2020 ANNUAL REPORT

MINUTES OF THE 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 47 embark on a new masterplan for Trent Bridge and communication with members would occur once there was an idea of the most appropriate direction. The limiting factor in all of this was, of course, money – and to raise the necessary sums would require detailed and prudent financial planning. Mr Tennant assured those present that every effort would be made to raise the finance required to embark on such projects. MrTennant highlighted item 8 on the AGM agenda, which addressed the proposed changes to the governance of the club that were recommended to the membership by the General Committee. The outcome of the vote would be announced, and suggestions for amendments would be discussed, during that agenda item. Mr Tennant gave his thanks to all those members who either attended the consultation meetings or had taken the time to contribute to the discussions in writing.This had been most helpful and comments made by members during that process were taken into account in shaping the final proposals. Mr Tennant gave thanks to the Club’s Heritage Officer, Steve LeMottee, and his team of volunteers for their efforts in keeping alive the club’s past – and, in doing so, how they gave context to what it stands for today. Mr Tennant also stated his view that the club’s community work continued to be something to be extremely proud of. It was explained that more would be said later in the meeting by others, but Mr Tennant wanted to mention that 2019 saw the cele- bration of the 10th anniversary of the club’s official charity, the Trent Bridge Community Trust. The ability of sport to enhance the lives of others less fortunate or with less opportunities was very evident in the success of the Trust and Mr Tennant expressed ‘long may it continue.’ Mr Tennant thanked retiring president Bill Taylor for the excellent way he represented the club during his two-year tenure in the position and when he had previously served on the General Committee. Also retiring was the club’s Vice- Chairman, Stuart Foster, who Mr Tennant revealed had been on the General Committee for 30 years. Throughout that time, Stuart had held various positions of office and had been a leading contributor to a number of different sub-committees including a stint as Chairman of Cricket. He had contributed to a variety of important projects, with several successful ground developments forming key strands of the legacy he left. Mr Tennant thanked Stuart for the terrific contribution he made to the club over the years and for his help, support and advice. A round of applause was observed for Mr Taylor and Mr Foster. Mr Tennant concluded that the club was determined to enjoy a success- ful 2020, that Trent Bridge was a members’ club first and foremost and that the committee and the executive were well aware of the responsibilities they held for the performance of the club, both on and off the field. Mr Tennant went on to say that, as those present would expect from a large and passionate membership, there was a wide range of views, and issues would, of course, continue to be raised. But whatever they were, members were to feel certain that the club would address them with one motivation in mind: to ensure the continued success of a great club, both on and off the field. Finally, Mr Tennant gave thanks to the club’s staff and his fellow committee members for their work and support during the year and – most importantly – to the members for their continued support of the club. Mr HW Russell asked whether funding for the recreational game would be ringfenced following any merger with the club. MrTennant confirmed that monies for grassroots cricket would be ringfenced. He conveyed his view that the merger was a natural progression of the partnership between the two organi- sations and would lead to even closer collaboration between the professional and recreational game. Mr J Lee suggested that there was a conflict of interest given that two members of the club’s senior team were co-habiting. Mr Tennant responded that the club had measures in place to deal with any perceived conflicts of interest and, as Chairman, he was satisfied they met any terms required. Mr D J Beaumont asked why Restaurant Six was closed between Christmas and NewYear. Ms Pursehouse explained that, in the restaurant’s first year of operating, the club had decided to close over the period, but that due consider- ation would be given in relation to opening it in 2020. Mr P Quinn raised a question concerning Mr D J Bicknell’s appointment as a coach of the club’s age group players whilst also being part of the General Committee. Mr Tennant explained that Mr Bicknell was not an employee of the club, but performed a paid part-time role for the Nottinghamshire Cricket Board. Any payment made for the coaching of the age group sides was funded by the ECB through the Board and not through the club. Mr Quinn then asked whether the Chairman considered this a conflict of interest and Mr Tennant said he did not. The Chairman’s report was proposed by Mr P GWright, seconded by Mr J A Gillott and unanimously approved.