Minutes of the AGM of the BKA held at Birmingham on Saturday 18th Feb. 2006 at 2pm.

Present 138 members representing 38 Dojo. Apologies: M. Hussein, L. & V. Tattoli.

1. The minutes of the 2005 AGM were accepted as a correct record. Prop. Buxton Sec. Rowe. Nem Con.

2. Matters arising; The door to Kyoshi has not yet been reopened. Germany were arranging their own.

3. Reports from Chairman, PRO, and Kendo, Iai & Jodo Bu were accepted. There were no matters arising.

4. Treasurer presented his report. He pointed out the difficulties of time scale in preparing the report and presenting it to the AGM. He commented on the rate of spend, and expressed concern at the turnover of Members. The FSC has advised the EC on actions being taken to maximise income and reduce expenditure. The application form for membership on the web is under review.

It was Prop. Harris Sec Spacey that the accounts be accepted. Nem Con.

It was Prop. Spacey Sec. Farncombe that Dazing & Co. be appointed auditors. In answer to a question Treasurer told the meeting that he had no interest in this company. Mr. Thriepland gave figures supporting the high turn over of new members.

5. Constitution proposals by Baboolal- Blake Sec. Schmidt.

P1 ‘That the following proposals be voted on by secret ballot’. After some discussion the proposal was voted on,

For 51 Against 55 Abs. 10. MOTION FAILED.

P2 ‘The amount of the subscription shall be ratified by the membership at the AGM?EGM. This is with the exception of Art.4 of the constitution.’

Argument about the cutting of the ability of the EC to get on with business versus the rights of members to control of their subscriptions took place.

For 72 Against 45 Abs. 9 MOTION CARRIED

P3 ‘Policy changes shall be ratified by the membership at the next AGM’ [Art. 7.2(a)].

Again argument was about the restrictions put on the EC. Examples of policy imposed internationally were cited, and cases where confidentiality were given. It was felt to be more restrictive than the previous motion.

For 40 Against 79 Abs. 11 MOTION FAILED.

P4.’That the quorum for AGM and EGM be changed from 5% to 10% in Arts. 10.2 and 12.2’.

The difficulty of reaching quorum with an increasing membership was raised. It was noted that no EGM had ever reached quorum in spite of important subjects. Proxy voting was raised and dismissed.

PROPOSAL WITHDRAWN.

P5 ‘That Any Other Business be added to the agenda for AGM and EGM.’

For 75 [in the interest of time against was not taken] MOTION CARRIED.

P6 ‘That the date of the AGM be changed.’

The EC had indicated that it wished to look at this matter, PROPOSAL WITHDRAWN.

P7 ‘Secret Ballot at AGM/EGM’.

MOTION WITHDRAWN.

P8 ‘That the words in Art 10.2 “7 days prior to the meeting” be changed to “21 days prior to the meeting”.’

MOTION CARRIED [clear without a count.]

P9 ‘Members right to information’.

Whilst the web site was useful for some information, other information should not be on a public site. There was danger that non members could operate if they had some of our documents. Whilst agreeing with the sentiment, the meeting was unhappy with the wording. The motion to be reconsidered. MOTION WITHDRAWN.

The intention of the EC to undertake a review of the whole constitution was noted

6 Election of officers. E. Schofield [Gen. Sec.], S. Bishop [K HG], C. Buxton [I OM], A. Jones [J OM] were declared elected. PRO, Grading Officer & H & S Officer to be co-opted at the next EC meeting. Volunteers for these posts were asked requested. Mr. Sherriff indicated that he was not available for H & S, and that an advisor was perhaps all that was now needed. He was thanked for his work.

7. The Lidstone affaire 2005. [Mr Baboolal-Blake [EB] and Mr. Tucker.] EB began by giving out a copy of his argument, and a written proposal to the EC members which called for an apology from the Kendo BU, a retraction of the Bu letter, an undertaking that misrepresentation would not recur, the resignation or removal by censure of those responsible and an apology from the EC for failing to protect a member Dojo.

The H & S officer expressed the opinion that a matter of personality had not helped the situation. It was however clear that the Bu had a duty of care which it had carried out by sending its letter. As a result of information given by the H & S officer EB withdrew two accusations made against the Chairman and President. He also pointed out that he was representing his Dojo, and did not feel that it was a personality clash on his part.

Gen. Sec. Pointed out an inaccuracy in EB’s letter about the age of the Lidstone Taikai, and gave evidence to the meeting showing that it was a BKA Taikai, and not a private Dojo Taikai. EB said he was not claiming ownership of the Taikai.

Mr Budden read a statement by the Kendo Bu stating its position, and that it had acted for the good of members.

There was debate about the papers concerning the hardness of floors, and the trauma this might cause.

It was made clear that now the matter had become public, there was a duty of care to be taken into consideration for the future. A compromise must be reached to take the BKA forward.

The Chairman took the feeling of the meeting. It was agreed that no further progress could be made, and that in settling the matter the good of the association should come first.

8. Being no further business the meeting was closed.