Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 14th September 2010
at the Navigation Hotel, Altrincham


Secretary’s report 2010

There are now a total of 30 members on our database (of whom about 25 are regularly or occasionally involved in the club). This represents a reduction compared with the 36 members in June 2009 but is still more than the 23 four years ago.  We have valid e-mail addresses for all except six of our members and I am therefore able to communicate promptly about matches, congresses, etc. Our previous blog has been superceded by the new websitehttps://sites.google.com/site/altrinchamchess/home, which is a more structured format and continues to build both as a current reference point and also an archive of the club. The club’sfacebook group now has 10 members (all club members) – a good proportion of total membership. But I continue to ensure that non internet users are also kept up to date through the noticeboard and word of mouth, etc  

Back from the virtual world, we maintained teams in each of the three Winter leagues season and one in the South East Lancashire Summer league; As always, thanks to Tony, David and Steve for making this happen, and also to Nick for organising all internal competitions. It is also important that we continue to record our appreciation of continuing good relations with The Navigation as a key partner in the continued success of the club - and in particular in keeping our subscription levels low compared with most (if not all) similar clubs locally.

With the Gerlagh’s having returned to Holland, I feel that our Junior chess activity is now marginal at best and I still feel that we should consider either a specific club role (or small team) to lead and co-ordinate links with Schools, Colleges, etc. We have floated some good ideas at AGM’s but not put in place the people or the processes to make much happen.

This has been my fourth year as club Secretary and I do feel that the time is right for someone new to build on where we have got to and maybe add some fresh ideas. So I am keen to pass on the baton this year, and would, of course, provide a good handover and advice to the new Secretary if needed.

Tom Tomkins