COMMENT This month we have had a Bonfire Night, Prize giving and a break-in! When people turned up to help with building the bonfire they discovered the vandalism which had taken place. Most of the damage was just wanton destruction and totally without reason. What pleasure is there in that?
The Bonfire was very enjoyable and the weather was the best that I can remember on 5th
November, dry and warm.
The Prizegiving night was well attended and the new caterers provided an excellent meal.

At last night's General Committee Meeting there was plenty to discuss as you will see from the following notes. There was one apology for absence from the Vice Commodore.

THE COMMODORE opened the meeting and began his report by thanking Alan Roe for organising the Bonfire, Stan Warren for the organisation of Prize giving night. Mike also thanked the Ladies who provided food at the fire. He also thanked members for the flowers sent on their behalf to Maggie whilst she was ill.

THE SAILING COMMITTEE In the absence of the Rear Commodore the Yard and Berth Master made the following points.

1. The Notice on the board from BASIC BOAT INSURANCE has been removed. This insurance does NOT cover non professionally maintained swinging moorings on the river. If you have this insurance please look at your small print.

2. There some ladders in the boatyard which are not locked. The can be used by young people playing around the yard. It is essential that all ladders are locked. Those found to be unlocked will be made secure.

3. Some sailing members are using moorings without the permission of the owner or without notifying Bill Woods. Both Mooring owner and the Yard and Berth Master MUST be notified in advance unless there is an emergency.

Discussions took place about the best way to start races on the Alt and some of the suggestions will be followed up. There is need for a new stopwatch.

The disposal of the Yacht Cathy is still on-going and is being dealt with by the Commodore.

THE REAR COMMODORE was not present at the House Committee meeting but Carole told the meeting that fortunately the bar shutters are secure and the coolers have been installed behind the bar. The light in the car park is installed but now requires to be connected to the electricity.
There is no progress with regard to recruiting a new steward. Quite a lot of discussion and work will be needed to make the whole building more secure.

THE HON SECRETARY . Mark has dealt with ongoing matters of correspondence and he has put notices on the board.

Tickets have been sent to each sailing club for a CHARITY EVENT for West
Cheshire Sailing Club. This is be held to raise funding for rebuilding their club which was burnt. The tickets cost £15.00 and the date is Friday 28th November at 7.30 pm. If you are interested in going please get in touch with Mark, it is possible that he may organise some form of transport.

200 MEMBER'S CLUB DRAW

Prizewinners of the October Draw:

1st prize £30.00 - D.Kennan.

2nd prize £20 - B.Smith

3rd Prize £15.00 - D.Warren

Mark would like to draw your attention to the R.Y.A website. There is a wealth of information which is good and detailed. It covers almost all you may need to know. Try it at:-

http://www.rya.org.uk/clubtcarea/ClubManual

If you can't access it ask Mark.

THE HON TREASURER told the meeting that stocktaking was done and he is very busy preparing the year end accounts for the forthcoming AGM. David also gave advice on the financial aspects of the hoped for roofing work.

THE HON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY was very pleased with the success of the Prize giving event. He thought that the catering was excellent and he has booked the same people for the Fitting Out Dinner. Stan thanked Dave Warren for collecting and returning the tables and also Dave Wilcox for his help in moving the enormous cooker brought by the caterers which would not fit through the door.
There followed a discussion about the new subs rate to be announced at the AGM and the
notices for that event. There were no new members this month.

THE SOCIAL NOTES. Maggie reported that the Bonfire night had been very enjoyable. There was a lot of competition in Hightown with a large planned affair, with an entry charge, but it was deemed best to hold our usual affair. The RNLI stall was well supported.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Under this heading there was a great deal of discussion concerning the break in and its consequences. Many opinions were expressed and suggestions put forward. It was concluded that the whole thing is a sad reflection on the youth of today and also that there is a lot to be learned from the event. Running repairs have of course been done along with immediate security matters but the future security arrangements will be left in the hands of the House Committee.
Anyone entering the clubhouse is asked to make sure that they lock up securely when they leave.

With regard to the repairs and re-roofing of the clubhouse. Money is still being contributed. At present it stands at about six and a half thousand pounds but by the time you read this it will have increased considerably.
Look on the chart on the hatch which is kept up to date.

The Christmas decorations for the clubhouse will be put in place on 30th November. This will give a festive air to the Annual General Meeting.

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS

August01 September01 November01 December01 January02 February02 April02 May02 June02 September02 October02 November02 December02 January03 February03 March 03 April 03 May 03 June 03 July 03 August03 October03