Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Earlston Golf Club

held on 28^th November 2007 in the Black Bull Inn, Earlston

President’s Address

The President expressed his thanks to the committee for their support in his first year of office and looked forward to this continuing in the coming season. He thanked all the season's sponsors and praised the high standard of prizes. He also commented on the healthy numbers attending the outings, highlighting the Black Bull Shield which attracted an entry of 38 at the Woll. He ended by saying the club is in good health and again thanked all.

Treasurer’s Report

A well presented report of the club's accounts was given by Treasurer Brian Hunter. Stating that, although the club had an overall deficit of around £700 on the year, this was almost entirely due to the Centenary Dinner Dance, an event that had been predicted. He also reported that the flat £25 fee for the outings had gone to plan and evened itself out over the course of the season. All in all, the club's accounts are in excellent order. The President thanked the Treasurer.

Secretary’s Report

Club Secretary Bill Graham gave a comprehensive report of the season, highlighting the number of members who took advantage of the outings, 50 in total. With 16 different names in the winners and runners-up spots, the prizes were well spread too. Bill also mentioned that, due to the "business-like approach of the committee", he has nothing of significance to carry forward into future meetings. He finished by thanking the committee for their assitance this season.

Election of Office Bearers

Bill Graham informed the committee of his intention to step down as Secretary this year due to other commitments. Reluctantly, the President accepted his decision and thanked him for his sterling work for the club over the years. Bill will remain on the general committee.

Graham Aikman wished to step down from the committee this year, and thanks go to him for his work during his time as a member.

• President                               Michael Scott
• Vice President                        Grant Cannon
• Secretary                               Ivor Aitchison (proposed by G Marshall, seconded by B Graham)
• Treasurer                                Brian Hunter
• Captain                                  Pat Little
• Vice Captain                           James Brotherston
• Match Secretary                     Gordon Marshall

 General Committee

Dougie Bain, Eric Brodie, Ron Darling, George Douglas, Bill Graham, Jim Halliday, Mike Lemmon, Mike McKay, Bob Thomson, Brian Thorburn, Ronnie Turner, Matthew Whiteford, Ross Wilson.

Members of the committee not present are to be asked their intentions as some have intimated their unavailability this year. Ivor Aitchison will attend to this before the next meeting.

Sub-Committees

The following members will form the Sub-Committees necessary for the smooth running of the Club:

Social Committee

Ronnie Turner, Grant Cannon, Pat Little, Michael Scott, Bob Thomson.

Handicap Committee

Brian Hunter, Grant Cannon, Pat Little.

Centenary Committee

Brian Thorburn stated that, as it is 99 years until the Bi-Centenary celebrations, this committee had maybe run its course for the time being! All agreed and the committee was not reformed.

Feedback from the Scott’s Garage Pairs Outing

All accounts were of an enjoyable outing. The change of date has proved to be very successful, the food as always at Eyemouth was excellent and the prizes were again of the highest order. Many thanks went to the sponsor, Michael Scott.

Colin Bain Knockout Cup

After a few years' practice, this year's event has run very smoothly. The change to the cards being picked up at the garage seemed to work extremely well. Almost all ties were played timeously and it was decided there was little need for any change. Congratulations went to Dougie for his win over Malcolm in the final.

Courses for 2008 Competitions

The only change from last year will be the Electra-Com Cup - Castle Park is now deemed to be too expensive after this season's experience. Two alternatives were mentioned, Torwoodlee and Minto. Brian Hunter will speak to Harry to see if he has any preference.

Club Social Evening

Date has now been confirmed as 25th January 2008 in the Rugby Club. There were a few puzzled looks around the room when it was announced that the theme for this year's night is to be BURNS (obviously, Mr Scott has booked the only Rabbie fancy dress outfit in the Borders!). All plans are well in hand..

AOCB

Membership Fees: will remain unchanged at £3 for the coming year.

Grant Cannon suggested that, after the success of the Centenary Dinner Dance, it might be a good idea to bring something similar into the club's social calendar. The idea was discussed and it was agreed that it should go to the social committee for further consideration.

Wednesday 9^th January 2008.