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Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron Limited

Minutes of the Half-Yearly General Meeting of the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron Limited

Held on Tuesday 24 October 2016 at 8 PM.

The meeting was held in the Squadron’s Clubhouse on The Foreshore, Beach Road, Beaumaris. Present: Ross Popplewell Commodore – Chairman

David Bell Vice Commodore Hans Harms Rear Commodore / Site Director Michael Busuttil Secretary Hein Preller Treasurer Les Sabo Boating Director Brendan Hocking Fishing Director John Giuliano Social Director

Secretary Michael Busuttil called the meeting to order and handed over to the Commodore Ross Popplewell to officially open the meeting. The Commodore welcomed everybody to the meeting Past Commodores, Life members, special guests and Club Manager Anthony Heyde, and Karen. The Commodore commented on a housekeeping note tonight, unless there was any strong objections the meeting will be recorded to enable more accurate minutes. The meeting was officially declared opened at 8:02 PM. 1. Apologies: Apologies were received Max Trist, Geoff Elsworth, Chris Louloudakis, Robert Ungar, Gary Traegardh, Phil Goodier, Brian Willis, Wally Myrwoda. 2. Financial Report for the Half-Year ended 31 August 2015 The Commodore called on the Treasurer Hein Preller to present the highlights of the Financial Report for the Half Year ended 31 August 2017. The Profit and Loss Statement for the six months to 31 August 2017 and the Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2017 were provided as a handout to all present. The Treasurer stated the overall financial position is a little bit stronger this year than last year and the club continues to be in a strong and sound financial position. Whilst in the first half of the financial year it is the club’s quiet time of the year, we are close the budgeted number $21,000 vs $26,000. In summary in the past six months we are tracking well on the income side. Membership numbers are slightly down this year vs last year, other income functions and room hire are a little bit higher this year vs last year in terms of cost but costs are well contained so there is a reasonable profit in the club.

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The Commodore then asked if there were any questions related to the Financial Report.

Q. H. Videion questioned how many members have we got at the moment. A. The Commodore replied he would address that question in his report.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto Item 3 on the Agenda. 3. Fixing of Annual Subscriptions for 2018-19: The Commodore asked the Treasurer provide his recommendation for fixing the Annual Subscriptions for 2018/19. The Treasurer noted that the numbers are similar to last year but added a 2% adjustment but the bar levy which is $200, the proposal is to keep that constant going forward. The total numbers are noted below. That is the financial report the Treasurer would like to propose. Proposed Subscriptions for 2018-2019 are as follows: -

Category A Category B Category C RM Subscriptions 2017/18 ($) 833 625 432 110 Increase 17 13 9 2 850 638 441 112 Bar Levy ($) 200 200 200 200 TOTAL 2018/2019 ( $) 1050 838 641 312 The Commodore asked if there were any questions for the Treasurer relating to the fees. As there were no questions Commodore asked the Treasurer to move that the proposed subscription increase of 2% as recommended by the Board of Directors for the year commencing 01 March 2018 be adopted. The motion was put by the Treasurer and seconded by H Vidieon and carried on a show of hands. 4. Director Reports:

Boating:

Boating Director Les Sabo advised regarding boating activities at the club so far this year there had been three lecture nights and the usual safety events, boat safety, flare and fire nights. All events have been reasonably well attended but would have liked to see a few more younger and newer members. May re-examine for next year with the view of introducing something different. One more lecture night coming up on 2nd November featuring guest speaker Ben Scullin from Boating Industry Association. Ben will discuss other species in addition to Snapper including Mulloway and Bream and catches in local waters.

The 2017 Sail Past was well attended with 150 people which was very pleasing and good numbers of boats in the water.

Nav Rallies are coming up in the new year, endeavouring to attract new members to these events. Invitation to all members to participate and enjoy BBQ lunch provided and a great day out.

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There were no questions from the floor.

Fishing:

Fishing Director Brendan Hocking advised the Start of the Fishing season competition on the 27th August was cancelled due to bad weather. The BMYS vs Brighton was also cancelled but all 70 members in attendance enjoyed a great spit roast lunch prepared by Tim Hipkin. Brendan Hocking thanked Tim which prompted spontaneous applause from the gallery.

The squid competition on the 11th October was cancelled, but 6 boats participated on the back up date the following week with squid caught.

The next event held last weekend was Orbost attended by around 24 members and was a really great trip. Tony Huxham cleaned up for BMYS, well done Tony. Tony won the heaviest bag and the Larry Fairless memorial trophy which is a very prestigious trophy and Tony also won the heaviest other species with a luderick of 1.25kg.

The next event coming up is the Gala on the 11th and 12th November, members can book via the website, the cost is $25 to enter which includes a meal on Saturday night and also the BBQ lunch on the Sunday. Our sponsors Wayne Wright from Southern Sports fishing, JV Marine who are stepping up this year are supporting the event which is great.

Another event coming up at the club is the Pretty in Pink function on Oaks Day that Toni Hawkin is helping the club to organise. So far there are 70 people booked to attend with good support from sponsors Lowe Constructions with great prizes, so please encourage your wives and friends to attend.

One other item that is coming up which isn’t on the calendar, is due to $2,000 grant from Victorian Fisheries to promote memberships in clubs and organisations. Considering a membership drive open day for the club on the 24th February, and JV Marine will also sponsor the day bringing their customers to the club with boats available on the water.

Game fishing event is currently under consideration.

Finally, responsible fishing, only take your limit, fish responsibly and think for the future. There were a number of pinkies dumped at the end of the jetty, which was a thoughtless act. If any members see a breach of the act, please refer the matter to the board.

There were no questions from the floor.

Site:

Site Director Hans Harms thanked his committee for doing a great job, particularly Ian Pettigrove. A new salt water pump has been installed. A new light has been installed on the ramp, Hans invited comments and inquired how that was going. Very positive feedback was received. The other works completed are the bitumen driveway and a surface coating of the area immediately before the Easterly ramp. Hans thanked David Bell who organised the material and finishing. The bathrooms downstairs will be revamped completely after the Gala. Hans called for younger members to join the Site Committee. Not expected to attend every meeting but would greatly assist in organising Working Bees.

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If any issues with site related matters, please email Hans who will pass onto the Site committee who will work as a team it get it done. Hans stated he will push to get more and more things done, it was about time we fixed the club up a bit. Questions were then taken from the floor.

Q. A member asked who would we have to see to get a new light on the pole out there ? Referencing the pole at the end of the Eastern ramp and the accident occurred on the 16th October.

A. The Commodore replied he would address that question in his report.

There were no further questions from the floor.

Social:

Social Director John Giuliano advised that on the whole the social events have been well patronised for the first half of the year.

Friday nights continue to prove very popular. Raffle prizes have reverted to meat items and now includes a fruit and vegetable box. Ongoing support from Club Outdoors with the donation of the 11th prize. The increasing member’s jackpot is seeing more people at the club.

A Jazz afternoon earlier in the year was attended by approximately 45 people who enjoyed the day.

The Big Night Out was a new format that included wine and cheese tasting, trivia and a disco. Over a hundred people attended and was very popular with a lot of positive feedback.

Father’s Day in September was a great success with over 120 attendees enjoying a roast lunch and a monster raffle with many prizes. The event was well sponsored by Jeep with two cars on display. Thank you to Gary and Val Viner who hosted the day.

The Grand Final day was wound down to reflect the poor attendances in recent years. The club would however provide pies and minor activities for those who wish to attend. Some negative feedback was received due to a lack of promotions and a lack of decoraations. Social committee to decide whether the Grand Final will appear on next year’s calendar.

The catering for the Working Bees has changed from party pies and sausage rolls to a BBQ style lunch with salads and proved to be well received by the members.

Upcoming social events include Melbourne Cup day, Children’s Christmas party, Christmas Dinner Dance, New Years Eve, Day on the Green and a dinner and show planned for early in the new year.

The Social Director then thanked his Committee for all their hard work namely Gary Viner, Val Viner, Sandra Simcox, Michael Shacklock, Noeline Schumacher, Sarah Baxter, David Baxter, Ellie Daley, Mark Daley, Toni Hawkin, Matthew Hunt, John Dobson and Lynne Hunt.

Questions were then taken from the floor

Q. Wally Nicolson asked why Melbourne Cup Day was more popular than the AFL Grand Final.

A. J. Giuliano replied it is perceived more of a family day. Q. I. Pettigrove suggested that AFL Grand Final should be hosted at the club next year

and promoted to generate the attendances.

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A. The Commodore stated that this matter is for John and the Social committee to review the event and make a recommendation to the board.

The Commodore advised the club will be hosting a Family Christmas Luncheon on the 15th December and members are encouraged to invite their friends, fellow members, their staff in their businesses and families to enjoy a three course meal. This event is designed to be a little bit different and has potential to be a success if everyone supports it. A notice will be coming out shortly.

There were no further questions from the floor.

Communications: In the absence of On Deck Editor Chris Louloudakis the Commodore will move onto his report and encompass item 5 of the agenda which is major projects and strategic issues.

Commodore:

Memberships: The Commodore advised with regard to membership, the current member base was 565, this year the club have inducted 39 new members with a further 3 applications for membership and in the process of identifying a new membership drive. We have identified we have an ageing population in the club and we will try to attract new younger members who will be the future of the club. We have installed a new Kids Zone in the members 27/7 lounge and over time the board will review other categories of membership and bring a recommendation to the members for their vote and approval, in accordance with the constitution. The Commodore also stated the BMYS will face increasing competition for the Beaumaris Football, Cricket and Tennis Club, as their new clubhouse will be completed later this year and expected to run 24/7 within 400 to 500 metres of the BMYS. The Commodore asked if there were any questions relating to membership.

Q. G. Palich advised that at the boat show this year, one of the boat clubs on the

other side of the bay had a stand promoting their club and membership. Has the club thought about something like that even joining up with another reciprocal club?

A. R. Popplewell replied that yes that point came up in a discussion last week. We are going to look at that as a possibility and certainly going out to drive for new members.

Q. G. Palich stated that as a valuable sponsor would JV Marine or the club offer nominal $20 vouchers to purchasers of new boats with that voucher to be redeemed at the club on a Friday night just to get people down here.

A. R. Popplewell advised that whilst that is something we hadn’t thought of discussions with John Stav have been in progress for the past three months about assisting us with membership and made it quite clear we are targeting family memberships and younger families. The incentive idea will be taken on board.

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Q. W. Nicolson questioned with membership numbers down have we looked at Social membership say within a kilometre or two kilometres within the area to keep it with locals. Feedback received from a recent open day from the local community suggested that they would be interested in coming to the club for a meal on Friday nights.

A. R. Popplewell replied that family membership, social membership, associate membership corporate membership, are categories to be considered.

Q. D. Bell commented approximately 8-10 weeks ago, A. Heyde decided to open the downstairs bar on Thursday afternoons targeting tradies and ladies. Despite the lack of attendance the club has not been inactive.

A. R. Popplewell stated that in the last two weeks the club has hosted two book launches by the Beaumaris Book club. With favourable feedback the events have contributed strongly to the bottom line

Q. A. Evans advised that the greatest assets are the boat ramps and fishing cleaning area and the fact we are a trailer boat club. With boat sales registration increasing, why don’t we promote our greatest assets and get people here to use the ramps and fish cleaning facilities.

A. R. Popplewell invited any member of the board to contribute to the discussion. One of the biggest issues facing the club is trailer parking, and with the traffic expected in the month congestion will be at a peak albeit for a short period of time, adding a further 50 members may not be in the best interest of the other members at the moment.

Q. A. Evans advised that as a fellow snapper fisherman the inconvenience would be for a short period of time for the greater benefit of the club.

A. R. Popplewell advised that he respected his question and comments as with all other members questions and comments are taken into consideration when we consider these things.

Q. D. Bell added that Wayne O’Neill visited boat ramps for hours to hand out membership invitation pamphlets and personally spoke to owners and families and don’t believe we recruited one member to the club through that initiative.

A. R. Popplewell commented that the recent offer of inviting the children of members to join without the joining fee is a reward to the existing members and an encouragement to the younger ones. However the fees are seen as a barrier to join but we are trying different things.

Q. B. Wright advised we should be targeting members to be social and contribute to the site rather than just using the ramps and fish cleaning facilities. Getting involved in the club and putting some back in are the members we want to drive the club and go forward.

A. M. Busuttil stated that the board have a series of discussion about membership and see the matter of driving the membership base as the number one objective and priority of the club. The board is working and preparing to come back to the member base at the next AGM with a proposal to drive the social, community and family memberships.

Q. G. Hill stated whilst he agrees with Brian’s sediment with a 100 members down, you can’t pick your members. Need to make new members welcome and want to come to the club and functions and participate.

A. R. Popplewell advised the board is very aware of this opinion and will take all those issues on board.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto Club Management.

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Club Management: The Commodore advised that Anthony Heyde is settling in very well since joining the BMYS in May 2017. John (Firth) continues to work with Anthony and both are very happy with the progress made to date.

Chloe Virtue has resigned and left the BMYS. The bar staff are working well and strongly support Anthony. Executive chef Armin Pfister is providing an excellent range and quality of food to both club and external functions with good reports being received. If anyone would like to report a meal that is not quite to expectation, could they please raise the matter on the night by contacting Anthony Heyde. In the main the food has been exceptionally good. Last Beaumaris Book club launch, Armin prepared canapés to Maggie Beer’s recipe and was well received. The menu, wine list and beers on tap are evolving, and Anthony should be complimented with implementing these changes to the bar. The online booking process is working well and providing efficiencies before and during events. Software glitches are currently being addressed and will be rectified shortly. Any issues with the booking system should be directed to Anthony. D. Bell added if anyone has any trouble making a booking, please call Anthony to make your booking. We have had a discussion as we enter the busy summer period with the view to adding a Duty Manager to assist Anthony, but a proposal from Anthony will be prepared and presented to the board for consideration. The Friday Night members draw is $1450 and driving our business along very strongly. The social committee have been very busy selling raffle tickets which is raising excellent revenue for the club. The Commodore asked if there were any questions relating to club management.

Q. I. Pettigrove advised he disagrees that you have to pay for everyone in full prior to

attending events via the booking system. Sandra and 10 to 12 friends wanted to attend the pink event Oaks day as was told payment was required there and then.

A. R. Popplewell replied that his understanding of the system is you go on line and want to pay for two, pay for two and put a note in the notes section that you want to reserve a table for more and have the other people attending go on line and say they are attending on your table.

Q. I. Pettigrove advised that Sandra was told emphatically the other night that full payment was required.

A. R. Popplewell responded that the booking procedure is structured as previously advised and if Sandra was incorrectly advised please accept his apology on behalf of the club.

Q. G. Palich asked where was the Half Year Meeting agenda published. A. R. Popplewell responded in On Deck, page 3, in the last edition. Q. G. Palich questioned where are the minutes for the previous meeting published. A. R. Popplewell replied on the Website in the members section.

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Q. G. Palich queried if the AGM minutes and Half Year Meeting minutes are posted on the website.

A. R. Popplewell advised that the AGM minutes are published on the website, but the Half Year Meeting minutes are not. Will look into publishing both meeting minutes on the website.

Q. H. Videion advised that both meeting minutes were published in On Deck when he was editor.

Q. G. Palich advised he could not locate the Half Year Meeting minutes in On Deck. A. R. Popplewell requested M. Busuttil minute this item for follow up. Q. H. Videion commented that it would be helpful if a copy of the meeting agenda is

available at the meetings on the seats. Q. T. Hipkin questioned if an appointment will be made for Chloe’s replacement. A. R. Popplewell advised not at this stage. It will be up for discussion between

Anthony and the board. We are looking at the possibility of a Duty Manager, but will be subject to what Anthony sees as the optimum position with staffing.

Q. G. Palich queried that as part of the renewing annual membership the club requests a copy of current insurance certificate, how many does the club receive and what does the club do for the ones not received.

A. J. Firth confirmed membership stickers will not be issued until all the paperwork has been received.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto Functions.

Functions: The Commodore advised that Deidre Sabbatucci and Anthony were working well together on functions as we come out of the quiet season. There is definitely a downturn in weddings and appears to be a trend across the board. Deidre and Anthony attended a Wedding Expo at is seems these days with the price of housing escalating people aren’t prepared to spend their $30-$50,000 on a wedding preferring to fly off to Bali and similar places to get married. Weddings in term of the bigger functions are in some decline. We are however seeing growth in Room Hire, football functions, book launches, wakes, birthdays etc. is driving well and we are pushing for more of these functions. Don’t forget the incentive we have offered for members who book a family function or a friend’s function here, there is a little financial incentive available to be added to your members bar levy. We would welcome the members getting behind that and pushing it. We are getting positive feedback from functions. Special thanks to those who assisted with parking for an event of 200 people, namely Rick Barrett, David Flood, Paul Ryan, Kevin Jones, John Rawlings and Hans Harms. There were no questions from the floor. Communications: The Commodore would like to thanks Chris Louloudakis for taking on the sole editor’s role and also would like to thank Jonathan Hatchuel for his efforts as co-editor until he was forced to resign due to work commitments.

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Material deadlines have been brought forward to get the publication out a little bit earlier and avoid the situation where notices are appearing after the function has been run. The editorial guidelines have been tightened so each director has a proforma to complete his report. On behalf of the board, many thanks to Brian Willis for taking many of the photos that appear in On Deck. Any stories about your trips and travels are welcome to be submitted to appear in On Deck. The weekly emails are now being prepared by Anthony Heyde, with a new style that seems to be working well. We are producing quality flyers that are linked into the website with uniformity. We are trying not to overuse emails whilst keeping members updated and reminded about upcoming events. We are having some wins with Facebook, Brian Willis, Chris Louloudakis, John Firth and John Giuliano all contributing well to our Facebook program. We have approximately 200 regular followers, and the Prostate Day received over 3,000 views. Memberpoint is still in development stage but great features, convenient, easy to use, reminders and warnings, all linked into the website, a great addition to our whole communication program. Our website is now more current than ever and thanks to John Firth for most of the work. Information for members is all on the website, our flyers are crossed linked with Memberpoint, weekly email and On Deck. And generally our online bookings are working well.

The Commodore asked if there were any questions relating to communications.

Q. C. McNaughton congratulated the Commodore for taking on the Facebook role as it is important in this day and age and suggested any charity event or any event hosted by the club includes a feature on Facebook to show the club is a lot more that a boating and fishing club. A. R. Popplewell thanked C. McNaughton for a point well made. Q. B. Hocking asked how many people attending the meeting actually have access to Memberpoint set up on their phones. A. A show of hands suggested most members in attendance have access to Memberpoint. A. R. Popplewell suggested anyone who needs assistance to set up Memberpoint access do not hesitate to request help.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto Charity Events.

Charity Events: We have hosted Able Day which was very successful, we have had Prostate Day was a great day we raised only about $11,000 which was a real disappointment, the weather was poor, with very few cyclists on Beach Road. The Prostate Cancer organisation however was very happy with our contribution and very supportive to get behind us for next year. Last week we hosted an event for Beyond Blue conducted by Atkinson Pontifex builders. Member Dean Atkinson requested to use the members 24/7 lounge, they had a walk from Mordialloc pier and they raised in the order of $4,000 from their staff and suppliers.

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These charity events and community events are very very important. As there were no questions the Commodore moved onto Sponsorships.

Sponsorships: Sponsorships are a valuable resource for the club. Considerable work has been done by Brian McNaughton with the cooperation with various other directors. Club sponsors provide strong regular support in all that the club does. We also have some event sponsors will come on board and sponsor a specific event. They are all important. The major aim for sponsors is to produce a win/win situation where we get mutual support. There are controls in place to ensure the club is not overusing those sponsors. Brian McNaughton is coordinating. We have signed on some new sponsors, Destination HQ Travel in Beaumaris and Mentone will supply the major prize for the Club Christmas raffle. Club Marine sponsor the club and offer a financial incentive to the club for joining or renewing your insurance. Streaker Marine attended the Sail Past and want to get more involved in the club which is great. We have to support our sponsors so please give our sponsors consideration when you are looking to buy items, it would be greatly appreciated. When you are speaking with them please mention BMYS and that you are a member. The Commodore asked if there were any questions relating to sponsorship.

Q. R. Billings advised he was not aware of the Club marine sponsorship and how do you let them know online you are a BMYS member. A. J. Firth confirmed you are required to renew your insurance via the BMYS website. Must be done online. Q. B. McNaughton suggested that all sponsors should appear on the club website so members are aware of the sponsors of the BMYS. Would members please mention BMYS when talking to these sponsors. It is important for the sponsors to get that feedback.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto Strategic Issues.

Strategic Issues: One of our members collided with an unlit pole resulting in enormous damage to himself and his boat. He is still in intensive care and needs a lot of facial reconstruction. Facts are still unknown but he was on his own. The board have discussed raising this matter with the appropriate authorities to have all the poles lit as it is a major safety issue.

Q. C. McNaughton advised Sea Light install lights all over Australia for that reason and could be consulted to assist. Q. B. Wright advises that Ben Scullin will be attending the lecture night on 2nd November could be questioned about where the money is going or should be going.

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A. R. Popplewell complimented Brian for recommending Ben Scullin as he will be contacted to raise this issue. There are a number of poles within one kilometre from the club that are unlit. With the amount of traffic early morning and late evening in the dark, it is a safety issue. We need to get something done if we can to protect or members and other boaters. Also members will be encouraged to report lights on poles that are not working so the appropriate authorities can be notified. Q. T. Huxham advises there is no light at the end of the pier. A. This issue is on the table and we will be discussed in full detail with all the authorities and we’ll look to see what can be done to make the passage to and from the club so much safer. Q. B. Wright advises that navigational lights should be turned off at anchor. Only plain white anchor light should be turned on. Red and green lights should not be on at anchor.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto the Safe Harbour Project.

Safe Harbour Project: R. Popplewell advised he is disappointed with the progress made over the twelve months. We now have completed the technical studies, the business plan is being developed at arm’s length by a company that is extremely experienced and has worked on such projects around the bay. They are working in close consultation with the designers of the project AW Marine, Fitzgerald Constructions (who built the marina at Blairgowrie) and Mandy Elliott our long term consultant on the project. The feedback received from the company conducting the study is that they are very impressed with the three people we are mainly involved with throughout the process. It is all coming together, as to when, as quick as it can be done. It is in our interests to get this finished it has been a divisive issue within the club for a long long time. There are pressures on everyone on the board to have the business plan complete but it needs to be completed in full detail. When the plan is complete we will be able to make some decisions and advise the members accordingly. R. Popplewell repeated he is disappointed how long it has taken to get to this point and advised we are getting very close to the end of the process. As there were no questions the Commodore moved onto Lease Renewal. Lease Renewal: Our lease is due in August 2018, other clubs around the bay are going through the exact same process. One club’s term has expired and now on a monthly lease. Three clubs that we are in consultation with on a regular basis are going through the same process, we know what their facing, we know the terms and there is a possible three-fold increase our rent going forward. The government is looking for every single department to earn their way and bring in additional revenue. Some of the conditions in the lease we understand are fairly onerous but it’s not just us, it is everyone else that is in a similar position now or coming up in the near future.

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We are preparing for negotiations and talking to people. Only last week our landlord The Department of Environment Water Land and Planning advised they are looking to us to finalise our safe harbour project prior to discussions on lease renewal.

Q. W. Nicolson queried what would happen if we don’t agree to the increase in our lease fees.

A. R. Popplewell advised we are talking with people who are already in negotiations, we understand the process, we will engage professional help if we need to, we will be fighting it as best we can.

Q. A. Evans advises he sits on a committee of management for the Minister of Environment looking after crown land and he would be happy to come and have a talk with Ross.

A. R. Popplewell thanked Andy and replied he would take Andy on board with that one.

The Commodore asked if there were any questions relating to the Safe Harbour Project.

Q. B. Wright questioned what is the rent now.

A. R. Popplewell advised we are about $21,000. Other clubs on a similar basis have gone up to $60,000.

Q. I. Pettigrove asked in relation the company doing the business plan, why haven’t they provided a timeline.

A. R. Popplewell replied they needed some additional information from designers and constructor which are currently going through now and they are getting it done just as quick as they can. I’m hoping, hoping, hoping that we’ll be in a position before Christmas to come back to members with a position that we know, but that is a hope. I said the same thing last year and failed dismally so please take that in account. It is a big project, it is a very complex project and we want to make sure we get it right.

A. D. Bell advised one of the issues that slowed it down, we received some numbers for concreting works along the water, however full details are needed to determine fill quantities to accurately cost.

In conclusion, the Commodore commented there are a lot of positives from the day to day running of the club there is a good feeling when he walks into the office and things seem to be going in the right direction. We need to wrap up the business case for the safe harbour project we are very aware of that so we can determine the next step and report back to the full membership. We want to be well prepared for the lease negotiations so we are working on that, we are working on a membership drive, working on more younger members and I think what you will find from the financials, whilst our income hasn’t risen a great deal we have certainly controlled our costs in this period.

As there were no more questions the Commodore moved onto General business.

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General Business:

The Commodore asked if there were any questions relating to general business, could they be directed to the specific portfolio director.

Q. C. McNaughton enquired whether the parking space to the left of the ramp be reserved for boats 6 metres plus to avoid the larger trailers hanging beyond the yellow line. A. R. Popplewell replied that he could give consideration to that request. Q. G. Palich queried where income from Friday Night raffles appears on the financial sheets. A. H. Preller confirmed there is no specific category on the income statement however it goes to the general banking pool and deposited into the bank. Q. M. Digger stated the numbers were down at the September working bee and enquired if there could be a small member’s draw to encourage greater participation. A. H. Harms replied a door prize was introduced in an incentive to improve attendances. Hans invited further ideas to assist. Q. W. Nicolson advised that if 120-150 people did attend that it was important to find jobs for all who attended. A. H. Harms advised that 88 member attended the last working bee which was a pretty good result as some would be been deterred by the weather. The site committee are concentrating on the mini working bees (for smaller type of jobs eg. Clean stairs or fish cleaning bay) as well as some members may be able to attend mid week if they can’t attend weekends due to shift work. Q. M. Diggers also stated that part of the working bee is that new members get the opportunity to meet older members and acts as a gathering of people to get to know who the club is. Q. T. Huxham believes the May working bee is too late in the year and should be brought forward to say March due to the growing season of the plants is quite prolific, whilst from May to September the bushes are fairly dormant. A. H. Harms advised the site committee are currently reviewing both dates of the working bees. Q. D. Bell advised the timber apron to the no. 5 jetty is not well supported. Due to the size of the job John Pontifex is currently preparing a quote for a full replacement. Please be careful at low tides not to run your boats underneath.

Q. G. Hill advised that the jobs allocated at working bees are being completed from 11am.

Q. I. Jones wanted to thank R. Popplewell for his role as welfare officer by making weekly phone calls to unwell members or familiy. It’s great to receive a phone call from the Commodore of a club you’re a member of and it is greatly appreciated, thank you.

There we no more questions relating to General Business.

The Commodore would like to take this opportunity to thank club manager Anthony Heyde, Deidre Sabbatucci, and their dedicated and hard working staff such as Karen who is working tonight.

The Commodore commented the club caterer has done a wonderful job with food that we have enjoyed over the last eighteen months.

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The Commodore thanked past commodore John Firth for his continuing and capable efforts on behalf of the club in all manner of things such as IT and occasional fix it roles, it is much appreciated.

The Commodore also thanked Immediate Past Commodore Brian McNaughton for his continuing work with sponsors, it’s a big job and it takes a lot of looking after to keep these people happy. You are doing a great job and I’ll like to thank you for the sound advice you have supplied me though my tenure.

The Commodore thanked life member Geoffrey Elsworth and his new helper Brain Wright for their work in grounds maintenance.

The Commodore thanked every member of our four committees for their contributions to the club, that work is really appreciated.

And to all those who participate in club events and in club life the Commodore passed on his personal thanks.

The Commodore thanked fellow board members for their support and help. Without the commitment and the consistently good work and long hours these people spend at the club and on club business we wouldn’t be in the secure financial position we are in today.

The Commodore thanked everyone who attended the meeting tonight and your keen interest and involvement in the affairs of the squadron.

The Commodore declared the 2017 Half Year General meeting of the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron officially closed and on behalf of fellow directors and club management, invited everyone to join the Board for a drink and light refreshments.

The meeting closed at 9:40 PM. Minutes of the Half-Yearly General Meeting on 24th October 2017: Confirmed: __________________________ / /

Commodore