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Peter Biggs, Pete Chapman, Matt Gummer, Phil Jones, Keith Miller, Dave Lloyd, Dave Muir, John Nolan, Paul O'Connor, Lloyd Peters, Mike Redfern, Tony Rose, Phil Solomon, Mike Welbrock

Apologies

Giles Pott, Debbie Ehrenberg, John Anzani

(Please note: whilst the meeting produced fast flowing debate on a wide range of issues, something we have come to expect, although some may argue it was in the best tradition of a Whitehall farce; in order to spare members the boredom or in, some cases, the embarassment, I have been economical with the Minutes).

1.  Report on finances

By Paul O'Connor in the absence of the Treasurer, Giles Pott.  Subscriptions of £575 had been received, £25 being unaccounted for.  Outgoings were £616.82, Giles offering to pay the difference.  Subscriptions plus four deposits came to £775, leaving a balance of £139.60, made up of £103.18 from the 1987 season plus £36.42 from the previous season.  This balance does not show dressing room fees of £70.50 now payable to the new Treasurer.

2.  Procedures for the election of members to the club

P O'Connor told the meeting that the current procedures were confusing.  Phil Solomon asked whether new procedures would be enshrined in the Constitution ?  Dave Lloyd said "That it was up to this AGM to hammer out the procedures."   Lloyd Peters then expressed his concern about the aims and ideology of Red Bat.   In the ensuing debate the following points were made: The Constitution is not a political treatise; potential members would not be asked to produce their political credentials; it was doubtful whether "undesirables" would be proposed for membership; it was impossible to prevent members from going to South Africa if they wished; Red Bat CC was not the vanguard of the revolution.

Back to business.  Initial debate brought up the following considerations: The need for a balance between competent and not so competent cricketers; belief that nets were still a crucial part of procedure; the suggestion of an acclimitisation period; the creation of "Candidate" membership; the counter-claim that onus was on potential new members to "put themselves about".  Due to lack of pressure for new members, their induction should be by a process of "organic growth".  1st proposal by P Jones, 2nd by P O'Connor, allowed for new members being proposed by current members, having to attend nets, play the odd game, pay a match levy, the final decision being made by the AGM.

After debate, the proposal was changed, so that potential members would be invited to the nets by the Committee, plus having to play a certain number of matches thoughout the season.

The meeting was told that the amount of games would be about four, and that potential members would only play if no current member was available.

The firs two parts of the proposal were put to the vote; 8 were in favour, 2 against, and 4 abstained.

The 3rd point, a match levy of £2.00, was carried 12 for and 2 abstentions.

The 4th point was expanded to potential members who fill the criteria could be proposed at any quorate meeting voting as per Constitution..  After debate this point was voted on, 9 for, 1 against, with 4 abstentions.

The 5th point became: voting to take place as per general meeting, those accepted to be allowed to remain and be able to vote on subsequent business.  This point was voted on in two parts, both being passed.  Finally a last provision was added.  This made the Committee responsible for devising the criteria and the selection of new members.   The last proviso was carried 12 in favour and 1 against.

To clarify various points it was proposed that new members (who had not fulfilled the criteria), proposed by the Committee coul dbe voted on and accepted at the Spring EGM 1988.  This was accepted by 8 votes for, 1 against, with 5 abstentions.

3.  Country membership

The meeting was told that members who had moved outside London wished to remain members, but it seemed unfair to charge them the full subscription fee.  The meeting was asked to discuss a reduced subscription plus a match fee.

After the meeting had given the subject its full and undivided attention, Paul O'Connor, seconded by P Jones, proposed that the Committee define country membership, that subscriptions and levies are set at £5 plus a match fee and that country members have voting rights.  The proposal was turned down, 3 votes for, 7 against, plus 2 abstentions.

M Redfern, seconded by D Lloyd, then proposed that the Committee define country membership, set subscriptions at y£5.00 plus a ,match fee (to be determined by the Committee) and that country members can vote on all business except new members.   This was put to the vote and passed: 9 votes for, 0 against, 5 abstentions.

4.  Subscriptions

The meeting was asked to consider lowering the level of subscriptions in the light of a credit of £200 in the club account.  Discussion ensued, resulting in a proposel from Paul O'Connor, seconded by John Nolan, to keep subscriptions at the present level.   This was passed, 11 votes for, 1 against with 2 abstentions.

5.  Nets

Paul O'Connor told the meeting that once again doubts existed over whether it would be possible to book the nets at Marsham St.  Discussion followed, points raised being that members seek other alternatives, and that the club buy associate membership to the Civil Service recreation centre, something the majority of members agreed on.

6.  Teas

The subject of teas was next on the agenda.  Proposed by Philip Jones, and seconded by Paul O'Connor, the meeting agreed unanimously that the Committee request players to provide teas and that a sim of money be levied from the opposition to cover the cost.  P O'Connor, seconded by M Gummer, then proposed that the teas are also for Red Bat.  Passed 9 votes for, 2 against, with 3 abstentions.  Discussion followed as to the nature of those teas.  The final product to be left to the Committee's discretion.

7.  Fixtures

Next followed an attempt to select the teams players wished to face in the 1988 season.   Although I found this confusing, names were noted, the chair agreeing to pursue these fixtures.  The chair also noted Lloyd Peters's request for a two-innings match.

8.  Elections

Voting carried out as per Constitution (exhaustive balloting).

9.  Any other business

Player of the Year.  Candidates Lloyd Peters, M Gummer, P Jones, D Lloys, P Biggs.   After balloting L Peters was voted Player of the Year.
Paul O'Connor proposed that a gift be bought and sent to the Elm Tree, its exact nature being left to the discretion of the Committee.  The meeting gave this unanimous support.

Phil Solomon announced plans for a competition involving pairs of players at a pound per person.  It was put to the meeting that involvement was up to the individual, 11 voted in favour of freedom of choice, 3 against.  M Gummer asked his opposition be noted in the minutes.

Associate membership:  four associate members existed, the meeting was told; - V Moon, T White, J Snell and D Ehrenberg.  P O'Connor voiced his belief that because T White and J Snell now had no connection with the club, the meeting should vote them off.   This the meeting duly did, and the Committee was instructed to notify the above said persons.

Minibus for JA's party - the meeting said No!  The current ban on smoking, eating and trading: an historic moment when this unjust curb on the rights of the individual was revoked by 8 votes to six.

Two innings match and a score board (preferably electronic with large table and air conditioning):  the two-innings match was put to the vote and agreed on; but due to doubts raised about putting the score board on Solly's boot, it was lodged as a suggestion.

New year match mooted by M Gummer.  P Solomon thought this unfeasible due to the availability of pitches; the meeting was asked to inform the Committee if they knew of an available pitch, preferably in this country.

Peter Biggs asked the meeting to note that some members wanted a better pitch.

J Nolan proposed that idea of a performance of the year (all-round?) but this was rejected by 6 votes to 5.

L Peters asked the meeting to consider female members, and finally it was announced that P Biggs had won the KitKat strike rate.  The Blur of bodies throwing themselves at the open door led me to believe the meeting was thus - FINISHED.

The end of this episode of Red Bat C.C.