MINUTES OF THE DRIVE BOWLING CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT CLUBHOUSE ON THURSDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2024 at 10AM

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND ATTENDEES
Apologies – Kathy Dixon
Attendees – Mark Ireland, David Sanders, Sue Newton, Susan Gorman, Kate Johns, Roger Johns, Jane Cunnings, Steve Rayner, Derek Budde, Andrew Dixon

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Agreed as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING
The new balustrade has been ordered (£7700 +VAT)
A new SumUp machine has been bought and will be in use ASAP.

TREASURSER’S REPORT (David Sanders)
DS reported that we have 16K in current account and 81K in savings. DS reported that we are looking at a higher interest, fixed rate savings account.

AD reported on the last remaining garden sale, there have been major delays caused by lack of action by the solicitor at GWCA. The owner of number 2a has been very patient and supportive. He has asked for a contribution towards the cost of removing the tree, this was agreed (we already have a quote, see below). Once the money has been paid (18K) then the bank account will be closed and the company disbanded,
Thanks were given to Andrew for all his hard work in selling off the land that was previously rented by the houses.

CLUB WINTER CAPTAIN’S FIRST REPORT (David Sanders)
DS reported that he has had problems getting enough players for some matches, two more are coming up this month. We lost indoor to Preston (-30) and Wealden (-1).
All Saturday League matches have been played so far this season.
More ‘outside’ players have been coming to roll ups (last year we made £550 from non-members).

UPDATE ON FIXTURES (Jane Cummings)
JC reported that we have been offered 4 matches in June on Mondays, but it was agreed that June was already way too busy and we wanted less in June (due to County and League matches starting). JC will check with Beach House Park again.

GENERAL UPDATE ON BAR/BUILDING/GARDEN WORKS (Derek Budde)
DB reported that the bank area behind the club house had been flattened, weeds and roots removed and then the area covered with black sheeting to stop any regrowth at a cost of £982 +VAT.
A quote for tree removal of over 5K has been received, another will be got

COUNTY MATTERS (Kate Johns and Roger Johns)
KJ reported: she attended the AGM. The County competition entry fee will now be £6, the website is live and entries must be in be 31st January 2025. The two-wood competition will be drawn on the day.
RJ reported: the AGM is next month and fees to Bowls England will be increasing in line with inflation in the future. Clubs cannot refute someone’s membership without following the Disciplinary Procedures.
It was agreed that meetings would be held for the men (RJ to organise) and ladies (KJ to organise) to encourage them to enter County competitions.
JC to check the website for dates to try to avoid clashes with matches involving a team from The Drive. Also to check on BHCC website for upcoming events.

LEAGUE MATTERS (David Sanders/Hove, Carol Rushton/BH+D Ladie’s, Derek Budde/BH+D Men’s, Steve Rayner/Nicholas Soames)
Hove (DS): there will be a meeting soon, so DS needs to know about the fixtures arrange so that he can arrange the league matches around them. Last year there were a couple of major clashes with County matches, KJ and RJ to inform DS of any dates of which they are aware (e.g Top Club, Bill Hawkins etc).
BH+D (DB): went to the AGM, match fees will be £30 per team,£5 for the Bill Hawkins.
BH+D(CR): no changes made at the AGM. CR will run it next year.
NS (SR): AGM is in February, fees are £20. Last year £220 was donated to the St Peter St James Trust from the fees. Next year SR hopes to encourage new bowlers to enter.

UPDATE ON SOCIAL EVENTS (Kathy Dixon)
KD sent in a report vis SN: The attendance has been down for the last few events and it has been agreed to cancel the cheese and wine event. RJ was asked to hold another Bingo Quiz furing the Christmas Cheer event, he agreed.

AGM
SG asked for a proposition of changing the rules to include: Winter Captain, Summer Captain, Captaincy Support Team removing the Vice-captain and Junior Vice-captain posts, tis was agreed.
A new President was suggested and DB will speak to the person.
DS reported that the subscription will not change for next year.
It was agreed that the date for the Drawn Triples internal competition would be 12th July 2025.

Many thanks were given to Derek, for all the work that he has done as President over the klast few years.

AOB
DS reported that Aussie Pairs is going well.
SG will run the Wednesday roll up during Potters week.
MI gave an update on the Post Office, planning at Patcham will get approval and Hyde Homes has agreed that the Post Office site in Hove will be suitable for 120 homes (50% shared ownership and 50% affordable rent). BHCC are aware of our parking concern. MI and AD will be our point of contact during the planning application for the Hove site.
RJ reported that we are getting abit short of lockers, a check will be made to fine spares.
DS reported that we have a potential eight new members (one 17 year old) – awaiting payment of fees before confirming all. It was agreed that we would continue to monitor the situation, as we wanted all members to play in friendlies and legues if they wished.
SG reported that her and SR wil be going to a community sport event in Withdean Leisure Centre on 21st November, networking.
SG reported that the club will be able to buy visitor parking permits, she is currently chasing the parking department for confirmation.

TIME AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The meeting closed at 12:05
The next meeting will be Thursday 5th December at 10:30