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Minutes of 2001 AGM

The Meeting was held at 7pm on Monday March 19th 2001 in Maiden Castle bar.

Present: R. Ashton, T. Cleaver, P.D.B. Collins, J. Cook, B. Halliwell, N. Metcalfe, J. White, T. Hase, P. Low, I. Whitfield
Apologies: T. Fuller, C. Thompson

Minutes: The minutes of the 2000 meeting were accepted.
Matters Arising: The Club’s 50th Anniversary dinner had taken place in the Senate Suite, University College, on July 3rd 2000, and had been a great success. It was noted that the accounts from the last two seasons had not been audited. However, B. Lander had agreed to do this as soon as possible. J. White would then take over as Hon. Auditor.
Chairman’s Report: The chairman expressed his thanks to all those involved in the organisation of the 50th Anniversary dinner. Many ‘old stalwarts’ of the club had turned out for the event and a thoroughly good time had been had by all. The only slightly disappointing note had been the lack of support by the current team. Particular thanks were due to Ray Pallister for agreeing to give the after dinner speech.
Captain’s Report: This was my first year as captain and it was indeed an honour to lead such a distinguished multi-talented, multi-national, multi-racial and multi-aged team of individualists.Over 20 fixtures were arranged by our esteemed secretary, of which only nine games were played thanks to rain, floods, confusion (on the part of one team which failed o turn up) and uncooperative ground-staff (we were forced of a pitch at Maiden Castle – a deplorable affair against which we protested most loudly but to little avail).We can celebrate, however, victory in 5 games and defeat in only 4 (and some very close – the Mayor’s XI beat us by one run). This represents considerable improvement over past form. Especially pleasing was to beat three college teams out of four: a 75% success rate which may take a lot of beating!I consider our success to be down to two factors – firstly, the arrival of new blood from distant lands; secondly, to a hard (soft?) core of regular team members who turned out often enough to give our side a semblance of order and the impression thta we were a team.In addition to our exploits on the greensward, we celebrated in the course of last year the 50th anniversary dinner of the Club. This was held at Castle on 3 July. It was a most enjoyable occasion to which more ex-players that current players attended: an indication of the distinguished footsteps in which we youngsters humbly follow. We might consider the possibility of arranging another such celebration since the last was so warmly welcomed.One final matter to report:
Last year saw the Millennium International Friendship Club Cricket Festival – hosted by Durham City on the University grounds between 29 July and 5 August. Teams from the West Indies, USA, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Spain and other countries took part – as did the Mayor’s XI.
The next festival is 2002. I understand that 6 games are to be expected; 11 o’clock start; 40 overs in two separate leagues.
The top division (the Cup) is of high Club standard; the lower division (the Shield) is within our reach (esp. if we get a couple of post-grads in to help us …)
The tournament fee is 70 per head – but if we represent the university we might be successful in attracting sponsorship.With this challenge in prospect I draw my report to a close. My thanks to all players for such sterling support in a season curtailed by weather. I look forward to the forthcoming summer in hope of more sunshine and more players, playing more often! Tony Cleaver
Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s financial report can be found here, together with the equipment list.It was agreed that the Captain and Treasurer would go through the kit and decide what new purchases were necessary. They would also ensure all kit was cleared marked with the initials DCSCC.
Secretary’s Report: There had be a major problem with the fixtures this year in that the college fixture list had been designed by the undergraduates themselves, who had omitted to allow for any fixtures with Staff. This despite the secretary informing the college cricket captain of our desire to keep much the same dates for the fixtures as last year! There was therefore no fixture list available for the forthcoming season, and there was no sign of it appearing in the near future.The Mayor’s XI match was due to be at Maiden Castle this year – a provisional date of Wed June 12th had been agreed. It was hoped to arrange new fixtures this year with Sunderland and Newcastle Universities.
Election of Officers:
- Tony Cleaver was elected as Club Captain unopposed.
- Paul Low and Tom Hase were elected as joint Vice-Captain’s
- Chris Thompson was elected as Club Treasurer unopposed (in his absence, but with his agreement). The outgoing Treasurer John White agreed to liaise with the new Treasurer in order to ensure a smooth hand-over of power.
- The positions of Chairman (Peter Collins) and Secretary (Nigel Metcalfe) remained unchanged.

Nigel Metcalfe – 16/03/02