Minutes of LCC Annual General Meeting (7/03/2022)
1.0 Members Present
Sue Barker, Geoff Barton-Greenwood, Hazel Bowen,
Roger Cadenne, Lucinda Cadenne, John Croft,
Marion Croft, Mary Huntley, Peter Jones,
Dave Palser, Angela Powell, Campbell Smart,
Patricia Vincent, Chris Yewlett,
Apologies for absence had been received from Trevor Charlton.
Julian Langstone, John Jessop, Val Dixon, Gwyn Thomas, Rosemary
Robertson, and Pam Cockerill
2.0 Acceptance of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the last AGM meeting held on 16th September 2021 were
read out in part to remind members what had been discussed at the last
AGM. The minutes were accepted as a true record of the proceedings.
Outstanding Items to be discussed
3.0 Chairman’s Address
Geoff mentioned that as the last meeting was only in September he had
nothing more to add to his address at that meeting.
He did however express his excitement for the start of the new Croquet
Season. He also reminded members of the death of Mr Brian Hibbard
during the last year. He noted the loss to the club with Brian’s departure.
Brian had been a founder member of the club and loved playing at the
club. In recognition of Brian’s love of the game and support for the club
his family had decided to donate his mallet to the club, which had been
appreciated.
4.0 Club Captain’s Report
Dave confirmed that the club had done particularly well in their Golf
Croquet matches in the South West Division last year. The club had
once reached the High Handicap Golf Croquet but had been
narrowly beaten by Budleigh Salterton away at Camerton &
Peasdown.
He expressed some concern with putting a team forward to enter in
the CA’s C’ League as he had experienced considerably problems
raising teams for the B’ League.
He confirmed a new mallet had been purchased for the club and when
the handle is painted it will be added to the stock of club mallets.
5.0 Treasurer’s Report
Dave Palser the Club Treasurer provided a summary of the Club’s
finances and passed around a Balance Sheet, which covered the
period up to 31st March. The accounts had been audited by Campbell
Smart.
. Dave pointed out that there had been a considerable rise in the
membership since 2019 and as such the subscriptions now equated to
around £3k each year. He was keen to point out that whilst there was
a healthy balance the grounds maintenance/rental had not been paid
for the past 2 years, due in part to the Covid-19 restrictions which
affected the club.
6.0 Club Secretary’s Report
There was nothing to add to the report prepared for the last AGM.
Saturday Morning (10:00 – 12:00) – Golf Croquet
Wednesday’s (10:00 – 3:00) – Golf Croquet
Friday’s (10:00 – 3:00) - Golf and/or Association
These sessions have been ‘ring fenced’ in the Lawn Booking
System, and as such cannot be booked.
Club Coaching Sessions provided by Sarah will also be
Ring-fenced, last year they were 4:00-5:00 on certain days (TBC)
7.0 Appointment of Officers
Geoff Barton Greenwood (Chairman),
Dave Palser (Club Captain / Treasurer),
Peter Jones (Club Secretary)
Campbell Smart (Auditor)
All confirmed that they were happy to undertake the roles going
forward until the next AGM.
At the last AGM the Committee had agreed to invite Sue Barker to be
a member and created a new role as Entertainments Coordinator.
PJ praised Sue Barker for the enthusiasm she brings to the role, and it
was evident to see from the marvellous buffet she had provided for the
Cheese and Wine evening to follow the meeting.
8.0 Any other business
Signage – The request for a new sign for the club had been raised at our previous AGM, and Dave was to arrange for it to be purchased.
However, the question was raised at the last meeting about what the Club should be called now that we have moved to the Fairwater Ground.
Dave and others had proposed that following the move perhaps it might be best for the club to be known as Cardiff Croquet Club to provide a higher profile. Whilst the majority of members at the meeting were in favour there was strong opposition from some founder members.
It had been decided to agree this at this AGM.
There continues to be a majority of members in favour of renaming the club; preferably to Cardiff Croquet Club.
Following a heated debate on what should be done about the Club’s Identity it was agreed that a website Domain Name be secured; Cardiff Croquet Club.com which could be pointed to our website and as such we could be found a simple Google search on Cardiff Croquet as well as Llandaff Croquet Club.
The name change will be subject to further agreement from all Club Members where possible.
AGM Minutes – Angela Powell mentioned at the last meeting that previous minutes had not been easily accessible.
PJ has now added earlier AGM Minutes to the Club’s website and will continue to do so.
Laying out of Lawns – Campbell Smart raised concern about the practice of hammering in the hoops far deeper into the lawn than necessary, which resulted in the holes formed becoming enlarged. He asked members present to take care when putting out the hoops suggesting only gentle pressure is required, perhaps from a raised foot.
Croquet Ladder – Campbell Smart wanted to bring members attention to a Croquet Ladder he is developing which he thought might encourage members to play competitive singles matches at the club.
He briefly explained what he thought might work and mentioned that he had made a Ladder Board which can be found in the storeroom and could be used to monitor players ‘Rise or Fall’ progress while playing. Cam was keen to point out that these ladder matches would not affect mix-in sessions, and could be played at less busy periods. The Ladder will be tried out and adapted for best use at the club.
Availability of lawn to special groups – It was confirmed that nothing had been done with regards to this initiative. However, the Committee will be receptive to any proposals that could help local bodies, e.g., Schools, Disadvantaged Groups
9.0 Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next AGM Meeting would probably take place in March 2023 before the commencement of the next new season.
Prepared by Pete Jones (Club Secretary)
8th March 2022
Sue Barker, Geoff Barton-Greenwood, Hazel Bowen,
Roger Cadenne, Lucinda Cadenne, John Croft,
Marion Croft, Mary Huntley, Peter Jones,
Dave Palser, Angela Powell, Campbell Smart,
Patricia Vincent, Chris Yewlett,
Apologies for absence had been received from Trevor Charlton.
Julian Langstone, John Jessop, Val Dixon, Gwyn Thomas, Rosemary
Robertson, and Pam Cockerill
2.0 Acceptance of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the last AGM meeting held on 16th September 2021 were
read out in part to remind members what had been discussed at the last
AGM. The minutes were accepted as a true record of the proceedings.
Outstanding Items to be discussed
- Development Grant application
- Availability of lawn to special groups, e.g., Women’s Institute.
- Consideration for entering a team for the Croquet Association’s C League
3.0 Chairman’s Address
Geoff mentioned that as the last meeting was only in September he had
nothing more to add to his address at that meeting.
He did however express his excitement for the start of the new Croquet
Season. He also reminded members of the death of Mr Brian Hibbard
during the last year. He noted the loss to the club with Brian’s departure.
Brian had been a founder member of the club and loved playing at the
club. In recognition of Brian’s love of the game and support for the club
his family had decided to donate his mallet to the club, which had been
appreciated.
4.0 Club Captain’s Report
Dave confirmed that the club had done particularly well in their Golf
Croquet matches in the South West Division last year. The club had
once reached the High Handicap Golf Croquet but had been
narrowly beaten by Budleigh Salterton away at Camerton &
Peasdown.
He expressed some concern with putting a team forward to enter in
the CA’s C’ League as he had experienced considerably problems
raising teams for the B’ League.
He confirmed a new mallet had been purchased for the club and when
the handle is painted it will be added to the stock of club mallets.
5.0 Treasurer’s Report
Dave Palser the Club Treasurer provided a summary of the Club’s
finances and passed around a Balance Sheet, which covered the
period up to 31st March. The accounts had been audited by Campbell
Smart.
. Dave pointed out that there had been a considerable rise in the
membership since 2019 and as such the subscriptions now equated to
around £3k each year. He was keen to point out that whilst there was
a healthy balance the grounds maintenance/rental had not been paid
for the past 2 years, due in part to the Covid-19 restrictions which
affected the club.
6.0 Club Secretary’s Report
There was nothing to add to the report prepared for the last AGM.
- Club Sessions this year are as follows: -
Saturday Morning (10:00 – 12:00) – Golf Croquet
Wednesday’s (10:00 – 3:00) – Golf Croquet
Friday’s (10:00 – 3:00) - Golf and/or Association
These sessions have been ‘ring fenced’ in the Lawn Booking
System, and as such cannot be booked.
Club Coaching Sessions provided by Sarah will also be
Ring-fenced, last year they were 4:00-5:00 on certain days (TBC)
7.0 Appointment of Officers
Geoff Barton Greenwood (Chairman),
Dave Palser (Club Captain / Treasurer),
Peter Jones (Club Secretary)
Campbell Smart (Auditor)
All confirmed that they were happy to undertake the roles going
forward until the next AGM.
At the last AGM the Committee had agreed to invite Sue Barker to be
a member and created a new role as Entertainments Coordinator.
PJ praised Sue Barker for the enthusiasm she brings to the role, and it
was evident to see from the marvellous buffet she had provided for the
Cheese and Wine evening to follow the meeting.
8.0 Any other business
Signage – The request for a new sign for the club had been raised at our previous AGM, and Dave was to arrange for it to be purchased.
However, the question was raised at the last meeting about what the Club should be called now that we have moved to the Fairwater Ground.
Dave and others had proposed that following the move perhaps it might be best for the club to be known as Cardiff Croquet Club to provide a higher profile. Whilst the majority of members at the meeting were in favour there was strong opposition from some founder members.
It had been decided to agree this at this AGM.
There continues to be a majority of members in favour of renaming the club; preferably to Cardiff Croquet Club.
Following a heated debate on what should be done about the Club’s Identity it was agreed that a website Domain Name be secured; Cardiff Croquet Club.com which could be pointed to our website and as such we could be found a simple Google search on Cardiff Croquet as well as Llandaff Croquet Club.
The name change will be subject to further agreement from all Club Members where possible.
AGM Minutes – Angela Powell mentioned at the last meeting that previous minutes had not been easily accessible.
PJ has now added earlier AGM Minutes to the Club’s website and will continue to do so.
Laying out of Lawns – Campbell Smart raised concern about the practice of hammering in the hoops far deeper into the lawn than necessary, which resulted in the holes formed becoming enlarged. He asked members present to take care when putting out the hoops suggesting only gentle pressure is required, perhaps from a raised foot.
Croquet Ladder – Campbell Smart wanted to bring members attention to a Croquet Ladder he is developing which he thought might encourage members to play competitive singles matches at the club.
He briefly explained what he thought might work and mentioned that he had made a Ladder Board which can be found in the storeroom and could be used to monitor players ‘Rise or Fall’ progress while playing. Cam was keen to point out that these ladder matches would not affect mix-in sessions, and could be played at less busy periods. The Ladder will be tried out and adapted for best use at the club.
Availability of lawn to special groups – It was confirmed that nothing had been done with regards to this initiative. However, the Committee will be receptive to any proposals that could help local bodies, e.g., Schools, Disadvantaged Groups
9.0 Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next AGM Meeting would probably take place in March 2023 before the commencement of the next new season.
Prepared by Pete Jones (Club Secretary)
8th March 2022