Durham City Archers
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Durham City Archers. Held at Gilesgate Community Centre, Gilesgate comprehensive School on 12 January 2000.
The meeting started 7.10pm.
Members Present: Michael McGowan, David Forster, Robert Wake, Martin Sheard, David Pearson, David Woods, Edward Rollason, James Pearson, Johnathan Best, Christopher Best, Imogen Marsh, Andrew Woods, Gavin Tucker.
Apologies for absence: Nathan Forster, Adrian Varty, Lynne Dixon, James Dixon, Ralph Lowes, Jo Hodgson, Patrick Batty, Julie Sheard, Samantha Sheard, Duncan Sheard.
MAIN ITEMS
Positions: It was agreed that the following people would take the listed posts (previously agreed during spring 1999).
CHAIRMAN ~ Nathan Forster
SECRETARY ~ David Forster
TREASURER ~ Martin Sheard
RECORDS OFFICER ~ Robert Wake
COACHING OFFICER ~ Michael McGowan
It was proposed that the target fee charged at every shoot should be increased to £2.00/£2.50 to cover the hire charge of the hall/field. Junior charges would also increase to £1.00/£1.50.
It is hoped that this will cover the invoice and so eleviate the lump sum payments made members every 5/6 months. Any cash surplus would be put into the Club funds.
It was agreed by all members that from the payment of the current bill the shooting fee will be increased to £2.00 for seniors and £1.00 for juniors.
Negotiations between our Club and Houghall during 1999 have currently ceased. The Club understands that Houghall would agree to allowing the Club to shoot on its grounds during the outdoor season at a rate of £25.00 per session, it is not clear as to how long a ‘session’ is but £25.00 was deemed to be too great a sum for the members to bear.
However, Houghall is a good location, quiet, well tended and of a more visible location than Gilesgate and it is thought would promote the Club in a better light for new starters.
It was decided that either the chairman or secretary should contact Houghall to establish if a better rate could be agreed.
III) COMPETITONS
There was a distinct absence of Club representatives at the regional competitions last year and previous years were also poorly attended.
It was discussed and generally agreed that more participation by Club members this year would be ‘attempted’ with reviews of each months competitions to try and gauge some enthusiasm from the members.
Michael McGowan has offered to host coaching sessions for anyone who wants to attend.
These would be held either Monday/Friday on the outdoor season as and when any members and Michael agreed.
An annually discussed topic, it was put to the members that everyone should shoot rounds and keep their score which are then given to the Records Officer.
Not only would this help people improve their shooting but would also enable handicaps to be given out.
It was pointed out that if everyone held handicaps then a club competition could be held for the first time allowing everyone to take part on an equal footing.
It was also pointed out that the Friday shoot held during the indoor season was ideal for those who wished to shoot rounds.
VI) ARCHERY ASSOCIATION
A new association has been created, aiming to ‘complement’ GNAS.
This association is cheaper to join than GNAS, being £12.00 senior/junior and a family rate of £21.00, as apposed to £25.00 senior/£12.50 junior for GNAS.
It would also organise competitions giving cash prizes to help stimulate interest in archery and help fund the expenses of the country’s representatives.
It is doubtful that GNAS would allow members of the Archery Association to shoot at their competitions.
Details are being held by Michael McGowan.
VII) HALL INVOICE
The bill for the last quarter has been calculated to be £12 for each member.
Payment should be made by the end of January.
VIII) CLUB FEES
It was agreed that there be no change in fees from last year.
Beginners courses ~ 6 weeks £20.00 senior, £15 Junior.
Club Membership : £10.00 senior, £5 junior.
IX) WEBSITE
David Forster will design and upload a Club website to the Internet. Details of the Club location and fees will be shown as well a brief description of the type of bows used by the Club members.
In the future a page detailing Club activities will be added.
It was agreed that David Forster, Michael McGowan and Nathan Forster should be made points of contact on this site.
It was also agreed that some sponsorship be applied for from some companies on the web.
There being no other points raised the meeting came to close at 7.30 p.m.