F G Constable President

M Fletcher Chairman

P Rhodes-Fisher Secretary

P Belton Treasurer

M Day Match Secretary

J Simpson Masterpoints Secretary

K Kennedy (Bicester) N Gascoyne (Wallingford) N Cundy (University) G Nicholas (Aylesbury)

A Bryden (Abingdon) N Perceval-Price (Menagerie) W Ling ,E Alden (Oxford)N Bresler (Banbury)

S Claridge (representing B Claridge League Secretary)

J Squires M Brown P Baxter S Brown K Talbot J Barlow D Lintott

Minutes of Previous Meeting were agreed and signed Proposed by N Perceval-Price seconded by

W Ling and carried unanimously

Fees for Directors Agenda item

Papers are available from the EBU regarding the Bridge Event for The Commonwealth Games sponsored by Manchester Bridge Club and Manchester Airport

Volunteer is still sought for the post of Publicity Officer

In the absence of volunteers The Green Point Event has been cancelled. S Claridge will inform the EBU

J Simpson questioned the level of Master Points to be awarded for the Summer Teams.It is specified in the Competitions Handbook and M Brown has the records

The Chairman had nothing to report

The Secretary had nothing to report

The Treasurer presented his report and invited comments. N Bresler queried the financial position as the Green Point Event had been cancelled.The Treasurer replied that this has always been treated as a

‘one off surplus’.The Treasurer concluded his report by commenting on the difficulties experienced with the Oxford heat of the County Pairs.As it had been a mixed heat it had not been clarified who was competing and the fees were still outstanding.

The Membership Secretary had nothing to report

The League Secretary had nothing to report save there had been a problem in the match between Banbury and Thame.It had been agreed to fine Banbury 2VPs.N Bresler apologised for Banbury for their lack of response to the League secretary.

The Match Secretary reported that the Dawes league is going well The First Team are lying 3^rd with 2 matches to play and the Second are lying 3^rd in the Porter Cup. M Day has the programme for next season a copy of which has been given to the selectors. The Invitations for The Beck Cup will be sent

this week.

The Tournament Secretary submitted a written report

12 pairs had competed in the Mens Pairs and Ladies Pairs and 22 pairs in the Swiss Pairs

88pairs had competed in the County Pairs so a semi-final will take place all pairs achieving 50% will be invited to play

At present entries for the Beck Cup heat are disappointing. Delegates are asked to encourage their members to enter

D Lintott will not seek re-election at the AGM. A volunteer will be sought

S Claridge had nothing to report from the EBU

The Master Points Secretary had nothing to report but M Day commented that there had been problems with the direct credit of MPs for the OBA Simultaneous Pairs. S Claridge offered to investigate but pointed out that because of the numbers involved it is impossible to change the system.

At the September meeting the Chairman was tasked with establishing whether or not other counties made payments to directors. Also delegates were to discuss the issues within their clubs. The Chairman tabled a proposal which had been formulated with the County Tournament Director. It was introduced in summary by noting that whilst the Tournament Director was responsible for the direction and scoring of specific County events (Tuesday Duplicates, Mens’, Ladies’ and Mixed Pairs, Beck Cup Heat, and County Pairs) the role had developed in recent years and a Swiss Pairs competition had been added, and scoring had been extended to include recording on the web, and was normally available on the evening of play.

After introducing the proposal the Chairman read out written comments from Jean Squires, and Mike Brown, the latter summarising the views of the Wallingford Club Committee. Both expressed the view that the County Officers and Committee should certainly be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses but that in principle time is given freely.

It was reported that a small sample of Counties in the South of England had revealed none that paid their directors.

During discussion it was recognised by all that the OBA is fortunate to have a National Tournament Director acting on its behalf, and tributes were paid to the efficiency of direction and the innovation which resulted.

But as a matter of principle it was thought unacceptable to support the proposals for payment.

After further discussion the proposal was put to the vote in two parts.

Part 1) Proposed by M. Fletcher, seconded M. Day. For the normal Tuesday duplicate, monthly teams, simultaneous pairs, and Tuesday championship, the playing director will receive a fee equivalent to the competition entry. For scoring the scorer will receive a fee of £2, and to prepare the results for the web site a fee of £1 will be paid. This was defeated by 6 votes in favour to 7 against.

Part 2) Proposed by M. Fletcher, seconded J. Simpson. For all events run under the auspices of the OBA, with the exception of weekly duplicate sessions, normally played on a Tuesday evening, and also excepting other types of Tuesday evening competitions e.g. monthly teams, and simultaneous pairs, and the Tuesday Championship the playing director should receive a fee of £15, plus a free entry to the competition. This was defeated by 3 votes in favour, 10 against.

A Question was raised regarding Prizes for the Summer Teams.

M Fletcher proposed , seconded by A Bryden Prizes for this year should be £12 for the winners of each section and £6 for the runner-up and next year the fee will be £10 per team with a prize for the winner in each section of £20and £10 for the runners-up. This was carried unanimously

N Bresler reiterated that when publicity is sent out regarding Summer Teams the emphasis is put on the fact that it is a ‘fun event’ encouraging a section for those who do not usually play in Team events including ‘Bridge for All’players.

An event is being organised for ‘The Bridge for All’students and it was agreed to support M Brown fully in the venture.

It was agreed to defer the discussions on Wessex League changes and County Selectors to the next meeting.

The Menagerie will be holding Teams events on 14/2/2001 15/3/2001 and 11/4/2001 and thereafter regularly on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month.

D Bygott asked whether when a club has 2 teams in the same Division should this be the first match to be played..It was agreed that whilst it was not compulsory to play this match first it was certainly necessary to play this match as soon as possible and certainly before Xmas.

At the EBU Council Meeting on 17/1/2001 there will be a debate on the EBU commitment to funding internal teams. P Baxter would welcome any comments by 16/1/2001.

Date of Next Meeting Monday 9-April-2001-01

The meeting closed @ 9:26pm