Minutes of Meetings - 6th Sept 2011 Minutes
Minutes of the BPFC Management Committee Meeting
Tuesday 6th September 2011 @ 7.00 pm
Present:
Alan Bramhall (Chair) – AB Adrian Curtis (Minutes) – AC Jason Duffy – JD Mark Lloyd – ML Bernard O’Brien – BO’B Neil Parkin - NP Dave Pilkington – DPil Dave Poppitt - DPop Rob Loveday - RL Jim Rochford – JR Phil Sutcliffe - PS Alan Marsland – AM Bryn Morgan - BM
1. Apologies:
Christine Barber Gillian Harrison Lyn Morgan Bill Seddon - BS
2. Minutes of last meeting: These were not available.
3. Reports from Committees:
(a) House: (No formal report)
It was noted that a locking-up rota and a Duty Officer rota are needed. Chairman
A working party is required to do some decorating – DPil to speak to John Russell about the possibility of looking for volunteers from the Youth section. D Pilkington
The dishwasher needs to be replaced – the purchase of a refurbished machine is being investigated. Chairman
(b) Sponsorship and Social: (see also 4 below)
BS had circulated a list of forthcoming social events:
• Sat 24th Sept Players’ Reunion - a Tribute to Jess Waring + Sponsors’ Invitation Day.
• Sat 22nd Oct 250 Club Draw. £400 in prizes.
• Sat 29th Oct. Halloween Party.
• Sat 3rd Dec. 250 Club Draw. £400 in prizes.
• Sat 17th Dec. Players’ Reunion + Players’ Drinks Night.
• Thurs. 22nd Dec. Christmas Lunch.
(c) Finance:
JR presented a budget for the period August 2011-July 2012, stressing that the calculations involved the assumption that the various sources of income would be maintained. The end result was ‘cash neutral’, with estimated income and expenditure each being approximately £133k. The implication was that additional income would need to be raised for any ‘extras’.
It was agreed that members should be invited to give a donation of £3 (including programme - £2 without) to watch 1st XV matches. Non-members and those with Social or Parent membership would be charged £5 admission
(d) Ground:
The upgrading of pitches 2 and 3 needs to be started by the end of September. In connection with the application for an RFU loan, RL reported that the Club’s trustees had lodged funds in a bond to act as security against any default in repayments. The RFU are happy with this arrangement. (The council will let BPFC use two more pitches beyond pitches 2 and 3.) Chairman
The retesting of the Astroturf pitch is to take place shortly.
Thought needs to be given to avoiding overuse of the ‘stadium’ pitch’, but the interests of spectators, lettings, and teams other than the 1st XV need to be balanced. Those on ground duty had not been informed that the pitch was not to be used the previous Saturday.
(e) Match: (No formal report)
The desirability of having more people collecting entrance money was noted, and in particular for someone to be stationed at the main gate. It was suggested that injured players might be able to help with this.
AB reported that a new style 16 page programme was planned for this season; deadline for contributions would be the Thursday prior to the match. 5 pages were available for adverts. ML suggested that all sponsors should be listed. Rob Jones
(f) Membership:
There was uncertainty as to whether a membership card/booklet was being produced for the 2011-12 season. AM indicated that he was unaware of any decision not to produce one and noted that some members do not access the website so rely on the booklet for information about matches. It was noted that a booklet or membership card would be essential for members to show at the gate so as not to be charged the full admission price. DPil stressed the importance of having something to hand over to youth section members as acknowledgement of having paid the subscription. President
(g) Selection:
BM reported that the 1st XV had won their first league game away at Wilmslow, while the 2nd XV had eventually lost to a strong Fylde side after a good first half. BPFC’s 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s are all playing sides of a relatively higher level and will do well to maintain their status. The number of players available was a major issue (a point subsequently underlined by JD) and a shortage had meant that the 4th and 5th XVs had had to concede their matches – though AM noted that the minimum number of players required to avoid conceding is 9. It is hoped that the return of students to Manchester will bring in some additional players.
NP stressed the urgency of appointing a 3rd XV manager. Dave Howells had agreed to ring round to check availability and NP would liaise with him. Dave Corr will captain the 2nd XV.
Coach’s Expenses):
AB, as Club Chairman, proposed that the Club should pay the sum of £200 per month to cover the Senior Coach’s expenses. This was seconded, and agreed by a majority of those present. Arising from the above, there was a broader discussion of the principle of paying players and/or officials in light of the current situation at other comparable clubs but also in light of the club’s financial situation. It emerged that there are a variety of opinions within the Club! It was, however, agreed and stressed that any payments made on behalf of BPFC must be approved by the Management Committee.
(h) Youth:
RL noted that mini training had started, with a range of teams from U7s to U11s. A coach is needed for the U9s. A difficulty is the lack of parental involvement since many do not have a rugby background.
DPil reported that there were some problems with numbers, but the situation with the Junior Colts was healthy. About 15 BPFC players were involved in the combined Senior Colts team who were playing home matches alternately at Heaton Moor and BPFC and also alternating kit. There had been a communication problem over whether Metrolink would be sponsoring a Colts’ kit.
A Youth section newsletter had been prepared by DPil and RL with a contribution from AB.
4. Sponsorship:
It was noted that Metrolink remain keen to offer sponsorship for youth rugby.
5. Twinning with Hortaleza RC, Madrid:
An approach had been made by the above Spanish club to establish a link, probably initially at youth level. The first step might be for a youth side from HRC to visit for a weekend, involving in a Sale Sharks match on the Friday, a BPFC First XV match on the Saturday, and a game against an appropriate BPFC Youth side on the Sunday. It was agreed that this should be pursued. Chairman
6. Relationship with Mancunians Rugby League:
It was hoped that BPFC might again host some special matches, e.g. the schools cup finals.
7. Bar Update:
RL reported that arrangements for a licence for a bar in the Clubhouse were going ahead; an amendment to the lease had been drafted. This would be a general licence. The link with the Hough End centre would also be retained.
AB reported that a bar working group had been established.
BM brought a request from the players that, in view of current difficulties with the availability of the bar in the Clubhouse, they might go straight to the Hough End Centre for post-match drinks and food. AM would sound out Darren Butterfield. President
8. Incorporation Update:
RL reported that this was imminent, subject to an issue regarding VAT being resolved; a meeting with Al Speakman had been arranged for 19 September to deal with this. R Loveday
9. AOB.
The formal announcement of Jason Duffy’s appointment as RFU Development Officer, based at BPFC, would be made on 9th September. This appointment was warmly welcomed.
DPil raised the recurring problem of car parking on Sunday mornings, with spaces being taken by footballers.
10. Date and time of next meeting:
10th October 2011, 7.00pm
Tuesday 6th September 2011 @ 7.00 pm
Present:
Alan Bramhall (Chair) – AB Adrian Curtis (Minutes) – AC Jason Duffy – JD Mark Lloyd – ML Bernard O’Brien – BO’B Neil Parkin - NP Dave Pilkington – DPil Dave Poppitt - DPop Rob Loveday - RL Jim Rochford – JR Phil Sutcliffe - PS Alan Marsland – AM Bryn Morgan - BM
1. Apologies:
Christine Barber Gillian Harrison Lyn Morgan Bill Seddon - BS
2. Minutes of last meeting: These were not available.
3. Reports from Committees:
(a) House: (No formal report)
It was noted that a locking-up rota and a Duty Officer rota are needed. Chairman
A working party is required to do some decorating – DPil to speak to John Russell about the possibility of looking for volunteers from the Youth section. D Pilkington
The dishwasher needs to be replaced – the purchase of a refurbished machine is being investigated. Chairman
(b) Sponsorship and Social: (see also 4 below)
BS had circulated a list of forthcoming social events:
• Sat 24th Sept Players’ Reunion - a Tribute to Jess Waring + Sponsors’ Invitation Day.
• Sat 22nd Oct 250 Club Draw. £400 in prizes.
• Sat 29th Oct. Halloween Party.
• Sat 3rd Dec. 250 Club Draw. £400 in prizes.
• Sat 17th Dec. Players’ Reunion + Players’ Drinks Night.
• Thurs. 22nd Dec. Christmas Lunch.
(c) Finance:
JR presented a budget for the period August 2011-July 2012, stressing that the calculations involved the assumption that the various sources of income would be maintained. The end result was ‘cash neutral’, with estimated income and expenditure each being approximately £133k. The implication was that additional income would need to be raised for any ‘extras’.
It was agreed that members should be invited to give a donation of £3 (including programme - £2 without) to watch 1st XV matches. Non-members and those with Social or Parent membership would be charged £5 admission
(d) Ground:
The upgrading of pitches 2 and 3 needs to be started by the end of September. In connection with the application for an RFU loan, RL reported that the Club’s trustees had lodged funds in a bond to act as security against any default in repayments. The RFU are happy with this arrangement. (The council will let BPFC use two more pitches beyond pitches 2 and 3.) Chairman
The retesting of the Astroturf pitch is to take place shortly.
Thought needs to be given to avoiding overuse of the ‘stadium’ pitch’, but the interests of spectators, lettings, and teams other than the 1st XV need to be balanced. Those on ground duty had not been informed that the pitch was not to be used the previous Saturday.
(e) Match: (No formal report)
The desirability of having more people collecting entrance money was noted, and in particular for someone to be stationed at the main gate. It was suggested that injured players might be able to help with this.
AB reported that a new style 16 page programme was planned for this season; deadline for contributions would be the Thursday prior to the match. 5 pages were available for adverts. ML suggested that all sponsors should be listed. Rob Jones
(f) Membership:
There was uncertainty as to whether a membership card/booklet was being produced for the 2011-12 season. AM indicated that he was unaware of any decision not to produce one and noted that some members do not access the website so rely on the booklet for information about matches. It was noted that a booklet or membership card would be essential for members to show at the gate so as not to be charged the full admission price. DPil stressed the importance of having something to hand over to youth section members as acknowledgement of having paid the subscription. President
(g) Selection:
BM reported that the 1st XV had won their first league game away at Wilmslow, while the 2nd XV had eventually lost to a strong Fylde side after a good first half. BPFC’s 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s are all playing sides of a relatively higher level and will do well to maintain their status. The number of players available was a major issue (a point subsequently underlined by JD) and a shortage had meant that the 4th and 5th XVs had had to concede their matches – though AM noted that the minimum number of players required to avoid conceding is 9. It is hoped that the return of students to Manchester will bring in some additional players.
NP stressed the urgency of appointing a 3rd XV manager. Dave Howells had agreed to ring round to check availability and NP would liaise with him. Dave Corr will captain the 2nd XV.
Coach’s Expenses):
AB, as Club Chairman, proposed that the Club should pay the sum of £200 per month to cover the Senior Coach’s expenses. This was seconded, and agreed by a majority of those present. Arising from the above, there was a broader discussion of the principle of paying players and/or officials in light of the current situation at other comparable clubs but also in light of the club’s financial situation. It emerged that there are a variety of opinions within the Club! It was, however, agreed and stressed that any payments made on behalf of BPFC must be approved by the Management Committee.
(h) Youth:
RL noted that mini training had started, with a range of teams from U7s to U11s. A coach is needed for the U9s. A difficulty is the lack of parental involvement since many do not have a rugby background.
DPil reported that there were some problems with numbers, but the situation with the Junior Colts was healthy. About 15 BPFC players were involved in the combined Senior Colts team who were playing home matches alternately at Heaton Moor and BPFC and also alternating kit. There had been a communication problem over whether Metrolink would be sponsoring a Colts’ kit.
A Youth section newsletter had been prepared by DPil and RL with a contribution from AB.
4. Sponsorship:
It was noted that Metrolink remain keen to offer sponsorship for youth rugby.
5. Twinning with Hortaleza RC, Madrid:
An approach had been made by the above Spanish club to establish a link, probably initially at youth level. The first step might be for a youth side from HRC to visit for a weekend, involving in a Sale Sharks match on the Friday, a BPFC First XV match on the Saturday, and a game against an appropriate BPFC Youth side on the Sunday. It was agreed that this should be pursued. Chairman
6. Relationship with Mancunians Rugby League:
It was hoped that BPFC might again host some special matches, e.g. the schools cup finals.
7. Bar Update:
RL reported that arrangements for a licence for a bar in the Clubhouse were going ahead; an amendment to the lease had been drafted. This would be a general licence. The link with the Hough End centre would also be retained.
AB reported that a bar working group had been established.
BM brought a request from the players that, in view of current difficulties with the availability of the bar in the Clubhouse, they might go straight to the Hough End Centre for post-match drinks and food. AM would sound out Darren Butterfield. President
8. Incorporation Update:
RL reported that this was imminent, subject to an issue regarding VAT being resolved; a meeting with Al Speakman had been arranged for 19 September to deal with this. R Loveday
9. AOB.
The formal announcement of Jason Duffy’s appointment as RFU Development Officer, based at BPFC, would be made on 9th September. This appointment was warmly welcomed.
DPil raised the recurring problem of car parking on Sunday mornings, with spaces being taken by footballers.
10. Date and time of next meeting:
10th October 2011, 7.00pm
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