I hope that you are all managing to keep well and safe in these unprecedented times in which we find ourselves at the moment and like me are relieved that we are at least making the journey back to some form of normality, however slow.

We informed you earlier this month in Blues News ‘Keeping in Touch’ that this year’s AGM had provisionally been set for Wednesday 24 June 2020, pending further guidance. As it stands now the Government guidance on no public gatherings and social distancing restrictions remain in place. It is therefore not possible for us to hold a physical AGM at the Clubhouse in the usual way and, our Rules currently do not have provision to hold a traditional AGM electronically, for example by video conferencing.

However further to RFU advice, the Committee considers that it would be in Members’ best interests to be updated and intend to hold an abridged AGM ‘virtually’ to enable the Committee to report on season 2019/20 and a Financial report for that period. You will be able to raise questions on the information provided with the Agenda via email or in writing in advance of the meeting and answers to all questions raised will also be provided to the whole Membership following the meeting.

It is considered in recognition of this extraordinary time, that all elections normally held at the AGM should be deferred to a later date. A special resolution will therefore be put forward for elections to take place either at a Special General Meeting or no later than the Financial AGM in November. Please be assured that the current Officers, Committee, President, Vice President and Trustees are continuing to work in their respective roles for the benefit and continuity of the club in the meantime.

It is also recommended that any proposals received from Members will be deferred to the Financial AGM scheduled for November 2020 as it is important that any proposal is made in person, direct to the Membership, allowing an open debate and for the proposer to respond to questions.

The Quorum for the abridged virtual AGM would remain at 20 Members. It should be noted that Members’ approval and ratification of any decisions made may be done retrospectively once it’s possible to hold a ‘normal’ General Meeting after lockdown ends.

We know this is a big change to our normal arrangements, and ask for your patience and understanding in making these plans work.

We will of course, continue to provide regular communication to the Membership during this health emergency period.

LOUISE GOODALL
Chair

The formal Notice may be downloaded from the Information\documents section: https://www.newburyrugby.co.uk/d/documents.html?group_id=457

Please pass this information on to your fellow Members.

Thank you.