“2005 AGM Report”
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The Magdalen pub provided the venue for the Far
from the MCC’s Annual General Meeting. It was a bitterly cold night, so it
was probably a good job that the majority of those in attendance would be
walking home with a substantial beer coat on.
Despite
the relatively modest numbers, the meeting would be declared a great success
with all parties heading off in the direction of the Star of Asia thereafter
– for the obligatory curry and further intake of alcohol. ‘Dep. Minutes’
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Part I –
Notes on attendance Apologies for absence: Tony Mander (official dinner to attend) Mike Clarke (China) Present: Matt
Bullock (Chairman) Geoff
Carter Steve
Dobner Dan Edwards
John
Harris Nick
Hebbes James
Hoskins (Captain, Minutes) Jake
Hotson (Fines Chairman) Ian
Howarth (Tour Organiser) Antony
Mann (Fixtures Secretary) Martin
Westmoreland (Treasurer) |
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Part II – Chairman’s Welcome The Chairman began to report
that he didn’t have much to report, but then started reporting lots of
interesting things. He mentioned what a fantastic season it had been for the
FFTMCC in terms of results, with the team returning one of its highest win ratio
since records began back in 1998 (so not that long ago then). It also saw a
year where record bowling figures were witnessed (against the Marlborough), a
record team score was witnessed (against the Marlborough), and a record high
score was achieved by a batsman (against the Marlborough). There was also a
record opening partnership (against the Marlborough) and a record thrashing
of an opposition (against the Marlborough). When batting first the
average score for The MAD had surpassed 170 for the first time in club
history – although it should be mentioned this would be more like 150 if it
weren’t for the Marlborough. Recommendation from Mr Bullock was that we don’t
drop the Marlborough* as a fixture for next season. *
- Unfortunately the Marlborough House subsequently folded in the off season.
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Part III – Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer (Moo) reported
that The MAD were still in the black by £3, which was a remarkable
achievement according to Mel (his missus), who couldn’t understand why we
needed a new ball for every game. Additions to the report are that we still
have nine balls left which to start next season, and we won’t have the
expenditure of nets as we did this. Also, expected sponsorship from the pub
is not included in next year’s forecast – so things are on the upturn. Great
thanks to Martin for a most professional summary of money matters – he should
get a job in finance we reckon….
Martin is just about to be beamed up to do the USS Enterprise’s
accounts. |
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Part IV – Season 2006 Ground: Despite Pembroke College
being a damn fine ground, it was decided Dan Edwards should explore the possibility
of using Brasenose College (also off the Abingdon Road), just in case it
turns out to be really cheap. Membership Rates: Membership rates agreed to be
kept at £20 and Match fees at £5. Cost of teas for Opposition to be increased
to half the cost if only playing one fixture. Fixtures: Fixtures not really started
yet, although we have approximately three. Antony Mann welcomes suggestions
of new teams from everyone. Stevie D suggests a trip to Aspendon CC (in
Stevenage) once more. Everybody agrees that round trip of 140 miles would be
ridiculous for one game of cricket, but we might just be tempted…. Home Pub: It is widely appreciated that
due to dwindling team funds and the fact that we are fed up of drinking in
the Folly bridge, we desperately need a new pub to call our spiritual home.
Hence the reason for meeting in The Magdalen. It is generally agreed that all
the amenities on offer match our needs and the Landlord (Ben) is a pretty
decent all round chap. However, there are contenders in the form of ‘The
Standing Order’ (Stevenage) and ‘The Fox’ (Aspendon, near Stevenage)…. Votes were cast, in the
presence of the Landlord. The Magdalen 11 votes, The Standing Order 1 vote,
The Fox 0 votes. It is decided our home pub next season shall be The Magdalen
(unsurprisingly).
Equipment and Sundries: Hats seemed to dominate the
conversation for a while… do we want a club hat? Dan is going to find out how
much MAD hats would cost. * - Everyone to send suggested club emblem
designs to Ian Howarth within next two weeks. Martin Westmoreland to find out
how much embroidery of said hats would cost. Helmets
– it is decided the club
requires two helmets, probably to be used as hanging flower baskets like the
first no doubt.
Small discussion about what colour the helmets should be (possibly the
opposite of MCC colours?) It is also decided we need a
new kit bag, preferably with wheels. The fixture card should be
printed again, with everyone trying to get sponsors for each game. This is a
vital form of fundraising, which was missed last year. Extra effort required
from all to gain sponsors from friends, families etc. Any ideas for fundraising
should be addressed to Matt Bullock. Animal portraits were suggested by
someone but I have no idea who – probably Nick Hebbes. Team / Extra Players: Everyone asked to encourage
new players to net sessions / and or join the club. Three or four fresh faces
are at least required for next season as the Club are considered to be
threadbare.
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Part V – Committee Member
Elections Always a popular part of the
evening – voting for the following season’s Committee positions would take up
the following hour. Herewith the results after all votes were tallied, rigged
and doctored…. Elected Committee Posts Chairman Matt Bullock - continues as Chairman, opposed by Geoff
Carter who then abstains. Fixtures
Secretary Antony Mann - continues as Fixtures
Secretary, unopposed. Treasurer Martin Westmoreland - continues as Treasurer, unopposed. Captain Ian Howarth - elected as new Skipper after James Hoskins
resigns, opposed by Messrs Hotson and Westmoreland. Vice
Captain Dan Edwards As new captain, Ian’s first
decision was that he wanted a Vice Captain whom shall be chosen in due
course. Due course ended up being two
minutes later when Nick returned from the toilet announcing a Vice Captain
should be voted on…. Oh, alright then. Nomination of Steve, Jake, Martin and
Dan. Dan and Jake draw in the
first round, Dan wins after the second round. Decided that Dan shall be VC
when he plays, otherwise it will be Jake in his absence.
Non-Committee Posts Tour
Organiser James Hoskins - nominates himself for Tour organiser,
unopposed. Fines
Chairman Jake Hotson - continues as Fines Chairman opposed by
Thornton Smith (1 vote). Social
Secretary James Hoskins Generally considered we do
need a Social Secretary because we never see each other during the Winter. In a fit of drunkenness,
James stands for the position and is voted in unanimously before he can
reject himself. |
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Part VI – FFTMCC Awards Always a popular part of the
evening – voting for the following season’s Committee positions would take up
the following hour. Herewith the results after all votes were tallied, rigged
and doctored….
Roll of MAD Honours Player
Of The Season Dan Edwards Most
Improved Player John Harris Effort Nick Hebbes Champagne
Moment Ian Howarth - huge six against a
telegraph pole on Tour (v Timberscombe
CC #112) |
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Part VII – Any Other Business James
Hoskins receives a pair of Bolle sunglasses for his MAD Captaincy over the
last three years. In acceptance, he is quoted with saying “thanks guys, it
has been a great pleasure and now I suppose I won’t be able to use the
sun-in-the-eyes excuse anymore.”
Net turnout in 2006 to be
improved (should be a better response next season as Sunday mornings will be
avoided and we will share with OU Offices). Fines to remain at the same
level. Kit bag storage must be
rotated. A standing ovation was then
given for the sterling effort Ian put’s into the website, and he is awarded a
bottle of special cider quoting, “many thanks for this, and for the Best
Effort award I didn’t win. You’re true friends. Really – this bottle of… cider,
really moves me….” |
