Barry AGM 2001
Present
| K Gandy (Secretary), | P. Jones, | J. Ryles, |
| P. Watkins (Treasurer), | W. Lambert, | S. White, |
| A. St. Clair (Auditor), | W. Lewis, | A. Wood, |
| S. Cunliffe, | N. Ralphs, | C. Woolcock. |
| A. Gandy, | M. Ricketts, |
(01) Apologies
Unfortunate personal circumstances had prevented David Adamson from attending.
(02) Minutes of previous meeting
These had been circulated and a proposal was made that they be taken as read.
(Proposed - N. Ralphs, Seconded - W. Lambert)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
(03) Matters arising
Attracting Juniors
Subsequent to a suggestion from a Barry Town Councillor, the secretary had investigated the possibility of obtaining an 'after hours' grant from the National Lottery which it was believed would assist towards schools' costs should they wish to stay open during evenings for junior chess tuition. There appeared to have been some misunderstanding in this matter as the grants were actually made by the E.E.C. and it was thought unlikely that they were intended for this purpose.
Approaches to local schools
Nigel Ralphs confirmed that Barry Comprehensive School would be interested if any member of the club wished to give evening chess 'lessons'. He would be able to introduce any volunteer(s) to the Headmaster. There were no volunteers at the meeting and the matter was again left open in the hope that someone would take the job of junior tuition/recruitment upon themselves during the following year.
Action : Volunteer
Equipment Grant
The secretary reported that sufficient new chess pieces, boards and clocks had now been purchased out of a grant from the Barry Town Council to allow three home matches to be accommodated on the same evening with spare sets for analysis or 'friendly' games. He had been able to acquire the equipment at a lower cost than was originally thought possible and the surplus from the grant was on deposit in the 'Barry Chess Development' account. Audited details of the account showing a balance of forty pounds and eighty three pence (40.83) had been circulated to the meeting.
Equipment Storage
Following last year's meeting, the secretary and treasurer had tidied up the existing equipment storage cupboard and made it more accessible by positioning it upon a table. There was general agreement that this was a great improvement but many members still felt that something larger may be needed. No consensus could be reached over what the size, construction and cost of such an item should be. The general parameters of "bigger than the one we've got", "not too expensive" and "solid" were recorded and all members agreed to keep a look out for such a cabinet/cupboard/locker/box and report any findings to the committee for consideration.
Action : All members
Internal adjudication procedure
The secretary reported that, as requested, he had set up an internal adjudication procedure for the club in order to especially assist members of lower teams who wished stronger players to look at their games. The system had never been utilised and there was no opposition to the secretary's suggestion that it should be abandoned as members seemed satisfied with a casual arrangement under which they were left to their own devices with regard to obtaining help and reimbursement.
(04) Secretary's report
Barry Chess Club
The secretary confirmed that the club had enjoyed its best season ever and listed the achievements of teams and individuals ;
Barry Barristers - East Glamorgan Summer Knockout Cup, 2000 winners,
Barry Bosons - East Glamorgan division 1 winners,
Barry Camelots - East Glamorgan division 2 winners,
Barry Stauntons - East Glamorgan division 3 winners,
Barry Gambits - Runners-up East Glamorgan division 4,
Tudor Way - Top percentage score, division 2,
John Ryles - Top percentage score, division 3,
Barry Under 1800 squad - Welsh Chess Union U-1800 Cup winners.
Commiseration was offered to Leighton Williams who missed scoring the top percentage in division 1 by the narrowest of margins and to members of the Barry Saracens who had fought hard all season to finish in a respectable league position despite having to frequently default boards. (A new influx of players should mean that this problem will disappear next season).
The Bosons had performed creditably during their first assault on the Welsh Challenge Cup and had learned a few invaluable lessons for the future.
Players from the club had again represented East Glamorgan at county level and had played in the 4 Nations Counties League for Nidum Liberals.
Welsh Chess Union
A report of the Welsh Chess Union's Annual General Meeting had been displayed on the club notice board and as no queries regarding that meeting had been raised by members, the secretary did not consider it necessary to enlarge upon any of the points. Relevant documents were available on file should anyone wish to study them in detail.
East Glamorgan Chess Association
No minutes of the East Glamorgan Chess Association's Annual General Meeting had yet been received.
Elected officers within the association were indicated.
The probable venue of this year's closed championship was to be Caerphilly.
An attempt was apparently being made to revive the East Glamorgan Rapidplay tournament although there is still some confusion over if, where and when it will be held.
Adult membership had dropped slightly from 233 to 229. Junior membership had fallen by over 20% and it appeared that most clubs had similar problems to Barry with regard to younger players.
Contrary to previous indications, no association or league sponsorship had been received from Admiral Insurance and, after some lengthy exchanges with members of the Executive Committee, the company's representative now appeared to have dissociated himself from East Glamorgan Chess.
Despite incurring a small deficit during the year, the association's funds were still very healthy and the treasurer had consequently felt it unnecessary to propose any increase in registration fees.
There had been a significant number of alterations to the East Glamorgan Rules Of Play. The Barry Chess Club secretary emphasised to all players, especially captains and club officials, the importance of knowing and understanding the changes and suggested that a further meeting could be convened in due course for this purpose.
Additional
The secretary, having been made aware that certain members could not reconcile themselves with his actions, both as an officer and individual member of the club, gave detailed reasons why he would neither stand for re-election nor continue to undertake other tasks within the club as he had previously done. He expressed hopes that the club would maintain its positive attitude, plan for the future and not slip backwards again and trusted that his critics would now be willing and eager to play their parts to these ends. The next secretary was offered sincere best wishes and the membership was urged to give him its wholehearted support.
(05) Treasurer's report
Audited accounts had been circulated to the meeting showing a balance of one hundred and twenty six pounds and fifty one pence (126.51). An additional twenty pounds (20.00) would be added to the account when a reimbursement of engraving costs was received from the Welsh Chess Union. The treasurer felt that no increase in subscriptions was necessary and a proposal to that effect was made.
(Proposed - S. White, Seconded - W. Lambert)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
(06) Team captains' reports
Bosons
Andrew Gandy thanked all members who had played for the team during a landmark season. He felt that everyone had given a 100% effort and commented on the team's magnificent 'back 9' during which it scored 37 points out of a possible 45. The defeat (or 'mugging' as the captain more colourfully referred to it) of Cardiff Castles at their own venue had been his own, personal highlight of the season.
Camelots
Never given to false modesty, Allan St. Clair summarised the team's season as "We came, We saw, We conquered". He, also, felt that a great team effort had been made and thanked all 'irregulars', especially Lee Davis, for their contribution.
Stauntons
Peter Watkins was delighted with the team's performance as it had lead from pillar to post after only last season gaining promotion from division 4. He offered his own congratulations to John Ryles for scoring top percentage within the division and expressed gratitude to all players from other teams who had made themselves available for the Stauntons when required.
Gambits
Needing only 1 point from its last match of the season, Bill Lambert had been hopeful that the team could win division 4 after overcoming some early season hiccups. Sadly it had been 'ambushed at the pass' by an extremely strong Caerphilly side which seemed determined that Barry should not achieve a 'Grand Slam' of divisional titles. Promotion had nevertheless been achieved and all players were thanked for their efforts.
Saracens
Although greatly assisted by the presence of Martin Ricketts and Phil Jones who had joined Barry from the disbanded Barclays Bank Chess Club, Sam White had often still found it difficult to field a full team. He had no doubt that all individuals had tried their hardest and thanked them accordingly but felt that a sense of uncertainty and lack of continuity had been reflected in erratic results. He was confident that next season's anticipated new members would ease the team's problems.
(07) Third Barry Quickplay tournament report
The number of entries had been the highest to date and, in addition to the usual three 1st. prizes, free buffet and tea/coffee making facilities, it had been possible to award good 2nd., 3rd., grading and 'best junior' prizes. Audited accounts showing an income and expenditure of three hundred and eighty four pounds (£384.00) had been circulated. It was understood that the Vale of Glamorgan Council's grant towards this year's tournament would be doubled to one hundred pounds (£100.00). Prior to the meeting Kevin Gandy had asked for volunteers to take over the general administration of the 2001 tournament. Peter Watkins was the only club member to express any interest in that direction and had consequently assumed command.
(08) Election of Officers
Chairman
There was unanimous agreement that David Adamson should retain the position if he wished to do so and it was decided that members of the committee should approach him at an appropriate time in that respect.
Secretary
As indicated previously, the secretary stated that he would not stand for re-election.
All members showed a general reluctance to assume this role. After some discussion a volunteer made himself known.
Allan St. Clair was elected
(Proposed - N. Ralphs, Seconded - A. Wood)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
Treasurer
Peter Watkins indicated that he would be prepared to continue in this position.
Peter Watkins was re-elected
(Proposed - J. Ryles, Seconded - W. Lambert)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
Auditor
Having been elected as club secretary, it was felt inappropriate that Allan St. Clair should continue in this position.
William Lambert was elected
(Proposed - J. Ryles, Seconded - A. Wood)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
1st. Team (Bosons) Captain
Andrew Gandy indicated that he would be prepared to continue in this position.
Andrew Gandy was re-elected
(Proposed - N. Ralphs, Seconded - C. Woolcock)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
2nd. Team (Camelots) Captain
Allan St. Clair indicated that he would be prepared to continue in this position.
Allan St. Clair was re-elected
(Proposed - C. Woolcock, Seconded - N. Ralphs)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
3rd. Team (Stauntons) Captain
Although he had led the Stauntons to win divisions 4 and 3, it was unlikely that Peter Watkins would now play the majority of his games here and a captain who would feature more regularly in the team was sought.
John Ryles was elected
(Proposed - S. White, Seconded - C. Woolcock)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
4th. Team (Gambits) Captain
A second promotion-winning captain, Bill Lambert, would probably find himself in a similar situation to Peter Watkins with regard to team appearances and an obvious candidate presented himself.
Peter Watkins was elected
(Proposed - S. White, Seconded - A. Gandy)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
5th. Team (Saracens) Captain
A fairly good season had meant an increase in grade for Sam White and he would probably now spend most of his time with the Gambits. A now familiar solution suggested itself!
William Lambert was elected
(Proposed - S. White, Seconded - M. Ricketts)
(For - 14 : Against - 0)
(09) Player nominations
There was a general consensus and understanding of how players would be utilised. It was agreed that the captains should initially confer informally regarding the matter and that a committee as defined in the Barry Chess Club constitution should meet no later than Wednesday, 08th. August to finalise the nominations.
(10) Any other business
Team priority regarding equipment and location
There had been disagreement during the season regarding whether or not, on evenings when more than one home match is taking place, the highest ranked Barry Chess Club team (as defined in the club's constitution and submitted to the East Glamorgan Chess Association) which is playing should have first choice of equipment, furniture and location. Although this seems to be generally accepted protocol in clubs, no defining rules existed within Barry Chess Club. In the absence of the member who had first questioned this hitherto assumed priority, the secretary brought that member's grievance - all members pay equal subscriptions and team rankings should therefore be disregarded in such matters - to the notice of the meeting. There was general, constructive discussion on the matter and various opinions were offered as to what would be the most practical (and aesthetic) ways in which to arrange furniture. It was hoped that simple common sense and politeness would normally prevail although it was felt that a vote had to be taken to clarify teams' positions when such avenues failed.
The following motion was put to the meeting by the secretary ;-
On evenings when more than one Barry Chess Club team have a home fixture the choice of a higher ranked team (which is engaged in a match) regarding equipment, furniture and location shall take precedence over that of a lower ranked team.
(Proposed - K. Gandy, Seconded - A. Wood)
(For - 11 : Against - 2 : Abstentions - 1)
The motion was carried.
Replacement of pieces on boards after matches
Most players had now got into the habit of resetting their pieces at the conclusion of a game. Those who still did not were requested to do so as this assisted with the re-boxing of sets. To facilitate onlookers and those still playing in a match it was suggested that after resetting the board the white king be placed on e4 in the case of a white win, the black king be placed on e5 in the case of a black win and both the white and black kings be placed, respectively, on e4 and e5 in the event of a draw.
Cupboard and notice board maintenance
The secretary suggested that someone should undertake regular checks to ensure that the equipment cupboard and notice boards were tidy. There was much disappointment as, despite a flurry of volunteers, only one member could be chosen.
Action : P. Watkins
2002 Summer Knockout entry
Certain aspects of the 2001 competition had caused concern to some members but it was felt that now was too early to make any decisions regarding next year's participation.
Summer tournament/event evenings
It had been suggested that someone within Barry Chess Club may care to organise internal rapidplay/handicap/theme tournament evenings to occupy members at the end of the 2001/2002 season. No one seemed willing to undertake such a task but a volunteer did emerge who was willing to re-establish and control a formal club championship during which graded games would be played. The tournament would commence in 2002.
Action : J. Ryles
Match etiquette
Members were reminded to keep noise to a minimum during matches and asked to retire to another room (without taking their match board and set!) if they wished to analyse games. Several players were concerned over what the secretary felt was best described as 'board hovering'. It was appreciated that most members enjoyed watching other games and that this was indeed part of the enjoyment of belonging to a chess club but some players are quite unsettled to have 'permanent observers' standing, staring at their board. Their displeasure is heightened when the observers actually sit next to them and 'intrude upon their space' although an exact definition of 'their space' was difficult to determine. (A rough guideline was offered ; "If you're near enough to receive a backhander, then you're too near!"). It was pointed out that many members become engrossed in games and are not aware of what they are doing. Various humorous means were suggested as to how 'hoverers' could be made aware that they were upsetting players. Now that the matter had come to light, Nigel Ralphs suggested that a simple "Please go away" or words to that effect could hardly cause offence.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9:25 p.m..
Kevin J. Gandy,
Secretary, Barry Chess Club,
21st. July, 2001.