Committee Meeting, 12th September 2005

These notes cover the main points that were discussed at the meeting, a full set of minutes will be posted in the Clubhouse about 2 weeks after the meeting.
Captain's Report / Rowing Committee report

Gill said that there are a lot of people rowing at the moment and we need better organisation to get the most out of the Club. There will be a meeting of the Rowing Committee before the AGM to discuss how to organise rowing next year. This discussion will include a plan for getting a better transition from raw beginner to novice rowing for new members.

We are still trying to resolve what to do about the damaged launch engine. The difference in price between rebuilding the engine and buying a new one appeared to be small and with a new engine we would get a 2 year guarantee. It was agreed that we should purchase a new engine.

The Club has been offered a 2 person inflatable launch with rigid deck plus an engine for free. Mark commented that this would be ideal for coaching Project Oarsome members and it was agreed to accept the offer.

Mark said that the back lights on the trailer have been broken, probably when manoeuvring to get it close to the wall. He suggested having separate chains and padlocks for each trailer so that they do not need to parked so close to the wall.

Mark also noted several occasions when the trailer had been unloaded and the ties not put away.

Deirdre asked if she could take "Roger Stephens" to be mended at a cost of £250. Gill will add this to her list of things to check with Caroline.

The boat naming for "Ade Wilson" was held on Sunday 4th September.

Wins:
S2 2- at Bewdley, Bristol, Ross (G. Hill, A Squire); S4 2x at Bewdley (A Squire, L Squire); WS3 8+ at Stourport (S England, J Brecknell, L Pugh, J Kinnet, H Smith, R Pratley, K Longstaff, A Miguel-Lopez, cox P Hills); WJ 4- Coupe de la Jeunesse (Gold) (J Cogger in a GB composite); WS2 2x Stourport, WS3 2- Stourport Sprint (S Cook, N Ross); N 8+ Ross (???? (cox)), WNV 1x Ross Veterans (G Jones), J15 2x Worcester V&J (H Sansum, D Pollard), WJ14x+ Worcester V&J (L Springham, L Bowdler, J Ashworth, L Heyman, Cox P Pollard).

Secretary's Report

The Magistrate's licence has been renewed. The City Council has issued our licence under the new licencing regime.

Treasurer's Report

Subscriptions for 2006/7 were discussed but no firm conclusion could be reached in the absence of financial information. (Caroline was unwell on the day of the meeting). Following large increases in recent years there was a feeling that there should be little or no increase this year. However, membership numbers are down and the Club's finances are not healthy. If rates of subscription are to be held we will need to be better organised at attracting and retaining new members - the Rowing Committee discussions mentioned above will address this issue.

Membership

Rachael Maker (Cox/coach) was approved as a new member.

The monthly payment of subscriptions was reviewed. It was felt that this had proved more difficult to police than anticipated and this will have to be addressed next year. There was agreement that we should continue to allow monthly payment.

Safety

Deirdre reported that there had been another collision recorded in the safety book.

Following an earlier exchange of correspondence with British Waterways concerning safety and, in particular, passing through red lights at the bridges, they have now invited ourselves and Wycliffe to a meeting to discuss safety issues. Mark and Deirdre will attend.

The Fire and Safety laws have changed. They do not affect us directly as we do not have any employees but we should do a fire safety risk assessment.

Futures Committee

A meeting was held with the Gloucester Playing Fields Association to discuss a possible grant towards our new boathouse development. They thought that they would be able to help us.

There has been some work on a plan for seeking sponsorship for both rowing activities and the new boathouse.

Regatta Committee

There was discussion of the decision to cancel the regatta and what we need to do to ensure that we can run next year's events.

Fund Raising Committee

Nicki said that she will arrange a meeting soon to discuss a plan for fund raising for the next 12 months.

WAGS

Gill reported that the ARA has announced that there will be no replacement CDO for the WAGS region. The ARA expects the gap to be filled by the Region's volunteer officers but this is placing quite a burden on them and the WAGS Executive committee is considering resigning in protest. It is not clear what effect this will have on the clubs in the region.

Premises

Mark reported several incidents of the Club not being properly closed up.

Phil and Brian reported that the toilet in the Ladies changing room has been mended. The shower in the Ladies need attention, Phil and Brian will arrange for them to be serviced.

AOB

The Club photo for 2003/4 and 2004/5 will be taken before the AGM - Gill to organise.

Gill thanked the Committee for the support that they had given during her time as Captain. Mark thanked her for all the effort that she had put in over the previous 2 years and the Committee echoed this sentiment.

Date of AGM: Monday 3 October 2005 at 7.30pm
Date of next Committee meeting: Monday 17th October 2005 at 7.30pm. (Provisional)