WPA Committee Meeting Minutes

Held on Thursday, 11 April 2024, 7.30pm via Zoom.

Present:

Apologies:

Paul Bonsey (Upper Hutt), Claire Wilson (Wanganui)

Absent:

Hataitai representative

Confirmation of Minutes of Meeting of 15 February 2024:

Correction – Andy Gilbert was umpire for the Interclub. Otherwise, accepted as a true and accurate record, Moved Val, Seconded Janet

Matters Arising:

No update on the Waitangi group.

Correspondence:

As per agenda.

Treasurer’s Report:

As per attached report. Claire may have further costs for shirts and more from Cooks for trophies. Brian requests that all invoices be submitted before the end of April. Treasurer’s report accepted, moved Kevin, seconded Claire

WPA tournaments / Events:

The Champion of Champions (WPA and women’s events) all went well. The hosts, Manawatu and Silverstream (who hosted the triples at short notice), did good work and were thanked by Kevin. Graeme is about half way through calculating the seedings. Claire has done much on the schedule for next year and will get it out ASAP. There was some concern that host clubs for WPA events were providing more food than was necessary and was putting some pressure on them and other clubs to provide the same. The host clubs are expected to provide only tea, coffee, water and biscuits. Some players seem to expect to be provided with lunch. Any change should be across the board, applying to all clubs. It was agreed the status quo should be maintained.

Umpiring:

Tony and Graeme both reported that they had been well looked after as umpires by Manawatu in both the WPA and women’s events that they hosted.

Tony advised that he intends to resign as his position as Umpire Coordinator, as he wishes to play more. He suggests more umpires are needed to share the duties. Some qualified umpires have not kept up their skills or their knowledge of changing rules. Graeme says Tony is irreplaceable. Claire will speak to Clive Williams and Barbara Whittington regarding their availability when she has completed her scheduling. It was agreed umpires should receive reasonable expenses for accommodation if appropriate. For instance, last weekend Graeme had to stay overnight in Palmerston North but didn’t want any recompense on this occasion. In the past, an accommodation allowance had been paid. Kevin thanked Tony for his past work.

Website:

Progressing well, nothing of significance to report.

Club Reports:

Manawatu

A new member, from Sports Manawatu, a good player. Sinclair Memorial 1 June

Wanganui East

Going well, Two new members.

Masterton

Lost Peter Dennett. Petanque was his life and his funeral service was held at the club rooms. Last Friday they had a four end tournament followed by fish and chips. Rules for a four end tournament are available if anyone wants them. Graeme thinks a resurgence of the club is underway. Thirtieth birthday coming up.

Horowhenua

Carleen Fitzgerald Open Memorial coming up.

Otaki

Easter melee coming up, has a new member not aged over 60.

Silverstream

Progressing well, suggests Clubs look at having a family day

Upper Hutt

Upgrades to their grounds have been completed and attract much interest. Parking is a problem on Sundays.

Naenae

last weekend won two trophies, Champ of Champs singles and doubles, expects to add Morris Trophy shortly. Summerset sponsored recent tournament

Hataitai

No attendance, no report

Kapiti

AGM next month, most officers are re-standing. Four members have recently died, which has hit the club hard. They will be running a tournament for club members only next weekend to say farewell. Has had success in obtaining sponsorship from local retirement villages

General Business:

Incorporated Societies; A preliminary draft Constitution has been sent to all Clubs for comment. The only response was minor correction of syntax from Bruce. Simon, Kevin and Claire to discuss modifications by Zoom.

WPA payments to clubs for hosting tournaments; Brian moved WPA pay a flat rate of $80/day, seconded Graeme

JC Tournament;

There was recently some trouble between Upper Hutt and Manawatu. Brian suggests we look at revising the rules, to be more flexible. Claire suggests Brian propose something.

Training days for Chanticleer & Tri-Star;

Graeme advises training will start soon, suggests Otaki as the venue. Tony asked if there was a minimum attendance required. Graeme said one would need a good excuse not to attend all training days.

AGM 11:00am 15 June at Horowhenua

Meeting concluded 9:18pm

Simon Grant WPA Secretary