Lochbroom Sailing Club
EGM Meeting 04 02 12
Royal Hotel 7.00pm
Minutes
Present: Jason Leon, Gilly Meighan, Kate Copestake, Susie Anderson, Alison Osborne, Robert White, Lisa Osborne, Shona Osborne, Ruby Coe, John Coe, Paul Copestake, Adrian Morgan, Seumas Nairn, John Osborne, Sandy Osborne, Donald Buchanan, Sue Evans, Robin Campbell, Topher Dawson, Julia Ridgman, Paul Driver, Jill Bruce, Paul Whitefoot, Alex Fotheringham, Fraser Fotheringham, Karen Reeve, Andy Reeve, John Macrae
Apologies: Rona Johnson, Alan and Shona Rankin, Fiona Macdonald
Fee structure
Three proposals were offered to simplify the membership subscriptions, as outlined by Paul Copestake in his opening remarks.
a) Retain existing fee structure (membership fee plus additional fees for use of club assets)
b) New structure based on all inclusive membership (modest increase over last year)
c) New structure based on all inclusive membership (+£5 on some categories; representing a more realistic increase over last year)
b) New structure based on all inclusive membership (modest increase over last year)
c) New structure based on all inclusive membership (+£5 on some categories; representing a more realistic increase over last year)
The problem in the past had been to collect the relevant fees, in particular from casual users of the club’s assets (Flying Fifteens, Picos and skiff) so a system whereby membership both full and casual (temporary) entitles members to use all club assets was proposed, providing competence was established.
To all extents and purposes, casual members would have the same access to the club as full members for the duration (day, week, month).
John Osborne reminded the meeting that the changes had been discussed and endorsed, with some reservations, by the committee.
Casual membership used to be £7.50 per day, but had been hard to collect, so a sum of £10 was agreed, which would entitle use of club assets.
Andy Reeve suggested that a notice board showing all fees should be placed in the club. Casual members would need to be signed in by a full member. This was agreed.
John Osborne suggested £10 for a quick row was probably a bit steep. A precise fee structure for casual users was to left to the committee to thrash out.
Andy Reeve was concerned that any new structure might not bring in the required revenue. He did agree that it would encourage new members on to the water, as they would be free to go afloat in whatever they liked (subject to competence).
One-off costs might exceed income, but Paul pointed out that the classes were free to raise additional funds within the class, over and above the nominal £300 set aside for annual maintenance, etc. The Picos, for example, raised over £500 recently.
Jill Bruce was in favour of a system that allowed members to jump into any boat they wanted without extra payment.
Robin pointed out that it would be more costly for non-asset using members.
A category of Social Membership was suggested, and will be discussed by the committee.
Topher Dawson pointed out that, although under any new fee structure he would be paying more, he welcomed the chance to sail a Flying Fifteen without incurring extra costs.
Family members without children would also pay more, but again it would encourage them to use club assets, which would represent a saving. In principle: the more use, the cheaper the subscription.
John Macrae was concerned about the level of competence required, and the danger of a free for all.
Paul pointed out that each class had a class champion or captain, and a some sort of booking system would be instigated, for the skiff in particular, similar to Ulla’s.
Fraser Fotheringham wanted to know how youngsters could get afloat in a Pico outside organised sessions. Paul Driver, class captain, would ensure it was possible, within the framework of a responsible adult being present.
Karen Reeve suggested a £10 fee for a day’s membership and trial sail was not bad value, and if successful would lead to the taking out of full membership.
In principle, newcomers, and youngsters, are the lifeblood of the club and everything must be done to encourage them.
The proposed fee structure outlined in Paragraph 5.4 was put to the meeting and unanimously endorsed by a show of hands.
5.4 The Membership Fee Proposal.
| Class of Membership | Cost | |
| Family | With sailing children in full time education | 90 |
| With no sailing children | 65 | |
| Senior | 55 | |
| Single | | 50 |
| Concessions | Senior, Student, income support | 40 |
| Junior | | 25 |
| Honorary | | 0 |
NB The treasurer, John Coe, will send out new Standing Order forms in the next few weeks.
Due to the need to replenish club funds as soon as possible, before the season starts, these will call for the revised 2012 fees to be paid immediately, and thereafter on 1 January (as laid down in the constitution).
It will mean, ideally, that the club will be fully financed before the season starts, when funds are most needed for maintenance work etc on club assets. It will also make the treasurer’s task much easier.
Constitutional amendments
Changes to the constitution to reflect the members’ decision were to be left to the committee to thrash out. It would be a chance to amend anomalous aspects of the constitution to reflect current practice. No changes were deemed controversial.
Calendar for 2012
A provisional calendar was circulated and will be emailed to all members in due course.
AOB
AOB
AGM 24 March
The date for the AGM was set for 24 March. Time and venue to be confirmed.
Club refurbishment is nearly complete and a date is to be set for a grand opening.
Meeting ends 1957