The Bedfordshire Squash Rackets Association

Founded 1975 

Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 12th June 2002

at The Library, Flitwick  

PRESENT: Steve Barnett, Barrie Williams, Chris Johnstone, Steve Lumley, Bob Lust, Linda Johnstone, Nick Medcraft, Mark Phillips, Richard Mabbitt, Peter Waters, 

Bill Chambers, Jennifer Barker. 

APOLOGIES: Steve Barlow, Tony Blott. 

MINUTES OF LAST AGM: Were approved and duly signed. 

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Steve Barnett said welcome to all present. The year has flown by and it does not seem like 12months since the last AGM. Thank you to all hard working committee members, sadly Merrian Lancaster has decided not to stand

as League Secretary next season. I would like to thank Merrian on behalf of all Beds squash players for the splendid job she has done over the last 4 years. At this point I would like to welcome Bill Chambers who has offered his services as League Secretary for the next season. Sally Olney is also retiring as Ladies Senior Team Captain, due to lack of county grade lady players we shall not enter a Senior Ladies Team next season. This year there have been no problems or disputes for the committee to deal with so therefore we have been able to reduce the number of meetings. Thank you to all the County Team organisers for their hard work last season. Finally thank you to all those present to-night.   

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Jennifer Barker reported a very quiet year, the committee had only met once. The new membership scheme is now up and running but due to our lack of clubs it is not much help to Bedfordshire. Through the SA or Squash England as it is now known as, we still have a County Insurance Policy which covers all county officials working on behalf of the County Association, it does mean anyone working with children needs to have signed the child protection policy. We now have a new development officer in Richard Coleman, as the regions have been changed.

I would like to congratulate Victoria Lust on becoming National Under 13 Champion, we have not had a National Champion in Bedfordshire since Paula Hope won in 1988. 

TREASURERS REPORT:  Barrie Williams reported that for initial clarification the income and expenditure report before you shows the figures for last year on the left hand side whilst the year to 31st March 2002 show to the right. Income is shown in the bottom section with a balance brought forward of £3860, league fees are slightly higher than 12 months ago at £1375 with our cut from the SA affiliation fees £261.38, deposit interest minimal at £28 whilst county tournaments made a satisfactory profit of £114. The main item on the income side was the funding grant from the lottery of £4975 which as explained in the notes has to be spent on specific projects covered in our application, if we fail to spend as promised any unused monies have to be returned to the lottery board. Basically this grant has to be spent on developing squash in Beds through new players, junior promotions and training of coaches at various levels. Looking at expenditure we spent more than last year although our running costs at £336 are remarkably low and constant, although this may change now we have a new league secretary. County matches at £605 and junior costs £1074 were well up, but this outlay depends very much on home or away matches and commitments. Our final bank balance is impressive at £8598 but one must bear in mind the inclusion of grant monies. Of the sum mentioned £8545 was on deposit account albeit not earning much of a return. Barrie then asked for questions, and Richard Mabbitt asked about getting a grant for coaching as there were 2 people at Dunstable interested, it was thought this could be covered under the lottery grant and would be looked into.  

COUNTY TEAM REPORT

There were no County Team Reports as these had been given at last committee meeting.

Bob Lust reported that the Girls Under 13 came last in the Finals, due to lack of players.

Final Results of County Teams

Ladies  Senior came Last Division 1 South

Men’s Over 35 came 3rd in Division 2 South

Men’s Over 45 came Equal 5th Division 2 North

Boys Under 15 came 4th Division 2 South

Bob Lust asked about the chance of joining with another county to put in Girls teams for next season, Jennifer Barker said she would contact Bucks and Northants.

It was agreed that Chris Johnstone would Manage the Boys Under 17 next season.

DEVELOPMENT - No Report

TOURNAMENTS - Steve Barnett reported Beds Senior Closed had an increased entry of 36, but no ladies competition. Steve Barlow beat Andrew Cross 3 - 0 and in the plate competition a very tight final produced a win for Mark Pinnock over Scot Jarvis 3 - 2 and again thank you to Foxley Kingham Accounts for their very generous support.

Jennifer Barker reported Junior Tournament at Club Squash generally went well with some good matches, thanks to Club Squash for the use of their courts. Winners were Matthew Mulara, Ryan Osborn, David Lankester and Declan Osborn winning both Under 13 and Mixed Under 11. Victoria Lust won all three girls competitions.

Chris Johnstone asked about Veterans Closed County, Steve Barnett said it would have to be in September/October and Chris offered to help Steve organise it.

LEAGUE REPORT - Nothing to report.

LEAGUE PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES

Division 1      Winners Mowsbury             Runners Up  Club Squash 2

Saturday        Winners Vauxhall 4            Runners Up   Club Squash 5

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chairman                                   Steve Barnett

Secretary                                   Jennifer Barker

League Secretary                       Bill Chambers

Treasurer                                   Barrie Williams

Development Officer                  Steve Barlow

Men’s Over 35                           Lynn Thomas

Men’s Over 45                           Tony Blott

Under 17 Boys                          Chris Johnstone 

Girls                                          Bob Lust will run any team we can arrange

Child Protection                          Linda Johnstone

No further business meeting was closed