| Present | Paul Drake, Graham Beech, Fay Carpenter, Chris Holt, Paul Willmott, Linda Norrie, John Norris, Mark Bampkin, Matt Robbins |
| Members present | JB |
| Apologies | Nic, No further progress on GiftAid |
Matters arising from previous meeting
FC - Club Silverware delivered to her by Avril. 5 plates, no sword.
PD - Membership cards completed and distributed.
JN - Trophies being collected from previous winners of County Championships.
FC - 60th Anniversary. Has obtained from Avril article written for the "Sword". Decision made to discuss at later date/specific meeting. Ideas - team event and then social event at later date. CH - why have one event? Now have five trophies. Throw ideas open to club members at AGM.
Gary Baker - December
County - March
Doug Facer - April
Gary Baker decision to run Jan 2006.
JN to liase with Moulton.
PD - Armourers report handed out. All equipment audited and any old/damaged/unusable kit disposed of. PD is investigating purchasing new spools. 3 spools have been disposed of. 3 jackets on order outstanding.
FC advised approx £ 1,000 available for further equipment. PD - PBT have 10 kits available for hire.
Discussion re armourers audit. Order for some more weapons to be placed by PD and boxes and 2 spools to "try out", body wires and 2 foil beepers.
Foil Beepers. PD has purchased a combined foil/epee. He is currently testing it. Will bring it along on Thursday and see what other people think. GB - Request for lunging pads. PD will investigate. JN suggested purchasing some "protective teaching aids". eg coaching plastron etc.
Paul was thanked by the committee for his efforts in sorting the kit out and documenting it.
GB - number of people wished to do "Grade 1" Foil. Do club leaders need refreshers/who wishes to deliver the course? CH cost is £ 3 for badge and certificate. CH suggested that club leaders order their own packs and charge around £ 4 - £ 5 each. Suggested that list be compiled of which club leaders/coaches wish to deliver Grade 1s. N. Turner wished issues of Grade 2 Foil and Epee coaching to be raised. NT to be pointed towards Graham or Chris for coaching.
FC questioned whether the Club was a BFA member? No renewal had been received by either MB or FC. FC advised last years cheque was paid 16/9/2004. FC will ask Avril whether she had received any correspondence.
GB raised issues of responsibilities. PW read out responsibilities as per constitution. Some of these responsibilities have been shared out between different committee members. Medals - not treasurers job, decision made that LN to take responsibility for medals. JN suggested he continue to organise competitions and someone else arrange costs for the booking. MB to take responsibility for costs of competitions.
Web Site - PW thought that list of who won what etc for each year on the website.
Matt has looked at a number of websites and requested that content be provided by members.
Armourer tips - PD
Novice view of fencing - CH to organise
Wrinklies view of fencing - LN
History of the club - FC
Competition explanations, eg Gary Baker, Doug Facer - FC
Beginners section - MB CH supplying details to MR
Welcome to the Club - where when costs etc MB
Brief history of fencing - CH
History of the Club - FC
Junior section?? 11 - 16 section - JB/GB
BFA/club calendar - MR/GB
CH - beginners feedback. Chris provided sheet. 4 respondents. CH suggested maybe run a separate junior beginners course.
Any Other Business
AGM - date set at 26th January 2006. MB to sort letters prior to Christmas.
FC explained that as now fencing all year she is having problem balancing books as no longer have clear period over the summer. Suggested closing books in January. MB suggested April as per financial year. Discussion re subs and whether new members should pay new rates when joining. FC wants to close books 31st January, but this will mean AGM would need to be in January 2006. PD - are we proposing an increase in costs this year? FC - will consult books and report back.
PW - report that the new "Zorro" film is released soon. Suggested that fencing display is put on maybe at the release? CH advised at least 2m space needed between public/fencers and insurance implications. MB suggested using the room used for the childrens parties. PW to visit Sixfields and investigate whether they are interested in a "link up".
JN - request from Towcester do we have any intermediate and junior fencers who would be interested in team competition.
GB - Leicester open 15/16 Oct. Organiser had informed that if 4 people were happy to help set up the Friday night they would receive free entry and a possible donation to the club.
PD - xmas meal? Will it be before xmas?
PW will look at organising something for around the first week in December. 9th probably.
JN - would current legislation preclude Highgate House from providing a "Fencing Experience". - as long as risk assessment done, non electric, enough coaches. Coaches 1 per 12 beginners. JN believes could be very good fund raiser. JN to look further into it.
GB - action points at end of minutes please.
CH - info re new kits needs to be circulated again.
Next meeting 30th November 2005
Meeting closed 10:15