Men United Minutes of Annual General Meeting 2025-2026
Time: 12 Jan 2026 1:00pm – 2:00pm Venue: Belmont Bowling Club
Refreshments: Tea and biscuits were provided at the meeting.
Apologies: Alan Scott , Brian Gormley, Joe Martin , John Armstrong, Paul Gribben, Raj Puri, Manuel Millar, Frank Goodman, Nick Menhinick
Attending: Gary Bolton, Gerry Caldwell, Sam McCann, Mohammed Ashfar, Fred Leeson, Brian Kelly, Jack Davey, Kevin Briggs, Ken McInnes, Joe Jpodan Ivan Little, Brian Wisdom, Brian Whinnery, Glen Dickson, Austin McCracken
Chairman’s address
Gerry Caldwell, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the 18[th] AGM. A minute’s silence was held in respect of past members. Gerry expressed the group’s concern for sick members Stevie Auld, Eddie Kelly, Frank Goodman and wished them good health and recovery.
Adoption of minutes of previous AGM held on 13[th] Jan 2025.
Members were given several minutes to review the minutes.
The minutes were adopted as a true account of the AGM 13[th] Jan 2025. Proposed by Fred Leeson seconded Glen Dickson.
Matters arising from minutes:
No matter were raised.
Chairman Report
Gerry remarked on the success of the group during the past year and its objectives to promote mens health both physical and mental. He congratulated the Committee for the extensive programme provided to the group and especially the Secretary Gary Bolton and the Treasurer Sam McCann for their unseen work to make things happen. He commented on the success of the monthly walks that were introduced in 2025. Gerry also welcomed the new members to the club Martin McConville, Brian Wisdom and Joe Martin.
Secretary Report
Gary Bolton confirmed comments made by Gerry in regard to the Clubs success throughout the year to meet our objectives of social inclusion, preventing loneliness, health awareness, exercise and mental health by offering camaraderie in a safe social environment.
Memberships He commented how members have contributed to the Club by using their previous work skills and experience to assist the group. A revised MU registration form was provided to members for completion and subsequently the communication systems will be updated. Election of Officers As the 2024 Committee was elected for a two year term there were no elections this year.
Finance Gary remarked that Sam McCann Treasurer has done a sterling job to ensure MU finances are kept in check and for auditing the accounts. He also gave recognition to the internal audit of the accounts by Glen Dickson 2024 and Kevin Briggs 2025.
Grants No grants have been applied for this year as MU are still using the current Lottery funding. Assets No new assets were acquired
Constitution There have been no amendments to the MU Constitution, therefore the document was re-dated and signed by the MU Chairperson and Officers.
Charity Status MU continue with their Charity Status in 2026 following a successful annual return which involved a lot of work by the Secretary and Treasurer. An external audit had to be submitted and Joan Baird from EBCDA kindly undertook this for MU.
Communication The systems available to members include WhatsApp, Email, Facebook, Belmont Bowling Club as a Base for MU MU operate a special agreement with Belmont whereby MU purchased x6 memberships to sign in the rest of our members. This has been very successful in that we have also used Belmont for meetings and training. Renewal is due January and we hope the same agreement can be continued with the new Belmont committee. Events 2025 Gary had 54 events listed. He cited some of the most successful events as a reminder to members of the advantages of being a member of Men United. Volunteering MU have enjoyed taken part in several volunteering days arranged by Deirdre Murphy from Volunteer Now.
Events 2026 A number of planned events for 2026 were identified.
Treasurers report
Sam McCann presented the MU accounts to the members. He informed that the account was healthy and described the main areas of expenditure viz Starting amount £21970, expenditure £7K, current balance £14,475.72. Sam provided an excellent statement of accounts for 2025. He talked through the accounts statement giving clarity to the main expenditure items. Sam also described the monies received into the account from grant sponsorship and donations. He gave a breakdown of expenditure of the Lottery grant against the items the Lottery have sponsored and particularly pointed out our overspending on refreshments. He thanked Kevin and Glen for their assistance in auditing the accounts.
The accounts statement prepared by Sam was adopted as a true record of MU finances for 2025. Proposed Glenn Dickson seconded Brian Kelly and signed by Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
AOB Items discussed:
Events for 2026 were discussed, mainly in relation to the Lottery money that MU still have to spend before August 2026. Also the Volunteer Now £500 that is for fishing that must be completed by March 2026.
Gerry asked members to submit any requests that they have for events to the Committee.