Again, a poorly attended AGM, which reflects the general apathy and lack of commitment in the Club. Which is a shame as Chairman Nick McPherson was extremely professional in his handling of the meeting. Important issues were discussed, and the Committee will be taking the points raised on board and spend time on discussing those issues at the next committee meeting.

CHAIRMAN NICK McPHERSON began proceeding by thanking the attendees, and also the Committee who had worked hard in a somewhat difficult season. He noted the cosmetic changes that had been made to the Clubhouse, and thanked David Dunn and Callum Gibson especially for their hard work, along with others who had helped throughout the season in ‘making over’ the Clubhouse. He also thanked Sue Archer for her hard work, not only behind the bar but also selling the Club as a venue for various groups. He noted also the addition of the very good pool table which has helped to bring in much needed funds. He praised Sam Tye and Callum Giubson for their strenuous efforts in raising a 2nd XV but the strains on the 1st XV had denuded the 2nd XV playing pool to such an extent that the 2nd XV had been kicked out of the League. The 2nd XV is an essential part of the Club and this issue is and will be addressed. More on that later.
Nick observed that training numbers had increased since Nick warren had taken over the coaching reins; that the Ladies (the Vixens) were also showing good numbers; and the Junior section is thriving. With 38 people booked to go on Tour, the Club might just be showing signs of regrowth, even though we have been relegated and is confident that the future looks bright.
Outgoing captain, GEORGE RAWLINGS, expressed his sadness at stepping down as Club Captain, and thanked all the players who had stepped up to the plate in very trying circumstances. This year was especially sad as we were relegated but he suggested it might not be a disaster, as it would be hoped that against slightly lesser opposition, we might get some successes and players would regain their enthusiasm. Nick Warren coming in as Head Coach had had a positive effect and he hoped that this would carry on into next season.
George was given a warm round of applause, and was thanked by Nick for his sterling efforts.
TREASURER DOM CARSLAW submitted a financial report. He noted that the club had turned a corner this last year and had, in fact, turned a deficit into a small but significant profit. The accounts were passed by a show of hands.
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY, MARK ROBINSON, explained that talks were in progress with local clubs about merging 2nd teams – New Ash Green, Maidstone and Old Gravesendians – and he would continue to work with those Clubs in an effort to get more players back into rugby. At the moment, it seems that Old Gravesendians seem to be the more receptive, but Mark would continue to discuss all avenues.
NICK McPHERSON regained the Chair to discuss the changes that needed to be made to the Club Constitution and Governance. Since the Club had changed from a charity to a Limited Company, the Constitution needed to be amended to rule out possible difficulties that may arise. One being the power of Directors in having the ability to sell the club or land without members’ consent. Major decisions could only now be made with a 755 majority at an AGM. Large financial commitments would also now be controlled by membership not in the hands of one or two Directors, as would the dissolution of the Club. Directors would not also be able to earn income from the Club without majority approval. So members would retain authority over major decisions. Other slight amendments were made to bring the Club into line with RFU policy, and brought up to date. A unanimous show of hands approved the amendments.
APPOINTMENT OF V.P’S. Nick was delighted to announce the appointment of Sue Archer and Mark Robinson as V.P’s.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
With most of the present Officers retaining their positions, there were a few to be filled.
CLUB CAPTAIN. The new club captain is DOM MICKELBURGH, after a vote was held between the players.
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER. In the absence of anyone stepping forward, Graham Smith volunteered to fill in until a new Safeguarding Officer were appointed and the Committee would work to identify a candidate.
SOCIAL SECRETARY. SAM TYE.
VICE CHAIR: DAVID DUNN
VIXENS CAPTAIN: ALYS ANDERSON
HEAD COACH: NICK WARREN was formally adopted as Head Coach.

AOB; In response to a query by Will James it was decided to keep Annual Subs and Match Fees as they were, but the Committee would discuss other options. It was felt that with a severe lack of numbers last year, we needed to encourage new members and by keeping subs low, it might attract new players.
Will also asked what we, as a Club, were doing to attract new players. Nick answered by saying that we need urgently to explore all avenues. One way was the increased use of Social Media. Press Officer TREVOR NEWNHAM would increase his presence on the various Facebook groups, attempt to increase articles in the Kent Messenger and to liaise with Freddie Barrett who is in charge of Instagram and such like, which attracts the ‘younger’ elements. We would also need to flood local venues with posters and recruitment posters.

There being no other business, the AGM was closed.