Meeting of Council held on Wednesday, 17th February 2010
The Chairman welcomed the delegates to the meeting and asked them to stand for a minutes silence in memory of Mrs Elizabeth Biggie, Mrs Rosemary Gowdy, who was one of our Vice Presidents, Mrs Phyllis Lambert and Mr Bob Worth who have recently died.
The Chairman welcomed new delegates and asked them to stand and introduce themselves.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. MINUTES OF MEETING 28th October 2009
Finance
A delegate pointed out that at the October meeting of Council Mr Holway had said that the GCCF was no longer faced with the threat of insolvency, however, this had not been minuted. The delegate asked that it be minuted.
The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF MEETING 28th October 2009
A delegate asked if GCCF would be represented at the World Cat Congress as there would be a cost implication. The Chairman advised that Mrs Betty Shingleton would attend on behalf of the GCCF as she would be in Australia at the time, she would be judging and there would be no cost factor to the GCCF.
Incorporation
The Chairman introduced Gill Wilson, an expert in incorporation. Gill had been invited to attend the meeting to answer any questions that delegates may have regarding the GCCF becoming incorporated.
A delegate proposed that rather than taking questions, Gill Wilson speak to the delegates and explain in simple terms to the Council, the benefits of becoming incorporated. Gill explained that their hobby will not be affected at all but the Directors appointed would have better financial control of the business. She said The Articles of Association are a model set with modifications specifically set up to fit in with the GCCF's current Constitution. Council and delegates would have the same control as they have now and being incorporated would also open gates to more benefits for the GCCF without affecting their hobby.
A delegate raised concern that there was nothing documented to show how being incorporated will improve cash flow, how incorporation will reduce costs, how incorporation will increase income and how the GCCF will be able to turn the financial problems around simply by having a new title of Limited. Gill Wilson responded by saying that the delegate was correct in that there is nothing documented regarding the concerns raised and that it wouldn't turn things around but improved management would. Incorporation gives the ability to whoever manages the business to do so more competitively on a commercial basis, with no time restraints on decision making.
Another delegate explained to Council that the GCCF now have a Business Plan and that this can be found on the GCCF website. Although it will not improve all the problems, it is a way forward to gain more income, reduce costs and improve better management. The Business Plan was a working document and open to improvement. A delegate suggested incorporating a performance matrix and a mission statement. Delegates discussed the threat of insolvency and the importance of good management.
A delegate raised the fact that the Articles state that Directors are entitled to remuneration. Gill Wilson explained these terms were in the body of the model Articles of Association and Directors are not going to receive remuneration. This clause is required by the Companies Act which cannot be modified.
A delegate pointed out that the Business Plan had been posted on the website and it was the responsibility of delegates and their clubs to refer to the website in order to gain the information. He went on to say that Council delegates had voted for the Executive members therefore were responsible for the Directors.
Another delegate said that the Business Plan was a superb document and the GCCF need to support Executive
Gill Wilson advised Council that should the GCCF become insolvent within a short time it would be viewed badly, certainly within two to three years of incorporation. Statistically most businesses fail through lack of cash flow not because they are insolvent. Gill Wilson said that the Articles of Association were closely linked to the Constitution and the Constitution will become the Bye Laws.
Concerns were raised regarding Executive taking business decisions away from Council, as in the case of Our Cats magazine. The Chairman said all major decisions would have to come to Council to be ratified. Gill Wilson said Directors will have more responsibility but there would be heavy penalties. The Companies Act will give them the power to manage the business. In normal business members (share holders) do not have a say in day to day management. The Chairman said general businesses are not run on three meetings a year, major decisions have to come to Council for ratification as it stands at present. Executive is not allowed to behave as a business with three meetings a year. GCCF have to be competitive and compete and make decisions quickly.
A delegate asked if the Business Plan could be put into effect if we did not go down the path of incorporation. They were advised that it would be possible but not with the current decision making process.
A delegate said that the GCCF started to go downhill when they were unable to replace the GCCF secretary, the delegate said it was vital to have a person in the office who had wide experience of the Cat Fancy. The GCCF is a registration organisation and unfortunately there is no-one in the office who is able to cope with regards to variances when the computer says no. The delegate said they had been in the GCCF for thirty years, and said that the GCCF does not have a product which can be marketed, she said that the GCCF provided a service and it is a hobby. The delegate went on to say that the business was grinding to a halt because the right resources had not been put in place. They felt that if the Constitution has served up to now, with judicious management skills and the right expertise the GCCF can continue under the Constitution as it is. The delegate said there is a need for day to day involvement and they did not believe incorporation was the right path to take as we have the Constitution.
The Vice Chairman replied, saying that the office had been set up when Mrs Lesley Pring had been Chairman and Honorary Secretary.
Further discussion took place regarding the skills that were needed in the office. For example, an expert on Genetics.
A delegate asked if there would be share holders and who the directors would be. The Chairman advised there would be no share holders, the Directors will be members of Executive plus Chairman and Vice Chairman, and the clubs will be the members. Only the office staff will be employed. Concern was raised over the three year term the Chairman said this had now been reverted back to one year. The delegate asked if the Directors would be given an Honorarium. The Chairman said the Directors were not but the Treasurer would be eligible.
The final decision will be taken on 7th April when the delegates cast their vote.
4. MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Note: The information contained in these Minutes may be superseded by the Minutes of subsequent meetings.
a) Executive Committee 9th September 2009
A delegate asked for clarification with regard to when show reports had to be submitted. This was an agenda item.
b) Executive Committee 25th November 2009
Show Matters
A delegate would like it noted that the East Sussex Cat Club and the Essex Cat Club are both happy to hold their shows on the same day (9 April 2011).
c) Finance Committee 8th April 2009
The Chairman informed Council that Mr Stephen Bunce has taken over Mr Tom Holway's role as Treasurer and will be acting Honorary Treasurer until the electoral Council meeting in June 2010.
The Chairman thanked Gill Wilson for attending the meeting.
5. TREASURER'S REPORT
a) Show Account
The Acting Treasurer, Mr Stephen Bunce, advised Council that the Show account needed to be amended saying there were various inaccuracies and omissions. For example there is more sponsorship to come in to the Show account and more stall receipts still to be accounted for, which could mean a surplus of approximately £3k. Receipts from stalls are down by £24k which is partly due to fewer halls which restricts space.
b) Income and Expenditure Account
Total expenses have fallen from £281k to £265k for various reasons.
The Treasurer suggested to the auditors that an independent examination of the accounts is done this year rather than a full audit.
Expenses have fallen. A saving has been made on Disciplinary as Mrs Linda Whittaker is no longer salaried. Mrs Carole Butler is covering this role.
c) Balance Sheet
Mr Bunce proposed putting the Balance Sheet onto the GCCF website each month. At 31st December 2009, cash at bank £81,600 and current liabilities was £16k. This means that if we paid everyone at the same time that there would still be £65k left in the bank.
A delegate asked for congratulations to be sent to all those involved for turning round a huge deficit into a small profit on the Supreme Show.
Mr Bunce will look into Show abandonment insurance cover.
6. GENETICS COMMITTEE
Update
The Genetics Committee met to discuss various issues and how viable the genetics register is, which links to the upgrade of computer software. The Genetics Committee also looked at what needs to be done to give guidance to new and healthy breeds. A suggestion was made to hold a new breed seminar to help to understand differences.
Feedback on the General Breeding Policy was good and the Policy is now on the GCCF website. A colour booklet has also been published at £1.50 each. An update of this booklet will hopefully be done in the next three to four months.
Mr Steve Crow thanked everyone for their help and support with this project.
The Genetics Committee's next meeting is scheduled for 20th April 2010.
A delegate asked if there is going to be a template that the GCCF want clubs to work to. Delegates were advised that the information will be sent to all BAC Secretaries either 17th or 18th February 2010. An example of the Asian is in there.
The Chairman thanked Steve Crow and the Genetics Committee for their excellent work
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7. RULES
a) Section 2, Rule 3a
The wording of this rule was not correct and will need to be represented.
b) Lincolnshire Cat Club
Proposal of rule change to Section 2, Rule 7f
Council did not approve the above rule change.
c) Failure to submit a report within 28 days.
Section 3 Rule 4c
It was agreed to propose to Council that the last part of the sentence be amended in the light of changed circumstances.
The amended rule to read:
Acceptance of an engagement by a judge places that judge under an obligation to both the Show management and prospective exhibitors to attend and officiate at the show in question and to send within the specified time a report to the GCCF official (delete journal) publication or website as determined from time to time by the Executive Committee.
Council passed the above rule change.
d) It was noted that Section 2 Rule 21 and Section 3 Rule 4d also need amending as the onus on checking that judges' reports have been submitted has been taken from the show managements.
Section 2 Rule 21 to read:
Clubs holding shows under licence from the GCCF shall, within (delete three months) 7 days, submit a list of all judges (delete whose reports fail to appear in the GCCF official journal) who judge at their show. (See Section 3 Rule 4d)
Council passed the above rule change.
e) Section 3 Rule 4d to read:
Clubs holding shows under licence from the GCCF shall, within (delete three months) 7 days, submit a list of all judges (delete whose reports fail to appear in the GCCF official journal) who judge at their show. (See Section 2 Rule 21)
Council passed the above rule change.
8. REGISTRATION POLICIES
The Executive Committee recommends the following with immediate effect.
British Shorthair BAC proposes changes to Self BSH registration policy.
Council passed this change with one abstention.
9. APPLICATION FOR PRELIMINARY RECOGNITION
The Executive Committee proposes the following with immediate effect.
British Shorthair BAC
Colourpointed and White British Shorthair (additional item)
10. SHOW MATTERS
Executive Committee recommends the following with immediate effect from 1st June 2011.
Exotic BAC proposal for separate Grands for Persians and Exotics. Council passed this item with one against and two abstentions.
11. SUPREME SHOW UPDATE
Delegates agreed that the Supreme Show had been a great success.
Rosettes are going to be re-vamped for the 2010 Supreme Show.
Chairman said that overseas cats can be entered into open classes and asked for ideas as it was the GCCF Centenary.
A delegate asked if GCCF were accepting other organisations cats that were not breeds recognised by the GCCF. The Chairman said that the GCCF would only accept recognised breeds.
Delegates thanked Celia Leighton, Supreme Show Manager for an excellent show.
12. JUDGES
a) The following Judges have been approved by Council:
British Shorthair
Full Judge - Mrs S Luxford-Watts, Mrs M Rodger
Application for reinstatement as a Full Judge of British Shorthair and Manx - Mrs C Rouse
Burmese BAC
Full Judge - Dr P Collin, Mr S Twigge
Probationer Judge - Mrs L Martin, Mr S Morris, Mrs B Prowse, Mrs L Walpole
Colourpointed BAC
Withdrawn
Norwegian Forest BAC
Full Judge - Mrs J Allen
Oriental Bicolour BAC
Full Judge - Miss C White
Oriental Non Self
1 yr extn - Mrs P Hutchison
Ragdoll BAC
Full Judge - Mrs A Lyall
Probationer Judge - Mr M Pearman
Self Persian
Probationer Judge - Mrs M Laird, Mrs S Danks, Mrs J Wilkinson
Siamese JAC
Full Judge - Mr C Dryden
Somali
Full Judge - Mrs S Luxford-Watts
Tonkinese
Probationer Judge - Mrs S Amor
Tortie Tortie & White and Bi-colour BAC
Full Judge - Mrs A Gregory
1 yr extn - Mrs C Bamford
b) The following items have been approved by Council:
Self Persian BAC
Mrs C Pike has requested the removal of her name from the list of probationer judges for Self Longhairs as she has decided not to continue any further with this breed.
Also the BAC have requested that the name of Mrs Lyn Hudson to be removed from the Self Persian list.
13. DISCUSSION ITEM
Meeting dates.
The Chairman asked delegates if they would be happy for meetings to commence at 1.30pm in order to save money on the rooms. It was agreed that the delegates would take this back to their clubs for further discussion at the next meeting.
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was none.