Present: Trevor Pugsley, Terry Coldridge, Bob Jones, Tom Evans, Peter Taylor, Kelvin Curtis, Dave Haizelden, Ray Davies (part), Richard Luke, Geoff Smyth, Andy Bastow, Nev Taylor.
Apologies: Mike Collins, Rob Williams, Ginger Walker, Neil A'Court
Outgoing Captain: Terry thanked Nev for all of his work on the website and sending emails etc. He thanked Bob for his support throughout the year and Neil for organising the fixtures. Mike's judging was appreciated which raised £750 for the Avon cardiac ward at the RD&E hospital.
Incoming Captain: Bob announced Andy as his vice captain. Bob is looking forward to a year of good golf and comradeship. His chosen captain's charity is The Brain Tumour Charity
Finances: Much discussion took place regarding the society's finances but were unable to establish the current state of affairs. The AGM were unable to explore the possibilities of attending different courses; changing the annual subscription; raising or lowering the competition fee; subsidising the Exe Cup; etc. as we have no idea whether the club is in debit or credit or what scope the society has financially. It is believed that the society has a bank account with Lloyds but only the treasurer is a signatory which was thought to leave the society vulnerable. It was unanimously agreed that the society should write a letter to the treasurer, formally requiring him to provide a set of accounts for transparency and as a basis for future society decisions.
Venues: It was felt that maybe better deals could be negotiated with more prestigious clubs. Apart from the first few meetings of the year, it was thought that the meetings should not be booked in 2021 until after the AGM to give members a chance to put forward deals and suggestions.
Fines: It was proposed that the money earned from fines should be split 50/50 between the captain's charity and the society finances to fund the Exe Cup. This proposal was rejected by 9 votes to 2.
Sponsorship: It was agreed that sponsorship should continue at £30 per meeting with prizes being awarded £15, £10, £5 for 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively.
Twos: It was agreed that balls need not be given as prizes for twos and that the splitting of the sweep money is sufficient.
Exe Cup: Extensive discussion took place about the Exe Cup and especially the funding of it. A few thought that the participants should be treated to a free day out funded by the society whereas the majority felt that those taking part should pay their own way, especially if, as in the past, we have to make the numbers up with non -members who have not contributed to the society's funds. Another option was to partly subsidise it. It was eventually decided that this could not be sensibly settled until such time as we know how much is in the coffers.
Handicaps: Much discussion went on about handicap adjustments. It was finally agreed that for 2020 that 1st, 2nd and 3rd places should receive a cut of 3, 2 and 1 shots respectively with the remainder of the field receiving a 0.5 shot increase.
It was also agreed that to be fair on other players and to keep the pace of play up that the maximum playing handicap should be set at 28.
AOB:
Ray reported that Rob Williams has donated the £200 he earned for a recent job to this year's captains charity. This was much appreciated by the meeting.
It was agreed that following the meeting at Exeter in March that we would return to the Coaver Club for food which Trevor would organise.
Trevor is going to try to organise the Exe cup for Fri 18 September at The Warren.
Meeting closed at 20:40