MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 11TH DECEMBER 2008


PRESENT: Mrs S White, J. Williams, A.Robertson, Mrs M. Greensill, Mrs R. Thomson, D.Smith, K.Cameron, J.Campbell.

APOLOGIES: A. McFadzean, J.Steen, Mrs A. Armstrong, S. Piromohamed

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:
Proposed by K.Cameron; seconded by J. Campbell

MATTERS ARISING:
J. Campbell on behalf of Kirkcudbright thanked Sheena and Abbie for attending the 100th bridge party for Rita Baird.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
The diaries are now all sold and the cheque has been sent to the SBU Treasurer. Margaret was pleased to report that local club treasurer's have paid the club levies, all except one. She will remind the one that is still outstanding. Neil Thomson has very kindly updated our website and has been paid.
The only other expense was the £60 cash to cover the costs of the Wigtownshire match.
The bank balance is £3954.41

EDUCATION:
Classes continue at Loreburn under A. Robertson and other tutors, Castle Douglas under D. Coulter and at Kirkcudbright under D. Shamash and Mrs R. Thomson.
There has been no correspondence from SBU on education but all classes seem to going well

S.B.U. REPORT:
See separate sheet

CONGRESS:
Ros reported that the brochures and posters have gone out in Mid November. However the response has been very disappointing. So far only 3 parties have reported requiring accommodation which is a much poorer response than this time last year. A review has been agreed to look at the situation in Mid January with the Congress sub committee and staff of the Aston Hotel
Sheena agreed to take some brochures to the Peebles Hydro Congress this coming weekend
Ros informed the meeting that she is stepping down as Congress Secretary after the 2009 Congress. She has committed herself to 7 years of running the Congress and feels its time to step back. A replacement will be sought and the President is to contact possible replacements.
Ros is to investigate the numbers required for the Congress to break even.
Also it is felt that more duplimate boards and cards are needed and Matthew Burn is to be contacted with regard to Numbers needed.

FORTH COMING EVENTS:
Daily Record heats to be held at the Local Clubs.
Cumbria Match 11 January 09 President to select a strong team to represent the District.
Individual Tournament 27 January 09 at Loreburn Bridge Club

A.O.C.B.
Web Page. It is up and running and Clubs are encouraged to use it for information regarding Leagues, fixtures and Local news. The Secretary would like all Clubs to have an e mail address to help with correspondence and getting important information passed quickly.
Janet Rickson, the SBU master points secretary, has indicated a change in procedure. Only teams of 4 & 8 wishing M.Pts will be supplied and they must indicate their wish in writing. Teams wishing M.Pts should contact Margaret and she will relay their wishes to Jane Rickson. Cost is £3.00 per team
J. Campbell expressed the opinion that the 'Powers' do spend money recklessly and in particular to the SBU sending a delegate to Italy to a summit to discuss technology use in Modern Bridge.

MEETING CLOSED:
  1. 55p.m.

Next meeting to be held on 19 February 09 at the President's House. Sheena will give directions how to get there.