1. Present. Dick Moreton (Chairman), Alan Page (Secretary), Tony Larner (Treasurer), John Pearl, Peter Clough, Peter Hodkinson, Jake Buxton, Paul Gallacher, Edward Hackford, AlexEvans, Michael Sallon.

2. Apologies. Received from Jonathan Wells, Peter Bond, David Clear and Martin Burnham.

3. Chairman’s Comments. Dick was pleased to able to to report that the club was in a healthy position, with several juniors coming through with support from local teachers and also at the club (particularly by Peter H.).

4. Election of Chairman. Dick was re-elected.

5. Secretary’s Report. Alan had circulated his report in advance of the meeting which was taken as read (attached). It should be noted that the new time limits for next season in the Norfolk League are all moves in 1 hour 35 minutes.

6. Resources Report

◦ Treasurer. Tony had circulated the accounts (attached) in advance of the meeting which had been inspected by Alan. Tony proposed and it was agreed by the meeting that we increase the fees to £20 for adults, £10 for juniors (the same as Broadland CC, and similar to others), which would allow us to offer the Morley Club £300 for room fees for the year.

◦ Assets Controller. John P. reported we have 15 sets, 15 boards, 2 cups (one with Jonathan). Peter H. offered a shield to be used for future competitions. Edward proposed that we obtain eight rigid boards to be used for league matches and other competitions. This was agreed with two abstentions. This would require additional funding and Alex proposed a voluntary donation of £5 per adult in conjunction with membership renewal which was agreed by the meeting with one abstention. Alex will investigate and pursue the purchase of new boards when funding permits and authorised by Tony. Edward kindly offered to cover any excess cost for the new boards over and above donations received.

7. Competitions Report for 2015/16

◦ League and Cup Teams. A summary was included in the Secretary’s report.

◦ Club Championships. Peter H. reported that the Club Championship and Rapidplay Championship were still to be completed. There is however a clear winner for the Club Championship, with Jonathan Wells retaining the title and cup. Peter encouraged members to complete their outstanding Club Championship games by mid-August.

8. Season 2016/17 Competitions

◦ County League. It was agreed we will enter a minimum of three teams next season (one in Division 2, two in Division 3). Peter H. proposed that we enter an additional team in Division 3, and there was discussion on this matter with no definite conclusion. A decision on this will be left for committee members to agree.

◦ Club Championships. Peter H. proposed that we consider changing the current format to better accommodate juniors and new players. This met with general agreement and the format will be confirmed with the club committee.

◦ Any other competitions. Dependent on the number of league teams a decision will be made by the club committee whether to enter a team in the Williamson Cup or Rapidplay Handicap.

9. Fees. Club members are responsible for their own ECF Membership and renewal (current membership expires on 31st August 2016). League and cup fees are paid on our behalf by the Morley Club. Members must also belong to the Morley Club.

10. Election of Club Officials and Committee for 2016/17

It was proposed by Peter Clough that all officials be re-elected and thanked all committee members and club officials for all their efforts during the year, seconded by Alex Evans, agreed by all at the meeting.

◦ Secretary (Alan Page)

◦ Treasurer (Tony Larner)

◦ Assets Controller (John Pearl)

◦ Competitions Controller (Peter Hodkinson)

◦ Team Captains (Alan Page, Tony Larner, Peter Hodkinson)

◦ Publicity/Website (Alex Evans)

11. AOB

Clubman of the Year. Peter H. proposed that John P. be awarded the Clubman of the Year trophy in recognition of his efforts in setting up and clearing equipment for club nights. This was seconded by Tony Larner and agreed by all the meeting.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.35 pm,

Well done to Jack and Thomas  who both ended up with 3.5/5 in the U14 section of the Sheringham Junior Chess Congress.

Not forgetting Tony who won the parents section!! Well done!

Source: Young Norfolk chess players do battle on the boards at Sheringham