WOBU - Wynberg Old Boys Union - Brothers in an endless chain
Wynberg Old Boys' Union AGM held on 16th May 2011 at the Bill Bowden Pavillion - Minutes.


MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE WYNBERG OLD BOYS' UNION HELD IN THE BILL BOWDEN PAVILION ON MONDAY, 16TH MAY 2011 AT 18H50
  1. WELCOME
    Mr Steve Doidge, President, chaired the meeting. He welcomed all members and thanked them for attending the meeting.

  2. IN MEMORIAM
    The Chairman read out the names of the members who had passed away since the last AGM. They were: Gareth Leonard (2007), George Redman (1939), Neil Hare (1980), Steve Burt (1978), Phil Cloete (1955), Lester Maisel (1957), Sam Mieny (1975), Neil Salt (1987), Raymond Thwaites (1938) and G Maine (husband of Mrs Val Maine former secretary of WBHS).

  3. APOLOGIES
    Darren Maree, Chris Merrington, Andy O'Connor, Brad Bing, Markus Dickerson, Aubrey Martin, Don Phoenix, Donavan Cooper and David Christian.

  4. ATTENDANCE
    Annexure A
    20 Members signed the register.
    7 Proxy votes received before the meeting.

  5. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 2010
    Annexure B

  6. MATTERS ARISING
    The Chairman requested the circulated minutes be adopted. Mr S Eddy raised certain objections, quoting incomplete information and inconsistencies. Mr Eddy requested minutes be published on website to enable all members with internet access to the information. Mr Eddy stressed that he did not seek confrontation with the committee and raised his objections and concerns in the spirit of the Union. Mr Eddy also expressed concern at the Union's finances, quoting the previous constitutions. The Chairman stressed that the old systems were not applicable in today's operations and reassured the meeting that the committee is handling the funds in a most professional manner. Salient points would be clarified when Mr A Erasmus presents his financial report.
    The Chairman proposed that the committee would alter the minutes, where applicable and post them on the OBU website. The meeting agreed. Mr Doidge would also meet with Mr Eddy to clarify concerns.

  7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
    Annexure C
    Mr Doidge delivered his report. He outlined the involvement and support the Union gave to the schools, stressing that certain functions were not fundraisers but functions to encourage Old Boy support of the Union and schools. He also confirmed the state of our database - 60% members now on email. E-News was being published. He confirmed the update of the Pavilion and his future plans for the facility. The President praised the schools for their outstanding management and achievements.

  8. BUSINESS MANAGER'S REPORT
    Annexure D
    Mr H Rowles presented his report. He outlined the daily operations and congratulated and thanked members who had contributed much to the Union. He also noted the increase in members visiting the office and the Museum.

  9. FINANCIAL REPORT
    Annexure E - Treasurer's Report
    Annexure F - Financials
    Mr A Erasmus presented his report and the Financial Statements. He outlined our objectives and goals for the future. Mr K Hopkins enquired about a set budget and plan. Mr Erasmus confirmed and informed the meeting of our monthly financial discussions. Mr Hopkins suggested a reserve of R 500 000 be held at all times. Mr Erasmus agreed. The Chairman reconfirmed our involvement with learners from the townships and also noted their achievements. The Union is proud to be involved in their education. Discussion followed on the support the Union gives to the Junior School. Final agreement on this subject is a committee decision.

  10. ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    Proposed - Mr H Rowles
    Seconded - Mr P Barichievy

  11. APPOINTMENT OF ACCOUNTING OFFICER - MR H PAGE CA (SA)
    Mr Erasmus briefed the meeting on the Constitution change re auditing of our financials:
    Mr Page proposed by Mr M Smit
    Seconder Mr H Rowles

  12. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
    The Chairman called for proposals for members to serve on the committee from the floor. No proposals forthcoming. The meeting was asked to appoint the existing committee en bloc.

    Proposed by Mr K Hopkins
    Seconded by Mr D Fay.

    The committee elected is:
    President: Mr S Doidge
    Vice-President: Mr M Lumb
    Financial Officer: Mr A Erasmus
    Trustee: Mr F Bing
    Committee: Mr K Richardson, Mr C Hart, Mr J Sternslow, Mr P Barichievy, Mr M Smit and Mr G Bloor.
  13. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
    Mr K Richardson delivered his report. He outlined 6 important points over the year at Wynberg.

    1. He emphasised the all-round nature of the opportunities on offer to the boys. For example, in the previous ten days, nearly 500 boys had taken part in sporting and cultural fixtures against Grey; then a few days later there was a very successful Choir Festival in the Clegg hall attracting over 400 choristers - both pupils and adults (Welsh Male Voice Choir), then later in the same week there was the Mintech Science Quiz hosted by Wynberg followed by the Science Expo.
    2. Although the press reports "Doom and Gloom" in education - we have attracted 5 new teachers with outstanding qualifications who have really made outstanding contributions since their arrival.

      The school has lost Mr Tim Gordon, the administrator after 7 years. Tim's loss is great as he made such a contribution to the schools.

    3. Highlights
      1. Matric Results for 2010 were outstanding. Best ever. 100% pass rate with 90% University passes. 6th school in province and school received an award from Premier Zille.

      2. Cricket - Certain games televised on national TV. Our cricket team is placed in the top 6 nationally for 2009, 2010 and 2011. Team won R 65 000 for their achievements.

      3. Founders Week - Very impressed with the week, the reunion functions, the Music Concert and, of course, the final rugby result vs SACS.

      4. The beauty of our grounds. The museum improving all the time. Thanks to Messrs Plug Louw and Rowan Algie and Ray Connelan for all their help. Shortly members will be able to trace their grandfather's days at Wynberg electronically.

        The "John Baxter Theatre" is completed and already been in use. A great acquisition. Complex is the same size as Maynardville.

        The Vineyard has been planted - 'The Oude Wynberg Viticulture Society' has been established and the boys planted the Vines themselves and in five years produce a 175 year vintage. WBHS is just behind Bishops with Old Boy winemakers. Lotto money collected to be used for establishing a gym to be built next to the old squash courts.

      5. The Comrades Marathon was founded by an Old Boy Vic Clapham in 1920. In 1931 the race was won by Old Boy Phil Masterson Smith by 2 yards - the youngest ever winner at 18 years old. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of his achievement the school has been asked to participate in a charity bike ride on 19 May. Wynberg Boys will cycle the first 50km.

      6. Mr Richardson thanked the President and the Committee for their highly valued support of him and the school.

  14. JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT
    Annexure G
    Mr Hart in presenting his report spoke of the multi racial balance in the school and the boys who finally enter High School. The school results were great. Mr Hart reported that there were 14 rugby teams and 23 hockey teams. The PTA committee had refurbished the pool and pavilion.

    Mr Hart clarified the preferential admittance policy to Old Boys' sons but urged them to apply timeously to avoid disappointment. He thanked the chairman for the Union's continued support.

  15. SQUASH REPORT
    Annexure H
    Mr Jeff Sternslow presented the report outlining the history of the club and current trends. Our 1st team still heads its league in the WP Leagues. Mr S Doidge thanked Mr Sternslow for his untiring and loyal management of our squash club since 1975 and his outstanding contribution in committee.

  16. GOLF REPORT
    Annexure I
    Mr Sternslow presented the report and outlined our future plans for the Old Boys' Day and the inter OB Union golf days.

  17. GENERAL
    1. M Lumb commented that certain Old Boys only supported the school or Union when they wished to enter their son or grandson at the school without making much contribution before. We need to get all old boys involved.

    2. Mr S Eddy thanked the Chairman and committee and wished them well for the future.

The meeting closed at 20h00.