Rockley Cruising Club AGM 2008

The AGM of Rockley Cruising Club will be held at
'The New Inn' Church Knowie on Saturday 29th November 2008 at 14.00hrs.

Agenda.

1. Welcome by The Commodore
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of the meeting held 24th November 2007
4. Matters arising from those minutes - not covered by this agenda.
5. Commodores Report
6. Hon Treasures Report
7. Hon Secretaries Report From PYA From the RYA
8. Presentation of The Presidents Cup
9. Election of Officers
10. Date for the 2009 planning meeting
11. Any other business
12. Commodores closing remarks

WP Stanaway. Hon Sec Rockley Cruising Club.

To Church Knowle. Take the A3 51 Wareham to Swanage road. About 400 yards past the 'Borden Station roundabout', turn right at the bottom of the hill (just before Corfe Castle) to Church Knowle. The New Inn is on this road (on the left?)

Rockley Cruising Club
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 'The White Horse' at Swanage at~14.20hrs on Saturday 24th November 2007.

1. The Commodore, Mr Tony Raven, called to meting to order at -14.20 hrs and welcomed members to the meeting.
2. Present
   • Mr and Mrs G White
   • Mr and Mrs (V Commodore) R Gregory
   • Mr P (Hon Secretary) and Mrs P Stanaway
   • Mr A Raven (Commodore)
   • Mr and Mrs D (Hon Treasurer) Dean
   • Mr and Mrs (Rear Commodore) King
   • Mrs Alison Carrier
   • Mr and Mrs A Corcoran
   • Mr and Mrs D Palermo
   • Mr and Mrs T Crees
3. Apologies for absence were received from Mr (President) and Mrs J Chaplin, Mr and Mrs LBatt, Mrs D Raven, Mr J Cosier and Ms M Adby.
4. Minutes of the last meeting - held 25th November 2006.
   These had been circulated with the November Newsheet and it was assumed that members had had the opportunity to read them. There were no comments on content and they were accepted as a true record of the meeting, mem con.
5. There were no matters arising from the minutes.
6. Commodores report.
   Tony opened his report with the quote that 'there is no smoke without fire' and reported that at Redclyffe there was a rumour circulating that RCC was folding. He was not aware of the source of this rumour, but clearly it was not true as we were all here. Indeed, The Club membership was again increasing. Of the 'On the water' events, only one had happened and then only 50 managed to meet at the appointed venue! There were he said, many reasons this season, why attendance had been poor at boating events. He felt that we should strive to improve the situation to make progress as a cruising club. If we all made one or two events throughout the year, we would have a better record than many larger clubs. The 'shore based' events had been a great success and if we achieve the same turnout for our water based events, we would have a record to be proud of. The 'Plan B' he felt, should be water based and activated only by the OOD, or in the worst case, the OOD could arrange an alternative shore based meet. Events should be 'quality rather than quantity', good events he felt, would encourage existing members to get involved and also attract new members. He considered we need new younger blood and should think about advertising. With this in mind, he felt we should consider returning to a 'web- site' rather than a 'blog' and establish a 'domain' for RCC which would lead potential members more easily to RCC through a 'search engine' with links. Flyers were also important, as was the early Saturday call on Ch 77.
   Tony thanked John Chaplin as President and Bulletin editor/producer, Wendy for being treasurer and Roland for establishing the 'blog'. Tony and Moyra had been invited to attend the RYA Reception and AGM. Tony concluded his report by saying that we have a good club with good members; let us strive to make it a better one! Moyra, Vice Commodore, reported on the visit, with Tony, to the Reception and AGM of the Royal Yachting Association. The Princess Royal, the President of the RYA, had spoken to everyone at the reception. She had chaired the meeting and Moyra considered she was 'on the ball' as far as yachting matters were concerned. The AGM received annual reports from the Officers. Sailing awards were announced during the meeting. The Blue/green initiative was presented. She and Tony were the only Flag officers from clubs in the Poole area. Joint discussions with other Commodores and RYA staff, included the outlook for red diesel; difficult practical problems ahead!
7. Hon Treasurers Report.
   Wendy had distributed a copy of the accounts earlier. The outgoings she said, were greater then the income, but only by about £50. Interest of £8.29 had been received. She saw no requirement to raise subs this year. There were no questions and a proposal by Roger Gregory, seconded by Sandra King, that the accounts be accepted, was unanimously agreed.
   Tony thanked Wendy for looking after our finances and all present showed their thanks.
8. Hon Secretary's Report.
   Peter outlined interesting items from PYA. This he said, cost £59; the twice yearly meetings kept us informed on what was happening in the harbour. Progress on the new bridge he reported, was currently awaiting monies to be released, but this was held up until planning had been granted for the old Power Station site. Completion was likely to be delayed until 2010. Moorings in the new pool between the two bridges, would start to be re-assigned in 2008.The Bridge Operating Board (BOB) was now fully constituted and would provide advice to Poole Borough Council on bridge operation. Already, extra openings during busy times last summer had been achieved. The new large ferry - 'Cotentin' - was about to replace the 'Countances'. It was hoped to establish draw-down characteristics etc during imminent trials as these could be significant. The new ferry would be sailing daily. A new directional beacon was to be established on the end of Brownsea Island. Buoy 14 would be moved slightly, whilst a new Nth Cardinal buoy would protect the end of Stone Island.
   The HM was generally pleased with behaviour in the harbour this year, but there had been several prosecutions with up to £600 fines. He had cautioned that speed limits in the harbour were not lifted throughout the whole harbour during the winter months.
   Poole Harbour Watch Afloat was considered helpful in reducing on-the-water crime. Our £50 contribution had been well received. Last years 13% increase in harbour dues had caused outrage at PYA. This year harbour dues were to increase by 7% to be followed by rpi+2% for the next 5 years. These increases were directly due to Government demands! The Harbour Moorings policy was being up-dated. Peter said that he thought he had contacted all members who were likely to be affected. Private moorings were being phased out in favour of obtaining moorings through a commercial company. A tougher insurance requirement was being pursued. Report from the RYA. Affiliation costs £84. As you have already heard, our Commodore and Vice Commodore had been invited to the reception and AGM. They had enjoyed the experience. The RYA has done nothing for us as a club directly, but they have acted on behalf of all clubs in Poole on the Harbour Revision Order, asking for a truly independent arbitrator in the case of dispute on General Directions. Currently, the HRO lies with the Secretary of State. The RYA has been at the forefront of negotiations on red diesel derogation. I understand the decision will be announced in the budget next year. Support has been given for drink/boating legislation to be practical and not to put extra duties on harbour authorities. The Italian Governments was pressing to allow commercial traffic right of way over pleasure craft. This is being challenged. The availability of weather forecasts and reports has been improved as a result of lobbying by the RYA. It is also actively campaigning to protect boating rights in the Marine Bill.
9. Peter introduced the proposed new constitution. The existing constitution he said was over 25 years old, he thought rather outdated, assumed we had club premises and did not represent our current practices. As agreed at last years AGM, he had reviewed it and looked at it with a small group of Club members and after minor changes; they had agreed it should be put to Club members at this meeting for adoption. A proposal from Arthur Corcoran, seconded by Alison Carrier, that this amended constitution be adopted, was carried unanimously.
10. Presentation of The Presidents Cup. As John was unable to be present, Peter read out a letter he had received from John. 'There were three entries for the 2007 competition for The President's Cup and once again, Bron and I enjoyed reading them. The weather this year has obviously deterred people to a degree, but the logs nevertheless, made interesting reading. Pete told us about Giorsal's experience with a French Blockade! This was at St Vaast and was set by French Fishermen wanting a larger fishing quota. It reminded me of being blockaded in Cherbourg for nearly a week 20 or so years ago - but that is a tale for another occasion. Pat had a different tale to tell. She related a more modest trip to The Solent, which was obviously much enjoyed. After poor weather at the start of the trip, it improved and enabled them to thoroughly enjoy 10 days or so exploring between The Medina and Yarmouth, bringing the area to life for us. Finally, Gary told us that, after 26 years they have sold Charisma and purchased Chinaman! Their maiden trip was to The Channel Islands but was dogged by engine problems. Gary's tale of what they did to solve the problem makes an interesting read and could be helpful to others who encounter such difficulties.' All three entries were worthy contenders. Our choice of winner for this year is Gary for an out-of-the-ordinary tale!'
11. Election of Officers.
    Peter read out the proposals for office that he had received. These were:-

    Commodore	Tony Raven
    Vice commodore	Moyra Gregory
    Rear Commodore	Sandra King
    Hon Secretary	Peter Stanaway
    Hon Treasurer	Debbie Raven

    A proposal by Roger Gregory, seconded by Pat Corcoran, that these be elected on-bloc, was carried unanimously.
12. Date of the 2008 Planning meeting.
    This was agreed to be February 9th at 'The Black Bear' in Wareham, meeting for lunch at 12.00.
    Sandra agreed to arrange with the 'The Black Bear' for 12-15 to choose a pub lunch meal from the menu. Action Sandra. Peter asked if the meeting wished to arrange a 'winter talk' in early March. All agreed. It was thought that Mike Fox, who was RNLI trained, could be asked to talk on 'Boat Safety' and Mike (from Redclyffe), be approached to give a talk on 'Crossing the Channel'. Peter would contact Mike Fox and Sandra endeavour to contact Mike (from Redclyffe). It was hoped to be able to book The Wareham Parish Hall for the talks. Redclyffe and Wessex Cruising Clubs were to be invited. Action Peter and Sandra. It was noted the 'The Coastguard' had recently given an interesting talk at East Dorset YC.
13. Any Other Business.
    Continued membership of PYA - all agreed
    Continued affiliation to The RYA - all agreed
    Continued support for Poole Harbour Watch - up to £50 if requested.
    Following a short discussion, it was agreed that we should arrange a small presentation for our retiring President - John Chaplin. An engraved cut glass - from RCC - perhaps with a bottle, was agreed. Action. Peter to organise.

Rowland had taken over updating our web site this year and had re-written it as a 'blog'. This had proved difficult to access and to be guided to. Tony had discussed this problem with a colleague and the general opinion was in favour of a 'domain' rather than a 'blog'. Tony would arrange this and he and/or Peter, would put Rowland in the picture. Action. Tony/Peter Moyra said that she would take on the production of The Club Bulletin. 14. Tony thanked everyone for coming, asked them to think about what we could do as a club for the February meeting. The Commodore declared the meeting closed at -15.40.