Update from the AGM this week

The AGM was held in the Clubhouse last Thursday night.

As is tradition Andy Taylor stepped down as Vice-President after a three year term during which the Club has seen continued development on and off the water. Andy should be recognised for his service to the Club, not just in the last three years but for many years prior to that in other Committee roles.

Our new Vice-President is Alistair Black, formerly the Club Hon. Secretary and prior to that the Sailing Convener. He was replaced as Hon. Secretary by Adam Graham.

Pat Johnston also stepped down from the role of Hon. Treasurer on Thursday, his efforts have kept us on the straight and narrow financially for the last few years, supporting the developments we have seen. Pat was replaced by Heather Scott.

There was a flurry of activity to join the Committee with three co-opted members being ratified as members and two more volunteering from the body of the meeting. The roles of the Committee members will be agreed at the next meeting on Thursday 12th April. Following that they will be posted on the Club noticeboard and the website.

Subscriptions become due on 1st April. Forms are being posted and emailed this weekend. Please note the return date of 13th April for the Standing Order Mandate if you wish to make staged payments. The forms are also available on the website, look under About Club then Membership.

There was a decision taken at the AGM to increase the 200 Club fees for the first time since it started. It has risen from £1/month to £5/month. This will allow for more substantial and worthwhile prizes. If you are an existing member please complete and return the form to the Club ASAP so that the Standing Order can be updated. If you have not joined yet please give it some consideration.

The AGM also decided to posthumously elect Lieutenant Henry Robertson (Birdie) Bowers (29 July 1883 – 29 March 1912) and Henry (Chippy) McNish (11 September 1874 – 24 September 1930) as Honorary Members of the Club. Thursday was the centenary of the last entry in the diary of Robert Falcon Scott on the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913). The Club’s boats, named after these two Polar Explorers, were rowed past Birdie Bower’s former home on Wednesday night with lowered flags.

We look forward to a very busy year ahead. Please keep an eye on the website for updates and event announcements.