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January
2005
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We spent Christmas and New Year in Devon and were quite surprised that in addition to the trawlers going about their business some boats were sailing out of Brixham Marina and some hardy souls were bathing in the sea. On my return I was pleased to receive two letters addressed to the Editor. One contained two recipes from Graham and Joan Evans, for which many thanks, that means I now have a grand total of FOUR and the other was an article for the newsletter from Mr Anon as you can read in a later newsletter. Aren't I lucky! I was lent a 1975 copy of BSC's Newsletter recently in which the Editor of that time, Les Carlyle received SIX letters to the editor. Please keep mail coming. My biggest waste if time recently was spent watching an hour of television from the Boat Show. It was presented in the style of Top Gear, although less amusing and seemed to focus on horsepower and megabucks. There was nothing shown that would tempt the average family cruising or racing man to go and have a look. The General Committee meeting held last night, the 11 th of January was interesting as the new officers of the club made their reports. There is quite a lot of information in the notes from the meeting concerning both business and social matters. You will have noticed already that Mark Meadows is already throwing himself into running the bar and he has also been seen wielding a drill! If you have any skills that you can offer to the club why not do so? Every little helps Have a good year ! Pat
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Approximately sixty members were in attendance. The Hon Secretary read the minutes of the last AGM, which were duly processed. The Commodore Mr M Kennan gave his report of the year, his second in office. Mike mentioned and expressed thanks to ALL the members who had assisted him in any way during his term of office which had not been without its problems both personal and in the club. Happily all had been resolved. Mike thanked the flag officers and particularly wished the Hon Secretary Mark Meadows and the Hon Treasurer David Griffiths well as they were retiring. Also thanks and good wishes were given to Bill Woods, our retiring Yard and Berth Master. Mike finished by saying that he had enjoyed his term of office and had been proud to serve. We had the retiring secretary's report and the retiring Hon Treasurer's report. David told the meeting that we need to build up our reserves as quickly as possible although we were in a good financial position considering that money had been spent on the extension. The Commodore then handed over his office as he welcomed the new Commodore David Wilcox. There ensued a sort of musical chairs game as everybody moved up. The incoming Commodore made a short speech and presented Mike with a past Commodore's burgee and a gift. There is no doubt that we will hear much more of Dave in the future. During the meeting Stan Warren was granted Hon. Life Membership for long-standing and dedicated service to the Blundellsands Sailing Club by a unanimous vote. The Rule 7d was amended to The name of candidates for election as Flag Officers, Officers and members of the General Committee must be submitted to the Hon Secretary in writing together with the names of the Proposer and Seconder and the written acceptance of the nomination by the candidate before the 31 st October each year. This and the following amendment were carried out in accordance with Rule 13 BYE LAWS. Rule 5c was amended to: If a member leaves his or her boat in the boat-yard and it is not launched in any one year then the following shall come into force. • The such member's yard fees shall be doubled in the following year should he or she fail to launch again. • If the such member's boat is not launched in the second year it will not be allowed to stay in the boat-yard for a third year and must be removed by the owner. This particular amendment gave rise to discussion on the floor. They will both be in the new diary. In accordance with the recommendation of the Hon Treasurer there was an increase in Membership and Boat fees for 2005. It works out at approximately 10% and members will soon receive the reminder to pay their subscriptions at the new rate. The members accepted all the nominations for office and there was only one vote held for the position of Hon. Secretary and that resulted in success for Mr Martin Dooley. The Flag Officers, Officers and Committee are now: The Commodore Mr D. Wilcox. The General Committee Members are Mrs P Heyworth, Mr T Mayers, Mr D Warren and Mr P Wright. The above is a short summary of the AGM and does not include the full speeches or the discussion of various points raised by members. The meeting ended with the opening of the bar.
NOTES FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Apologies for absence were received from The Hon Secretary M.G. Dooley and from the Hon Sailing Secretary Mr S Markland. The Commodore welcomed everybody to the meeting saying that he is very grateful to the people who have taken on any job in the Club. Over the last two years a lot of work has been done and as we are aware still more is needed including heating and painting amongst other work. Dave announced that Social affairs will be run by Trevor Meyers who will ask for helpers. In view of the Rule amendment at the AGM Dave hopes that the Sailing Committee will apply the rule more stringently Dave concluded by saying that he hopes to keep meetings as short as possible and to that end some matters will be put before the committee members to go away and think about until the following meeting. The Vice Commodore reported that a Sailing Committee had been held last week. Work on the emergency mooring will soon be completed. There is chain in the yard, which may be suitable for risers, and some may have to be bought. A chart is to be made of the laying up yard indicating the location of pipes, wires, strong point etc. Increased participation in club races is desired and ideas from the committee are to be prepared for the next meeting. E.g. O.D's taking a new or non racing member along to show them the ropes. There was some discussion of the timings to start races and that the current 10-5-1 minute warnings be altered. The current format will be retained. The committee would like ALL boat names to be clearly displayed . The Club Captain will install a strong point near to where his boat is located in the yard and the Yard and Berth Master wants the winch cable to be replaced this year before boats are launched. The bottom of the concrete slip is to be inspected and the need for repair to be assessed. Kieran has a water pump that can be used to clean the slip prior to inspection. One mast remains to be taken down in the yard. Bad weather has prevented this from happening but the situation will be monitored. Mooring N18 is available and will go on the notice board Phil Wright will prepare something for inclusion in a later newsletter regarding the LBSA to encourage more members to join the association. Stevenson's Cross is not yet repaired but the work is under way. The Rear Commodore named the members of his House and Grounds Committee to be as follows: - Mrs John Carroll, Mrs Paula Carroll, Mr Harry Conalty, Mr Graham Evans, Mr C Plant, Mr Kieran Riley, Mr Stan Warren, Mr David Warren, Mr George Williams and Mr Bill Woods. Mark informed the committee that there was a great deal of work needing to be done. The front of the Bar needs to be completed before the 5 th February. There is to be a replacement of the work surface at the back of the bar and a change in the lighting. The regalia cabinet is to be put back on display and the fire extinguisher will be remounted. There will be discussion about improving the Snug area and the Commodore will sponsor this project. Installation of the Central Heating was deferred by lack of funds last year and will be considered later The electrics are giving rise to concern and George Williams will look into the whole system with a view to any future work, this may involve that work will be done at the same time as the central heating. Extra light will be needed. Storage is very restricted. The House Committee would like to build in some cabinets, probably in the porch. This will have to take into account exits used in case of emergency. The Black Hut I currently used for storage but is NOT ideal for the storage of furniture. Mark will look for a dedicated storage area and will report back to the Committee. There will be a flat fee of £50.00 for the members to hire the clubhouse covering the cost of bar staff and cleaning. This may be reviewed later. Terms and conditions of hiring will also be reviewed. THERE WILL BE A GROUNDS WORKING PARTY TO REPAIR THE ROAD AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY 23 RD JANUARY. There is a lamppost lying around and Mark would like to see it erected and used to light the dinghy park. It has not been possible to find a new bar person yet, so Mark and Colette will continue to do it with Kathrine. The Fitting Out Supper will take place on 5 th February. Stan and David Warren will put a notice on the board when the details are finalised . The Past Commodore's Dinner will take place in our clubhouse this year on Saturday 19 th March. Mark will liase with Peter Devine. There is a need for a longer stepladder for club use and also for a replacement vacuum cleaner. Mark will purchase these as agreed. There is a serious problem around the clubhouse grounds with dog dirt. Dog owners are collecting it in bags and then putting the bags on the fence or even throwing the bags on to the roof as well as just leaving them lying around. A notice will be put in place asking dog owners to take their bags home . David Warren told the committee that there is a great need for extra dog dirt bins to be placed around Hightown especially around exits from the beach. The Parish Council is endeavouring to get Sefton to do this.
THE 200 CLUB MEMBERS DRAW
Prize winners of the December ‘Christmas' Draw were as follows . The Birthday Special Celebration Draw of £100 to Mr Paul Wren The 1 st Prize of £60.00 went to Mr John Heyworth The 2 nd Prize of £40.00 went to Miss Sarah Meadows. The 3 rd Prize of £30.00 went to Mr Harry Conalty Shirley carried out the draw on 31 st December. The next draw will take place on Friday 28 th January 2005.
WEDNESDAY 26 TH JANUARY
8.30 PM IN THE CLUBHOUSE.
A TALK BY MR CHRIS MORTON
WHO COMPLETED THE B.T. CHALLENGE RACE IN 2000
THERE WILL BE SLIDES AND VIDEO FILM OF THE RACE The above is the first part of Mark's proposal to arrange monthly talks in the clubhouse. The Hon Secretary's report was read in his absence by the Commodore. Correspondence has been received from Heath Lambert Insurance Brokers. Sefton Coast Forum AGM will be held at the Gild Hall Formby. There is an invitation to attend. (Phil Wright will attend) An invitation to the Commodore was received, to attend the Dee Sailing Club's Hot Pot Supper. (The Commodore has attended) A request from the RYA for updated information has been replied to. There is a poster advertising Kindred Spirit Funathlon Tsunami Relief Appeal for Sunday 6 th Feb. Acceptance has been received to BSC Fitting Out Dinner from Dee Sailing club. An invitation has been received for the Commodore and Hon Sec to attend the WLYC Annual Dinner 12 th Feb. The Hon Sec intends to circulate minutes and agenda 1 week before the scheduled meeting date either by e-mail or post. Anybody wishing to have any special issue added to the Agenda please contact Hon Sec 10 days before the meeting. This also applies to any information that may need circulation and consideration prior to meetings. Thanks to Mark for all the help and the Hon Sec Starter Pack which was most appreciated. Peter Devine has requested an up date name and address list for BSC past Commodores. The Hon Membership Sec will deal with this. A letter was received from Mike Kennan thanking the club via Carole Fielding for the gift of a water jug . The Hon Treasurer is devising a system of balance sheets and spreadsheets to be circulated to the committee members to keep them au fait with the financial situation. The Commodore congratulated him on this innovation The Hon Membership secretary asked the committee to hold a ballot to allow membership, as recommended by the interviewing panel to five new House members. This was done and we welcome:- Mr A Dobson, Mr P Costello, Mr R Edisbury, Mrs S Burns and Mr G Bailey. A new interviewing panel has been appointed. It was decided at the meeting that the number for entry through the club gate would NOT be changed. The Membership subscriptions will be sent out before the 2 nd February. The Social Organiser. Trevor has not yet started the formation of a committee but it will be reported in the next newsletter. He will be liasing with the Rear Commodore on the event. The sailing dates need to be sorted out by the sailing committee before a social calendar can be arranged. Any other business
The Fitting Out Supper Stan Warren discovered that the caterer for the Fitting Out Dinner has double booked and therefore cannot cater for us. Stan is working hard to find a caterer who will do a dinner and serve it. Most caterers prefer to do buffets. Lists cannot go up until this is settled. Sub Committee Members.
The Commodore is happy to leave the choice of sub committee members to the leader of the committee. The PA System
Alan Roe said that it was difficult to hear at the back of the clubhouse during the Annual General Meeting. Our music system will be looked at with a view to getting a microphone or fitting new speakers in the Snug. Moorings A letter will be sent to people who did not launch last year that they may lose their moorings. The meeting closed at 9 o'clock.
THE UNION FLAG OR THE UNION JACK? The title Union Flag is preferred in military circles but it is incorrect to say that the Union Jack should not be used. The Union Flag of 1606 was the original Union Jack formed from the combination of the cross of St George and St Andrew. It was named after King James the First who signed himself Jacques, the French name thus giving us Jacques Flag. It was not flown from a Jack Staff but from the Maintop. The flag of 1606 is still used in several places, Bermuda being one of them. In 1634 James I restricted the use of the flag, at sea, to the King's ships. This was confirmed in 1660 and still remains in force. Large fleets were usually divided into three squadrons. Admirals of foreign stations still flew the union flag from Main, Fore or Mizzen masts according to their rank i.e. Full, Vice or Rear. However without three masts the system fails so balls represent the three masts, as used by our flag officers today. Following the Union with Scotland in 1707 the union flag was placed in the canton of the Red, Blue and White ensigns, this was the birth of the modern Ensign. On 1 st January 1801 the Union of the United Kingdom and Ireland came into effect thus uniting the British and the Irish parliaments and this brought about a new Union Flag. The proclamation from the Royal College of Heralds was: “ The Union Flag shall be Azure, the Crosses Saltire of St Andrew and St Patrick, Quarterly per saltire, counter- changed Argent and Gules, the latter fimbriated of the second, surmounted by the Cross of St George of the third, fimbriated as the Saltire” Thus the Union as displayed in bunting was perfected . Our union flag is very remarkable, even amongst the flags of Christendom, both as a blending of crosses, and crosses only and also as an emblem of the union between two or more countries. It is not quite unique as the flags of Denmark, Sweden and Norway have a somewhat similar story to tell when Scandinavia was formed. Ref. The Complete Guide to Heraldry by A C Fox- Davies Many thanks to Cyril Porter for the above idea. Ed.
DIARY DATES.
Sunday 23 rd January Road Repairs 10.am. Wed. 26 th January Talk by Chris Morton. Sat 5 th February Fitting Out Supper
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