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2022-05-31-accounts

Wetherby RUFC Grange Park Old Boston Road Wetherby LS22 5NB

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 13[th] May 2022

Item Item #

1.0 Members Present

Honorary Life Members

Ian Arundel Brian Aston Mel Jones

Peter Spensley

Non-Playing Members

Jonathan Hirst David Hart Marcus Little Kevin Stappard Charlie Wetton

James Marr

Playing Members

Will Blakey James Gibson Stephen Hoather Bryn Kitching Sean Lally Sam Little Shannon Little Myles Oates Elliot Reid Alice Thorpe Kathryn Todd James Ward Fred Watson Evan Woodworth Mike Youlden

2.0 Apologies for Absence

Geoff Brown Andy Hewitt David Hewitt Nick Oates Jack Wray

3.0 Previous Minutes

Minutes approved:

Proposed: Myles Oates Seconded : James Marr

Matters Arising: t here were no matters arising from the Minutes of the previous AGM.

ACTION: Minutes of the Previous AGM to be posted on the Club’s website ( Hon Sec)

4.0 Treasurer’s Report [Myles Oates]

See Attachment 1 for draft Report and Accounts.

Notes to Treasurer’s Report:

General discussion was held around the GP paybacks - no actions arising.

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The Treasurer’s Report was approved by those present.

Chairman thanked the Treasurer for his support over the Season.

Actions:

5.0 Section Reports

5.a. President [Mel Jones]

It has been an honour to be President of this Club over the last three years. When I came into the post there was no job description or President’s precedent to follow as our past President has been absent for some time, and I didn’t know what was expected nor did you members.

So, I had to write my own script as it were. I was awarded the honour of President, I believe, in recognition of my 40-years’ service to the Club and I hoped to ‘sprinkle a little of the wisdom’ learned over those years, and to oversee the proper running of the Club.

The past three years have been the most difficult in the lifetime of the Club, and for me. Covid-19 of course took over and I personally suffered some severe medical problems and, of course, a very personal tragedy when Elizabeth and I lost Richard.

I will never forget the tribute paid to Richard when his coffin came to Grange Park to be met by so many people; it was, for me, a very memorable if gut-wrenching event. I shall be eternally grateful for that show of love and appreciation of all those there; it will remain in my heart forever.

Something wonderful happened as a result when the rebuilding/memorial fund topped £50,000, plus £11,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Moving on, I congratulate all those volunteers who have helped to keep the Club going. Rugby comes first, and Geoff [Brown] and Evan [Woodworth] have done a superb job in achieving out long wished for ‘promotion to Yorkshire One’, aided in no small part by an enthusiastic Captain in Steve [Hoather], although the singing of the Wetherby Anthem should perhaps be limited to the changing room! Very well done the Committee and our diligent Groundsmen, bearing in mind Ian [Arundel] has done this job for years, and now Martin [Henry] has become involved.

Our Junior Section has gone from strength to strength and must be the envy of most Yorkshire clubs; thanks must go to all the coaches and parents who turn out every Sunday on those windswept fields. I could never have imagined 40 years ago when we formed the first junior teams, that this Section would reach such heights with c.300 members. It would be remiss of me not to remember all those Junior Chairmen who have presided over those 40 years in building the Section to where it is today.

What of the future? I hope we will concentrate on what happens on those pitches out there. Perhaps we have spent too much time concentrating on this building [the Clubhouse]. We are the major influence and financial contributor to Grange Park but we should, in my opinion, step back somewhat and allow the other sections do what is required and let us concentrate on coaching the coaches, providing shelter for supporters, improving our PR, and anything else which helps us to continue the progress we are making.

Now, the future looks bright, and I wish the incoming President a happy and productive tenancy.

My toast is to the Club and its absent friends.

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5.b. 1[st] XV (W) Captain [Shannon Little]

Unfortunately, the scoring system is different to the Men’s section and so bonus points are not awarded in the same way. This is something that we fell afoul of and an administration error when completing the match card when borrowing players, resulted in us not being awarded 5 points that we should have. This was appealed but the RFU did not relent.

This has resulted in us being effectively relegated to NC 3 North Central in the Provisional League structures released by the RFU but after discussing this with Geoff and the team, we have decided to use the next season to build on our skills, game play and structure ready to prove to the RFU that we deserve to play at this level.

Unfortunately, the season didn’t end on quite as much of a high as it started when, after months of trying to set a date for a rearranged COVID fixture, the RFU allowed Hull Ionians to go to a Red Roses game rather than play on this date and with four days’ notice we couldn’t field a team for the May bank holiday and so a walkover was given.

However, the last time we actually played, we ended up being the undefeated champions of Pocklington 7’s so we will focus on ending on that instead!

Away from the number crunching, the season has been really positive for the Women’s team. We have recruited really well throughout and now have 32 players registered. Within these 32 players there is a really strong core which has been incredible in terms of bringing in some consistency to the squad and selection.

Having better numbers has also been invaluable due to a number of injuries we have picked up this season, with two broken feet, an MCL rupture, a rotator cuff tear, cracked ribs, a groin tear and four players managing to break the same finger to name but a few - we have definitely kept poor George busy, and we are incredibly grateful for him!

Looking ahead to the next season, we are currently mid recruitment for a new Head Coach as unfortunately Lucy has had to take a back step due to work commitments. We have a taster session with a potential candidate on the 31st of May 2022.

Regardless I am confident that with the squad we have, with time to build on our foundations and skill, a solid pre-season led by our very own Beth as well as the with the unwavering support from the Club, we will only go from strength to strength.

5.c. 1[st] XV (M) Captain [Stephen Hoather]

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5.d. 2[nd] XV (M) Captain [Jack Wray]

5.e. Junior Section Chair [Andy Hewitt] (Report delivered by James Marr)

Overview

Wetherby RUFC run one of the most successful Mini Junior sections in Yorkshire . We now have over 300+ children registered from Micros through to Colts age groups. This is due to, in part, the fantastic pool of volunteers we rely upon to provide rugby coaching & support from age 4 and upwards, and the amazing facilities – grounds & clubhouse.

Rugby Section

The focus remains to provide a safe, enjoyable & inclusive environment for all children to enjoy their rugby.

Pitchero & Website: updates to scores for matches has improved, especially for Juniors. Availability is done through Pitchero which is easy, and all age groups now use.

JM commented that there will need to be a push for MJ Section to utilise the Fixtures and Results functionality of GMS as this is directly linked to International Ticket allocation.

Kit & Merch

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parents. Requirement for next season to display club merchandise & have sizes available for people to try on ahead of purchasing online.

Volunteers

Clubhouse/Facilities

Socials & Fundraising

5.f. Grounds [Martin Henry] (Report delivered by Ian Arundel)

Actions:

5.h. Social [Elliot Reid]

5.i. Sponsorship / Fundraising [Sean Lally]

Sean Lally provided an update on sponsorship and fundraising, commenting:

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Ian Arundel advised of the need to maintain a gap under sponsors board on the fence to allow the grass to be maintained properly.

5.j. Grange Park [Nick Oates] (Report delivered by Jonathan Hirst)

JH commented – when we refer to GP, we are GP (we are 80% of the funding).

6.0 Chairman’s Report [Jonathan Hirst]

This season has been incredibly successful for Wetherby RUFC as a whole. From 1[sts] , to 2[nds] , to the Women’s team and the whole Mini & Junior section. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this Club.

For the Men’s 1[st] team, we have achieved a historic result in our promotion to Yorkshire 1. Twelve seasons ago we were in Yorkshire 5 and struggling to pull a full team together. This club has been transformed. It was a stated goal of the Club at the start of the 2020/21 season that we were going to be promoted at the end of the season; this was only delayed because of Covid-19. In my view there are three main factors that made us achieve our goal.

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a successful club like ours and we should do everything we can to integrate the Seniors and Colts teams.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that Brian Aston has agreed to take on the role of President for next two years. Welcome, we’re here to help.

7.0 Membership Subscriptions [James Marr]

See Annex A below for breakdown of fees and associated Membership benefits.

Proposed: Shannon Little Seconded : Charlie Wetton

The proposed fees for Season 2022-23 were fully endorsed by the Members present with a unanimous vote.

Notes to Membership Fees Season 2022-23:

In order to reduce the administrative burden, membership fees will only be available to purchase from the RFU’s Game Management System (GMS) site. As all senior players, and the parents/carers of Mini/Junior Section players are required to re-affiliate to the Club at the beginning of each season on GMS, purchasing memberships is simply a few clicks away.

All membership subscriptions will be available to purchase from 1[st] August 2022. Senior teams need to confirm whether or not they will be adding a kit bundle and, if so, what it is and total cost (incl. membership fees).

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Actions :

8.0 Club Governing Documents [James Marr] 8.a. Charity / Club Constitution

Proposed : James Marr Seconded : Jonathan Hirst

In accordance with Section 7(1)(d) of the Club Constitution, a vote of more than two-thirds of those Members present was provided for the proposed changes to Part One of the Constitution.

In accordance with Section 7(2) of the Club Constitution, a majority vote of those Members present was provided for the proposed changes to Part Two of the Constitution.

Actions :

8.b. Board of Trustees Terms of Reference (ToR)

Proposed: James Marr Seconded : Jonathan Hirst

The Board of Trustees’ ToR were fully endorsed by the Members present with a unanimous vote.

Actions:

8.c. General Committee Terms of Reference (ToR)

Proposed : James Marr

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Seconded : Jonathan Hirst

The General Committee’s ToR were fully endorsed by the Members present with a unanimous vote.

Actions:

8.d. Club Rules

Proposed : James Marr Seconded : Shannon Little

All proposed changes to the Club’s Rules were fully endorsed by the Members present with a unanimous vote.

Actions:

9.0 Elections [James Marr]

9.a. Club Trustees/Officers Roles

Position Nominee Nominated By Seconded By
Chairman Jonathan Hirst Andrew Hewitt James Marr
Vice Chairman Stephen Hoather Jonathan Hirst James Marr
Honorary Secretary James Marr Jonathan Hirst Andrew Hewitt
Honorary Treasurer Myles Oates Shannon Little Laura Buss
Junior Chairman Andrew Hewitt Jonathan Hirst James Marr
Junior Secretary Louise Dutton Andrew Hewitt James Marr

All Club Trustee/Officer nominations received the approval of those members present by unanimous vote.

Action : Names of Trustees to be updated on the Charities Commission website ( Hon Sec )

9.b. Non-Trustee/Officer Roles

Position Nominee Nominated By Seconded By Director of Rugby Geoff Brown Jonathan Hirst James Marr 1[st] XV (W) Captain Shannon Little Laura Buss Myles Oates 1[st] XV (M) Captain Stephen Hoather Geoff Brown Jonathan Hirst 2[nd] XV (M) Captain For review at the next GCM meeting to be held on 13[th] June 2022 ( GCM

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Safeguarding Officer Megan Green James Marr Andrew Hewitt Head of Grounds Martin Henry Jonathan Hirst Andrew Hewitt Fixtures Sec Women Ruth Pearson Shannon Little Laura Buss Fixtures Sec Men Richard Watts Jonathan Hirst James Marr Fixtures Sec Juniors Kris Sokolowski James Marr Andrew Hewitt Social Sec Women Jess Baker Shannon Little Laura Buss Social Sec Men Ollie Hills Stephen Hoather Myles Oates Social Sec Mini/Junior To be co-opted Rugby Safe Officer To be co-opted Grange Park Rep Jonathan Hirst Committee Member 1 Sean Lally James Marr Jonathan Hirst Committee Member 2 Georgina Lewis Shannon Little James Marr

All other positions to be co-opted

All non-Trustee/Officer positions received the approval of those members present by unanimous vote.

10 Any Other Business [James Marr]

Welcome to the new Club President

Gate Fees for Season 2022-23

Action: GCM to discuss and agree gate fees for next season at meeting to be held on 13[th] June 2022 ( GCM )

Communication with ‘Old & Bold’

Action : Hon Sec to work with Brian Aston and Peter Spensley to confirm list and contact details, as well as options for communication.

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Wetherby RUFC Membership Fees

Season 2022-23

Season 2022-23
Membership Category Fee Membership Benefitsi
Hon Life Memberii £0 Full voting rights, free admission to all home fixtures, invitation to President’s Lunch(s), Members’
bar prices, and the right to apply for international tickets.
Vice President £80 Full voting rights, free admission to all home fixtures, invitation to President’s Lunch(s), Members’
bar prices, and the right to apply for international tickets
Social Member £40 Full voting rights, Members’bar prices, and the right to apply for international tickets
Senior Playeriii £66 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), full voting rights, and the right
to apply for international tickets
Senior Player Concessioniv £33 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), full voting rights, and the right
to apply for international tickets
Mini-Junior Player x 1 £100 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), free admission to home games,
one parent is entitled to one vote at the WRUFC AGM
Mini-Junior Player x 2 £150 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), free admission to home games,
one parent is entitled to one vote at the WRUFC AGM
Mini-Junior Player x3+ £160 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), free admission to home games,
one parent is entitled to one vote at the WRUFC AGM
Micro Player x 1 £50 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), free admission to home games,
one parent is entitled to one vote at the WRUFC AGM
Micro Player x 2 £75 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), free admission to home games,
one parent is entitled to one vote at the WRUFC and AGM
Micro Player x 3+ £80 RFU Player Membership (includes Death and Disability Insurance), free admission to home games,
one parent is entitled to one vote at the WRUFC AGM

i All WRUFC Club Membership categories include membership of the Grange Park Sports & Social Club (GPSSC) including full voting rights at the GPSSC AGM (for those aged 18 years old or over).

ii Nominations for individuals to be conferred Honorary Life Membership are identified by the Club’s General Committee and put to the vote at the AGM. iii Match fees are paid separately and managed by the Senior Team Managers and accounted for by the Hon Treasurer.

iv This concession only applies to players who are 21 years of age or under and/or those in full-time education (evidence of full-time education will be required – i.e., Student Union card).

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Wetherby RUFC AGM 2021/22 Season – Treasurer’s Report

1. Income and Expenditure Commentary

N.B. Year end is 31st May 2022, numbers are as of 15[th] May 2022. Values in brackets relate to previous season (2020/21)

The club made a profit for the season of £22,608 (£269 loss), with the following items of note:

Membership income increased 32.5% to £27,617 (£20,838), with COVID impacting membership in PY

Clubhouse development costs: £20,892 (£11,933)

Rental expense: £16,000 expense in current year, in PY no rent was payable due to COVID support grants to GP

Grant funding: Released the remainder of the ‘Winter Grant Funding’ of £28,949 (£6,277) and the ‘All Schools Grant’ (£2,975)

Excluding grant funding and clubhouse development costs, the club made a profit of £11,576 (£5,437)

2. Cash position commentary

The club has an absolute cash balance of £61,481 (£113,769). The underlying cash position (after ring-fenced monies) is £36,910 (£12,773)

Tours that were postponed due to COVID went ahead this year, reducing the amount ringfenced for tours

Of the £51,705 raised during the COVID pandemic, £15,396 remains to be spent

The club has repaid loans given to it by members during the COVID pandemic of £3,500

Grant funding that was previously ringfenced (Winter Grant and All Schools Programme) has now been released Payments received for Mayfest that was postponed have been released as the event has now gone ahead