1. Attendees:

B. McKie (Chairman), P.McKay (Secretary), D. Foster (Treasurer), B Bainbridge (Fixture Secretary), A Brown, M Wray, (Darl. RA), R Mellish, G Pearson (Richmond), P Middleton , R Mortimer (Northallerton), D Smith, B Wilson (Hartlepool), J Burnett (Bishop A)

Apologies received from Roger Anderson (Grader), Sue Fraser, Colin Hardy, Glen Parkin, Ian Crammond. 

2. Minutes of AGM 2007. 

These had been previously circulated and were accepted as a true record. 

3. Matters Arising. 

The Lightning Tournament which had been planned had not occurred, the reason for this being unclear. (see later substantive item) 

4. Proposed League Rules. 

The Secretary explained the need for a formalised set of rules for the league which had hitherto been formed in a piecemeal manner. The rules from the Durham League had been used as a basis for the draft of the proposed rules which had been circulated to all club captains and league officials.. The secretary stated that he had either spoken personally or via e mail with most captains/officials and changes had been incorporated. 

After lengthy discussion and amendments to the drafts rules they were accepted and these will be circulated with these minutes and appear on the website. 

It was stressed that it was the responsibility of team captains to ensure their full understanding of the rules especially the changes with regard to playing strength and board order. 

Action: David Smith to append to website. Team Captain: To ensure full understanding of rules. 

5. Election of Officers: 

The following were elected for the forthcoming season: 

President / Chairman -                       B McKie
Secretary -                                           P McKay
Treasurer -                                           P McKay
Fixture Secretary -                              B Bainbridge
Grader -                                                R Anderson
Website (results only) -                    D Smith
Individual Tournament Organiser - P Middleton
KO Cup Organiser -                           G Parkin

D Foster stepped down from his role of Treasurer after a number of years and was thanked for his valued contribution. Pete M had agreed to undertaking the role of treasurer and that due to the small amounts involved would be keeping a cash account only. 

6. Treasurers report. 

D Foster circulated a balance sheet showing that the league had a credit balance of £60.80. After discussion it was agreed that each club should pay an annual subscription to the league and for the forthcoming season this was set at £5. 

Action: All teams paid on the night except for Darlington Cavaliers.

 

7. League Format 08/09.

 

B Bainbridge circulated a copy of this season’s handbook which contained league rules (now to amend) teams and draft fixtures. Whilst accepting that some fixtures may need altering, captains were asked to liaise with each other to ensure that games are completed in a timely manner. Bryan stated that the amended booklets would be circulated by 10/10/08. Bryan was once again thanked for his valued contribution.

Action: B Bainbridge to amend booklet and circulate.

8. Individual Tournament. 

P Middleton gave a report relating to the competition for 07/08 and agreed to run the same for the forthcoming season. Entries to him by 1/11/08, together with £1.50 entry fee.

Action: Club Captains to ensure all players are aware.

9. Lighting Tournament.

After discussion it was agreed that there was little support for this and would not be held.

10. Presentation of Cups:

Cups were presented By Brian McKie to the following winners:

Division Winners - Darlington Cavaliers.
Runners Up - Hartlepool.
Knockout - Darlington Cavaliers.
Individual Winner - G Pearson
Runner Up - P McKay
Player of the Year - P Middleton

11. Any Other Business.

a) Bill Wilson agreed to host the domain name and the website for the league.

Action: Bryan Bainbridge to liaise with Bill Wilson to arrange.

 b) David Smith raised some issues relating to the website and agreed to remove the “number of games played” from the site and to add the current ECF grade for all players.

 Action: David S to amend.

c) David also raised the fact that the rules for the KO cup were dated and inaccurate. Brain B agreed to amend these for inclusion of the site.

Action: Bryan B to amend and forward to David S for website inclusion.

d) The Secretary on behalf of the meeting expressed best wishes to Bryan B after his recent medical problems and was pleased to note his total recovery.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.30pm.