(Transfered from old forum)

Committee Meeting 15/11/2004

Minutes

Present: Chris McConnell Zoë Neville-Smith Andrew Moroney Ben Rackham Annette Chatterton

1) Equipment and Money We now have new chest protectors in assorted sizes, and fabulous sabre masks and lames. This is a good thing. As a result, a stock take needs to be done, probably next Monday evening before training, which suits everyone apart from the Social Secretary who was already skiving Dutch to attend the meeting. Efforts are being made to track down the Allstar box, which seems to have become slightly lost at the company outlet. Another purchase of equipment is planned for after Christmas using some more of our subs money, of which about £1500 remains. We also have to make allowances for Andrew Sowerby’s coaching fee for his extra hour, and would like to leave £400-£500 for the next committee. As such, it is agreed that we charge £10 as a rejoining fee in the spring semester but £15 for new members.

2) Ongoing Competition News Our BUSA campaign is going well. The local league fixtures are also happening as with the schedule. We have submitted members of the club for the BUSA individuals competition and expect to hear from them sometime before the competition date!

3) Socials Stones Restaurant is booked for 8pm on Tuesday, 7th December. The price is set at £19.95 per head for the meal, but with a 10% service charge as we have a large group booking. As such, the decision was taken to charge £20 each and cover the service charge out of subs, for simplicity (Though the Armourer exclaimed ‘charge them £30, make a profit!). People must bring money to be put down on the list. Stones have sent an amusing hand-written invoice for a deposit on the table, which was giggled at by the committee. Despite fears, the Finance Office accepts it as proof of need to withdraw money. The pub-crawl of last week was won by two different teams, to be announced in training sessions and posted on the forum and the Social Secretary had kindly provided boxes of Celebrations as prizes. These were subsequently gorged at training. Largely by the Secretary.

4) Beginner Groups Plans relating to how to manage the current and future beginners next semester were discussed. Consensus suggests we merge the two current beginner groups and train them together on Monday nights next semester. The question of whether to start a new beginner group was debated. This largely depends on the availability of coaching, and the commitment of committee members to help support the session. Some felt that the spring might present too much work to allow them to attend two nights of training a week. The Secretary spoke of her dedication to attending beginner sessions, as they are her favourite people. They also make her feel better about her fencing ineptitude. Slightly. A final decision will be made in consultation with coaches.

5) Union Council Our mole (the Social Secretary) has promised us the minutes of the last meeting. She also plans to write up proposals the fencing club have to put to the council, and find someone else on the council to second them. Though this may require getting to know the other council members. A voting form for the Sports Committee representative was passed around in order to provoke a vote as a committee, but no one was particularly bothered about it. The candidate who had bothered to send us a manifesto was favoured.

6) Merchandise The President nagged, the Secretary hung her head, the Social Secretary offered to help. She’s wonderful. So it should happen next semester. Honest.

7) New Committee The current committee are aware that they can’t remain in office forever (particularly those who are graduating!) so by the end of this semester, we’d like to highlight the possibility of running for next years committee to the club members. Short paragraphs outlining the function and responsibilities of each position are in production to aid people in decision-making. Elections have to take place in March.

8) Publicity Many ideas have been toyed with, one of which being a ‘fence-in’ of sorts in the LCR, which could raise the profile of the club and possibly some funds as well. The possibility of booking the LCR for a day are being looked in to. Any suggestions for publicity (stunts!) from club members are always welcomed.

9) A.O.B. The fencing pigeonhole is located in Vanda Turrell’s office. NOT outside the Finance Office. The President meant to bring pictures of a mobile phone he wants to buy in order to gather some opinions on it, but forgot. The Treasurer was wearing a tea-cosy (sorry Andy!). The Secretary is knackered and apologises for technical errors in the minutes. And that is all.

Zoë