S Constable President

M Fletcher Chairman

P Rhodes-Fisher Secretary

P Belton Treasurer

J Squires Membership Secretary

B Harris Publicity Officer

A Nicolson County Education Officer

W Ling Oxford

J Simpson Oxford

C Keep Abingdon

N Cundy University

M Brown Wallingford

P Baxter Wallingford

N Perceval-Price Menagerie

M Day B Claridge S Brown R Brown

A Parker E Alden K Talbot J Barlow

B McCarthy

The Chairman opened the meeting by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed subject to the amendment of the surname of A Nicolson and her job title to Education Officer proposed by N Perceval-Price, seconded by John Simpson and carried unanimously.

A Nicolson was welcomed as Education Officer. She and the chairman will discuss her duties and objectives.

As there had been no further communication with Mr Badiani, the chairman will write to him again.

Changes to the Wessex League bylaws were referred to and put back on the agenda as M Brown wished to revisit his previous proposal regarding the changes.

There had been no further information from B Claridge or Max Bavin regarding any increase in the number of teams competing in the Wessex League.

The cheque for £93 had been honoured by the Abingdon Club.

The final placings in the Summer League have been put on the website.

The chairman will discuss the County Constitution with P Jordan and B Claridge.

Chairman had nothing to report.

Secretary had nothing to report save making the meeting aware that no Green Points ventures have been tendered for the next two years.

The chairman asked that delegates bring this to the attention of their members as volunteers are sought to assist with the organisation of such an event.

Treasurer produced a draft balance sheet and reported a balance of £790.13 on the current a/c, £10,000 in the Coventry special bond and £5903.14 in the Coventry Building Society.

Membership Secretary reported 715 members of which upwards of 40 joined through ‘Bridge for All’. Replying to A Nicolson, J Squires confirmed that there are several junior members joining through the University.

Publicity Officer reported that there had been no increase in entries to the county competition despite the increased publicity. She added any ideas would be welcome.

She suggested a ‘non-expert’ prize might encourage the less experienced players.

A Nicolson added that other counties run a range of events for all abilities and this could be a way forward.

Discussion ensued and the chairman pointed out that as well as the Summer League and Bridge for All competitions the county would be happy to host any event but felt it best for the clubs to encourage their new players. M Brown stated that the Wallingford club would liase with A Nicholson to run an event in the summer for the ‘Bridge for All’ students.

P Baxter then described the American system of Stratifying to assist less experienced players.

The chairman will discuss the implications of directing with S Brown and will speak to Ron Brown regarding the same in time for the Prospectus.

The Presidents and Chester Cup Secretary submitted a written report. The line up for the eight 2^nd round matches in the Presidents Cup has been formalised.

One match has been played, Mike Robinson’s team has reached the semi final having beaten Andrew Lintotts team.

The Chester Cup appears to be going well.

The Tournament Secretary reported problems with the semi finals of the County Pairs in that several pairs have not confirmed their availability.

To date 4 teams have entered the Beck Cup heat.

The Match Secretary submitted a written report. The Dawes League results are on the notice board.

Marian asked whether she was to direct the Beck Cup and whether the entry fee and prizes were the same as last year. This was all confirmed.

The Match Secretary had been asked to enter a third team in the Dawes League but on behalf of the County, she had declined.

There was some discussion whether the prizes should be cash.

The Treasurer had produced a sheet showing current income and prizes and suggestion for the increases.

There was some discussion including a suggestion from C Keep that there be no prize money but a reduction of 50% on the entry fees with a nominal trophy for each competition. This was seconded by M Brown.

W Ling proposed accepting the Treasurer’s proposed changes. This was seconded by S Constable. As the voting was 6 in favour and 6 against, the chairman decided to put any decision off to the next meeting. Delegates were urged to seek the views from the clubs.

M Brown pointed out that there had been discrepancies in the brochure concerning the Summer Teams. He reported that last season income from this event was £190. There had been administration costs of £17 leaving a surplus. He suggested prizes of £40 per team. This was proposed by J Simpson, seconded by N Perceval-Price and carried unanimously.

M Brown suggested proposals to the Wessex League rules to enable a player from a lower ranking team to play in a higher team without being penalised. This proposal was initially made 18 months ago when suggestions were sought as to improvements to the Wessex League.

The Chairman agreed to liase with B Claridge regarding updating any rule changes at present and would then draft a proposal with M Brown to go before the next meeting.

S Constable had heard that the Banbury Rugby Club was in financial difficulties and wondered if this would still be available as a venue for Banbury’s Wessex League matches. As Oxford were due to play in the near future he would report to the Secretary if there was a problem.

P Baxter had not attended the last EBU meeting but there had been a discussion at the Secretaries meeting as to whether full membership should be imposed.

The EBU Treasurer’s report for the next meeting shows a healthy financial state.

Peter pointed out that although the English Ladies had won the European Championships there had been no TV coverage. Until Bridge is recognised as a sport, financial support is not available.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 11^th April there being no other business the meeting closed at 9:21pm.