2013 AGM and a Ceremony 16 Dec 2013
The Annual General Meeting of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club took place on Sunday 15th December with just a few members appearing somewhat bleary-eyed after a jolly Bavarian Entertainment the previous evening. Fortified by coffee and mince pies, members took their places to hear the Commodore, Robert Coyle, lead us through a brisk agenda, resulting in possibly the shortest AGM ever!
We cheerfully accepted the Commodore’s report, putting on record what has been an extraordinary year of achievement, triggered by the unexpected legacy from the late Anne Harper and consolidated by the various committees who helped realise the plans in a short time frame. Robert also enlarged on further plans to close the ground floor for the entire month of the coming February, to re-decorate the Lounge Bar.
The Statement of Accounts was accepted followed by subscription increases in line with inflation, noting that membership had risen satisfactorily during the previous year.
The Flag Officers were duly returned for a further year with a special resolution enabling Peter Marchant to remain for a fourth year as Rear Commodore Sailing.
The Commodore noted the resignation of Sir Richard Rycroft from the General Committee and thanked him for his efforts, whilst commenting with satisfaction that the Club still retained his expertise on the Moorings Committee for 2014.
The election of the General Committee did not need members to vote as the introduction of Nick Hutton-Penman and Jason Phelps brought the numbers to the maximum of fifteen.
With the serious stuff out of the way, we moved to the informal dedication of a plaque and the official opening of the lift. Robert unveiled the plaque dedicated to the late Anne Harper, whose unexpected legacy has enabled us to accomplish so many improvements to the building this year and then moved to the lift.
The Admiral, Bobby Melville cut the ribbon, accompanied by John Barker, who has so eloquently put the case for the installation of a lift at so many earlier AGMs that his complaint was a regular part of the Agenda! Bobby, John and Robert were the ascending party and, having arrived safely in the Dining Room, to the cheers of the members waiting for lunch, Bobby said a few words…
“Firstly, when I get here early in the morning, I always have a test ride on the lift to check that the members’ investment therein is performing. Secondly, I would point out that a malicious casual observer might broadcast his unworthy view on the internet, by Twatter perhaps, that our members need a lift because of their various ailments and infirmities resulting from dotage; but one has only to look round here, for instance, to be convinced that such spiteful reporting is totally without merit and that instead the lift would prove to be convenient for all as well as provide reassurance to aging visitors that the Club welcomed them and offered helpful additional facilities as well. ”
And as the applause died away we all looked forward to roast turkey or roast beef for lunch…