Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Plymouth and District Table Tennis Club held at the League Headquarters on Friday 17th July 2026
Meeting commenced at 7.03 pm.
There were 18 members in attendance, names of which were recorded in the Attendance Register.
The Chairman, Pete Nicholson opened the meeting by advising the floor that Laurie Harrison, our President had recently had a fall and was not well enough to attend. As a result, the Chairman read out the President’s report. In that Report Laurie thanked those officers and Executive Committee and in particular Russ Keith for his role as Match Secretary and maintaining the HQ website. He further thanked Bryn Ford and Shopfitters by SWS for their continued Sponsorship. He concluded his report by naming those players that had sadly passed away over the last 12 months.
The President’s full report is detailed in See Appendixes below.
The Chairman wished Laurie a speedy recovery.
At this point, Les Cole, Vice President took the Chair to advise the meeting that Pete’s position as Chairman was a 2 yearly appointment and that he would need to be re -elected to continue in this role. Les asked if there were any other nominations, and in the absence of any other names and following a proposal by Glyn Price, Pete was unanimously re- elected as Chairman.
The Chairman [Pete Nicholson] then proceeded to ask the floor for any apologies.
Apologies: L Harrison, G Reed, T Sweet, N Ashton, D Whiting, W Roberts, R Smaridge,
M Chapman, M Hynes
The Chairman continued his introduction by thanking the meeting for re-electing him as Chairman for another 2 years. He thanked the Executive Committee for the successful year we have just had and especially to Tony and Russ for their hard work. He then mentioned the TTE Pride of Table Tennis Life - Time achievement award presented to Les Cole.
In response, Les said that he was honoured to receive this award and thanked the Club for nominating him. Les further said that he would continue to assist the Club whilst he is able.
The Chairman then thanked Russ Keith and Paul Whiting for their magnificent effort in securing the World Championship Tables.
The minutes of the last AGM were taken as read as these have been published on the Website for almost a year. There were no matters arising.
General Secretary’s Report:
Glyn commenced his report by also praising the efforts of Paul Whiting and Russ Keith in securing 3 World Championship Tables, surrounds and other equipment. He said that they made two separate journeys in a van with no air conditioning. He also thanked the small army of helpers who manage to carry the Tables up the stairs and put them together, the result being that we have a wonderful facility.
Glyn then gave details of an important piece of work that the Committee has recently begun to explore, that being the possibility of incorporating the Plymouth and District Table Tennis Club. He explained that Incorporation would mean creating a separate legal entity to run the Club. He further explained that the Committee were looking at the best interest of the Club, it’s members and its long-term future. Full details regarding Incorporation are shown in See Appendixes below. Also included in his report are details regarding the club’s Insurance and Business Rates.
Treasurer’s Report:
Pete gave a comprehensive report on the Club’s yearly finances resulting in an Income of £xxx and Expenditure £xxx. As at 31/05/26 the Club had £xxx [£xxx in the Bank and £xx in cash]. He provided details of the Club’s main Income and Expenditure, as shown in See Appendixes below.
Although some members have suggested an increase in fees he doesn’t believe it is necessary. He also stated that TTE are not raising their fees so the Club’s fees will stay exactly as they are.
Pete also mentioned that TTE will be changing their membership data from next week and he is hopeful that the Club will still be able to pay these fees. This will be sorted out as quickly as possible.
Pete concluded his report by advising the meeting that he has with him a copy of the Club’s accounts signed off by the Independent Financial Advisor should any member whish to have sight of this.
Alteration of Rules:
Handbook: No proposed alteration of Rules received.
Constitution: Pete explained that should the Club go down the route of Incorporation, the constitution will need changing. He also mentioned that he as Chairman and Tony Powlesland, Vice Chairman are shown as proposed Trustees with Glyn to be added as Secretary. Pete said that officially we should call an Extraordinary Annual Meeting should the Executive Committee after seeking legal advice recommend Incorporation. Pete asked the AGM to trust the Committee and allow them to make such a decision without the need of an EGM. He further said that the Executive would publish its intentions, which will be in the best interest of the Club.
A member from the floor said that he trusted the Committee but recommended that the Committee check that they are able do what has been suggested and question what is the right procedure. Pete said that he is asking for acceptance that the Executive Committee take the necessary action. Another member from the floor suggested that if Solicitors advice is that it is Ok for the Committee to take such action they could go ahead, otherwise a meeting would need to be called. Pete said that we only want to get it right. It was suggested that the Executive needed to ensure they comply. A request was then made for a proposal:
Proposed by Keith James
Seconded by Trevor Mole
The Executive Committee be allowed to make decisions regarding Incorporation providing Legal Advice allows it.
The Proposal was carried by 16 votes for, with 2 Abstentions.
Following the above, Pete read out extracts from the Constitution regarding Trustees within the Club. He then advised the meeting that the Club would initially lose its CASC status should we become an Incorporation, and the importance to reapply for CASC status.
Election of Executive Committee/Non-Executive Officers:
The Chairman went through all the names of the existing Executive Committee/Non-Executive Officers. All were agreed as detailed in See Appendixes below.
There was a discussion on the vacant position of HQ Secretary with some members suggesting that they would be unable to give the necessary time to take on such a role. The outgoing HQ Secretary said that in the past the HQ Secretary would get tradesmen to do any jobs that were considered necessary. From his experience this has proved difficult with tradesman often not wanting to do small jobs or did not turn up to pre-arranged appointments to provide a quote. On many occasions he has done the work, which he no longer wants to do. There is a job description for the HQ Secretary which will be made available. It was also suggested that perhaps a team of members could share this role. This will be discussed at the first Executive meeting scheduled for 4/9/2026.
Election of Independent Financial Advisor:
Mrs Jean Morgan was re-elected.
Match Secretary’s Report/Pairs League:
Russ commenced his report by stating that it had been a successful season in both the 3 Divisional Leagues and Handicap Cup. The winning teams were as follows:
DIV 1 Winners MOLYNEUX ASSOCIATES A
DIV 2 Winners MOLYNEUX ASSOCIATES C
DIV 3 Winners HORRABRIDGE
Handicap Cup Winners MOLYNEUX ASSOCIATES A
In the absence of Debbie, Pete read out an update regarding the Joola Pairs League.
The Pairs League has gone very well this last season. There were 18 teams with a very high standard of competitive matches and everyone really enjoyed it.
In terms of the ELLC competition, the ladies finished 5thout of 8th. The standard was extremely high with a lot of the top ladies playing in the competition. Helen Lambert and Jane Hatton represented Plymouth and really fought hard to get to the 5th spot.
Joola Plymouth are running a senior 1star 4 player team event next season which will be played over 3 Sundays. Joola are also running two Senior 1 star tournaments, in case any PDTTC players are interested.
Congratulations to Alyssa Nguyen for representing England.
Russ continued to explain the League Structure for 2026/27 season. The applications were DIV 1 = 7, DIV 2 = 9 and DIV 3 = 5. Due to the difference in strength, his proposal for the start of the season is to have 7 teams in DIV 1, 8 teams in DIV 2 and 6 teams in DIV 3. After the first stage 3 teams will be relegated from DIV 2 to DIV 3. with two teams from DIV 3 being promoted to DIV2. There will be 2 teams relegated from DIV 1 to DIV 2 and 2 teams promoted from DIV 2 to DIV 1. Thereafter for all Divisions it will be 2 promoted, 2 relegated, leaving 7 teams in each Division. The fourth stage will be the Handicap league in 3 Divisions, leading to a Knock Out stage as per last season.
This season, the Handicap League/Cup may see some players start with a minus handicap.
A discussion followed regarding the Handicap structure and it was voted 12-5 in favour of 2 sets to 25.
The 2026/27 season will commence 14/9/2026. Practice nights for past and current league players will commence soon on a Wednesday Evening.
Development Officer’s Report.
The Development Officer’s Report is shown in See Appendixes below. Most of the coaching is Cornwall but it is hoped that this might lead to players playing in the Plymouth League.
There then followed a discussion regarding using the Plymouth HQ for coaching. Johnny Hill expressed an interest in Coaching on a Saturday, but will need assistance. He is also unaware if his coaching qualifications are up to date. This will need to be checked before the Executive can decide on such matters.
Pete also mentioned the Plymouth Table Tennis Partnership of which our club is a member.
AOB:
The presentation of Perpetual Trophies together with World Championship water bottles and Table tennis towels were presented to the respective winners of the Divisions/Handicap.
The A C Ballard award [most improved Junior Male] was awarded to Lucas Deves who also received a World Championship water bottle and TT towel.
The Abbot Plate [League’s oldest player] was awarded to Mike Willis [in his absence Richard Searle accepted the trophy and water bottle/towel].
The AGM finished at 8.25pm.
DATES TO NOTE:
First Executive Meeting: Friday 4th September 2026 @ 7.00pm
Season Starts: Monday 4th September 2026