Committee Matters

Annual General Meeting November 2005

THE FLYDRESSERS' GUILD
Executive Committee Minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2005 at the Jury's Clifton Ford Hotel, London.

Present:

1. Apologies for absence. Received from P. McDade and C. Watson.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 21 July 2005. The committee approved the minutes as an accurate record of the meeting and the Chairman signed the record copy.

3. Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 21 July 2005. · Up date of branch officers details. Chris Knowles circulated a report which notes that email and letters were sent out in the middle of October 2005 to 51 named Branch contacts (excluding Ireland and USA). To date, 32 replies have been received i.e. 63%. Reminders will be sent out shortly. A full report will be compiled when all replies have been received. However, it is fairly safe to conclude that lines of communication constitute a major problem and that further improvements in communication and developments in branch recruitment will be impossible without a root-and-branch rethink of the way in which the whole FDG structure works. · Competition fly patterns onto the web site. The Editor reported that he hoped the search for this information, from past editions of the Flydresser would be completed over Christmas. · Web forum The Web Site Manager' s goal was to start the forum over Christmas. He still seeks moderators. · EC Officers profiles The committee members agreed to send a simple half page profile eachto the Editor for inclusion in future Flydressers.

4. Reports of Officers.
Hon. General Secretary Correspondence: The usual tale of general enquiries and correspondence, including the circulated email from the Secretary of the Northampton Branch were noted. Duncton Mill Trout Fishery will be offering discounted bookings for FDG branch events. The Officer has provided them with contact details of the local branches. The Glasgow Angling Centre trade membership has, been fruitful with them agreeing to give Guild members a 10% discount, upon production of a membership number. They have an example of the membership card; they have a scanned copy of the Secretary's card. They have also agreed to push the branches in Scotland and have all of the details. Branch News: Several changes to branch officers have been received, as we are in the AGM season. The officer has sent a data-base up-date to Chris Knowles for his fact finding mission. Several branch secretaries were uncertain of the above exercise. They were concerned following the published article in the Flydresser and data protection issues. However, the Secretary reports that replies by myself and Chris have put them more at ease and they seem to be replying. There have had some positive comments from branch secretaries of the EC and our management. Fore example, Stuart Wardle, see the published letter on the website, and Eric Parsons at the Pendle branch. The potential reformation of a branch in South Wales is reported to be underway. Shows and Exhibitions: The BFF was possibly our best show for some time, with regards to recruitment. The Secretary expressed his belief that this shows the way forward. We need to develop on our recruitment strategy. The Secretary will be going to Rutland Fly Fair on 5 February 2006. Speakers List: The Secretary has circulated a letter and form to all listed on the 2003 speakers list. To-date received 15 positive and 1 negative replies. If anyone can suggest any likely candidates, please send the Secretary the details. We need to send a form requesting data on topics and for a signature for data protection, so they can't just be added. Insurance: The NAFAC and Perkins Slade premiums will be due in the New Year. Website: Some members renewing their membership have reported that when they pay/renew online, there seems to be no method for them to report it as a renewal. Seems they are treated as a new member, even given a new members pack and number. Sage Rod Raffle. All prizes dispatched and a report is drafted for the web site. · Hon. Treasurer. It was noted that the Woolwich account has been closed and balances transferred into the HSBC.

Hon. Membership Secretary. The officer pre-circulated his report identifying that the total membership for 2004/2005 at 2088 Total membership has dropped by 195, which is approx 8.5%. The break down by membership category is as follows: Home membership 61.6% (63%) Retired/disabled 30% (29%) Others 8.4% (8%) In 2004/2005 221 new members were recruited. (274 in 2003/2004) Current paid up members 1526 (1425 2003/4) (1586 2002/3) Still to pay 724 (815) 147 (58) new members have been recruited since 1st September 2005. Based on previous membership renewal trends it would appear that the FDG needs to either recruit a further 165 new members before 31st August 2005 to maintain the 2004/2005 membership level or recruit 350 new members to return to the 2003/2004 level.

Hon. Editor and Advertising Manager. It was noted that the Winter edition of Flydresser was printed and ready for dispatch at the beginning of December. It also included numerous inserts including the reminder notices and Secretary's notes. It was agreed to number the application form inserts in future editions. The officer will inform the Treasurer of invoices which need processing for advertisements. The committee agreed to the development of a small, informative flier and the Editor was to seek quotes for cost of production.

Hon. Merchandising Manager. The committee debated the sale of FDG fishing shirts, the same as those worn by the Executive at shows and exhibitions. The committee approved the purchase and sale of a trial number. It was also agreed to review a list of other potential merchandise at the next meeting.

Hon. Competition Secretary. No report has been received.

Hon. Website Manager. The web site The web site will be migrated to a new server over the Christmas period. This should happen transparently and without loss of service. The new server will have additional facilities that will prove to be of value next year. Fly patterns, we must have fly patterns on the site. We are the FDG - we can tell you the weather, we can sell you a binder of a cookery book but we don't do patterns! One of the local branch members has undertaken to provide the Web Site Manager with five patterns per month for the site. It's a good start. Over Christmas the officer hopes to start the forum off. Volunteer moderators are sought; every one of us has something to offer the forum in terms of advice or experience. Hits per day are currently steady at 1000 per day. 2005 BFF and Stand We had a good show despite being put in a flood prone section of the tent! Having, at long last, the opportunity to be on the FDG stand the officer believes it is long overdue a makeover. He has started designing a new one with ease of assembly and transportation very much in mind. The new design will be basically 3 x 2 metres with some flexibility in layout. A minimum of focal points to concentrate the mind. Two illuminated tying stations, a sales area and the possibility of video equipment. Any observations/requests/ideas are welcome. The committee approved of this advancement and awaited further details from the officer. It was also agreed to look at the potential of purchasing modular display equipment.

5. Other Competitions.
Fly Dressing.
It was noted that one entry had been received by the judge so far.
Big Fish.
No entries so far this year.

6. Any Other Business. Committee members participation The Executive Committee agreed to contact those on the body who, although members do not fulfil a role with responsibilities, in the hope of encouraging them to become more actively involved.

Meeting dates.
Listed as:
11 February 2006 (Heathrow?)
13 May 2006 Stratfield Saye (Cyril Bellman Trophy)
27 July 2006 CLA, Broadlands
30 September 2006 (Heathrow?)
25 November 2006 AGM (Heathrow? / London?)

Below:
Mr Wright (left) and Mr Rostrant receiving their presentations from the President.

Annual General Meeting November 2004

On a cold dull day in London the AGM of the Guild was held with only a handful of members being present.

The Officers of the Guild presented their reports to those assembled. The committee and officers were re elected with the addition of Chris Watson who had volunteered his services to be on the committee.

At the end of the meeting Christopher Knox was presented with is trophy as winner of the Novice Trout Flydressing competition by the President.

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