Minutes of the AGM of the BKA held at Rickmansworth on Saturday 12th May 2007

Present 76 members representing 29 Dojo.

1. Apologies were received from J. Richards [Switzerland] and V. Cook.

2. Minutes of the AGM of 18th Feb. 2006 were agreed as correct. There were no matters arising.

3. Published reports of Kendo, Iaido, Jodo, PRO Kendo, PRO Iai & Jo, H&S, & CRB were accepted. There were no matters arising.

4. Treasurer presented the annual accounts for 2006, and answered questions on Costs of Kendo teacher, room and board at Brighton and indicated where to find answers in the accounts. The accounts were accepted.
Danzig and Co. were proposed as auditors for 2007 by the Treasurer, seconded President. After a short discussion concerning an alternative of an audit committee, it was pointed out that a finance sub committee, with Bu representation and minutes on the web site existed. The proposal was put to the meeting. For 49 against 15 abst. 12 Motion carried.

5. Sword legislation. The president gave an outline of consultation with a representative of the Sports Minister and the Home Office. The Vice Chairman explained the situation in Scotland. Advice was given about carrying swords in secure containers, and having proof of BKA membership. Shinai and bokken should be carried in a bag. The Gen. Sec. read the letter that had been sent in response to the Government’s consultation document. The Token society’s advice for transporting swords was recommended.

6. The EC resolution about the new constitution was raised. This gave rise to heated discussion during which a non specific statement concerning the trust in which the EC could be held was questioned. This prompted the resignation of the chairman, who was totally supported by the EC members.
In the ensuing hiatus there was general unstructured talk, some heated, which led nowhere.
Eventually a proposal to ask the Chairman and EC to consider returning to their posts was passed 42 for 24 against. The Chair accepted the spirit of the proposal, and the EC returned.

7. The chair then put the EC proposal to accept the new constitution, at which point a number of members walked out in an attempt to make the meeting non-quorate. After it was pointed out that quorum had been achieved at the start of the meeting, and they would be treated as abstaining, they returned.
The motion to accept the constitution was again proposed by the Chair, seconded Gibson. Voting 35 for 36 against abst. 5 Motion failed.
In order to facilitate the formation of a constitution, an EC meeting with interested parties in attendance would be set up. Interested parties should contact the Gen. Sec. The invitation would be posted on the website.

8. Because of costs the future of the Newsletter was considered. In future it would appear on the Website, but those who wished to have it on paper could opt into a paper system. Such people would have to take the initiative to opt in.

9. Elections:
Vice Chair, G. Murray Thriepland prop. Budden sec Howell 44 votes elected
F. Goodman prop Mansfield sec Baboolal Blake 28 votes.
The following were declared elected: Memb. Sec. M. Smalley. Iai Bucho V. Cook. Jodo Bucho A. Watson [2 years]. Kendo Member T. Chapman. Iaido member D. Evans [1 year].
A vote of thanks to Mr K. Dawick for his considerable work as Grading Officer was made.

10. The guidelines for starting a Dojo were discussed, and the need to have a qualified coach present at all sessions emphasised. Steps were in hand to help overcome problems in the start up of Dojo by, for example, linking with other coaches and dojo. It was pointed out that there was no Kendo in Essex.
A vote of thanks for those involved in providing coaching courses was passed.
The coming need for CRB checks for coaches was noted.

Being no further business, the meeting closed at 4.05 pm.