Shell Fishing Club

Marquis of Lorne, Wednesday 16th March 2006

The Chairman opened the meeting at 20.00 hrs
Apologies for absence: Kenny Cross, Tony Handiquet, John Ankers, Darren Handiquet, Chris Richardson, Bill Thompson.

Attendees:
Michael Attfield President
Derek Gotts Chairman
Steve Fingleton Vice Chairman
Terry Gotts Treasurer
Carl Warren Match Secretary
Eve Snowling Social and Merchandising Secretary
13 members and guests

The Chairman introduced the committee.
1. Minutes from the previous meeting. It was proposed by Ray Waters and seconded by Colin Seago that the minutes of the previous meeting be adopted as a true record of the meeting.

2. Chairman’s Report The Chairman reported that the club continued to be running well with membership looking good for the coming season. The lakes at Aldeby are fishing well and the Chairman was looking forward to a further successful season.

3. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer read the club report to the members. A loss of £300.00 overall for the year has been recorded. This is mainly due to a loss of £90.00 against the Halloween event and £40.00 on the away day trip. Carrying forward last year’s banked funds, the report shows the club still to be in a healthy position.

4. Match Secretary’s Report The Match Secretary reported that matches through the season have been well attended. There is a full fixture of matches for the coming season with a match almost every weekend. The secretary thanked Paul Manthorpe for his help during the season. All fixtures are in the membership card. Matches at Beccles Quay are to be arranged as there is a problem with confirming dates with the harbour master. More juniors are welcome at matches. Members thanked Carl for his support in keeping the match scene going.

5. Social Secretary’s Report The Social Secretary thanked Sally Warren and Jane for their assistance over the year at events. Bowling and Christmas parties were well attended but the Halloween party attendance was poor. The members expressed an opinion that the social events should continue and that one poor event should not be a sign that there is apathy. Colin Seago suggested we consider a presentation dinner dance; other clubs hold this type of event. The Social Secretary agreed to look into this type of event for next year. Members were reminded that club members and guests meet on a Wednesday evening at Uplands Community Centre in Carlton Colville for a drink and a chat. All are welcome. The Social Secretary brought to the members’ attention a charity match in aid of RNLI Inshore Funds on 29th May at Barford Lakes; 95 pegs, details on 01603 759624. A refreshment break was taken.

6. General Matters
a) The Chairman proposed that Ray Waters be made an honorary member of the club to show gratitude for the time and effort Ray has given the club over many years. This was proposed by Paul Manthorpe and seconded by B Sayer.

b) The Committee announced that subscriptions for the 2006/7 season would stay at the present rates.

c) Scott Snowling was asked to brief the members on the website, and Ray Waters commented that the front page of the site had been under construction and needed to be updated urgently. Scott said he was continuing to build the site, pictures and results had been added, and match fixtures were now available to be added to the site.
A suggestion was made that banner ads could be added to the site to create funds for the club.
Steve Fingleton thanked Scott for maintaining the site and asked members to forward anything relevant for inclusion to the website.

d) A discussion took place with regard to a charitable cause for 2006/7. Mike Attfield explained to the members that Aldeby Church were looking to raise funds for repairs to the Norman church door and would welcome the club raising money for this cause. The church is awaiting a conservation report and when received more information on funds required will be available. It was proposed by Ray Waters and seconded by Sally Warren that this be included in the charity events for the coming season, but as a loss, albeit small, was made by the club a 50/50 split be made of monies to the charity cause and club funds. This was agreed by the members.

e) Mike Attfield was asked to consider allowing club members to fish on the other non-SFC waters at a concession rate. He has agreed that on production to the Bailiff of SFC membership cards a concession of £4.00 instead of £6.00 will be made.

f) Work Parties Mike Attfield will arrange for the large willow tree that has fallen across Lake 3 to be removed before the start of the season. Mike has also offered to assist in the removal of rushes by spraying with weedkiller once they have grown. This system is used in the other lakes at Aldeby and is effective. A great deal of work went into last year’s work parties. Thank you to those who came along. This year the main area to be addressed is Pegs 28/29 in pond 3 because this peg is in the water. It is a big job to take down and re-establish. Mike Attfield has agreed to offer the assistance of Tony, the site labourer who has a good knowledge of peg repair. The dates are the last two Sundays in April, the first being 23rd April at 9.00am. These details will be on the website.

g) A cheque for £290.00 was presented to the RNLI representatives.

h) Trophy presentation took place.

The Chairman thanked the members and the meeting was closed at 10.00pm