Annual General Meeting 2024 Minutes
The Annual General Meeting 2024 Minutes cover various agenda items such as attendee lists, approval of previous minutes, reports from different sections, financial updates, proposed subscriptions, rugby reports, election of officers, development updates, and more. The President reflects on the club's progress and plans for the future, highlighting achievements, upcoming events, and gratitude towards dedicated members. The meeting also addresses significant matters like sponsorship, facilities development, and a new constitution proposal.
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Annual General Meeting 2024 Minutes 1. Attendees Dan Eccles, Neil Wakefield, Matt Brundett, John Curzon, Tony Kirkham, Mel McCaughey, Rebecca McCaughey, Tommy Taylor, Tom Eaton, Keith Young, Pete Clark, Roger Dyson, Stephen Rees, Ged Gurney, David Lomas, Martin Wroe, Rachel Avery, Nick Wroe, Andrew Loughlin, Marc Smith, Matt Langtree, Mike Drew, Michael Docherty, Stew Bertenshaw, Gemma Schofield 2. Apologies for absence Dave Chappel, Ed Weeks, Dave Illingworth 3. Approval of the Minutes for the 2023 AGM and the Adjourned AGM (Financial Report) 2023 4. Matters Arising not covered by the agenda 5. President s Report 6. Secretary s Report 7. Allstars Report 8. Treasurer s Interim Report 9. Proposal for Subscriptions 2024/25 10. Senior Rugby Report 11. Player Transition Pathway 12. Scarlet's Report 13. Mini/Junior Section Report 14. Election of Officers 15. Russell Homes Development 16. Proposal for new constitution 17. A.O.B. 18. Adjournment until (date to be advised)
Adjourned AGM Financial Report 2023 Proposed by Tommy Taylor Seconded by Mike Drew AGM voted to accept
Presidents Report First and foremost, can we please have a one minute applause for Julian Lewis-Booth, who we suddenly lost last Friday 14th June, aged just 55, who was a great Clubman, Sponsor & friend to so many of our Club members. I am very pleased with the way, we, as one big family Club, are going forward at the moment. We ve done very well throughout the Rugby Club in all age groups, gents & ladies, boys & girls. The Club is so lucky to have some talented players & very importantly, some great coaches, assistant coaches & supporting parents that all work very hard to pull it all together. A MASSIVE THANKS TO ALL. We here tonight, know just how much goes into running a Club our size. The effort of certain people is relentless & they are always looking forward to make SRUFC better & better !! We are only a week or so away from obtaining our Marriage Licence that will produce extra income during the time of year our income is greatly reduced with no rugby matches. Immediately we have the Licence in black & white, we need to market our facilities to sell the Clubhouse for weddings. This will also provide spin offs for other Club Hire bookings, anniversaries, birthdays, work dos etc etc We have ordered the new stand & Kirky should be applauded for his time & commitment to find the monies for this. He & I are talking to more people about Sponsorship and chasing up people who have agreed to sponsor the 100 seats. The aim is to have it up by August and do a promotion for the 1st home game on 7th September. More information to follow on this very soon !! I will be doing another Ex Players Day similar format as last year, on 21st September. Invites for both these games/events will on the website within a couple of weeks & Kirky & I will be pushing like mad to make both Saturdays excellent, highly profitable days. September will be a great start to the season.
Presidents Report The Planning Decision is getting closer. Fingers crossed we might have that passed soon. Ged will update us all on that. All in all, there s a lot going on, both on & off the Pitch to make our Club, bigger & better. Exciting times Again, a huge thanks to all the old boys who work bloody ridiculous long hours to keep the CLUB going:- John Curzon, Mike Drew, Stu Bertenshaw , Martin Wroe, Ged Gurney in particular. To Neil Wakefield for his excellent work in keeping all the Committee going forward. Thanks. The Club does not run without a lot of effort ! Its like running a business but without the financial reward. In fact it s the opposite. The hours these guys put in cannot be equated in monetary values. Its all for the love of STOCKPORT RUFC Gemma Bertenshaw for all her Fund raising with the Firework Display. BRILLIANT. THANKS. The Club s in great shape at the moment, in fact its buzzing !! The pre Match meals are getting well supported & numbers increasing. I would like to average between 50-60 for every First Team home game. They generate good income for the Club and from my personal experience certainly help increase the Bar Takings !! I could go on & on saying thanks. To all involved at SRUFC, it is one big happy family, ONE CLUB, may success continue both on & off the pitch, again a MASSIVE THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED IN RUNNING STOCKPORT RUFC of which I am very, very proud to be the Club President. Unless anyone really objects, I would like to continue as Club President for the next 2 seasons - at least. So please vote me in. I m hoping there are no offers for the role & I can continue coz I m still loving it !! TOMMY TAYLOR PROUD PRESIDENT STOCKPORT RUFC
Secretarys Report This is the time of year when the tradition is to thank everybody for their efforts over the last year. Unlike previous years I do not intend to try to mention everybody. The people who do a lot of work for the Club know who they are and make their contributions without expecting recognition. I will make exceptions for the following people who have taken on a wider range of challenges than their positions strictly entails: Tommy has grasped the role of President firmly in both hands and has made a tremendous contribution to the Club across several areas. Kirky has made an impact on Ground, Membership, Rugby and anything else you can think of I have to make special mention of Neil Wakefield who although he stood down as Mini/Junior Chairman several years ago now still has a vital role in the Mini/Junior Committee as well as managing the Club Executive Committee meetings. I must mention Cath and Alan as Steward and everything else. They have arrived at a time of enormous change and I hope you support them and their staff for the good work they are doing. As I seem to say every year it is important that we support each other and that we should laud all that that is good and perhaps be less tempted to voice opinions publicly about matters that need improving. Any comments should be done without rancour or personal attacks and in the appropriate context. There are many positive aspects to our club not least the efforts made by members and employees alike. If you have concerns then voice them to the Chairman or the Secretary , or indeed to any member of the Executive Committee and feel confident that your concerns are discussed. I have long advocated the introduction of new blood perhaps you could volunteer for a job? A great contribution can be made without having to be on the Executive Committee. There is still work to be done in ensuring that every member of the Executive considers all relevant information before and during a meeting in order to make considered decisions rather than knee-jerk reactions. It is necessary to ensure the decision-making process is measured, reasoned and accountable. Having been involved in some capacity for well over forty years once again I am not seeking re-election as Secretary. In the continued absence of a successor I have continued with aspects of the role including contractual matters, bar etc. and Neil has eased the burden by taking on the management of Executive meetings as previously mentioned. I feel strongly that we need a more modern approach to the environment in which we operate. In line with this there is interesting news in the Rugby Report. I believe we need a new constitution fit for the 21st Century. As a club we may not be perfect but as we strive to improve the future is bright
Allstars Report Stockport Allstars go from strength to strength with new members enjoying the opportunity to engage in sport. We have been active at Stockport RUFC for 19 years now. Members vary greatly in age and ability but the overriding characteristic is that all help each other to be part of a team. Our players have a variety of physical and learning difficulties, and it was great to take part in a tournament at Leigh RUFC who run a similar squad. We are also looking forward to an event organised by the Wooden Spoon at Coventry later this month with an overnight stay! As always, what goes on tour, stays on tour. Watch this space. It has been particularly heartening to enjoy practical support from other sections of the Club. Volunteers from the 3rd and 4th XV and the Colts have been fantastic in giving us game time. It has made for some hard fought matches of mixed teams. The highlight of the season was when the 3rd and 4th teams provided the Allstars and their parents and carers with a magnificent cooked breakfast on two mornings. What a delight! Thank you lads. Although the rugby season has come to the end, the Allstars have been very lucky to enjoy cricket coaching at the Georgians Cricket Club organised by Ray and Abi Bell. Our athletic prowess knows no bounds! Again,, a huge thank you to the youngsters from the Cricket Club who come along to play. The generosity of so many people who give their time unstinted is fantastic. Thank you particularly to the Downs family for their involvement. Stockport RUFC should be proud of their inclusive ethos. Roll on next season and more of the same.
Treasurers Interim Report Stockport RUFC Income & Expenditure 2023-24 11 Months Full Year Totals RUGBY - INCOME 43,279 RUGBY - OUTGOINGS 68,151 NET RUGBY BUDGET (24,872) BAR - INCOME 179,333 BAR - OUTGOINGS 153,136 NET BAR PROFIT 26,197 HOUSE AND GROUNDS - INCOME 118,481 HOUSE AND GROUNDS - OUTGOINGS 120,358 HOUSE AND GROUNDS - NET (1,877) CLUB NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT (552)
Treasurers Interim Report This Report is for 11 months to May 2024. Rugby costs exceeded income by about 25k, very similar to 2023. Bar profits have reduced from 46k to 26k, in part due to having two home fixtures in the Papa John's cup in April 23 but none this year. Total Bank Balances end of May was circa 85k but reduced currently to circa 60k after paying out 16k for pitch maintenance materials & 9k towards the 2024 fireworks event in early June. The Bounce Back Loan continues to be repaid, now reduced to circa 33k (from 50k initial amount in May 2020).
Proposal for 2024-25 subscriptions Playing Adult 180.00 ( 160.00 if paid by end of September) or 15.00 per month by direct debit Student 90 or 7.50 per month by direct debit Non Playing: Vice President 100 minimum Patron 100 (includes season ticket) Social 40 (or 4 per month DD) Season Ticket 65 (or 6 per month DD) Proposed new benefits: 10% off for all members and season ticket holders for: alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, room hire discount, 5 for match entry for social membership. 3 price levels: basic, members, functions (10% on for functions). Key on till to select level members on production of valid membership card AGM discussion points Adult subs increased so that they are more than M&J subs Adult subs 15 a month direct debit or 160 if paid before end Sep Proposed by Dan Eccles Seconded by Nick Wroe AGM voted to accept
Senior Rugby Report A season to be remembered not for ,as is customary, Ist XV success but for a change, lower team success. Starting with the 3s lead by Jim Finnegan enjoyed a fantastic season with competition throughout the squad resulting in top of the table promotion and collecting the trophy at the annual awards dinner. Moving to the 4s in their inaugural season under Richard Grainger and with fantastic support from a developing squad the future looks bright to say the least. The 1st team enjoyed a mixed season with key injuries playing a major part as Tom Eaton will no doubt amplify later. However a mid table position suggested there will be plenty to build on next season. Probably, the home win against promotion seeking Rossendale being the highlight of the season.The resultant promotion for Macclesfield has proved a two edged sword with almost all of their away fixtures being in the south west an eventuality that was certainly clear to ourselves at the beginning of the season.This is probably the right moment to thank Matt Brundrett in his new role as 1st team match assistant and providing much needed help to the coaching team The 2s suffered the result of calls on their squad from the 1s but never the less rallied towards the end in achieving respectability. It was pleasing to see the number of colts both current and recent stepping up to senior rugby in no small measure thanks to Tony Kirkham. The Papa John competition was a big disappointment and we await changes for next season. A further highlight of our season being the County selection for Rory Austin, Rory Atwill, Tommy Gardner, Callum Hibbs and Ewan Holt . At the time of writing not sure how many will make the County final at Twickenham. Also both Elliot Worthington and Quasi Boateng were selected for the county U20s squad. Turning to Senior Colts rugby a disappointing year for Richard Thorogood and his squad working with limited numbers but now await Keith Youngs proposals for his Transition Pathway for U16s through to U18s which will alleviate hopefully all of the issues Richard experienced in his tenure. Finally , thanks to Stu Bertenshaw and Tony Kirkham for the ground work they put in to keep pitches playable despite difficult weather issues. Tom Eaton spoke to the AGM about the 2023-24 season
Transition Pathway FIRST and FOREMOST: UNDERSTAND ( do not have to agree ) Players, even Juniors, are owned by the Club and not by Coaches or Dads. They do not have a divine right to decide the trajectory. Key principles of the transition pathway: Club can decide the terminology. Develop ALL players, external pathways, medium level & later developers these are the players that ensure you put a team out in the league every week Maintain squad numbers to ensure max. game time, no walkovers over 3 age groups. U16/u17/u18 Support all three age groups in terms of numbers and being competitive Medium level and later developers benefit from the opportunities of stronger more accomplished players playing up Provide greater challenge and playing opportunities for all (player centred over team need) Ideally players can play in 2-3 different positions (flexible, versatile and see the game from different perspectives) Important, as the current 1st level only employs 3 bench players. Junior and Colts age groups adopt playing structures of senior teams this is essential to play up seamlessly. Playing up selection based on existing age group coaches and pathway (L3 ERACA) assessments / talent identification Levels out age group number peaks and troughs to provide more game time
Transition Pathway What do we want success to look like; Whole squad development across the season How well prepared are age groups to move up the following season (particularly U16 s into JC s as this is arguably the biggest step before senior rugby) The pathway is about development over winning but winning is arguably a good indication of development Player recruitment and retention is really important. Number of players who transition to senior rugby. This includes 3rds / 2nds and 1st team. What are / have the challenges been to date: missing in action Age group coaches working together to provide a player centred approach not just respective age group approach. Identifying the sweet spot of player numbers playing up to ensure the pathway puts out 3 full and comprehensive teams each week Coaches' selection meeting at Wednesday training needs to be fair open approach from all. 2024-25 season all 3 pathway age groups will add their games to PITCHERO or SPOND to ensure all coaches can see fixtures, understand each other s challenges and see player numbers.
Transition Pathway What are the anticipated challenges in the future: Junior age group buy-in breaking down age group silos Maintaining existing age group buy-in particularly at U16 s (Coaches need to understand and coach / maintain pathway playing structure for their Sunday fixtures) Junior age group coaches not feeling pushed out but understanding next steps into the pathway (players often outgrown age group coaches knowledge, experience) other supporting roles, referees, first aid. Supporting skill zones, warm-up on Wednesday to understand and develop their knowledge for fixtures and to support L3 coaches Providing opportunities for more players, not playing the same players up every week (player attributes). Important not to focus just on the top 5 players. The distinction between when to compete for a League win which then overrides everything to the determent of transitions OR focusing on Cup runs rather. League fixtures are for player transitions. No pressure on winning. Midweek Training; All three pathway age groups train together (introduce stronger more accomplished U15 s Feb) U12 s and U13 s train alongside each other 6-7pm and U14 s and U15 s train alongside each other 7-8pm. This allows them to adopt the same playing up principles as the pathway Train 6.30 7.30/8pm (6 pm coaches selection meeting for forthcoming Sunday games) PSS, warm-up, skill zones / structured drills, game zones (U16 s vs U17 s and U17 s vs U18 s, shoulder touch Players playing up train in the teams they are playing in on the forthcoming Sunday Physio appointments for pathway players. Wednesday night slot for a physio. Training focus based on needs from the previous Sunday s games (feedback on WhatsApp group)
Transition Pathway Communication; WhatsApp group for coach communication, game feedback and session plans etc PITCHERO or equal for players and parents (emphasis on players taking responsibility for managing availability and communication, booking their physio appointments etc) Coach qualifications: Two age group coaches qualified to L2 (ERCA), in order to complete the playing up risk assessments, paperwork. Pathway coaches are trained or working towards (L3 ERACA) club pays for the 2 year course. Important that the club buy in. Facilitate the process. Ideally coaches are still playing senior rugby to mentor and support playing from the pathway to senior rugby One coach is a qualified referee and Cheshire U17 s coach A stepping stone to coaching a Senior side. 4th/3rds/2nds and 1sts. What does success look like? What makes a player come back to club? A lifelong affiliation to the club mentality? AGM discussion points: To be introduced for 2025-26 season Needs a lot of socialising in the next 12 months
Scarlets Report The 2023/24 season has again seen the Scarlets go from strength to strength. We have welcomed a new sponsor on board who provided the section with some much-needed kit; and welcomed 20 new Scarlets to the squads across the senior and junior ages. The Senior side finished 4th in league, having only lost two games in the season; and the junior sides continued to participate in the Greater Manchester Girls leagues. 2023 saw the formation of a new girls age group at u10s, and the Scarlets were at the forefront of this, organising a pitch up and play alongside Sedgley, which attracted 90 girls from across the region and started a run of events aimed at girls who have been playing mixed rugby but no longer want to. As a result, we look to be going into the 2024/25 season with a full squad at u12s - a Stockport first. We had three Junior Scarlets playing County rugby; and the Scarlets also represented on the County coaching side - aiding the Lancashire u15s and U18s to some great wins! This summer will be a period of change for the Scarlets - Kate will be handing over the reigns as W&Gs lead, and Sian will be stepping down as senior captain, both having held the roles for several years. In their place, Rich Grainger, Becks Scholes and Rachel Avery will be working together to make the 24/25 season the best yet!
Minis & Juniors Report There re too many great achievements from each of our age groups this season for me to list them all however I d like to make a special mention to the Under 14 s winning the Cheshire Cup, the U17 s winning the Halbro A league, Cheshire cup and League cup runners up. Also, a massive thankyou goes to the Under 18 s team of coaches and what they have managed to achieve with the colts this last season and all the years previously, hopefully they will be stepping up to senior rugby next year. Their efforts motivating and managing those young men has shown the club what can be achieved. This is now our standard and hopefully going forward we can replicate their achievements. I d also like to mention all the help that s been given by Neil Wakefield and his unrelenting drive to achieve again 100% payment of subs, this is a core standard he achieved as M&J chair and myself and Gemma have strived to maintain. We also have every coach DBS certified which is again a standard we expect from our volunteers which Neil and Bill Wilson have managed to achieve for the second season in a row. A further thanks goes to Alan and Cath, the number of compliments I have received about the clubs feel and facilities have been more than I can count. This comes from having such a great community feel to the club which is what our club strives to be. Finally, Gemma and I believe that future of Stockport RUFC M&J section is as bright as ever. The possible sale of Wallbank Road pitch will secure the future of the club. Giving us a great 3G playing facility and a redeveloped clubhouse. Many thanks again to all our players, parents and coaches for all their efforts this year. Dan Eccles and Gemma Schofield
Election of Officers Officer/Executive Committee Role Name of Nominee Proposed By Seconded By President Chairman Chief Executive Treasurer Secretary Chairman of Rugby Ground Chairman County Representative Membership Secretary Mini/Junior Chairman General Member 1 General Member 2 Current exec re-elected Proposed by Gemma Schofield Seconded by Tommy Taylor AGM voted to accept General Member 3 General Member 4
Russell Homes Development -Planning Application has been developed and letters of support have been received; with very positive support from local schools. -Support also gathered from the RFU, FA and local football clubs. -Sport England have a fundamental objection relating to loss of a Grass Pitch that their rules will not allow them to by-pass (even though they accepted the merits of the development scheme proposal) -Russell Homes have had on-going dialogue with the council and the latest update is as below: We have had a positive discussion and steer from Stockport Council towards the revised proposals of the outline element of the scheme which, at the request of Stockport Council has been amended to include an Extra Care Facility, Care Home, up to 60 dwellings and associated works. The detailed element relating to the Club Improvements and Pitch remain the same and are also supported by the Council as part of the wider development and Very Special Circumstances case for the application. We are now preparing the re-submission application to accommodate the above changes. We are looking to submit a new application in the week following the General Election to avoid any conflict/campaigning against the development and will be then seek a Planning Committee in Sept/Oct of this year.
Proposal for new Constitution Progress & Current Status -Confirmation of Funding has been received from ave Stubley at the RFU for half of Irwin itchells fees for the incorporation (initial total fee estimate is 15k). -Initial information request from Irwin itchell has been provided. -Progress & timing of the incorporation process is impacted by proposed land sale. - att Hemmings has agreed to work with on progressing the incorporation process with Irwin itchell. - ey issues currently being dealt with relate to tax; has had initial discussions with tax advisors for preliminary advice. We would not look to appoint tax advisors until Planning Permission agreed. -Solicitor from Irwin itchell raised the matter off Stamp uty and Tax (S T) which has not been an issue in previous rugby club incorporations but has been on a recent club incorporation. ave Stubley following up with Irwin itchell for information on this.
Any Other Business AGM discussion points The Manchester and District Referees Society were thanked for the provision of referees There was a discussion on the need for more referees and awareness about match official abuse Mike Drew said some tickets were available for autumn internationals There was a discussion about the club lacking a social media presence. Rebecca McCaughey volunteered to become the club lead Gemma Schofield said that the fireworks festival will be on Friday 1st November Gemma Schofield said that there will be a Crowdfunding campaign for the new stand Gemma Schofield was thanked for securing 10k sponsorship from ABC Trailers
