News from the Board- November 2018.
There were a number of issues raised by members at the recent AGM, all of which the Board is addressing. This update is to report back as promised and to provide further information on specific points.
• Date of the AGM. I have explained previously why the AGM was in October and not late July as in former years, but feedback suggests it is still unclear. In 2017 we had no venue in which to hold the AGM after May so, as is allowed by our Mem. & Arts, it was delayed until we were in occupation at the new Clubhouse. We held the AGM less than two weeks after the transfer of the property by the developer on 15th September. This year delay in production of the accounts meant that we could not arrange an AGM any earlier because of the statutory notice period. The Board has resolved to bring forward the date of next year’s AGM if practically possible.
• Paper copies of the accounts. Some members asked that paper copies of the accounts be available. Our policy has been to make the accounts and AGM papers available electronically and to provide paper copies for inspection at the Clubhouse by arrangement. In view of the request we shall make paper copies available by personal application.
• Membership subscriptions. A member asked why the income from membership was shown as income for the Trading Company not the Charity. The Charity is not able simply to pass income to the Trading Company and as the benefits of membership, such as reduction in the cost of food and drink, are provided by the Trading Company it is legitimate that the Trading Co receives the income. We have legal advice that ‘membership’ is just a name for a particular status where in return for an annual payment the ‘member’ receives certain benefits.
• Repairs and maintenance. A member asked for a breakdown of the costs allocated under this heading in the Trading accounts as they were substantially increased from the previous year. Our accountants have confirmed that the allocation is an eclectic mix of items such as tractor fuel, window cleaning, staff uniforms, refuse collection, car park grit during the winter, mowing pitches, cleaning consumables including stock purchased for opening and match balls.
• New website. Part of our Marketing Plan is to develop a new ‘hospitality’ website and this is now live and being updated. It is accessible through a link on the KRUFC website or directly at www.mintbridgekendal.com Please take a look and tell us what you think.
• New Head Chef. We are pleased to announce that Dan Grimshaw has joined us and is hard at work developing a new winter menu. Dan has 18 years experience in many forms of catering including front of house. Based in Keswick he has played second row and understands the needs of a community rugby Club. Come and try his food.

• Design Award. I am delighted to announce that our new Club has won the prestigious ‘Design Award’ for 2018 given by Kendal Civic Society. I and Robin Oram, who chaired the Project Development Group, received the award from Mrs Bagot, President of the Society. The slate plaque and certificate will be on display in the Clubhouse.
• Reorganisation of the Board. As mentioned at the AGM, the Board has undertaken a review and reorganisation of our structure to change the management of differing areas of Club activity. Five new sub-committees are now in place to oversee Rugby; Food and Beverage; Commercial activities; House and Grounds including Health & Safety and Investment/Finance. Steve Whitehead is taking a lead role in the marketing and sponsorship aspects of the Club while management of all aspects of hospitality will be reorganised. The purpose of this is to allow the Board to be more responsive and improve the efficiency of our business.
• Back lighting of Mini pitch. We shall soon have new floodlights fixed to the existing stanchions to provide lighting to the small grass pitch to the north of the main pitch. The cost is being sponsored by South Lakes Insurance Solutions and the Club is extremely grateful for their generosity and support.

Stephen Green, Chairman KRUFC