1.  In attendance

Robert Montani

Rob Cawte

Keith Pitman

Paul Privett

Stephen Privett

Tony Pond

Andy Tombs

John Evans

Apologies David Jackson, Dave Hawnt.

 

2. Statement of accounts

A detailed statement of accounts was given.  No information was available regarding funds held in the SBFTC bank account.  This will be made available as soon as possible.

A complete breakdown of operating costs was given

At the time of the meeting there are 12 (including 2 juniors) paid up members and a further 2 that are overdue.  In addition there are 4 probationary members that will be granted membership at the end of February.

 

3. Rota system

It was agreed that a rota system be agreed between the committee for opening and closing the club.

 

4. Club Committee

The following members were nominated and appointed by the members.

 

Rob Cawte - Chairman

Robert Montani - Secretary

Andy Tombs - Treasurer

Keith Pitman - Committee member

These 4 members are also designated key holders to the club subject to notification to the Estate.

It was agreed that the Chair and Secretary positions are limited to a 1 year tenure.

 

5. Chemical toilet

A number of options were presented and discussed.

Caravan.  It was suggested that a caravan be purchased to provide cover and toilet facilities.  Cost may be prohibitive and there is also the question of acceptability to our landlord.  It is also believed that we may require planning permission to leave it at the range on a permanent basis. 

Portapotty.  These are available for around £150 and fulfil the clubs requirement.  A suitable enclosure would need to be constructed to ensure privacy, but the facility would be easily portable if required.  They can be emptied and recharged for around £10

Portaloo.  These start at around £600 delivered and are the most familiar style.  The size and weight makes them semi permanent, but they are fully self contained and would not require any enclosure.  They have a larger capacity than a portapotty and cost around £50 to be emptied and refilled.

It was decided to defer the decision to purchase until the next subscription income.  The Portapotty was the preferred choice on cost and mobility.

 

6. Competitions

Due to the CLA fair being held at Romsey this year it was decided that holding a summer open would not be a sensible option.  However, it was agreed that the club should hold a post Christmas shoot along the lines of the Basingstoke Turkey/Bisley nearly new shoots.  The end of January 2007 is proposed.  This would be open to members and BFTA card holders from other clubs.  The club intends to hold a round of the 2006/7 winter league.  It was agreed to approach the Estate to discuss possible locations for these shoots.

It was agreed that the Buccaneers would hold a club championship during the summer months on our current ground which may be open to other local clubs.  Format and dates to be confirmed.

 

7. Range membership

It was agreed that prospective/probationary members would still have their first visit at no cost.  They would then have five visits at £3 during which time we would have an opportunity to evaluate each other.  After the 5th paying visit, membership would become obligatory if the member had demonstrated the appropriate controls.  No further visits would be possible unless as a member.

It was agreed that the current method of membership should continue unchanged, but a second type be introduced in June to encourage occasional shooters.  The new format is termed 'Range Membership'.  As a Range member, there is an annual charge of £30 which lasts for a calendar year from the day it's paid.  This allows the club to cover the additional costs associated with membership, such as insurance.  On each visit to the club, Range Members are required to pay a £2 range fee.  If a range member attends more than 15 club days per year, this is a more costly method than full membership, but if they attend less than 15 times per year it becomes more cost effective.  It is believed that this will make the club more attractive to occasional shooters whilst for frequent shooters the full membership is the more attractive option.

 

8. Club chronograph

It was proposed that the club should have a working chronograph and two possibilities were mooted.  To have the existing chrono repaired or to purchase a new Skan.  After discussion it was agreed that it would be a better solution to purchase a new Skan as it would be under warranty and is likely to be a faster resolution.  Andy Tombs has kindly volunteered to make the purchase and make it available to the club.  The club has undertaken to repay him (£177) at the next set of subscriptions or at an earlier time when we receive access to the Buccaneers bank account funds.

 

9. Barns

It was agreed by all that both the barns and any areas where bluebells are emerging would be out of bounds.

 

10 AOB

It was proposed the signing in book be changed to a more formal journal.  The current book is almost full and from the end of February a new book will be used that records the date and time the club opened and closed, name and membership status, range fee paid, number of visits for probationary members.  This was agreed by all.

It was proposed we obtain a first aid kit.  This was agreed by all.

It was agreed that a new bank account be opened in the name of Southampton Buccaneers FTC with 3 authorised signatories.

All membership funds collected for the new season were handed to Andy Tombs.  Monies obtained as range fees were retained to use as petty cash from which a first aid kit and paint as required would be purchased which totalled £64.50.

It was proposed that the club should pay for BFTA cards, however, it was agreed that members should be responsible for this cost.