Minutes: Annual General Meeting

Date:           2^nd September 2007

Venue:        Clickimin Leisure Centre

Attendees:  Michael Balmain, Chris Storey, Brett Golding, Sarah Johnson, Tommy Robertson, Kelly Robertson, Al Whitworth, Pete Richardson, Julie Maguire, Pete Sawford, Stu Barton, Robina Barton.

1.          Welcome & Introductions

N/A as all present were club members

2.          Apologies for absence

Paul Whitworth (Chairman)

Andy Long (Indoor Wall Officer)

Denise McDougall

Andrew Watt

3.          Review of the year from Al

Al gave a brief overview of the year, where we have seen plenty of new routing again and have had some successful trips. Several members who only began climbing at the wall last year made it out onto the rock, and some even beginning to lead.

4.          Accounts Review of the Year from Al

Unfortunately the indoor wall has been unpopular over the summer months and our comfortable financial position has reversed to £150 - £200 in the red. Al explained this can be easily covered by increased use of the wall in winter but we should learn from this and not run club sessions next summer.

5.          Membership Fees for 2007/8

In light of the financial position it would be tempting to put memberships up, but we have decided that they should be fine as they are. If the finances do not recover then it may be necessary to increase the fees at club wall nights.

6.          Club Equipment – Update

The grant for club equipment has been finalised and will be put through this month. Although unlikely to be purchased this year, Al suggested getting it all put through ASAP so it shows up in this years accounts, rather than next year, when more gear will probably be purchased.

7.          Winter Trips – Update and discussion

The Spain trip has not had much interest as of yet. Al discussed costs of the trip and anyone still wishing to go should get in contact with Al soon to discuss bookings and more importantly, grants. It would be necessary to organise grants within the next 2 weeks if we are to get the money in time.

8.          Indoor Wall Sessions – Update and discussion, inc. Prices

The wall has been booked again this winter for Tuesdays (7-10) and Saturdays (7-9). Fees were discussed and it was decided that the 3 hour Tuesday session should now cost £4 for members and £5.50 for non-members. Depending on popularity, we may increase Saturday sessions to 3 hours soon.

9.          Appointment of Committee Positions for 2007/8

All committee positions were filled voluntarily (a first!!) and it was great to see new members wanting to take the positions. Paul forwarded his request to step down from the committee and Al also discussed stepping down from busy roles to focus on the new Outdoor Shetland web project and on documenting new routes and writing guides and topos.

Chairman - Al Whitworth

Secretary - Michael Balmain

Treasurer - Ewan Stirling (agreed beforehand)

Indoor Wall Officer        Andy Long (agreed beforehand)

Equipment Officer - Tommy Robertson

Meets Office - Julie Maguire

Ordinary Members - Pete Sawford, Pete Richardson

10.     AOB

It was discussed in detail where to go for a meal and drinks afterwards. The Gurkha Kitchen won and we had a great evening in there followed by a few pints in the Lounge. Sorry the film night didn’t happen but the evening we ended up having was probably better anyway!