HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

*INTRODUCTION OF CASHLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM*

Following a proposal by the Management Committee, members agreed at Annual General Meeting, that the club will move to a card-only payment system for bar purchases from the start of the 2027 bowls season in April.

From that date, cash will no longer be accepted for bar payments and members and visitors will need to pay by debit or credit card.

Why are we making this change?

The decision has been made to increase security; simplify the way payments are handled and to make our financial and bar operations more efficient. A cashless system will:

• Reduce the need for volunteers to handle, count and bank cash.
• Make bar transactions and accounting simpler.
• Reduce the risks associated with storing and handling cash both on the premises and, especially, when in transit for banking.
• Help our club to manage its day-to-day activities more efficiently.

The committee recognises that some members have always preferred to pay by cash, and appreciates that this change may take a little getting used to.  The decision is not intended to inconvenience or exclude anyone, nor to discriminate against any individual or group. We want GB Britton to remain the inclusive club it has always been known for and we will consider any genuine difficulties raised with us.

We are giving members several months' notice so that there is plenty of time to make any necessary arrangements before the new season begins.

Our aim is to continue being the friendly, welcoming club that we all value, while making the practical running of GB Britton as straightforward as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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*BILL FURLEY APPOINTED TO NEWLY CREATED POSITION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN*

Members voted in favour of creating a new position of  Vice Chairman to improve the club's succession planning and were pleased to elect Bill Furley to serve as that officer.

On being appointed Bill thanked members for voting for him and continued by saying that he hoped to make a positive contribution to the club and assured members he was willing to listen to any comments or contributions they may have.

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*MEMBERS AGREE TO A £5.00 INCREASE IN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS*

Members voted to increase annual subscriptions by £5.00, in line with inflation.  It was agreed that rink fees will remain unchanged.

Subscriptions for the 2027 will be season will be £155.00

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*BOB FERRIS ELECTED AS A LIFE MEMBER*

The club is delighted to announce that Bob Ferris has been awarded Life Membership in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to GB Britton Bowls Club.

As one of the longest serving members of the club Bob has made an enormous contribution both on and off the green.  A quiet man he is always ready with a contribution to ensure the smooth running of the club.

Besides being an accomplished bowler, representing the club with distinction over many years, he has served the Club in many positions including Chairman and Captain.

Off the green, he has been a tireless worker, playing a pivotal role as part of the Tuesday working party and has been instrumental  in making many of the improvements seen around the club.

The club extends its warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Bob for his many years of dedicated service to the club.

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*PETE DANDO APPOINTED MIDWEEK CAPTAIN*

The meeting unanimously agreed to Pete's appointment as Midweek Captain.  Besides standing in as captain on occasions Pete has been responsible for introducing many new members to the club.

Pete's Vice Captain will be Bill Furley

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