AGM 2009 Minutes
AGM 2009 Minutes
Sidmouth Gig Club
Annual General Meeting - Port Royal Sailing Club, September 15th 2009
General Agenda;
1) Welcome & Introduction
2) Background and Future aspirations of club
3) Election of Committee
4) Adoption of Constitution
5) Membership & Sponsorship
6) Questions
7) AOB
Introductory address given by Paul Buchanan.
1) Introduction – What are we all here for?
Paul introduced Mark Williams (CEO of East Devon District Council) and thanked him for his willingness to act as a referee for the SGC so that it may gain Cornish Gig Club Association membership once we get a boat in the water, as well as for his support in becoming a Founding Member of the Club.
Paul set out the background to the formation of the Club; A first public meeting held had 40 people attend and the a second public meeting had similar numbers, with over half of those as new faces. Many of the people who attended the initial meetings now form the basis of the steering group.
The third meeting was more of a business meeting in which information was pulled together, logo’s and web sites created and clothing selections made, constitutions written etc. All these things have been done in a very short space of time thanks to commitment of a few dedicated people.
2) Background
Nigel Winchester thanked Paul for all of his hard work at getting the club as far as it was – his drive and enthusiasm have helped with things like the ‘ning’ site (www.sidmouthgigclub.ning.com) and membership forms etc.
For information, a risk assessment has been done on the beach as a launch site and it has been agreed that there seem to be no major problems with this.
Paul Buchanan and Nigel Winchester had presented to the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, the presentation was well received and lots of support was forthcoming.
South West Signs have been busy creating logo’s, suggesting fonts and letterheads for the club. They have generously printed off all the sponsorship and membership forms for us at no cost. Thanks given to them for this. Web site to be launched shortly – www.sidmouthgigclub.com
Thanks to Martin Crockett and East Devon IT for their help in setting this up for us.
Thanks to Richard Hedger of Michelmores and Marcus Dickson from Lyme Regis Gig Club for writing our constitution.
Hopeful that in 2-3years time we will be able to have 10 teams of mixed ages and abilities. Something for the club to look forward to.
Nigel handed over to Marcus to tell us more about the progress of the Lyme Regis club.
Marcus began by saying how pleased he was that we were setting up our club and that he was looking forward to having a bit of local competition!
The Lyme club was set up 2 ½ years ago and in that time have built up a membership of 150 (of which there are 80-90 rowers). They now have 3 gigs, 2 wooden and 1 fibreglass.
The club caters for all people, young, old, experienced and novices, giving all the ability to get out and have a race.
It started with a meeting, similar to the one held in Sidmouth. Lyme decided to build a boat of their own. The main focus was on getting the first boat. Lyme were very lucky and were gifted the money to pay for the boat by a single individual.
The club went out to tender re building a boat but decided to stay local, which gave the town a feeling of ownership. Named the boat ‘Rebel’ after a comment made by Charles I about the people of Lyme.
Due to the success and the demand of those wanting to row the second boat came along very quickly. They had lots of support from the town and the district council re funding.
Now have teams in full competition with other clubs.
A question was asked about training. Marcus explained that Lyme have spinning classes and other sessions specifically geared for those who are most competitive – usually the ‘A’ rowing team.
Marcus stepped down and Paul continued.
3) Election of Committee
Paul ran through the list of those who had already offered to be in the steering group committee.
He explained that the idea was to share the load regarding the setting up of the club. General principal was of teamwork.
The committee was unanimously agreed upon!
4) Constitution
Paul proposed the constitution written be Richard Hedger, with the help of Marcus Dickson.
Nigel Winchester seconded, and all agreed.
Marcus was also prepared to support our application for the Cornish Gig Club membership. Nigel seconded this and again all were in agreement.
5) Membership / Sponsorship
Membership forms and types of sponsorship were discussed.
It was explained that in our first year, as we do not have a gig to row, we are only able to offer 'social' membership. When we do get a gig in the water we will be offering the full range of memberships, so to be a part of the Club from the start there are a couple of choices: Founding Membership = £65 Social Membership = £30 (£15 joining fee + £15 membership) All new members pay a one time only £15 joining fee. When we do get to the stage of having a gig in the water the amount for an adult rower will be £50 per year. If the Gift Aid Form is completed as well, the Club gets the chance to claim back 28p in the pound from the taxman on each 'donation' to the club.
As a founding member we are offering for you to have your name, or person gift is for, engraved into the inside panel of the first gig we buy.
We are also offering Founding Sponsorship to businesses at a cost of £250. Each business will have it’s name carved into the gig, be listed on our members roll of honour and displayed in the Port Royal clubhouse and also have links on the SGC website. The number of Founding sponsors will be limited to a maximum of 200.
As far as value for money goes regarding advertising via the gigs it is worth noting that the oldest gig still being rowed today was built in 1838. That has got to be the best rate of return for your advertising costs ever!!
Our aim is to raise enough money to get a boat in the water and be racing by May 2011.
One idea would be to host invitational regatta’s. Over 5,000 people support these events, and they can be anything as regular as on a monthly basis. The revenue for the town could be quite fantastic.
Forms were handed out and suggested clothing designs displayed.
6) Questions
Q1. What is the cost of a new gig?
A1. To put a racing gig in the water it will cost over £27,000. This is broken down in the following way;
Boat itself £20,000
Oars £2,000
Trailer £2,000
Oar Rack £3,000
Life Jackets £560
Insurance £100
A discussion was had about the possible ways of raising the finance required via individual sponsors who might secure loans etc, so that an order may be placed, however the Lyme Regis Club raised all the money needed before they placed their order for a boat. This rather than placing a deposit on a boat is the preferred approach by boat builders.
Q2. Re Fundraising – would boat trailers have sponsors names on them?
A2. Yes. Being highly visible will be an attraction for any sponsor.
Q3. Have we got a local brewer as a sponsor yet?
A3. Possibly O’Hanlons – need to contact them.
7) Any Other Business
7.1 Note for businesses sponsoring the club; worth noting that when a business sponsors/ makes a donation to a charity, it can claim this against tax.
Graham Sindle of Thomas Westcott is a local accountant and has offered to advise any business re tax deductions.
7.2 Marcus made an invitation on behalf of the Lyme Regis Gig Club, for 20 of our members to come over to Lyme for a practice row.
Date suggested was Sunday, 4th October at 11.30am. Places would be on a first come first served basis – all interested are asked to put their name on the SGC ‘ning’ site.
Meeting closed and next meeting date to be confirmed.
