ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
THE CUMBERLAND LAWN TENNIS CLUB AND HAMPSTEAD CRICKET CLUB
HELD IN THE CLTC CLUBHOUSE ON
WEDNESDAY 21st APRIL 2010 at 7.00pm
The Meeting was attended by the following Main Committee members and 88 other Club members, S Jones (Chairman), J. Barlow (Honorary Secretary), A Brooks (Honorary Treasurer), R Churchman (Asst. Honorary Secretary), Mrs M Brooks (Tennis Chair), A Webster (Squash Chair), Mrs C Goreham, Ms R Dodge, Mr J Potter and Mr C Woodruffe.
1. Minutes of the Combined Clubs AGM held on 21st April 2009
The Minutes were approved and signed as a correct record of the Meeting.
2. Chairman’s Report 2009
The Chairman’s report had been circulated to the membership by hard copy or by email prior to the Meeting.
Simon Jones reviewed the highlights of the Club’s year, stating that there had been concern about the effect of recession on membership numbers but that the majority of members had renewed and that the Club was as near capacity for 2009/2010. SJ said that May subscription renewals were about to be collected for this year and that although the Main Committee were assuming that similar numbers would renew, the Club does have a cash cushion and could elect to defer capital projects planned for 2010 if necessary. The Chairman said that, in line with trying to modernise methods, the Club is persuading members to pay by Direct Debit which makes administration both easier and cheaper. SJ added that although there were initial setup costs, some 900 May renewal members have agreed to pay by this method and that other sections will be asked to sign up this year. The Chairman thanked Richard Churchman for his assistance in setting up Direct Debit for the Club.
SJ thanked Michelle Wheeler for all the support she gives members as General Manager, supported by Peta Churchman in the office and thanked Steve Jarvis our Head Groundsman who continues to produce both excellent grass courts and cricket field.
The Chairman reported on the ongoing refurbishment works to both Clubhouses, to include a new heating system at CLTC which will provide continual hot water, and more drainage and redecoration work at HCC.
SJ reported that the Club was about to submit the Planning Application for floodlighting on HCC courts 6-8, and if successful these would be in place for September this year – although if necessary this capital expense could be deferred.
SJ said that the Club would like to change the synthetic grass court surface at HCC to one more compatible with tennis, and is in talks with the Girls Public Day School Trust.
The Chairman thanked Regina Dodge and Jim Carter for their efforts in keeping regular dialogue with our neighbours to update them on the Club’s plans.
SJ reported that on the tennis front, our Ladies again won the Middlesex League Premier division, the Middlesex Cup for a record 15 years and got the National Club League team into the new AEGON Regional Division 1. Our Mens 1st and 2nd teams retained their places in the Middlesex League Premier division, but they unexpectedly lost in the 2nd round of the Middlesex Cup.
The Chairman highlighted results from the Club annual Tennis Championships with Gemma O’Donoghue beating Michelle Barber to lift the Ladies Open Singles trophy
and Colin Taylor winning over Pierre Pourquery to become Mens Open Singles champion. SJ reported that Edgar Mehl was the oldest ever event winner in the Mens Handicap Doubles – together with 11-year old Ben Jones as the youngest ever event winner with his mother Caroline in the Mixed Handicap. The Chairman thanked the tournament Referee Mike Marsh together with Peta Churchman and Anna Hay for their support in running a very successful competition. SJ thanked Marilyn Brooks for her sterling work in driving forward the tennis section, and for Chairing the Junior Tennis Committee which strives to maintain a balance between junior and senior tennis.
SJ thanked Chris Bradnam and his team of coaches for their work in the Tennis School, and during 2009 building 5 performance squads under the direction of David Turfrey which has lifted the standard of junior tennis immeasurably as was in evidence on Junior Finals Day.
The Chairman reported that the LTA Mens Futures event last August was won by Colin Fleming, and that the Club has been invited to host a Mens $10,000 event again in 2010 from 4-11 September.
SJ thanked both Donald Macleod and Brian Hatton for representing the Club at the Centenary Association AGM in 2009 and that the Club continues to participate in ongoing CTC events. David Turfrey took 8 Under 12 junior players to an 8-club event at Carrickmines LTC in Ireland in August, and the Club intends to take part in the same event in 2010 together with an addition Under 14 event in Prague. SJ said that it is hoped that CLTC will host a CTC event in 2011.
The Chairman reported that Wednesday Club Nights continued to be well supported but that there were some issues around Saturday Club Afternoon which would be dealt with separately.
SJ thanked Richard Churchman who heads up a group of Trustees of the Eleanor Caplin Fund comprising Marilyn Brooks, Scott Grieve and Debbie McCormack – who look after the investment and distribution of monies in the Fund.
SJ then thanked Alun Webster on behalf of the squash membership for his work as
Chair, and thanked Zubair Khan who continues to run individual and junior coaching
programmes at the Club, and also organised another successful London Open I
in November with 12 of the world’s top 100 players. SJ said that the Club hopes to
repeat the event in 2010 but needs more sponsors!
The Chairman thanked Rikki Kent for his contribution in many ways to the squash
Section, running the leagues and tirelessly running Monday night Club Night.
On the cricketing front, SJ reported quite a successful 2009 season, with the 1st XI
retaining their position in the Premier Division. The Chairman said that Paul
Weekes who joined as Director of Cricket a few years ago would be retiring as a
Club player next season but staying on with us as a coach.
SJ reported that Frank Berendt had decided last year to stand down as Chairman
of HCC and thanked him for his tremendous input to the club during his tenure
as Chairman and added his welcome to Jim Carter as the new Chairman. SJ said that HCC President Chris Winn was also standing down and thanked him for the large part he has played In the development of Hampstead Cricket Club.
The Chairman thanked both Roger Carter and Alan Brooks for their work with our flourishing Colts section.
SJ reported that Timur Asar was standing down as Hockey Chair and thanked him for all his work within a thriving sporting section that will now be led by his successor Ali Toner.
The Chairman thanked Alan Brooks for his enormous amount of work as Treasurer in what has become a big business.
SJ thanked Steve McCormack and the Social Committee for organising many good events that have invigorated the social arm of the Club, and welcomed Anna Hay as the new Chair. Steve McCormack added that thanks were in fact due more to Anna Hay and Nick Jones who were more in charge.
The Chairman thanked David Iwi for organising the fortnightly Bridge evenings, who in turn wanted to express his thanks to Colin Hess for all his work and support.
SJ reported that the Club managed to win our annual Cricket match against the All England LTC in September and that Steve Jarvis had the honour of being awarded his 68-run Man of the Match award by Martina Hingis.
The Chairman thanked Pat Broadway for his commitment to running an enjoyable Golf Society for many years, and said that Sue Edwards and Avril Munro would now be taking over.
SJ thanked Ray Kershaw for his continued organisation of the Backgammon matches against prestigious clubs in a league CLTC won last year. The Chairman also thanked Alex Edwards for his hard work with the development and maintenance of the Club website and Chris Bradnam added his thanks for the special tennis leagues computer programming that Alex has produced for the Club.
The Chairman offered his warm thanks to James Barlow for his expertise with all things legal, devoting many hours to helping the Club and thanked the other Management Committee members – Charles Woodruffe, Regina Dodge, Jonathan Potter and Celia Goreham. SJ reported that Regina and Jonathan were standing down and thanked RD for her help in building bridges with our neighbours and corporate governance work, and thanked JP who was one of the architects of the merger with HCC.
SJ thanked Adrian Kocurova and Rob Kocur who successfully keep an eye on all bar and catering operations at both Clubhouses.
Jonathan Potter thanked Simon Jones for the hours of devotion he commits to the Club throughout the year as Chairman.
3. To approve the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2009
The Accounts and Treasurer’s report were circulated prior to the Meeting.
Alan Brooks started by reiterating our concern in 2009 that the credit crunch would
hit subscription income and overall Club finances but that he was pleased to report
that subscriptions and entrance fee income increased by 6% on 2008 despite
several private and corporate clubs seeing reduced membership numbers.
AB said that a review of happy hour prices had led to increases in bar margins and
profits, and reported that no drinks were being sold below cost now. The Hon
Treasurer added that to finance the acquisition of some furniture and fittings for the
HCC clubhouse, prices at HCC were increased and happy hour prices withdrawn in
the summer.
AB reported that miscellaneous income was down this year – partly predicted with
the withdrawal of some sponsorship monies following the economic downturn. AB
added that losses of £5,000 were incurred with the cancellation of the Summer Ball.
The Hon Treasurer said that contributions from the Tennis School had increased,
and with further increases to come through in 2010, AB thanked Chris Bradnam for
his positive reaction to these increases and the reasons behind them.
AB reported that low interest rates meant that interest on our healthy cash balance was no longer generating a useful contribution to our income, and that overall income
was up by 5% on last year.
AB reported that Ground, House and Admin costs were up 8% on 2008, disregarding
a transfer of £30,000 to the facilities improvement provision for tennis court resurfacing. AB said that house and bar payroll accounted for the majority of cost increases, due to the problems of attracting longer term bar staff and energy costs which in 2010 should reflect the reviews undertaken by outside energy consultants and a more efficient heating system which is currently being installed in the CLTC clubhouse.
The Hon Treasurer reported that irrecoverable VAT and sporting activities costs were £38,000 lower than last year, and that the overall total expendure was in line with 2008 before the transfer to the facilities improvement provision.
AB reported that the Balance Sheet for the combined Clubs remains strong, with no borrowings and the loans shown in the Accounts will be written off to income in 2010 as the Club is unable to trace any of the former members. AB said that the cash balance of £495,000 at 31st December is before approximately £200,000 of costs expected in 2010 before the main subscription receipts coming through in early May this year.
The Hon Treasurer invited questions from members.
Alex Edwards asked if the Club was registered for VAT: AB said that we were but
VAT is not charged on playing subscriptions, and so we only receive about 10%
Back. Simon Jones added that the Club does not pay tax on profits, provided these
are ploughed back in.
Ginny Greenwood asked what had happened to the Bill Blake Fund. SJ replied that this effectively ran out of money and the Fund was amalgamated with the Eleanor Caplin Fund so that member contributions still support Juniors. Ginny Greenwood said that contributions would cease now that Direct Debit is the method of subscription payment and suggested a percentage of subscription income might be put into the Fund. AB replied that the Club provides additional financial support for the charitable programmes and SJ added that the income coming through from the Tennis School will help provide extra funds for junior development in conjunction with the EC Fund. Richard Churchman explained that the EC Trust is a registered charity and donations can therefore be made through fund-raising events, etc.
Sue Boucher asked if the club were targeting disadvantaged children. Marilyn Brooks replied that not only was there now new strict criteria for those performance players in the EC squads but each summer the Club runs summer tennis camps for children from local state schools, and any child showing potential will be supported by the Fund. MB reported that Marley Moat was such a child who now has club membership and is a member of our performance squads, financed by the EC Trust.
Maeve Turner asked if disadvantaged children are offered free membership. SJ and MB confirmed that on an individually assessed basis, membership and equipment may be financed by the Trust. Richard Churchman added that last year 188 children from 4 local state schools were invited to the summer camp, and 100 attended over 4 weeks, with 50% of these attending all sessions and therefore given new rackets which were presented to them at their school assemblies. RC said that this year we were going to invite 6 schools.
Ray Kershaw asked if any of the capital expenditure to HCC would be funded by the Girls Public Day School Trust. AB replied that any new item in excess of £25,000 is funded by the School, but any item less than this is paid by the Club in return for a peppercorn rent. AB added that the Club would approach the School to share any significant expenditure.
Darren Lee asked what items were included in depreciation of the Grounds: AB replied that this covered all court furniture such as nets, floodlights, etc.
The Accounts as proposed were seconded and approved.
Election of Officers of the Clubs
The following constitutional nominations were proposed, seconded and elected:
Donald Macleod as President of CLTC
Simon Jones as Chairman
James Barlow as Honorary Secretary
Richard Churchman as Asst. Honorary Secretary
Alan Brooks as Honorary Treasurer
5. Election of Chairman of Tennis, Cricket, Squash and Hockey Committees
The following sub-Committee Chairmen were nominated, proposed, seconded and elected:
Tennis – Marilyn Brooks
Squash – Alun Webster
Cricket – Jim Carter
6. Election of Members of the Main Committee
SJ said that as Anna Hay had withdrawn her nomination form, this left 4 candidates for 4 places. The following were re-elected as members of the Main Committee:
Celia Goreham
Charles Woodruffe
and Zoe Billingham and Dmitri Kennaway were welcomed onto the Committee.
7. Re-appointment of Collards
It was proposed that Collards be re-appointed as Auditors for the current financial year. This was seconded and approved.
8 & 9 Resolutions for Amendments to HCC Constitution
James Barlow said that a change to the constitution of HCC was needed to satisfy our application for Clubmark accreditation (and future additional funding) which has been granted subject to the following changes in the existing rules:
- lady cricketers to be accepted as full Cricket members of the Club.
- parents and guardians of Colts to be accepted as members without a vote.
- the removal of Proposer and Seconder on nominations to the Committee for
those people who do not know anyone at the club
JB added that constitutionally these changes have to be made to the rules of both Clubs. SJ said that the cricket section has given their undertaking of the above changes to get their accreditation, and that this vote was for a formalisation of changes that were already in place.
JB asked for a show of hands as follows:
Those in favour of the above rule changes to CLTC constitution: the Meeting returned a unanimous vote in favour.
Those in favour of the above rule changes to HCC constitution: the Meeting returned a unanimous vote in favour.
The Chairman reported that he had received 3 resolutions regarding tennis Saturday Club Afternoon and that at the preceding EGM it had been agreed that only Tennis members should be allowed to decide on these. SJ said that in the current Club rules, the Chairman can call a poll of tennis members and advised that at this Meeting there would be a discussion only, and that a vote would be put by post to tennis members following this Meeting.
James Barlow reported that the following resolutions had been submitted for discussion at this Meeting:
Resolution 1: that Saturday Club Afternoon should be abolished
Resolution 2: that 5 courts be made available to Saturday Club Afternoon
Resolution 3: that an invitation be extended to supporters of the above to attend the
next Tennis Committee meeting to discuss and try to find an
acceptable solution
JB invited views from members.
Bernard Finniston said that Club Afternoon should be abolished as 1 weekly Club Night was enough, and that Saturday is a peak day with additional court pressure which puts members not wanting to join in at a disadvantage.
David Goreham summarised his group’s Club Afternoon views – pointing out that with Saturday Club Afternoon attendance often reaching 24, the waiting time with only 3 courts available could result in loss of interest or members potentially leaving the club. DG added that a solution would be for Saturday to become more like a Wednesday evening, with potentially all courts being available (or a minimum of 5).
Gad Heuman said that there was nothing wrong with the principle of Saturday Club Afternoon, but the reality was that a relatively small number of people were turning up every week to play more or less uninterrupted for 2 hours. GH added that it was not the culture of Cumberland to have a Saturday Club Afternoon and the debate had become divisive and antagonistic, and Club Afternoon had not served its purpose but had become a ‘club within a club’.
Dmitri Kennaway said that he did not play Club Afternoon because the lack of courts meant a restricted time limit for players. DK added that if Saturday sessions were more like a Wednesday evening, this would attract more members and not be seen to be a clique.
Nicky Minter-Green said that having recently joined he sees it from a new member perspective, and felt that Club Afternoon was a natural and important route to integration in the Club. NMG said that it was a valuable USP for the club, but could be improved if a higher standard of player could be attracted.
Paul Beard said that when he joined HCC, they had 2 Club Nights a week.
Valerie Barber said she thought Club Afternoon should exist in some way, but be changed so that members do not have to wait so long to get on court.
Ellen Burgess said Club Afternoon was the best way to get to meet people, and suggested balancing the number of courts to the number of players. The Chairman replied that this had been tried before following weeks of discussion and negotiation by the former Tennis Chair, John Taylor, with Club Afternoon representatives and he felt it was time for the wider tennis membership to make the decision.
Darren Lee asked if coaching could be eliminated on Saturday afternoons to ease court pressure.
The Chairman said that Resolution 3 had been submitted by the Tennis Committee so that interested parties could put their views at a separate meeting. SJ added that the Tennis Committee felt in principle that social tennis is vital to the club and a vehicle for people to meet. The Chairman emphasised that at weekends there is mainly tennis played socially. internal league matches and club matches on fixed times and dates (which the Club tries to stagger and minimise). SJ said that we want to find a way forward to meet the needs of all members.
Regina Dodge said she was in favour of Resolution 3: she felt it was important to integrate new members, but said having leagues does this too. RD commented that the court booking system requires all members to potentially have to wait for a court, and that the social aspect of tennis is also about having drinks with your partners whilst waiting to play.
Edgar Mehl said that as courts were often marked up for matches but not always released when no longer in use, he felt there should permanently be someone in charge of the board. SJ said this suggestion would be considered.
Ginny Greenwood said when she first joined everyone played Wednesday Club Nights and she felt that with the push for new members, the Club had allowed the entry
standard to drop which is putting better players off from coming to Club Night. GG
added that the club needs to attract better players, so she suggested that starting Saturday Club Afternoon later and running this into Happy Hour and providing food
should be a good incentive.
Barry Brown asked how the vote works, and what happens if the majority opt for Resolution 3 and there is no clear outcome from the meeting with the Tennis Committee? SJ replied that the whole tennis section would have to decide.
Charles Boucher said that members not at this AGM would just see stark resolution choices on a voting paper, without the benefit of hearing this discussion. SJ replied that consideration would be given to adding thoughts of members on both sides of the issue.
David Brown asked if the meeting could be set for a Saturday – or the weekend at least.
Mike Marsh then stated that the CLTC Sportilan courts are flooding and asked if they are to be replaced. The Chairman replied that we have the problem of a river running below our courts and added that each year we measure the pile and rake it. SJ said that the life of this surface is 10-15 years and as we are getting towards the end of it, the Club will call the experts in to report on them.
Jono Sumner asked if the Club could install a Webcam for members to be able to view the condition of the courts. SJ replied that there is a Child Protection issue which forbids cameras.
Sultan Gangji suggested that if the 2 clubs had been merged for 11 years, was there now a case for having just one constitution for a re-named combined club? SJ answered that there would be substantial Stamp Duty costs and that we have to legally remain as two clubs. Jim Carter added that there would be resistance to this from the Cricket Club.
Stephen Booth asked how much did the Club make from our Shop – and felt if re-designed it would attract more custom. SJ replied that we did ask outside operators to have a look at a possible franchise, but there was insufficient money in it for them. SJ added that there is limited range within a limited space, making it impossible to make money from such a small turnover. Alan Brooks said that the Club made £7,000 from the shop last year following a loss in 2008. AB added that cricket colts clothing will be sold in it this year and reiterated that there are no staffing costs associated with it as it is not a separate operation.
Therese Raphael asked if the Club would consider selling branded stock? SJ replied that this could certainly be considered.
Jim Carter then re-inforced thanks to Frank Berendt who stood down as HCC Chairman in October, and who had dedicated 10 years of his life to the Club. JC also thanked Chris Winn who has stood down as HCC President for all his support and encouragement during his tenure and welcomed the newly selected President Doug Graham who has served HCC for many years as official Scorer.
The Meeting ended at approximately 8.30pm