2011 Annual General Meeting
28th July 2011

Geoff Steps Down From Treasurer's Role

Stalwart 'Pirate' Geoff Read, who has been Treasurer of Penzance & Newlyn RFC since 1993, stepped down from the office at the club's Annual General Meeting recently held at the clubhouse.

A former player and Chairman of the Mini-Junior section (1992-93), who also held the office of Clubhouse Administrator from 1991-93, Geoff has been a Buildings Maintenance Officer and grounds development manager for many years and is also a Life Member of the club.

The 'AGM' was opened by the club's Chairman, Sid Thomas, who asked the small number gathered to stand in memory of Pirates who had passed away during the last year.

The club's President, Robin Turner, was unable to attend the meeting having recently suffered a stroke. Numerous best wishes for a speedy recovery had been forwarded to Robin who was still in hospital but was apparently and thankfully progressing well. Other apologies had been received from Rod Coward, Stuart Michell and Clare Thomas.

The Chairman expressed special thanks to all of the club's volunteers, who do such sterling work. He congratulated sister club Pirates Amateurs on their promotion and the Cornish Pirates for the rugby they had played, highlighting the roles of Chris Stirling and his coaching team. He thanked the management committee for their work in difficult times.

Terry Drew, the Club Administrator, felt that the past season was probably the best experienced in the professional era. Praise for the Cornish Pirates came from many directions, including Sky TV., and there were thanks also for all other teams and for individuals involved, right down to the minis.

A number of different organisations continue to use the club's facilities, and the efforts of our volunteers, especially those who upgraded the Mennaye Field on our return last year was phenomenal.

After presenting his final report, retiring Treasurer Geoff Read expressed thanks to all the volunteers whose input especially during the past year had saved thousands of pounds. Although stepping down from office 'being more of a pen & paper man than a computer man', Geoff will still happily continue as club 'cashier' to handle money on a daily basis.

In her report, the Youth Section's Chairman, Wendy Nicholas, said that her and colleagues had 13 teams to look after and the involvement from so many was tremendous.

The support of ground staff was appreciated at the club, as it was also in schools and at Penwith College, and special thanks were expressed to Robin Turner and Scotty Dugdale for their help.

Wendy feels that the conflict of gifted players at Academy level not allowed to play for their clubs was a problem come Colts level, and is something that needs looking at.

Their section has also been grateful for the support of Dicky Evans, but they like to be self sufficient and strive to be so. The response by Cornish Pirates players to help with coaching at varying times was also brilliant, as the youngsters look at them as their heroes.

Adoption of the reports was proposed by and seconded and committee members elected were Rod Coward, Scott Dugdale and Wendy Nicholas, and Sid Thomas was again elected as Chairman.

With reference to office of President, Robin Turner has completed three years and was again nominated, as was Geoff Read. However, in view of Robin being in hospital, and after a discussion when various individuals spoke, in the name of fairness and common sense it was felt by a clear majority show of hands (18 for, nobody against and seven abstentions) to delay election to a future date. There were no nominations to the office of Treasurer, which is a post that also needs to be filled.

To end the meeting there was an interesting Q & A session with Chris Stirling, Harvey Biljon and Ian Davies.

Chris said that pre-season training was going well and objectives were being met. The new boys had integrated well and there was praise for our remaining squad for embracing the new faces to make them feel welcome. He felt confident that we can continue to grow and feels that we are where we need to be at this time.

With reference to the backs, Harvey was very excited to with the numbers available that would give options for making combinations and getting the conditioning right. Ian also felt that extra numbers would enable to the players to be more physical in training. Conditioning was important and thanks were expressed to Simon Raynes for what he has done. As for players recovering from injuries and operations, progress was good.

News was confirmed that Sam Betty was joining Worcester. Sam was reluctant leave but it is a wonderful opportunity for him.

Many will know that Francis Sanderson has joined as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, and a fresh appointment is that of Francesca Smith who will be our Analyst. She will be on duty at home and away, will film training and will also be involved with reference to community work in the schools. Becky Davison and Anita-Marie Stephens are also assisting in the Physio department