ASSOCIATION AGM 2008

22^ND MAY 2008 @ COLNEY HEATH FC

The Association's AGM took place on Thursday 22nd May at Colney Heath FC, with 74 members packing out the venue in anticipation of the evening's events.

First up was the usual Association business, and as it was the AGM, the election of officers for the coming season. All of the incumbent committee were re-elected to their respective positions, and the meeting continued. Reports from the Association officers followed, full details of which will be available in the minutes to be posted on the website at a later date. Bill Hamilton entertained us all with another amusing story, before recommending that the membership fees for season 2008-09 remain at £6.00, with an increase in the costs of league badges and ties to £7.00 and £9.00 respectively, excluding 50 pence postage and packaging.

Next up was Mick Ewen, who left the floor in stitches with a joke or two, before moving on to reminding us all about what we are required to do to make sure the league can run smoothly. As usual, the completion of the referee report form came up, with a few people left slightly red-faced as to missing out some sections of the form. Mick also showed those present a copy of the new style report form for next season. This will be very similar to that currently used, but will have an extra box for a hospitality mark for the home club.

There was also time for some amateur dramatics, courtesy of Mr Hamilton & Mr Ewen.

After a short break for some food, it was over to our special guest Mr John Moston. Motty entertained everyone present, starting with a few background stories on his early years at the Barnet Press, commentating on a few matches in the early 70's, including the famous FA Cup match between Hereford & Newcastle United, and going to the 1972 Olympics in Munich covering canoeing, and the 1976 Olympics in Montreal covering Greco-Roman wrestling (managing to call all the obscure moves right after some hard revision, but getting the opponents the wrong way round).

Motty then went on to engage those present in a discussion on refereeing issues, trying to represent the views of the media and the public on match officials to members, with those on the floor giving some perspective from the other side. This provoked some debate amongst the floor, and the conversations could have gone on all evening if we only had the time. As drew to a close on the main event of the evening, a wave of applause broke out for one of the best speakers the Association has had the privilege to have.

We then moved on to the association awards for the season just gone. First up was the Bill Jones award. The Bill Jones award goes to the person who, in the opinion of the members, ahs gone above and beyond the call of the duty in their service to the league and the Association. After over a hundred votes cast, the award went to the Referees Secretary Mick Ewen. Mick stepped up to receive his award from John Motson, along with a well earned round of applause from the members.

There were also two special awards given out. The first went to Darren Flanagan. Darren was presented with a plaque from the Association, in recognition of the outstanding effort and determination he has shown in coming back from a serious assault by a player to be promoted to Level 3 for next season. A fantastic achievement.

There was also a special recognition for the Association's chairman Mike Taylor, who was thanked for his dedication to the Association, and his tireless efforts in ensuring that the best interests of all members are represented at all times. John Motson presented Mike with a football book in recognition of his hard work.

The evening concluded with the raffle, with a number of members winning some excellent prizes, including an FA Cup Final programme signed by the main man from the BBC.

Some photos of the evening can be seen below.

Captain Ewen and First Mate Hamilton

Mick Ewen receives the Bill Jones Award from John Motson

Darren Flanagan receives a special award from John Motson

Mike Taylor being congratulated on his special recognition award

John Motson with some of the Association officers (L-R: Bill Hamilton, John Motson, Mike Taylor, Jake Hillier)

Minutes of the meeting will appear on the website as soon as possible.

If you have any photos from the evening, or would like to contribute anything to the website, please get in touch with us by email.