Time Held: 7th December at 7.45pm

Venue: The Club, Rectory Field, Barbarians Bar

In Attendance:
Laurie Baker, Jon Taylor, Mark Reading, James Hands, Omar Khan, Christian Dean, Paul Frith, Simon Wright, Al Dunning, Dave Farnell, Mark Calnan, Dan Calnan, Christian Dean, Anthony Jones, Hadleigh Luff, Martin Longstaff, Tony Pope, Chris Stevens, Tom Stevens

Summary of the Season:
The Chairman reiterated the words of the new Blackheath Playing Report, compiled for the first time by Nick Courtney. The Chairman thanked Nick for his efforts and hoped that the report would now be produced every season.

Summary of Accounts 2004:
The summary of accounts were produced and distributed by Laurie Baker. They were passed by the attendees as right and proper for the Cricket Club.

However, some issues were debated vigorously as a result of these figures:

· Kit Sales money recovery was not as efficient as it could be, with a considerable sum of monies still to be collected from members who possess kit. It was stated that the kit sales and money collection would be more run on a more role allocated and organised basis next year.

· There were suggestions as to how to recover missing annual subscriptions money over the course of the playing season. Anthony Jones suggested members pay full subscription fees before the season actually starts. In addition, it was mooted that people who have not paid their subs, are not picked to play.

· Simon Wright suggested that people have their match fees collected before the game actually starts.

Election of Club Officers 2005:
All nominations for these posts passed unanimously.

1st XI Captain - James Hands
2nd XI Captain - Andrew Watts
3rd XI Captain - Nick Courtney
3A XI Captain - Dave Farnell
5th XI Captain - Al Dunning
Possible 6th XI Captain (when required) - Jon Taylor

Sunday 1st XI Captain - Unfilled
Sunday 2nd XI Captain - Simon Wright

Chairman - Jon Taylor
Hon. Treasurer - Laurie Baker
Hon. Secretary - Mark Reading
Fixture Secretary - Simon Wright
League Secretary - Chris Swadkin
Colts Secretary - Chris Swadkin
Social Secretary - Unfilled
Ground Representative - Chris Swadkin (TBC)

Membership Secretary position reintroduced - Dave Farnell

Club Development Report:
Brief synopsis from the Chairman delivered in Chris Swadkin's absence, stating that the club is working towards ECB `Clubmark` status.

An `Equity Policy` detailing our commitment to Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities and Sport for All was also voted into the clubs constitution.

Any Other Business:
Many individual issues were discussed, often candidly and with passion. The points below provide the breakdown of the key issues debated.

· Simon Wright raised the point about their being no trophies for man of the season below first and second team level. The committee agreed this was an oversight, and will be rectified next season.

· Chris Stevens proposed a Junior Playing Representative to join the committee, with limited powers but a presence nonetheless.

· Al Dunning and Chris Stevens raised the point of the physical quality of the nets equipment. The nets need to be replaced and made secure before someone is injured. It was also discussed that the synthetic net surfaces need to be rolled, and the matting in the middle net lane replaced. No date or person responsible was allocated to these tasks however.

· A large debating point was of the quality of the pitch, its preparation and the role of the groundstaff working for the club. Demands were made as to exactly how the club groundstaff utilise their time, and how their tasks are allocated. The Chairman insisted that the groundstaff are monitored ably by the Clubs overall Ground Committee, and that the quality of the cricket pitches and outfield had improved considerably over the last year.

· Another big point of debate was the quality and effectiveness of the clubs Wednesday night practice session. Christian Dean and Simon Wright both volunteered the point that the overall quality and structure of the sessions need improving drastically, and as it stands the organisation of the sessions was very poor. The possibility of a net coach, perhaps by an overseas player was discussed. Anthony Jones suggested going to a 3rd party for independent advice in order to improve things.

· The Chairman informed the group that the Woolwich Barracks ground would be available for use for about 17 home games of the season.

· Chris Stevens raised the issue of umpires for next season. The Chairman confirmed that the hunt was on for at least 2 more umpires for Saturdays, and 1 for Sunday games.

The meeting concluded at 10pm.