The meeting was held in person at Sandbar, 120 Grosvenor St, Manchester, M1 7HL.
The agenda was circulated in advance of the meeting via email to the committee members.
All members were invited to attend. Notifications were delivered via Facebook and email.
Attendees
The committee members as named below, plus the following:
Josh W, MY L , Neil A, Mike E, Peter M, Oona G, Eric F, Johanna H, Kathryn F, Oti T
Quorum
The quorum was met with 8 committee members with voting rights present.
Chair
The AGM was chaired by Julie Parker.
Normal Business
Committee Introductions
Julie Parker – Chair
Peter Jennings – Vice Chair (absence excused)
Donald Vaughan – Treasurer
Phil Joy – Secretary
Edwin Lace – Coach
Becky Toal – Comms
Honzik Slovak – Tuesday Rep (absence excused)
Abi Stone – Wednesday Rep
Marie Coquet – Saturday Rep (absence excused)
Jess Nichols – Welfare Rep (absence excused)
Alastair Dawson – Co-Social Secretary
Andrew Pierce – Co-Social Secretary
Chair's Report
Julie delivered the Chair’s report, a copy of which is available upon request.
Treasurer's Report
Donald delivered the Treasurer’s report, a copy of which is available upon request.
The club bank balance has increased slightly over the past year.
2023/24 financial year ended at a slight deficit due to increased expenditure following 25th anniversary celebrations.
Monday session is running at a slight loss but committee are happy to support this as, overall, finances allow for it. Saturday session is currently running at a profit whilst MAC refurbishment displaces us into the 25m pool.
Committee will review club pricing when we return to our 50m slot at MAC.
Independent examiner for the club accounts for financial year 2023/24 has been Edwin Lace. He has reviewed accounts with Donald. Independent examiner for financial year 2024/25 will be Tim Offer.
No objections raised to accounts and therefore approved by Julie.
Election of Officers
Abi Stone’s position of Wednesday Rep is to be re-elected this year. It runs for 2 years. Position advertised however no nominations received. Abi is willing to continue in her role. Abi’s nomination was proposed by Phil Joy, seconded by Andrew Pierce. No objections received. Abi elected.
Alastair Dawson and Andrew Pierce were co-opted onto the committee as co-social secretaries, however it is a requirement that they are formally elected at the AGM. Alastair’s nomination was proposed by Abi Stone, econded by Josh Wharton. No objections received. Alastair elected. Andrew’s nomination was proposed by Abi Stone, seconded by Mike Evans. No objections received. Andrew elected.
Position of Comms Assistant remains vacant with the possibility that someone can be co-opted during the upcoming committee period.
Northern Wave Manchester Masters 2025
Committee is arranging an international masters competition which will be held at the MAC on 9 August 2025. Eric Fewster has kindly assisted the committee to date and a sub-committee will be created so that he has further support in arranging this event. Anyone interested in assisting should liaise with Eric or the committee. Further details will follow.
Pride 2024
Social secretaries will be organising our entry and hoping to encourage newer members to march with us whilst sending a message about inclusion in sport.
Andrew delivered a presentation on possible ideas to show that we are swimmers, rather than simply wearing club T-shirts. Further ideas will be circulated closer to the time.
Any Other Business
Mental Health
With the recent passing of Liam Yates, a discussion was had as to whether the club could offer mental health support. Consideration will be given to making it obvious on club communications that Jess is our Welfare Officer and is available to offer support and assistance to anyone in need.
Comms
The committee has previously wondered how people want to receive communications. A discussion was had and most people do generally prefer to receive updates by email, however it doesn’t help that the News Splash emails come from different committee members and therefore from different email addresses. It was suggested that the News Splash be sent from one email address so that it can be whitelisted by members.
Recognition of club volunteers
Donald wanted to formally thank the door volunteers for their work over the last year.