Minutes of the Bowdon Croquet Club Committee Meeting
Monday 18th February 2016
1. Attendance
Ken Cooper; Barry Keen; Carole Kelsall; Kay Martin (minutes); Alan Mayne; Steve
Reynolds; Brian Storey; David Walters (chair).
2. Apologies for Absence
Lorna Frost; Charles Harding; Colin Irwin; Barry McKenzie.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
Approved.
4. Matters Arising
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Following from the December meeting AM had spoken with Frank and Janice
Moir regarding a formal club responsibility for Health and Welfare issues
(visits and sending cards/letters). They were agreeable to undertaking this
task shared with AM and KM.
Also from the December meeting KM reported that the book exchange
shelves were now in operation and seemed to be appreciated. She will
ensure that we do not end up with an excess of books that are not wanted.
BK had circulated details regarding awards and Honorary Life Membership
– this had only just been received and in the absence of several committee
members, discussion was put back to the next meeting.
SR began a lengthy discussion in respect of abandoning the policy decision
that members should not play for more than one of the handicap midweek/weekend teams. The policy had been adopted to avoid teams
becoming cliques and excluding all club members - SR and AM considered
that was no longer a problem. This was opposed by some of the committee
on the basis that it was a safeguard and change was not necessary due to
acceptance that the policy could be put aside if a captain was unable to raise
a team. Lists have been signed by members who wish to be considered for
selection and some would want to play for both mid week and weekend
teams. The four captains are happy with these larger squads and state they
will ensure that everyone gets a chance to play. No consensus could be
reached and it was agreed that the captains should go ahead and select their
teams from the prepared lists, presenting these for review at the next
meeting.
5. Secretary’s Report
BS had received confirmation from the TWG that they accepted our terms and would
play each Tuesday afternoon (he had also informed them of the amended date for
Northern Week).
BS asked for views regarding the extension of our bye law, in respect of smoking
not being allowed in the club house or sheds, to include “E Cigarettes”. This was
agreed by the committee.
A letter from the Federation regarding forthcoming vacancies, that needed to be
filled, had been placed on the notice board and web site.
6. Treasurer’s Report
In his absence B McK had provided copies of this month’s balance sheet
There is a balance of £32,822.
7. Croquet Secretary’s Report
CA Events
- The WCF have issued an updated set of Official GC Rulings
- The New System for GC Handicapping, which was trialled in East Anglia
last year, has been adopted for general use from this season onwards
o Club members who are CA members should ensure that they convert
to and use the new GC handicap cards
o Clubs are also being sent a batch for those people who are not CA
members
 These should be made available so each club member has a
new version for use when playing games in teams or Golf
Competitions. BK will produce a conversion table, based on the
new GC and AC tables, for consideration at the next meeting
 AC players, from 1st April, before playing in competitions
should bring their old card to a member of the Handicap
Committee for the last 10 games to be transferred. The date
games are played is now a requirement.
o Northern Week – a date correction slip was in the new CA Handbook.
Phil Eardley is unable to be manager for the new date. BK is happy to
undertake the task with AM’s assistance if required.
o It was agreed that AM and Graham Good would become Club Golf
Handicappers and the CA informed accordingly.
NWF Events
- League players must produce a handicap card for each match they play,
including the New System GC handicap card with their converted index.
- SR reported that he had been unable to find a volunteer to take over the
Festival of Croquet therefore he will retain responsibility for this year.
Club Events
- A course for 10-20 handicappers has been arranged for 22nd May
- Club AGM same day as NWF AGM (19th November). BS will notify Liz Wilson
prior to the April/March meeting (last year they moved their date).
- The Handicap sub-committee had asked AM to decide upon handicap
changes to take effect from April. He has spoken to those affected and will
provide a list for the committee to issue formally.
- Internal Competition forms have been made available – the E class bisques
are listed at 12 contrary to the 10 decided at the last meeting. Agreed this
should stand.
Solomon Trophy
It was agreed that the subcommittee should meet following Wednesday’s One Ball.
Club Calendar
This is now ready to be issued – the Poppy Roquet Competition listed for 9th and
12th November.
8. Ground Manager’s Report
The lawns have been regularly switched throughout the month. Lawns 1 and 2 have
been reversed to save wear.
Scott Rutter, our agronomist, has visited producing his report and
recommendations. He considers that the lawns are in excellent condition for the
time of year. The ph value of all lawns is just above the lower level of satisfactory
and further lime will need to be applied. This has been done on lawns 1 and 4.
Lawn 2 has been treated with spring feed 4-0-7. The edge of lawn 4 (3yds) near to
the Cinnamon Club, has been covered with degraded cores and top dressing and
then rolled.
The pathway to the garage has been improved by lifting all the rubber mats and
replacing them on top of membrane recovered from the front garden. The stones
have been removed from this garden as instructed.
The hut on lawn 4 has been completely re-felted and all the rotten wood from the
surrounds replaced with new treated and painted timber.
The Summer lawns will be laid out on Thursday 24th March. Lawn 4 will be set out
as permanent short lawns and Lawn 1 will be divided on Wednesdays.
9. Membership/Recruitment/Publicity
Nothing to report.
10. Social Committee Report
KM confirmed that the Annual Dinner has been booked for Friday 25th November –
she will share the menu choices when available but warned that this time we would
be restricted to three choices in each course.
11. Catering
CK advised that she would need help with catering this year.
The tea rota is gradually filling up.
12. House Manager’s Report
BK reported that a number of items had been completed:
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New path lights had been installed that are triggered by a Pi at the gate –
this needs to be adjusted to ensure lights are not triggered by passersby on
the car park, wasting electricity.
The new certification for the club electric system is almost completed.
A new drinks fridge has been installed.
The water leak at the end of the club house has been sealed but remains a
problem also a further leak in the Ladies cloakroom has been identified.
BK is keeping a monthly track of stock/cards/till. Under the very detailed
Bar Rules the committee should be elected every 4 years and should consist
of 4 members. Agreed BK should approach B McK to join the subcommittee.
The electrics and fire alarms have been tested.
13. Equipment Officer’s Report
AM suggested that the ball racks needed painting and asked if the lawn numbers
were necessary? – it was felt these should be retained as required for tournaments.
14. AOB
Liz Wild had spoken with AM asking if Colin’s ashes could be buried at the club. Liz
also suggested that she would like to donate something to the club in his memory –
suggesting a bench. A trophy is needed for the Silver Plate competition and AM and
KM will visit Liz and discuss what she would prefer.
AM suggested that, when the season began, more evening play could be
encouraged by inviting members to come along on a Friday evening combining play
and social – he will set this up.
Meeting closed at 9.55pm
Date of Next Meeting – Monday 14th March 7.30pm
Agenda for next Committee Meeting on Monday 14th March
2016 at 7.30pm
1. Attendance
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
4. Matters Arising
5. Secretary’s Report
6. Treasurer’s report
7. Croquet Secretary’s Report
8. Ground manager’s Report
9. Membership/Recruitment/Publicity
10. Social Sub-committee Report
11. Catering Officer’s Report
12. House manager’s Report
13. Equipment Officer’s Report
14. A.O.B.
15. Date of next Meeting,
7.30pm Monday 11th April 2016.