2015 AGM Minutes

Burrator Fly Fishers’ Annual General Meeting Monday 12^th January 2015

At the Travelodge, Derriford.

Present: Peter Macconnell (Chairman), Linda James (Secretary), Tony McCoy (Treasurer), John Jeffreys, Pat Power, David Lye, Terry Denley, Chris Reed, Graham Broach, Tom Turner, Ken Hindley, Tony Vallack, Peter Phillips, Bob Prout, Roy Kane, George Wortelhock, Kelvin Nikulin.

Apologies: Mark Clark, Tony Hooper, Mike Duckett

Agenda

Treasurer’s Report – Tony McCoy provided copies of the final accounts as at 31st December 2014, which showed that we had a closing balance of £228.41. Tony said that there was no need for an increase in the annual subscription from its current level of £12.50 pa. This was agreed by the members present.

Chairman’s Report – Peter Macconnell reported that the boats had been used more in 2014 and that as far as he knew the arrangement would continue for 2015. There was some puzzlement that they had not been removed at the end of the season as agreed in our contract. However, they were being cleaned and bailed by SWLT staff so that responsibility did not fall to us. Peter agreed that we need to have our annual ‘sorting out’ meeting with SWLT before the season proper starts in mid – March. He will write to ask them for a date and to propose an agenda based on member’s concerns.

Monthly Meetings and Competitions – Tony Vallack and Mike Duckett had worked out a provisional programme for 2014. This was discussed in detail and modified slightly. It will be published on the website/blog. It is known that the future of Bake and Newhouse is uncertain and it may be that the events planned for those venues will need to be revised. Due to family ill health Mike will not be able to continue in the role of raffle and competition organiser. Tony Vallack volunteered to take it on alone. This was agreed.

Election of Officers –Peter agreed to continue as chairman for one more year, but Linda and Tony wished to stand down. This had been discussed at a previous meeting where Tony Hooper and David Lye had offered themselves for the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s roles respectively. There being no other applicants Peter, Tony H and David were unanimously elected. Linda and Tony M were thanked for their work over recent years and appreciation was shown by all those present.

Burrator Prices for 2015– SWLT have produced their price structure for this year. It can be seen online HERE. In due course there will be the usual printed booklet. All the information relevant to us will be posted on the website/blog. A majority of members present felt that SWLT had an inconsistent approach to the cost of concession permits. It was resolved to raise this matter with them.

Bank clearance in early March 2015 – Volunteers were needed to clear some swims sometime in the first two weeks of March. There were eight volunteers.

Hydro-electric scheme at Burrator Dam – South West Water are planning to develop a small scheme in 2015. It will capture the overflow water from the Dam and use it to run a turbine. The Chairman has received some details about this and an assurance that it will not affect either the water conditions or the fishing in the reservoir itself. On the face of it there seems no reason why it should affect us, but we can only watch and wait at this stage.

Constitution Changes - As provisionally agreed at last years AGM the Club Constitution will be altered in two respects from 2015 onwards. Firstly, There will be an upper limit on the length of time any member can serve in a particular officer role with the club. Secondly, New membership applicant will now be directed to the Treasurer in the first instance, not the Secretary as was the case previously.

Any other business

1.     Concern was expressed about the comparative absence in 2014 of Honorary Bailiffs checking permits and watching out for poachers.

2.     Concern was expressed about the presence of cormorants at Burrator. It was suggested that SWLT be asked about compensatory stocking amongst other possible measures.

It was agreed that both these matters would be raised with SWLT.

The meeting ended at 9.30pm