General
I will try here to summarise the salient points and points of interest from our 2006/07 Annual General Meeting. A full set of minutes will soon be available from the club secretary and the notes below are not to be considered as a minutes. Likewise, it would be impossible to include all aspects covered during the meeting here, if I have missed something, I apologise in advance.

Post Holders
A packed house witnessed the reappointment of its core committee, one positional reshuffle and the introduction of two committee voices. The highlight, for the record setting attendance of 36, after they had offered their undisputed thanks to out going 1xv captain Andrew Donegan, was the unanimous appointment of Alan Wicks as their 2006/07 leader on the pitch. Thank you Andrew and congratulations Alan!

Mark Edwards resigned from his 2005/06 club captain role and was unanimously accepted as the club’s Honorary Secretary, where he will follow in the footsteps of Maggie Crozier and her fine efforts. This left the post of Club Captain vacant, which was soon snapped up by the irrepressible and charismatic, Matt Arnold.

Sean Lambourne and his committee all retained their posts without opposition and with the backing and full confidence of their electors

Full List of Posts Holders (* denotes new post holders):
Chairman – Sean Lambourne
Junior Chair – Alan Matthews MBE
Hon. Sec. – Mark Edwards*
Treasurer – Leigh Martin
Vice Pres. Sec. – Graeme Robinson
Fixture Sec. – Johnny Hope-Smith
Development Officer – Matt Snell
Head Coach – Richard Kearney
Club Captain – Matt Arnold*
1xv Captain – Alan Wicks*
2xv Captain – Jason Dolman

Life members
Following a written proposal from Mark Richardson, two new Honorary Life Members were inducted into the hall of fame. Seam Lambourne proposed that former player, clubman, committee-man and chairman, Nigel West be offered Life Membership status. This was accepted joyfully by the membership, as was Mark’s proposal of Nigel’s brother Ian. Ian a former club Fixture Secretary and player, helped the club get through some harder and darker days. The club simply would not be in the position it is now without the valiant efforts for these two brothers.

Membership fees
The membership present were very positive about the new 2006/07 membership fee proposal and showed their full backing for the committee’s new scheme. All agreed that their should be no annual membership fee for the playing members, but all playing members will be required to pay a £5.00 match fee. It was also agreed that the minimum Vice President membership should be raised from £35.00 to £40.00 for the 2006/07 season.

Fixture lists
Johnny Hope-Smith announced his fixture list for the coming season. Johnny took a new and exciting approach the production of the fixture lists with the 1xv now being entered into 3 cup competitions. These preliminary and first round cup games negate the need to book any friendly games until the middle of December. Should these cup runs end quicker than expected, Johnny will then be able to fill the remaining half of the season with friendly games from the pool or by direct contact.

Preseason could see the 1xv off to Whitehall to see our stemmed friend Paul Norain. This could then be followed by a trip, for both teams, to local rivals Melksham aka Cooper Avon Tyres. Both a downloadable/printable fixture list and webpage fixture/results/match report list will be on the website shortly.

Nominations for President
Sean Lambourne announced that the club had received, and welcomed, two proposals for the post of President. Sean is currently deputising as President but wishes that a dedicated individual could be found to take the role forward. Sean publicised that the committee will be open to nomination until the last day of July 2006. When at which time the committee will consider all applicants and start informal meeting with the short listed candidates. Please make sure all and any nominations are received by a member of the committee before this time.

Vice captains
The club’s vice captains, (posts not electable at the AGM), were reconfirmed. James Gladding and Jason Wood, 1xv and 2xv vices respectively, were welcomed by the whole membership and especially new 1xv captain Alan Wicks, who made a point of stating his delight at having James as his deputy.

Lastly
And lastly and although not official AGM business, the club would like to acknowledge the most welcome return of former 1xv captain Mike Charlwood to the club. Mike has had to take time away from the club and the last two years have been a little quiet without Mike about, but we’re sure that’s all about to change.