Present Alan Grunwald, Lyn Morton, Alan Parker, Stan Powell, Keith Robbins,

Jonathan Robinson, Avis Roberts.

Apologies Arthur Jones

At this committee meeting proposals for future club events were drawn up. Alan Grunwald would present these proposals at the AGM to be held on May 7^th 2009.

Lyn Morton reported that overall the club’s finances were in a satisfactory state. Two payments had been made to Alison Nicolson for the Bridgemates system. We had made a small loss during the year which could be overcome by a modest increase in membership.

Although one of the six original participants in the Ridgeway Cup, Frilford, had dropped out for 2009 Alan Parker thought that we could continue with this competition. He had tried to persuade Abingdon, Blewbury and Faringdon to participate in 2009 but without success.

Since the Comrades Club were making considerable efforts to put their club on a sound financial footing, the Secretary would not continue his search for an alternative venue for our club at present. Currently the only venue found to be practical was the Wantage Methodist Church hall but any decision would be deferred to a later date.

Keith Robbins said that the ‘A’ team had finished their 7 Wessex League matches winning 5 and losing 2. In Division 3 two matches were still outstanding which were scheduled to be played by the end of April. Depending on these results Wantage could finish 2^nd, gaining promotion, 3^rd. or 4^th.

Lyn Morton reported that the ‘B’ team had won 3 matches and lost 3 so had ended in 4^th position in Division 5.

Keith Robbins suggested that the number of matches won should be considered for promotion and relegation issues rather than the number of VP’s gained or lost. This idea could be considered by the OBA.

Since Ken Eaton now had little to do with the club we needed a third signatory to join Lyn Morton and Alan Parker. It was agreed that Alan Grunwald would take this role.

Stan Powell suggested that Ed Scerri would be suitable. The committee agreed that Stan should follow this up. He would arrange a date, venue, fees and the cost for those attending.

The EBU proposed to issue contracts to clubs by the end of April this year, i.e. before our AGM. After discussion it was agreed that Alan Grunwald would give a short presentation at the AGM. We wish to ascertain whether our members would like the committee to sort out this matter or whether the club should hold an EGM.

A heat of this event was held successfully in 2008. It was agreed that we would hold a heat in Wantage on Saturday 6^th June 2009.

In the first quarter of this year we are, on average, two tables down compared with 2008. We need to eradicate this deficit to ensure financial stability. It was suggested that Chris Kazmierezak should address the committee in an attempt to boost club numbers. A vote agreeing this was carried by 3 votes to 2.

It was agreed that this was not necessary since copies of hands were available at the end of each session.

It was agreed that, at times, there was too much loud discussion of some hands which was overheard by nearby players, thus spoiling the competition. Directors were asked to minimise this nuisance and also to point out the occasional times when players had been penalised for rule infringements.

Alan Parker (Hon. Secretary)