We have not reported formally since F2F bridge ceased although annual financial statements for each year are posted on the website.
We need now to make some Constitutional decisions and I seek your assistance in formulating actions to bring the organisation up to date.
Current Situation:
1 We are financially strong having reserves of £6k and are generating £1k pa surplus. We are currently taking action to place these reserves in interest bearing accounts.
2 By default we have evolved into an online club and have attendees from far and wide and are using the services of BOA and RealBridge. We have no plans to change this. We currently average 12 tables each week and the bridge is competent and is played in a good spirit. We do not offer additional competitions since our observations are that it often results in lower attendances than a straightforward weekly challenge.
3 Our current committee has reduced following the move from F2F and consists now of a core of 5 active members who communicate by email. (Messrs Malpass x2, Penny Bligh, Colin O’Hara, Andrew Mason). Our directors are the above plus David Gilmore and few issues occur other than with connectivity from time to time. We are grateful to Derek Marsh and John Bateman who are there in the wings with technical support of a very high standard.
4 Our Constitution has not evolved since F2F ceased and the first issue is “who is a member?” Technically I suppose it is those who have paid a subscription and remain active participants in the club.
5 We could not easily convene a meeting to discuss the way ahead so we would wish to seek views in a different way since your Chairman also lacks the skills to organise an online meeting.
Actions needed
6 We need to confirm our future direction. Some of us have proposed a closer association with the other members of BOA but that is within their gift rather than ours.
7 We need to decide who will be our voting forum (if required) for the future and although we do not need funds, should we introduce “membership” for our new friends?
8 What should we do with our reserves?
9 Given the close friendship of our committee, can we find additional or replacement talent to take us forward? Due to the technology, running a Bridge Club is not a difficult job but it is important to have a wider spread of talent than we currently have. We do not need (in my view) bridge experts - social and personal empathy is preferred.
Your actions
Please send me by email if you can, any thoughts you have on what our future plans should include.
If you are able to assist by joining the committee or taking higher office please let me know.
I will produce a further report after receipt of your thoughts.
With thanks and regards
Peter Malpass (Chairman) Reply to peterfmalpass@yahoo.co.uk
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