Season 2017/18 - Tables, Averages, Write Ups and GB Meetings

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THE CHAIRMAN 

The Chairman was unable to attend this meeting and as a result the final meeting of the season was chaired by Dave Backholer.

MISSING CLUBS

Crafthole, Lee Mill & Siblyback.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8th December were approved as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

The 2017 – 18 three division league season has been successfully completed but, as at the last meeting, it was commented about the ability gap between teams at the top and bottom of the Divisions. It was agreed that this is difficult to resolve with 14 team divisions but the fact that a greater variety of opponents and a full season without gaps was generally welcomed.

There was a suggestion that match results could be based on individual legs of games rather than the traditional one point for each of the ten games played. This was discussed with various Club Members, and although some merit in the system was appreciated, there has been little support or formal proposal put forward for a change of rules.

Kevin Buddell said that a working party is meeting in early May regarding the expansion of facilities at Eggbuckland. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Pete Nicholson supplied his report stating that current funds amount to approximately £16.5k. 

He also itemised outstanding fines incurred this season totalling £30.

OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED

The P&D Club has been contacted by T.T.E. with details of legal requirements affecting table tennis regarding the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which becomes mandatory on 25th May. This affects the use and storage of Club Members’ details via e-mail and on line using the website. Once the Executive has decided the necessary procedures to be followed details will be posted on the website. At some stage it may be necessary to organise a meeting of clubs to make sure all are following similar paths, individual players may need to sign agreements for use of any information held on them.

The Joola Pairs League at Eggbuckland has one game outstanding to bring to a close a successful inaugural season. Paul Giles and Paul Whiting are the first league winners. It is likely that there will be a reconfiguration to include a second division for 2018 – 19.

Matches for next week’s cup finals have been rearranged and will now take place at H.Q. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Note that H.Q. will not be available for practice on Thursday 3rd May as it is being used as a polling station for local elections.

Kevin Buddell said that a meeting has been held by Plymouth Partnership along with bodies including; Active Devon, T.T.E., Plymouth Schools and Joola to discuss a development fund with the intention of attracting more players to take up table tennis. He asked if the P&D would be included in this development.

It was commented on the fact that the facilities at Joola have become too small to accommodate those wishing to play league games and practice sessions. Kevin raised the question of making fixtures, especially the Pairs League, on Sundays. This was discussed with those present agreeing that as per current rules there is no problem in playing rearranged games on a Sunday as long as both teams agree but normal fixtures are set for Monday to Friday.

Our Social & Presentation Evening is to be held at The Railway Club (Pennycomequick) on Friday 25th May. The A.G.M. will be at H.Q. on Friday 6th July.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

The next pre-season meeting will be held at H.Q. in early September 2018, actual date TBA

THE CHAIRMAN 

Pete Nicholson opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present to the second meeting of the season.

MISSING CLUBS

Astor & Lee Mill

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 1st September were approved as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

There is no update on the possible expansion of facilities at Eggbuckland. Kevin Buddell is currently recuperating from a serious illness.

The subject of appointing Trustees for the H.Q. building is progressing slowly. The Chairman is dealing with our solicitor who produced a document, which has now been completed, to change the names from our previous three Trustees who have all died. The new Trustees will be appointed when the solicitor receives relevant details from the Land Registry. 

There were insufficient entries received by the closing date for Senior Club Pairs and Handicap Pairs competitions. As a result these events will not take place this season.

Paul Whiting organised a Junior Pairs tournament at Eggbuckland that was won by Josh Millman and Uther Kingdom.

GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

Rob Batten was unable to be present and an apology was also received from his deputy John Payn. 

The latest Monthly Medals go to Gemma Kerr of Joola B and Mike Townsend of Joola G.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Pete Nicholson reported that we current funds amount to approximately £18k. All team fees were received and relevant payments to T.T.E. for player registration made.

He listed a few fines and additional fees that are outstanding totalling £14.

MATCH SECRETARY’S REPORT

Russ Keith said that 183 players are registered as league players (Div 1 – 3). Across the three divisions 58% of teams are now using electronic scorecards. The majority of feedback on the 14 teams per division arrangement has been positive although there have been some comments regarding the ability gap between top and bottom teams. There are no outstanding matches.

He distributed Divisional and Handicap Cup Schedules to each club representative.

Barrie Oliver has written with a suggestion that instead of scoring matches just on games won we should consider using legs won so that individual games would finish 3 – 0, 3 – 1 or 3 – 2 instead of the traditional one point towards the final score. This would give a more realistic reflection of the games played giving lesser teams an incentive to win individual games even where they are likely to lose in best of five. The final result would give a better representation of closeness of some matches even when the final score is 9 – 1 or 10 – 0 especially where a lot of the games went to four or five legs.

Russ produced examples of league tables showing the difference in the two systems based on this season’s results for Division 1 to date. There is little change to league positions (noticeably there are less draws). Discussing this it was agreed that there is some merit in adopting Barrie’s suggestion which he states is used elsewhere. If there is sufficient support forthcoming a proposed rule change will be formulated later in the season for inclusion at our A.G.M.

A.O.B.

The Pairs League at Eggbuckland is progressing well although some matches are outstanding due to difficulties in rescheduling games when players are unavailable on the original fixture date.

Keith Phillips explained, to those present, the ‘formula’ that is used to produce team handicaps for Handicap Cup ties.

It was decided before the season’s start that there is no useful purpose served in holding a Governing Body meeting in January so the next one will be at the end of April.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

The next meeting will be held at H.Q. at 7:30 p.m. on Friday 27th April 2018

THE CHAIRMAN 

Pete Nicholson opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present to the first meeting of the season.

MISSING CLUB

Saltash

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Relevant topics of the last meeting held on 21st April were read out and the minutes approved as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

The date of this meeting was brought forward a week to fit in with the new league programme. 

Early surveys and planning have taken place for expansion of facilities at Eggbuckland, funding for the project remain unclear.

Our Community Amateur Sport Club (CASC) registration has been renewed ensuring a rebate of 80% of the business rate levied our building.

The subject of appointing Trustees for the H.Q. building has progressed slowly with the Chairman meeting a solicitor and researching details of our former Trustees to satisfy requirements.

GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

Rob Batten was unable to be present and apologies were also received from his deputy John Payn.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Pete Nicholson reported that no fines are outstanding from last season. All deposits have been received from teams playing in Divisions 1 - 3 payments from the new Pairs League are outstanding.

Pete reminded those present that all fees must be forwarded to him by 13th October.

MATCH SECRETARY’S REPORT

Russ Keith said that 174 players have been registered for the coming season (Div 1 – 3). Astor ‘B’ have withdrawn their team but it is hoped that another team will apply to fill the resulting gap in Div 1.

He has circulated his P&D Newsletter No. 15 and reiterated that nearly all queries including fixtures, teams and results can be found on our website which is kept up to date.

The earlier than usual start to the season has resulted in several teams having difficulties as some players are on holiday. The Executive Committee have acknowledged this by extending the 14 day rule for rearrangements to 28 days for games scheduled during the first 2 weeks of the season (possible changes to the 14 day rule will be discussed by the Exec in due course). 

Match cards, result books and fixture lists have been distributed. Use of the electronic result card has proved popular and Russ reminded everyone that where the home team uses this method both team captains must sign the result book version in case of any discrepancies.

Applications are welcome for Senior Pairs and Handicap Pairs competitions (apply to Keith Phillips – ktp1@blueyonder.co.uk by 6th October). It will be necessary for at least 8 pairs to apply for each competition for them to proceed.

Paul Whiting has agreed to organise junior competitions at Eggbuckland.

Details of the handicapping process will be posted on the website for the Handicap Cup this season.

A.O.B.

Pete Nicholson said that he has had an e-mail regarding coaching courses that will be taking place at Eggbuckland at Levels 1 & 2 under the Continual Professional Development programme.

Also, T.T.E. is circulating an on-line survey to gain opinions on the future of table tennis.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

The next meeting will be held at H.Q. at 7:30 p.m. on Friday 8th December 2017

THE CHAIRMAN 

Pete Nicholson opened the meeting, welcomed those present to the final meeting of the season.

MISSING CLUB

Astor

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting held on 13th January were approved as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

Graham Pearson is recovering well from his heart problems.

GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

Rob Batten was not present. It was noted that the refurbishment of the kitchen/meeting room is almost finished and will be finished shortly. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Pete Nicholson reported that our funds currently stand at approx. £14k. Major expenses since the last meeting include kitchen cabinets (£795) web site expenses (£108) repair of plaster (£165) and cleaning of H.Q. (£120). Income from practice fees average around £73 per week.

Most fines have now been paid.

Fees for next season will remain unchanged apart from any rise in T.T.E. individual subscriptions.

MATCH SECRETARY’S REPORT

The league programme is almost complete; the few outstanding fixtures will be played by the middle of next week. Divisional winners are: Div 1 Joola ‘A’, Div 2 Ivybridge & C. ‘C’, Div 3 Joola ‘H’, Div 4 Woodland Fort ‘C’, Div 5 Astor ‘F’. (All final standings and cup winners are on the website).

The Plymouth & District Table Tennis Club Questionnaire has been e-mailed to all members. The main topic being the make up of divisions to reduce the number of blank weeks as occurred this season. 

With 71 replies to date the 8 teams per division arrangement (playing each other 3 times) seems to be the favourite format. Kevin Buddell said that due to the length of time matches take in Div 1 (where to date there is 57% in favour of a change of format) the suggestion is for a pairs competition comprising 4 singles and a doubles game playing ‘best of seven’ games as in major tournaments.

The Chairman said that he hoped that players who have not yet replied would do so and for those whose e-mail address is not on record the questionnaire is on the website.

60% of match results have been submitted using the Electronic Scorecard system.

The Evening Herald does not seem to be keen on regularly carrying our weekly write ups (saying it is a matter of available space). Nevertheless, reports are posted on our website.

Russ has reported that this season has been challenging for him in his first season and that he fully appreciates what John Norsworthy achieved over many years – without the use of computers. Keeping the website up to date is very time consuming, he is appreciative of positive comments from members.

Much talk during the season has been the poor quality of serving and the workings of the Handicap Points system.

A.O.B.

T.T. England is undergoing a restructure and their funding is being reduced, many redundancies are being made in the organisation. Chris Brown who was our Regional Development officer is being retained but in a different role. Paul Whiting’s role as Plymouth Talent Centre’s head coach is still to be decided, funding being the problem for a set up which has provided many youngsters for the national youth squad.

Plans to expand facilities at Eggbuckland are still the subject of ongoing discussions which are largely positive.

The renewal for our Community Amateur Sport Club (CASC) registration has been submitted but has not yet been confirmed. This status is important as it ensures a rebate of 80% of the business rate levied our building.

The Chairman has contacted the Land Registry and spoken to solicitors regarding Trustees for the H.Q. building. This is proving a protracted exercise as no record can be found of arrangements made when the Club originally purchased the premises.

The H.Q. will be used as a polling station on 8th June for the General Election an as a result will not be available for practice on that date.

Our Social & Presentation Evening is to be held at The Railway Club (Pennycomequick) on Friday 12th May. The A.G.M. will be at H.Q. on Friday 14th July.

Kevin Buddell said that an end of season function is being held at Eggbuckland on Wednesday 3rd May at 6:30. It will be a ‘Club Pairs and Curry Evening’ and all are welcome, the entry fee will be £7.

There being no further business the meeting closed the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

The next meeting will be held at H.Q. at 7:30 p.m. on Friday 8th September 2017

THE CHAIRMAN 

Pete Nicholson opened the meeting, welcomed everyone present to the third meeting of the season.

MISSING CLUB

None.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting held on 25th November were read and approved as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

Brian Geldart’s widow and son have thanked us for a donation (to Dementia U.K.) in his memory and also acknowledged those who attended the funeral of our late Vice President.

Graham Pearson is recovering well from his heart problems.

GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

Rob Batten was not present. It was noted that the refurbishment of the kitchen/meeting room has not yet been finished.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Pete Nicholson reported that our funds currently stand at approx. £15.3k. this is a reduced amount from the last meeting after the payment of utility bills. At this stage in the season our income is largely from practice fees and fines.

The payment of 13 fines are outstanding, Pete read out the details which are available on the website.

MATCH SECRETARY’S REPORT

Russ Keith said that the season is progressing well and members should keep up to date by visiting the website.

The latest Monthly medals are to be awarded to Tom Clack of Plymouth University (Senior) and Patryk Lizut of Joola M (Junior).

Many members have commented that they are unhappy with the number of ‘blank weeks’ in the league programme as the divisions are not full. A possible solution under discussion is for divisions to comprise of 8 teams playing each other 3 times which would result in a 21 game season. It is appreciated that there may be objections especially where a team is required to play an ‘out of town’ team away twice in a season, but, assuming they remain in the same division it would be arranged to reverse the situation the following season.

A.O.B.

It was reported that Bill Wakley, a top player in the P&D during the 70’s had died recently.

The renewal of our Community Amateur Sport Club (CASC) registration is outstanding. The Chairman is preparing to submit a detailed application form to renew it. This status is very important as it ensures a rebate of 80% of the business rate levied our building.

Pete has contacted the Land Registry for information on the requirements and procedure to appoint Trustees for our building but has been met with no help at all. He has obtained a form which is framed in legal terms and not straightforward to complete. He will try to set up a meeting with a Land Registry representative to clarify the situation.

The meeting ended with Kevin Buddell giving a presentation to outline proposals to expand table tennis facilities at Eggbuckland. He looked into the future of the sport in Plymouth and he questioned the viability and necessity of the P&D Club continuing to run and own its own premises.

Details of this, to include questions he posed, will be supplied by Kevin and will be circulated in due course to all players who have provided an e-mail address with the intention of gaining the opinion of members – especially those teams currently based at H.Q.

There being no further business the meeting closed the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

The next meeting will be held at H.Q. at 7:30 p.m. on Friday 21st April 2017