AGM – 8th June 2012

Bath Saracens RFC AGM 2012 – Held at “The Ram, Widcombe”
Friday 08th June 2012 at 19:30

Present: Pyles, Biss, Kavanagh, Wildsmith, Garton R, Bradley, Hiscox, Swabey, Penny, Williams, Sawyer.

Apologies: Milne; Garton L; Porter; York, Lawrence

1. Previous Minutes
Previous Minutes have been published and no comments or objections received.

2. Secretary’s Report
General comments

– There were 11 meetings of the committee. Average number attending each meeting was 7.
– From my viewpoint, it has been a relatively smooth season. Our major ongoing issue has been the need to establish a single membership database allowing smooth communications by all officers.
– We competed this season in D&W Division I (North). Competition proved tough and a rising injury toll, a fall-off in player availability and early administrative errors led to a disappointing finish in bottom spot.
– An anticipated re-structure to the D&W leagues has not taken place and following relegation to D&W II we await information on next years fixtures
– Geometry PR have indicated that they wish to continue sponsoring the club for next season
– We continue to be affiliated to the Somerset RFU
– Rimmer as team manager has proved invaluable in the effective organisation of teams over much of the season.
– We owe Tony Milne many thanks for his hard work over three seasons as Club Captain.

Sulis Club – Position Statement
We have continued to receive sponsorship from the CSSA (Bath) for the costs of training and playing at the Sulis Club. Post-match entertainment has once-again been hosted at the Hadley Arms, who have provided both a warm welcome and great food.

International Tickets
Mike York continued to manage our International Ticket allocation over the last year and has ensured that all club members wishing to attend Englands’ home games have been able to do so.

Social Comments
– Rob Garton has organised a number of social events over the year, including an epic trip to Morganians. Thanks to Rob for all his hard work, culminating in another successful annual dinner.

Recruitment
Like all clubs and societies Bath Saracens can only continue to exist with a life-blood of new players joining the team. With our lack of league success this year recruitment will likely prove a difficult task. To counter this a number of initiatives have been discussed and agreed that will be implemented over the summer – any help from the general membership will be gratefully received by the “Membership team”.

Awards
Players player – Chris Revell
Captains Award – Simon (Rimmer) Porter
Clubman of the year – Robbie Lawrence
Most improved player – Sam Blackburn

3. Captains Report
To Follow

4. Treasurers Report
The treasurer presented the annual accounts to the meeting. These show that the club remains in a healthy position. Copies of the accounts are available from the treasurer. The accounts were accepted by the members present.

Under the provisions of RFU Rule 5.1.5(c) the Club agreed to opt out of a formal audit or examination, by a qualified accountant, of the Club’s 2011-12 Annual Financial Statement. The resolution was passed unanimously.

5. Changes to the Constitution and Rules
No proposals were received.

6. Annual Subscriptions
No changes were proposed.

7. Election of Officers
a. Chairman – Dave Pyles
b. General Secretary – Jim Biss
c. Honorary Treasurer – Steve Hiscox
d. Fixture Secretary – Robbie Lawrence
e. Social Secretary – Mark Penny
f. Membership Secretary – To be appointed
g. Captain – Owen Swabey
h. Team Manager – To be appointed
i. General Committee ( Up to 6)
Mike York
Jon Bradley
Tom Wildsmith
Hugh Sawyer
Nick Williams

8. Any Other Business
Tom Wildsmith agreed to act as Head Coach for the forthcoming season.