Reivers AGM at Throphill on 15th February 2009.                                                              

Present: Tom Dodds, Gavin Duthie, Willie Coatsworth, Julie Potts, David Howcroft, Ian Anderson.  

Observer: Ian Stanners 

Meeting opened at 3.00pm.

Minutes 2008. 

Last years minutes read and accepted.

1. Funds & Money: 

DH reported that the Reivers have £375.45p in an Halifax Current Account. The Reivers also have £20.42p cash not banked from the 2008 membership fees, this is used for working capital. The account is in DH name and this was done for;

Ease of access.

To prevent account charges for being a club.   

The group accepted this situation and DH agreed to keep this running until alternative arrangements are needed in the future.

The group discussed whether the club needed this amount of cash assets and it was pointed out that the cash assets could be spent on other things as the Reivers decide upon.

• Subsided weekend away.

• Imporoving first aid kit provision.

• Aquiring group ride insurance.

• Purchasing maps and guide books for out of region riding.

• Bothy membership.

The general discussion was that we are cash rich and that club membership fees could be reduced to reflect this.

2. Membership fees:

Discussion questioned whether we needed to have membership fees considering our cash rich situatioin. The question was asked "what do you get being a member of the Reivers"?

1. Affiliated membership of the the MBA. You will get a MBA membership number and locations of North of England. Southern Scotland Bothies. Other Bothy locations are available on request. 2.Access to the club toolkit.3 Access to maps book routes and file of routes. 4. Access to Walkie Talkies. 5 Access to first aid kit. 6. Mobile phone. 7. Emergency Survial Bag.

These are the tangible assets, however the interlectual assets are stronger = organised rides based on individual expert knowledge, care and attention whilst out on a ride. It was felt that these are real strengths and IS commeted that this was a reason why he sort to ride with the Reivers and he felt that a £10 fee was very little for the experience.

Action:

Membership fees for 2009 would be reduced to £5 for the year Feb 2009 - Feb 2010. £2.50p for half a year starting in July. New riders can experience 2 rides as guests and then take up the option of becoming a member. Club fees window for 2009 will be until the end of March 2009.We will not be charging 50p a ride for riders who just turn up. All riders will be either guests or members.

GD presented to the meeting a new draft membership form and after discussion it was agreed that all members old and new will return to DH.

Action:

GD will Email out the new membership form and members old and new will return to DH.

3. Rides and Ride Leaders:

GD informed the meeting that members had expressed the need for insurance and cover whilst riding with the Reivers. GD had investigated this and he had discovered that the CTC( Cyclist Touring Club ) have a scheme that offers cover for cyclists who mountain bike, it will cost £50 per year with a £25 affiliation fee. The clud can afford this from our banked monies, however year on year this would drain all the cash resources hence the need to keep some membership fee going. GD linked this matter to the Reivers being affiliated to the CTC as a club and would the Reivers need a constitution.

TD expressed concern about the group focus only concerning itself with litigation matters, this was noted.

Action:

GD to contact CTC about group insurance and affiliation linked to a constitution.

4. Club rules & Constitution: 

GD presented to the group a new draft copy of rules after discussion they are accepted.

Action:

GD to tweak rule 12 to read the CTC can provide insurance.

GD asked the group to consider a constitution. GD felt; 1. Ride insurance with the CTC would only be available if the Reivers have a consitution. 2. A constitution would spread the work load around a committe that would include a Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer.

Action:

GD to Email all members on the 2008 membership list with a copy of the draft consitution and ask  everyone to consider its implication and Email feedback to GD. The Reivers will consider this document and if it meets the Reivers needs. A meeting sometime in March will be arranged to consider this matter further. 

5. AOB:

DH introduced an Email  from Stephen Matthew representing Green exercise/Youth Mountain Bike. Anyone interested in being involved in a project for young people mountain biking in Northumberland. You will gain SMBLA qualification.

The meeting closed at 5.20 pm.

Thank you JP and WC for tea/coffee and cake.