Annual General Meeting

19th January 2011

Abbeyview Bowling Club 7:00pm

 

Members not present: Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, Crossgates

 

President W Stewart welcomed the Councillors and delegates present and apologised for the lateness of the meeting but felt the correct decision to cancel was taken due to the weather conditions. He congratulated the Matt Purdie team who again reached the final, this time losing out to East Lothian. He thanked the Councillors for their backing throughout his year especially S Pagan and M Dowling. Whilst the Hamilton Trophy team did not fare too well during his tenure he hopes for improvement for next year. His congratulations go to all winners of the finals and in particular to Ewan Farrell for his Scottish Presidency.

 

Apologies for Absence: B Hynd, Nethertown and D Waite, Councillor

 

There was a one minute’s silence held for friends and colleagues who had passed away over the last year.

 

Minutes of the previous AGM, which had been previously circulated were passed on a motion proposed by K McFarlane and seconded by P Coleman.

 

There was no business arising from these minutes.

 

The Secretary’s report had been previously circulated but in particular thanks should go to all clubs who had provided green space, umpires and markers for all West Fife competitions.

 

Treasurer’s Report: M Dowling stated that whilst we are still self sufficient there has been an increase in costs in particular with prizes going to Division winners and to the new Top 5 finalists. It is imperative we continue to raise income through the golden goal and the raffle to sustain the current level of prizes. The balance sheet now shows a balance of over £1,300. There were no questions raised on the balance sheet.

 

S.B.A representative Ewan Farrell gave a report stating that following the AGM of S.B.A we have now amalgamated with the SWAB and have become Bowls Scotland. National championships will be held at Northfield, Ayr from 27th – 31st July. World Bowls have increased the current capitation fees. The Scottish team won the British Isles series, whilst the under 25’s were runner’s up. Congratulations to J Gilruth on retaining his International status and to C Watson on being selected to go to Australia in March/April. SportsScotland still remain as benefactors of Scottish bowling but in the main this funding is used at elite level. Interesting to note that finances are the same as they were before SportsScotland became involved.

 

Changes to the Constitution:

1.       Proposal by Bowhill that the Carnegie Trophy be reduced to 3 rinks per club, seconded by Kingseat. Niall McCall (Dalgety Bay) proposed Status quo seconded by A Wilton (Headwell). The proposal was passed by an overwhelming vote.

2.       Request from Abbeyview be allowed to enter a 2nd team into the league. There were a few questions from the floor regarding specific rules that would need to be put in place if this is agreed however the motion failed as there was no seconder to the proposal.

3.       Proposal from the West Fife Council that Constitution Rule 9 (d) should read – The league competition (3 full rinks) games to start at 6.30pm, 17 ends with 1 trial end. Final to be played on the last Saturday in August. Should a team not have a full compliment of players then 1 rink shall concede 2pts + 8 shots to their opponents and the other 2 rinks shall compete unchanged for the reaming points. – Agreed

4.       Proposal by Rosyth that  the League competition to include 1 point for overall shots difference between the 3 rinks, with 0.5 points to each club in the event of a draw. Seconded by G Rennie (Nethertown). P Coleman (Inverkeithing) proposed status quo seconded by C Martin (West End) – Proposal 11, Status Quo 16

 

Appointment of Officials:

·         President: N Dunnett (Townhill) proposed W Stewart seconded M Dowling

N Dunnett accepted the presidency stating it was a privilege not only for himself but for Townhill B.C. and hoped he would do the position justice. He thanked W Stewart for his efforts over the last year.

·         Vice President: D Waite (West End) proposed W Stewart seconded S Pagan

·         Secretary: S Pagan – unanimous

·         Treasurer: M Dowling – unanimous

 

Appointment of Councillors:

There still remained one post available following the resignation of D Blair (Aberdour). Robert Thomson (Lochgelly) was proposed by S Pagan seconded by M Dowling. As there were no further nominations R Thomson was welcomed onto the Council.

 

Membership Fees:

Treasurer proposed that fees increase from £75 to £80 and a further £5 entry to the Top 5 singles – Agreed. Secretary advised that some clubs had previously paid at the old rates and would need to make up the difference. He would contact those concerned.

 

Any other competent business:

 

The Secretary advises that from season 2012 the Hamilton Trophy would move back 3 weeks as agreed a recent Cities and Counties meeting. This will impact on our competitions and indeed on all clubs internal games. He therefore handed out a proposed diary for season 2012 for the clubs to digest and bring back any queries/worries to the nest AGM.

 

T Hickman (Bowhill) queried why not all clubs sold raffle tickets which is one of the main incomes of the association, and if a penalty can be imposed on those clubs in question. Secretary replied that there are penalties in place but in all honesty are difficult if not illegal to implement. It is hoped that all clubs can do their bit and that the Councillors can ensure that this happens throughout the season.

 

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8:10pm with a vote of thanks to the chair.