Stourbridge Institute Bridge Association

Minutes of Committee Meeting 6th November 2024

Present: Linda Wright, Glo Jackson, Georgina Lineker, James Taylor,

Margaret Hanson, Fiona Hahn, Peter Adams

Apologies: Gavin Tringham

Minutes of the Committee Meeting of 11^th September 2024 were approved online

Chairman’s Report

• Purchase of scoring system using tablets rather than bridgemates.

Peter Adams has been in contact with Matthew of Arcscorer. The standard package with 12 tablets will cost £1500.     LW has spoken to Jerry Roper and the invoice should be sent to Stourbridge Institute Social Club Bridge Club.   LW to ask SISC to make a contribution to the cost of this necessary update to our aged bridgemates.

Peter Adams said that there will be some changes and more work for scorers, but that when he has familiarised himself with what is required he will produce instruction sheets and hold training sessions for scorers and directors.  The necessary software will be downloaded by Arcscorer.   The charging of the tablets will need to be organized – 1/3 of the charge of each tablet will be used per session.

Fiona was concerned that not all options had been discussed at the last committee meeting. However it was agreed by those who had been present at the meeting that there had been lengthy discussion of the options although the minutes reported only on the option chosen.

Fiona also felt that we could save money by not buying the Arcscore package, buying the tablets and downloading the software ourselves and not paying the annual charge for Arcscorer support.  However, the rest of the committee, whilst acknowledging the extra cost, felt that buying the package was the safest way to proceed, with Arcscorer support providing a safety net. 

JT felt that there might well be teething problems but that all would be well in the long run.

It was agreed that once everything is in place and scorers and directors have had training we will switch to the new system.  

The committee thanked Margaret, Fiona and Peter for all their hard work.

• Social bridge event on Saturday November 2^nd

The event was very successful.  Everyone was pleased with the food and with the presentation and the delightful china. The timings for bridge and for food worked well

• The Monday afternoon bridge sessions are being well supported with 4 – 7 tables per session
• There is sometimes a lack of communication between the office and the groups playing on Thursday afternoons and it can be difficult for these groups to find somewhere to play. 
• Bridge is in the restaurant on November 22^nd

Secretary’s Report

• EBU – Updates from Aylesbury are on the EBU website
• WCBA - Face to face Worcester County Nights to begin on Monday November 11^th at Claines
• Christmas Party Friday 13^th December at 6:30
  • Poster - FH
  • Food and drink – LW, GL
  • Raffle - GJ
  • Request for prizes for the raffle in aid of Mary Stevens Hospice to be announced by directors

Treasurer’s Report

• Financial Report - up to date

Media Co-ordinator’s Report

• The website is up to date
• Emails to be sent re Christmas party and raffle prizes

Rota Co-Ordinator’s Report

• Rotas are in place to the end of November
• Freda and Paul Sansom and Richard Smith have been recruited as duplimators.    Richard will need a key for the PC cupboard

• Any Other Business

Some general reminders by directors about etiquette, courtesy and the calling of the director if there is a problem.

Date of next meeting

• Committee meeting Wednesday January 8^th 2025 at 8pm