Challenges

• Rising gas and electricity costs (£35,000 → £85,000)
• Minimum wage and NI increases
• Supply cost increases

Actions Taken

• Government grants accessed
• Old boiler decommissioned (saving £3,000/month)

Membership

• 2022: 574 members
• 27 new members in 2023
• Approx. 6 new members/month
• 402 car park members / 182 door-only

Activities

Increased bookings and events for 2023.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to:

• Carl Southwick & Wayne Grew (Junior Snooker Academy)
• Linda Wright & Bridge Members
• David Hunt (Entertainment)
• Staff, Committee, and Members

No questions were raised.

10. Election of Vice Presidents

Eric Buchan, Alison Bowdler, and Linda Wright were elected by show of hands.

11. Life Members

None.

12. Election of Treasurer

Mike Morris proposed (Alison Bowdler) and seconded (Eric Buchan).
Elected by show of hands.

13. Election of Auditors

Folkes-Worton proposed and seconded.
Approved unanimously.

14. Election of Committee Members

Retiring

Brian Winnington

New/Elected Members

Colin Elcock

• Proposed: Chris Taylor
• Seconded: Margaret Cumpson
• Background: Former Dudley Council employee, County Councillor, wine trade business owner

David Hunt

• Proposed: Debbie Owen
• Seconded: Steve Rice
• Background: Musician, entertainment organiser

Mike Morris

Re-elected

All approved by show of hands.

15. Correspondence

General

No correspondence.

Rule Amendment

Amendment to Rule 7(d) (President rules):

• Displayed on noticeboard
• No objections
• Approved by show of hands

16. New Trustees

Mike Morris and Steve Rice were proposed and accepted unanimously.

17. Any Other Business

Parking Issues

• Barriers raised during certain evenings
• Causes fairness concerns for paying members
• Action to be reviewed by Committee

Visitor Management

• Casual visitors should be signed in
• Membership card system discussed
• Responsibility unclear

Membership Cards

• Only one plastic card per member
• No card for nominated persons

Communication Improvements

AGM Minutes Distribution

• Proposal to email members
• Already available on website

Digital Access

• Suggestion for secure login system
• Example: Kinver system

Committee Updates

• Proposal for abridged monthly reports

Email Management

• Need to maintain updated records

All items to be reviewed by the Committee.

18. Vote of Thanks to the President

Proposed by Jerry Roper and agreed by all.

19. Closure of the Meeting

Meeting closed at 8:50 pm.