HORLEY BOWLING CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING
10 am 12 May 2025 Clubhouse
OVERVIEW OF MEETING
The club remains in good health with strong membership levels (154), steady bar sales, and active participation in competitions and social events. Despite some financial challenges due to increased expenditure and utility costs, the club is managing its resources effectively. Key areas of focus include increasing engagement in trips and events, ensuring equipment and infrastructure remain compliant and in good order, and enhancing internal communications via the website. Lawn and short mat bowls continue to be well-supported, and proactive efforts are underway to involve new players and encourage inclusivity.
MINUTES
1. IN ATTENDANCE – Sue Hudgell (SH), Steve Aylin-White (SA-W), Bob Stent (BSte), Colin Squires (CS), Liz Conroy (LCo), Bob Stockwell (BSto), Brian Wilson (BW) Alison Griffiths (AG) Mel Hoskins (MH), Brian Farley (BF), Liz Cargil (LC)Elaine Hudson (EH), Ron Hudson (RH)
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Mark Clark (MC),Denise George (DG), Allan Weller (AW),
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – 17/01/2025
• Additions to minutes – in attendance Brian Farley and Liz Cargill. It was agreed old shirts to be sold at £5 and money to go to charity and club.
• The minutes were approved.
4. MATTERS ARISING
• On the agenda
5. PRINCIPAL OFFICERS GROUP (POG)
Noted action taken by POG since last meeting:
• Purchase of new toner for printer
• Purchase a new hose pipe
• Increased the selling price of spirits to £2.50 per 50ml measure (ie by 50p).
• Completed Insurance Inventory
.
DECISION ITEMS
6. Security
After the recent loss of the hose pipe, a discussionof the security of the site took place and what further action needs to take place.
Agreed:
o SA–W would write to members to remind them to be vigilant.
7. Honours Board
The Honours Boards were discussed and what activities and matches and achievements should be recorded.
Agreed:
o Only winners and sufficient personal achievement – such as gaining a Surrey Badge should be put on the boards
o BW to confirm with AW the names for the Short Mat Honours Board
COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORTS SUMMARY
8. Secretary’s Report
• All correspondence has been actioned
• A suggestion was made to display framed photographs of members who have passed away, accompanied by a supporting statement.
The committee expressed appreciation for the sentiment behind this request. After careful consideration, it was agreed to continue with the current practice, which includes notifying members of funerals, displaying the order of service (which typically contains a photograph) on the noticeboard, and observing a one minutesilence at the AGM and other times as appropriate.
9. Treasurer’s Report
• Competitions: £429 in internal competition fees still outstanding; Surrey fees all paid.
• Accounts: £4,000 deficit compared to last year, largely due to mower purchase and unforeseen costs.
• Business Rates: Increased from £116 to £350 (approx. 300%), with expectation of further rises.
• Balances: £9,000 in the account; £33,000 in reserves.
• Upcoming: Clubhouse insurance quotes to be sourced in June/July.
• Hove Trip: Only 9 deposits received so far: viabilitywas discussed, and it was confirmed that 22 had signed up and therefore should cover its costs.
Action:
• Cut–off date for competition payment should be 31 May 2025 and competitors should be told if they don’t pay they cannot compete. MC to advise how best to do that.
• JA to advertise Hove Event and ensure people pay.
10. Lawn Bowls Captain’s Report
Ladies Report
• Season progressing well with sufficient players for matches.
• New players encouraged and selected for friendlies.
• Match selection tracked via spreadsheet; no complaints received.
• Unselected players contacted individually and encouraged to participate in drives or arrange roll-ups.
• Proposal to enter Past Times Trophy (entry: £16; match fee: £3).
Action:
Committee approval requested and payment. EH to let organisers know.
• Ladies’ Tuesday evening sessions begin 20 May.
• No league matches played yet.
Men’s Report
• Season began positively with strong attendance at the captain’s evening.
• Mixed results in early ESL matches.
• Competitions are progressing.
• Members encouraged to sign up for league games; talent spotting ongoing.
Action:
• The Men’s section of the Past Times Trophywas discussed and although not much appetite to pursue, it was suggested that the Men’s squad should be asked if anyone wants to organise and participate. BS to write out asking for volunteers to organize.
11.Short Mat Captain’s Report
• Season ended well
• The finals day went smoothly
12.Fixtures/Match Secretary’s Report
• Cheams agreed to play in afternoon
• Epsom triple league will need to play Monday
Action
• BS asked a question about whether the selected team could be displayed on website or Bowlr. AG to pursue.
13. Membership Secretary’s Report
• New Members: 8 new members since the last meeting.
• Total Membership: 154 (104 Full,13 Life,11 Social,13 Junior,2 Retired,11 Short Mat
• Coaching ongoing with potential new members.
14. Green/Ground Manager’s Report
• Conditions: Exceptionally dry and sunny – rain urgently needed.
• Team Update: Welcomed Steve Maslen to the team.
• Machinery: New Dennis 610 mower delivered and working well.
• Security: Hose reel stolen; replaced (£450 cost) and now stored securely.
15. Maintenance Manager’s Report
• Fire Safety: Extinguishers interim-serviced; replacements pending.
• Hot Water: Controller needs replacing – awaiting plumber.
• Security: New cycle rack installed after suspicious incident.
• Preparation: Thanks to volunteers who helped prep the club and green.
16. Social Manager’s Report
• Easter Hunt went well
• Considering a summer barbeque
17. Bar Manager’s Report
• Prices: Spirit prices increased to £2.50 due to prior volume increase.
• Sales: Up £500 compared to same time last season.
• Rotas: Adjusted to one member on duty during standard operations; no issues reported.
• Maintenance: Some glasses to be replaced soon.
18. Admin Manager’s Report
• Card very popular and will print another run.
• A new lockable draw for laptop is being built and it would help to have trolley for it to go on.
Agreed:
AG to purchase a trolley for around £45
• Need a volunteer to help with event day admin.
• Website map created and shared.
• Supporting webmaster (PK) with site updates; Admin Manager acting as coordinator.
• No volunteers yet for assisting with site updates.
Action:
• Comments on website map to be passed to AG and any other comments on content of website.
19. One Day Events
• VE Day: Successful event with 60 attendees; special thanks to helpers and contributors.
• Ray Bateman Trophy: 38 registered; includes a new “plate” competition for first-round knockouts.
• Weekend Drives: Popular and good feedback.
• Preparations are being made for the Bowls Big Weekend. Friday the 23rd pm and 24th morning. DG has written out to committee asking for volunteers.
20. Safeguarding Officer’s Report
Safeguarding was discussed and no incident to report.
Action:
• In line with national advice guidance, photos of the safeguarding officers and contact details should displayed in entrance hall.
• The Disabled toilet should have an inclusive labelon door.
• All activities involving youth teams and adults should have a recorded risk assessment.
21 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Club Kit
MH raised club kit and whether members could be reminded that when playing external matches Club Shirt and Navy trousers should be worn. Not royal blue or elastic ankle jogging bottoms.
Action:
• Captains of the day to remind teams members of club kit’
Car Park Barrier:
Barrier was discussed and the difficulty with present lock.
Action:
• SA-W to approach the council to see if they replace the barrier lock but keep same keys.
22 FORWARD LOOK – topics for next meeting
• Short Mat – getting ready for next season
• Feedback from the Bowls Big Weekend
10. DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS:
• Tuesday evening 6pm 15 July 2025
• Tuesday evening 6pm 16 September 2025
