Cardiff Cavaliers Cricket Club

1. Minutes of the AGM held on 30 January 2005 were approved as a correct record.

Pleased at the successful retention of the Willow League Plate and the friendly team spirit, and thanked the Willow League Committee chaired in 2005 by Jeremy Sparkes, and the Club Committee. Stressed the need to recruit younger members, strengthen links with Llandaff Oval to improve the ‘home base’, and resolve weekend fixtures/strength of opposition. Also expressed appreciation for the special award at the Dinner as an appropriate and fitting way to end his three-year tenure.

Elaborated on the on-field efforts emphasising that we were competitive midweek, despite the low placing in the league table, there was a welcome return to winning form in the second half leading to the retention of the Plate and that despite admirable efforts in the weekend games, all of them ended in defeats, mostly heavy, and there was a need to reconsider the number of weekend games and the standard and culture of opponents. Gave examples of excellent individual performances, including Warwick Armstrong (best batting average), Nick Hutchings (most runs), Riaz Anwar (best bowling average), Wayne Childs (most wickets), and Dave Parsons (first 50 for the Club). Also paid tribute to Steve Davis, Martin Buckle and Graeme Brown, who made over 20 appearances, the latter of whom became the first to achieve the milestone of 300 appearances. Pleased at the arrival of new members, such as the Nelson brothers, Jamie Smith and Vince Strawson. However, stressed a need to strengthen the ‘core squad’ of players, which seemed to get smaller during the season. Thanked all for their support and that he had been honoured to be Captain of a club that he was very dear to his heart.

Paid tribute to the work of the Chairman, which was often unnoticed, and stressed that the use of e-mail and mobile text to canvass availability, liaise on team selection, announce teams and give directions and other information, was very successful and provided the template for future inter-club communication. Recommended that the Club consider investing in a new website with a more recognisable address, and concluded by elaborating on the enlightening nature of the role of Willow League Chairman, which he had undertaken in 2005, and commending the spirit and ethos of the Club.

Informed there was a net inflow of £365.70 giving a total of £933.10 for investment/expenditure, having already paid the deposit to Shire Sports for the 2006 tour. Such items could include a new scoreboard, website address, clothing and subsidies towards the pre-season nets and indoor league arena private hire. Also drew attention to the success in collecting match-fees and to the general acceptance that a £25 subscription plus match fees of £2 or £3 per game, was not excessive. Thanked everyone for their goodwill and cooperation, which had made his job comparatively straight-forward.

6. Election of Committee Officers The following were elected un-opposed:

Chairman: Steve Davis (moved by Glyn Poulsom, seconded by Joey Newbury)

Captain: Mark Simpson (moved by Ros Bowen, seconded by Glyn Poulsom)

Secretary: Jeremy Sparkes (moved by Warwick Armstrong, seconded by Graeme Brown)

Treasurer: Jonathan Thomas (moved by Martin Buckle, seconded by Ross Bowen)

Vice-Captain will also join the Committee once chosen by the Captain.

Treasurer recommended that, whilst the Club was in a healthy financial position, it was perhaps best to retain the existing subscription and fee structure, in order to be able to provide more opportunities, in the future, to plough back the surpluses into activities and investment, which would benefit the Members and strengthen loyalty, which would be of long-term benefit to the Club as a whole. IT WAS AGREED the Annual Subscription be £25 and match fees be £2 (midweek) and £3 (weekend).

Martin Buckle and Glyn Poulsom will carry out a comprehensive inventory of club equipment. A Member wondered if it was possible to reduce the amount of kit taken to matches, as the bags, when full, were becoming rather heavy. IT WAS AGREED that (1) Martin and Glyn be asked to re-allocate those items which are least used/needed into the oldest bag available and to make appropriate recommendations for any action necessary to bring the equipment and bags to a satisfactory standard;

(2) the Committee be authorised to implement the recommendations arising from this and to ask Glyn Poulsom to make appropriate purchases from Duncan Fearnley wholesalers in Worcester; and (3) all Members be asked, through the next edition of "Signal", to add the item "Cricket equipment" to their home contents insurance, subject to such addition not carrying any cost implication for any individual Club member for the occasions when they are responsible for the kit.

Following the ‘straw poll’ at the Dinner to go to Bournemouth, Graeme Brown had arranged this with Shire Sports for the first weekend in August (4-6). Friday’s game would be in the Bournemouth area and the Sunday game will be en route back to Cardiff. 12 Members had paid deposits so far. For family reasons, Graeme indicated that he was unable to act as Tour Coordinator beyond making the initial arrangements. He was thanked for his efforts both for the 2006 tour to date and the successful 2005 tour to Somerset. Members were invited to consider volunteering take on Tour co-ordination

A team has been entered for the Wednesday League running from February to April. Ross Bowen would Captain/Coordinate. Everyone was welcome to take part and should contact Ross ASAP.

Bearing in mind the likely dates of both the first outdoor match and the last indoor match, those present considered that it was appropriate to book nets for the last three Thursdays in April. IT WAS AGREED that Jeremy Sparkes be asked to make arrangements to book the nets at Llys Tal-y-bont on the evenings of Thursdays 13, 20 and 27 April, or on alternative dates if so required.

It was felt that Llandaff Oval should continue to be used as the Club’s home venue for 2006, but that, in order to be able to provide a better ‘welcome’ for visiting opponents at weekends, and to make the venue more attractive to "stay at" after midweek games, contact with Llandaff Rugby Club should be resumed with a view to using the facilities (eg. changing, shower, water and bar facilities).

Nigel Adams outlined the draft fixture list, which comprised the Willow League fixtures and proposed dates for midweek and weekend friendlies. Nigel and Jeremy Sparkes were thanked for their work on this and advised of the wish that the standard of weekend opposition would be more appropriate than in 2005. Skittles night with Highways Hurricanes to be included on the fixture list.

Wyn Pritchard mentioned about a Charity raising funds for stricken areas in Africa and suggested it might be appropriate to have a friendly game with the Charity, to help raise funds for this purpose. IT WAS AGREED this be supported in principle and Wyn would liaise with Glyn to assess feasibility.

Ross Bowen suggested it was an opportune time to relaunch the Club’s on the web and to obtain a memorable name. He asked if funds would be available for this. THIS WAS AGREED and that Jeremy Sparkes be asked if he would arrange for it to be set up and maintained.

Glyn Poulsom advised that, following the success of the 25^th Anniversary tour in 2003, it may be a good way to mark the 30^th Anniversary in 2008. Jersey is one of the locations offered by Shire Sports and this may be a suitably unique location for such a tour. IT WAS AGREED the Committee would investigate, assessing demand and practical issues (eg. travel; monthly ‘savings’ club).

17. Life President’s Closing Remarks Joey Newbury closed the meeting by commenting favourably on the Club’s continuing enthusiasm for the game, its longevity and recent on-the-field successes, but stressed the need to introduce new/younger members to maintain its long-term future prospects.

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