Apologies for absence: Tim and Harry Marshall, Cris Muñoz, Graham Ward, Paul Taylor. M Spencer.
Chairman´s report: Kevin reminded everyone of the sad passing of Gordon Leach. He expressed disappointment at the lack of response to the work day, which will be rearranged before the start of the season. He confirmed that Jeff Bellis is retiring as groundsman and his place will be taken by John "the Groundsman". He discussed the need to bring in new players, and finished expressing his belief that our juniors are the future (possibly quoting a Whitney Houston song), before thanking Mark Perman for the job he is doing with them.
1st team captain´s report:
Kevin reported on the 1st XI winning the central league and the Spanish Cup. Five friendlies were lost, mostly due to a poor turn-out. He commented on players arriving late to the ground, rather than the usual half an hour before start time, and that measures may need to be taken next season.
2nd team captain´s report:
For the 2nd XI this was a year of consolidation after losing a number of players. After getting off to a bad start they ended in 3rd place in the development league, and Geoff is optimistic for next year, with a number of fast developing juniors in the ranks.
Treasurer´s report:
Profit from the cabin is up a bit from 2012. All stock now goes through accounts, so cabin expenditure was around 11k.
Also, travel expenses almost doubled in 2013, due to playing more away games.
Fixtures secretary report:
70 games are already booked for 2014, with only 2 free weekends, and many new tourists. There were no cancellations in 2013 so Geoff is confident in that respect for 2014.
Chris Cooper noted that there are not many midweek fixtures, and Phil Pennick noted there are fewer schools in April.
In the league, both 1st and 2nd XI will have 10 games. Valencia will not be in the 1st division. We will have away fixtures at Alcorcón, La Manga and Levante in 2014. Kevin also noted that in 2015 we will have away fixtures in Madrid.
La Manga Kings is a new team in Division 2, will be run by Neil Brook and Hugh, and will comprise mainly of juniors.
Election of officers:
1st XI captain: Ben Fletcher. Unopposed
2nd XI captain: Geoff Evans. Unopposed
Social secretary: Jane Perman. Unopposed
Midweek captain: Kevin Laundon. Unopposed
All committee members agreed to continue.
AOB:
-Chris Cooper suggested that members should be informed of any and all proposals for officers at the time of proposal, and made aware that the status quo will not be maintained unless the standing officer is once more forwarded and seconded;
It was pointed out that the system of forwarder/seconder is not only relevant to new proposals, but also applies to existing officers if a member wishes them to continue (as Chris himself did correctly for Geoff Evans as 2nd XI captain). If an existing officer is not proposed, the only way his current position will be maintained is in the absence of any other candidate (and assuming he agrees to continue).
-Phil Pennick requested more notice for midweek games.
-A weekend tour was suggested, and it was decided that SACC should offer to play in Madrid once their ground is available.
-Kevin proposed a change regarding the payment of expenses to any member who drives to away matches. On top of the 40€ from the club, any other player (junior or senior) travelling in the vehicle should pay the driver 8€ in lieu of their match fee. Seconded by Phil Pennick. Agreed unanimously.
-Mark Perman proposed that the same expenses also be paid for junior away matches. Seconded by Kevin Laundon. Agreed unanimously.
-Kevin pointed out that no junior captain had been proposed, so it will be decided by the committee.
-The current agreement with the town hall was confirmed by the committee, regarding the 1st Sunday of every month being available for junior cricket in the morning, as there is no golf.