Boatman's dream 13

“Right.  Agenda item 5.  Membership.  Bruce.”

“Thanks James. 

We’re still looking to get active membership up.  A lot of passive members, and we’re reviewing the Honararies to get an up to date picture. 

The articles that we’re giving to the Herald seem to be generating a few more queries.  I think there’s a lot of interest in Project Re-berth.  People are asking about timescales.”

“Good.  Who’s doing the Comms?”

Peter, sitting at the far end of the table, raised his hand.

“Ah, Peter, yes.  Are we on top of that? Managing expectations?  Trouble is, we’re in the hands of the local democratic process.  Painful.”

“But as a councillor, you should be able to move that up the agenda now, James.”

“Agreed, Peter, but it’s not as though we didn’t have friends at County Hall in the past.  It might help, though, being on the odd committee.  We’ll see. 

Any new membership applications, Bruce?”

“Just two.  One from a chap moving his boat from Ilfracombe.”

“Oh, yes.  I spoke to him at the regatta last summer.  Good.  Have you circulated the form?”

“Yes.”

“Any problems?”

“No.  He seems like a good sort.”

“Good.  And the other?”

“Someone new on the wharf.”

“Oh?  Well, it takes all sorts.”

There was a murmur of laughter.

“Have we had a look at the application?”

“It only came in yesterday.”

Merlin spoke up.  “Through the Chair, he’s a chap who’s moved over from Wales.  I know him pretty well.  Family connections.”

“Can I see?”

Bruce handed the form to Bellingham-Smythe.

“Interesting name.  Looks like Deed-Poll.  Hasn’t done anything wrong, has he Merlin?  Wanted by the police?”

“No.  It’s an old surname.  Hill farmers.  It’s the first time he’s left Wales.  I suppose with that family name, someone was bound to name their child Arthur.”

“Or Uther.  Ok.  Pass it round the table.  Anything else Bruce?”

“No.  That’s all, James.  I just need a vote on those applications.”

“Right.  Everyone seen the forms?  Just pass it on, Phil.  That’s the job!  Have you got the Moorings update, Merlin?  We’ll just do that.”

Merlin read out the update I’d provided to the Moorings Committee.

“What’s happening about the stray mooring line?”

“Kevin’s contacted the mooring owner.”

“Licensee!”  Bellingham-Smythe corrected.  “Very important that we maintain the distinction.”

“Well, the tackle owner.  Eddie’s fixing it this week.”

“Good.  I haven’t seen a bulletin about it.  Can we email one around the members, Peter?”

Peter made a note.

“Any moorings applications?”

“Just two.   For the new Club applicants.”

“Good.  Thanks, Merlin.  I’ll leave it with you to manage allocation. 

All seen the membership forms?  Show of hands – for?

....  All for.  Against?

... None. 

Can we take that as a vote on the mooring applications, too?  Yes?  Good. 

All fees become payable. 

Bruce, can you contact the applicants and do the necessary? Thanks. 

Fantastic!                                                                                

Next item…Six is done... Seven!  Forthcoming Events.  Jane.”