NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION 
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION – KELVIN & MALONE ON 10th JUNE 2009
PRESENT: -
Chairperson K Hinds
Vice-Chairperson T McKeever
Hon Secretary L Scott
Hon Treasurer N Irwin
Hon Masterpoints Sec R Burns
President A Hill
Past President I Hamilton
Past President I Lindsay
Past President M O’Kane
Present – A Hassan (Congress Organiser), D Cannell (Hon Magazine Editor & Bangor), S Millership (Brunswick), J Millership (Brunswick), F Boyd (Boat Club) , J Lavery (SMCOBA), P Lavery (SMCOBA), T O’Gallagher (Newcastle), B Scott (Holywood), P Dufton, A Anderson (K&M), R Plunkett, R Johnston (Portadown), J Conlon.
Apologies M O’Kane, A Levey, J Taylor, S McCaughan, I Lindsay, E McNicholl.
Minutes
The Minutes of the 2008 AGM were adopted, on the proposal of, S Millership seconded by T O’Gallagher and signed by the chairperson, K Hinds.
Matters arising from the minutes.
The Chairman’s address in last year’s minutes was attributed to R Johnston; it should have been attributed to I Orr.
Reports
The Hon Secretary’s Report was presented by L Scott who said that this was her fourth year as Hon Secretary and as usual it had been a busy year for her. She said that this had been a particularly difficult year with the threat of legal proceedings hanging over the NIBU but fortunately through the good leadership of A Hill this has been averted. The Hon Secretary said that the NIBU were saddened by the death of Molly Andrew, who had been probably the best lady player the NIBU has ever had having represented the Union in both Camrose and Lady Milne. L Scott went on to congratulate the Lady Milne team on coming second in that competition, but said that the Camrose team had not fared so well. The Secretary then thanked all those who had assisted her throughout the year and mentioned in particular A Hill, S Millership and R Burns. She said she hoped that the diary would be available at the Autumn Congress. Finally she said K Hinds had been a pleasure to work with and she looked forward to working with T McKeever, if re-elected.
The report was adopted, proposed by S Millership and seconded by T O’Gallagher.
The Hon Competitions Secretary Report.
As the NIBU were without a Competitions Secretary there was no report, however K Hinds paid tribute to A Anderson for the amount of work he had done whilst Competitions Secretary.
The Hon Masterpoints Secretary Report – R Burns reported that another year of master pointing had reached a successful conclusion. He took the opportunity to thank all those who sent him master points from the clubs, Ian Hamilton for the Inter-Club points and particularly A Hill who was very efficient in getting the results of all competitions to him generally the day after the competition has been played. R Burns said that the Masterpoints Committee had changed the criteria for promotion to requiring only 30,000 masterpoints and not including Red Points. He handed out regradings effective from September, which he asked the Secretary to send out to the clubs, and congratulated all those who were promoted. R Burns congratulated all those promoted and also I Hamilton on winning the Billy Kelso Trophy. The report was adopted on a proposal by F Boyd and seconded by A Hassan.
The Hon Treasurers Report was presented by N Irwin who thanked A Fitzpatrick for her excellent work auditing the books. She said that a huge source of our income comes from the Interclub competitions and thanked I Hamilton for organising them all. She said that the Autumn Congress had been very successful and that a profit had been made, however the Spring Congress has not been as profitable. N Irwin also thanked all the Tournaments directors, S Millership, A Hill, A Anderson, J Lavery and R Hill for so promptly forwarding all entry money to her and asked that we encourage more players to play in competitions. N Irwin said that unfortunately the quality of this year’s diary, although cheaper to buy, had not been so good and many complaints had been received. She then presented copies of the Financial Report, explained details of the accounts. The accounts were passed and the report was adopted on a proposal by A Anderson and seconded by D Cannell. R Johnston asked who signed off the Accounts as the copy he had been given was only signed by the Treasurer. N Irwin explained that this was a shortened version and that the full version had been signed off by the Hon Auditor, A Fitzpatrick.
The Report of the Selection Committee was presented by S Millership who said that it had been a disappointing year for the NIBU. She thanked the NPCs for their efforts and the Selection Committee for their support throughout the year and referred everyone to her report, copy attached.
The report was adopted on the proposal of P Lavery and seconded by N Irwin.
Chairperson’s Address (See attached Address on Separate Page)
The outgoing chairperson, K Hinds gave his address (copy attached).
He then handed over to the incoming Chairperson, T McKeever.
T McKeever thanked K Hinds and said he was pleased and honoured to be asked to take the Office of Chairperson, although he had in the past shied away from office. He said he hoped to continue to promote the Union, particularly through schools bridge. T McKeever said that the Union had great difficulty in persuading anyone to take office and he asked that more people get involved in helping, not necessarily holding office. He asked that we all consider what we had got from playing bridge and perhaps we could think of giving ‘something back’. He then introduced the incoming Vice Chairperson, Tony O’Gallagher. T O’Gallagher said it was indeed an honour to be invited to be Vice Chairperson that he accepted with trepidation but that he hoped to be able to make some contribution to Bridge in Northern Ireland.
Election of officers The following officers were elected:-
Vice-Chairperson: T O’Gallagher - General Purposes Committee recommendation
Hon Secretary: L Scott re-elected proposed by R Plunkett, seconded by J Millership.
Hon Treasurer: N Irwin re-elected proposed by S Millership, seconded by A Hassan.
Hon Competition Secretary: Vacant.
Hon Master Points Secretary: R Burns re-elected proposed by N Irwin, seconded by T O’Gallagher.
Hon Congress Organiser: A Hassan (at her request) temporarily re-elected proposed by P Lavery, seconded by K Hinds.
Hon International Match Manager: S Millership re-elected proposed by T McKeever, seconded by N Irwin.
Hon Auditor A Fitzpatrick was re-elected proposed by N Irwin, seconded by T O’Gallagher.
Hon Solicitor M O’Kane re-elected proposed by J Millership, seconded by K Hinds. It was noted that M O’Kane no longer practised and the meeting agreed that he should be asked if he could suggest a successor for next year.
Delegate to Bridge Great S Millership re-elected proposed by T McKeever, seconded by N Irwin.
Britain
Delegates to IBU The following were then elected: T McKeever. T O’Gallagher, L Scott, N Irwin, S Millership, I Lindsay, F Boyd and A Hill, on a proposal by K Hinds, seconded by A Hill.
Vice-President IBU L Scott was proposed by A Hill and seconded by K Hinds.
Selection Committee R Burns and R Plunkett are due to retire this year but are prepared to stand again for election. Both were unanimously elected, proposed by T McKeever and seconded by L Scott. Convenor for first meeting, S Millership, appointed by the chairman.
AOB B Scott proposed that the Selection Committee try to persuade ‘better’ players to represent the Union in the Sonya Britton and the North/South matches. He suggested that we should be winning these competitions. T O’Gallagher said that to him it was a privilege to represent NIBU. S Millership said that people from Donegal had played on our teams and R Plunkett added that Donegal held trials for the privilege of playing as they had so many people who wished to play in these competitions. T McKeever added that there seemed to be a deal of apathy about playing in competitions, but that he hoped to ‘flag up’ Inter ‘A’s. He went on to thank K Hinds for all that he did throughout the year.
B Scott suggested that consideration be given to purchasing a new chain of office for the Chair as the present one looked flimsy when seen beside those of the IBU and CBAI. R Johnson said that the present chain had been presented by M Nimmons. B Scott said that he had not intended to do away with the present one but suggested that it could be perhaps incorporated into a new chain. This was unanimously agreed. A Hill said that it should be referred to the GP Committee and this too was agreed. F Boyd said that she had a friend who worked in Malcolm’s Jewellers and offered to take the chain to them for suggestions.
B Scott then said that as we were struggling to find someone to fill the post of Competitions Secretary that he would offer himself for the incoming year. This offer was unanimously accepted. T McKeever said that he was pleased to have a full Committee for the incoming year.
Presentation of Prizes -
Players of the Year - Intermediate ‘B’ S Hornsby
Intermediate ‘A’ T O’Gallagher
Senior I Hamilton
Trophies for NIBU Major Competitions were not presented this year as there were no winners in attendance.
The meeting was then declared closed by the Chairperson, T McKeever who thanked all those in attendance.
Signed_______________________________ Dated_________________________
NORTHERN IRELAND BRIDGE UNION – KELVIN & MALONE ON 7th JUNE 2006
PRESENT: -
Chairperson A Levey
Vice-Chairperson R Johnston
Hon Secretary L Scott
Hon Treasurer N Irwin
Hon Masterpoints Sec R Burns
Hon Competitions Secretary A Anderson
President I Hamilton
Past President I Lindsay
Past President C Richey
Past President M O’Kane
Present - H Ferguson (Congress Organiser), S Millership (Brunswick), D Cannell (Bangor), S Lowe (Derryvolgie), A Shannon (Derryvolgie) E Walmsley (Derryvolgie) L McCloskey (Derryvolgie), D Johnson (Portadown), B Scott (Brunswick), R McComb (Brunswick), F Boyd (Boat Club),P Lavery (SMCOBA), J Lavery (SMCOBA) M Brennan (SMCOBA), D Lindsay (SMCOBA), J Taylor (Newcastle), J Conlon (K&M), A Hill (K&M), M Warnock (K&M), R Plunkett (K&M), D Greenwood (SCOMBA),
Apologies I Orr, A Fitzpatrick, J Millership, R Hill, M Levey, J Ferguson, A Hassan
Minutes
The Minutes of the 2005 AGM were adopted, on the proposal of P Lavery, seconded by M Warnock and signed by the chairperson A Levey.
Matters arising from the minutes.
None.
Reports
The Hon Secretary’s Report was presented by L Scott who thanked all who helped during her first year in office especially A Hassan, A Hill, S Millership and I Lindsay, to name but a few. The Secretary said that corresponding through email had made her job slightly easier and she asked that people send her their email addresses for future correspondence. Finally she thanked A Levey and R Johnston for their support and guidance and said she had enjoyed working with them both. She concluded by wishing Raymond well for the year ahead.
The report was adopted, proposed by C Richey and seconded by I Hamilton.
The Hon Competitions Secretary Report was presented by A Anderson.
A Anderson said that one of the aims of the Union is to promote and conserve the best interests of Bridge and Bridge Clubs in Northern Ireland. Please see his report attached. The report was adopted, proposed by A Shannon and seconded by M O’Kane.
The Hon Master Points Secretary Report – R Burns reported that another year of master pointing had reached a successful conclusion. He took the opportunity to thank all those who sent him master points from the clubs, Ian Hamilton for the Inter-Club points and particularly Alan Anderson who is very efficient in getting the results of all competitions to him generally the day after the competition has been played. He congratulated C Richey who attained the rank of Grand Master. The report was adopted on a proposal by P Lavery and seconded by R Plunkett.
The Hon Treasurers Report was presented by N Irwin who thanked A Fitzpatrick for her excellent work auditing the books. The Treasurer said that for the first time in years the Union had shown a slight profit, but this was mainly because we did not host any Camrose matches this year and also because of internet banking. She said that a huge source of our income comes from the Interclub competitions and thanked I Hamilton for organising them all. N Irwin also thanked all the Tournaments directors, S Millership, A Hill, A Anderson, J Lavery and R Hill for so promptly forwarding all entry money to her. She then presented copies of the Financial Report, explained details of the accounts. The accounts were passed and the report was adopted on a proposal by B Scott and seconded by S Millership.
The Report of the Selection Committee was presented by R Plunkett who thanked the NPCs for their efforts and the Selection Committee for their support throughout the year and referred everyone to his report, copy attached. R Plunkett said he was disappointed in the entries for the NIBU/CBAI match which is due to be held in Dublin. He asked the GP Committee to consider whether we wished to continue with this match.
The report was adopted on the proposal of M O’Kane and seconded by N Irwin.
Chairperson’s Address (See attached Address on Separate Page)
The outgoing chairperson, A Levey gave his address (copy attached).
He then handed over to the incoming Chairperson, R Johnston.
R Johnston thanked A Levey and said he was pleased and honoured to be asked to take the Office of Chairperson. He said he hoped to promote the Union. He then apologised for not being able to introduce the incoming Vice Chairperson, Iris Orr, who unfortunately was unable to attend the meeting.
Election of officers The following officers were elected:-
Vice-Chairperson: I Orr - General Purposes Committee recommendation
Hon Secretary: L Scott re-elected proposed by A Levey, seconded by M Brennan.
Hon Treasurer: N Irwin re-elected proposed by B Scott, seconded by E Walmsley.
Hon Competition Secretary: A Anderson re-elected proposed by A Shannon, seconded by J Lavery.
Hon Master Points Secretary: R Burns re-elected proposed by C Richey, seconded by S Lowe.
Hon Congress Organiser: A Hassan elected proposed by F Boyd, seconded by N Irwin.
Hon International Match Manager: S Millership re-elected proposed by H Ferguson, seconded by J Conlon.
Hon Auditor A Fitzpatrick was re-elected proposed by R Plunkett, seconded by I Hamilton.
Hon Solicitor M O’Kane re-elected proposed by A Hill, seconded by A Shannon.
Delegate to Bridge Great S Millership re-elected proposed by R Johnston, seconded by A Anderson.
Britain
Delegates to IBU M O’Kane, Brian Brannigan and K Murphy wished not to remain as Delegates to the IBU. As a result the following were elected: N Irwin proposed by A Hill and seconded by F Boyd,
R Johnston proposed by F Boyd and seconded by L Scott, L Scott proposed by A Hill and seconded by A Levey. S Millership, A Hill, I Lindsay and F Boyd were re-elected to continue in office, proposed by H Ferguson and seconded by P Lavery.
Selection Committee J Millership, J Lavery and S McCaughan are due to retire this year. R Plunkett, Di Greenwood and I Lindsay continue in office. The following were nominated to replace those retiring this year.
S McCaughan proposed by F Boyd, seconded by H Ferguson
J Lavery proposed by R Johnston, seconded by R Plunkett
D Greenwood proposed by J Lavery, seconded by R Plunkett
M O’Kane proposed by A Shannon, seconded by H Ferguson.
As there were only 3 positions, a vote was taken and the following were elected,
S McCaughan, M O’Kane and J Lavery.
Convenor for first meeting, R Plunkett appointed by the chairman.
Other Business M O’Kane propose that the Camrose Team be given blazers to wear at international matches. S Millership stated that they already had been given polo shirts. A short discussion then took place and it was decided that this would be put on the agenda for the discussion at the next GP meeting on 21 June.
Presentation of Prizes -
Players of the Year - Intermediate ‘B’ R Connolly
Intermediate ‘A’ E McNicholl
Senior R Anderson
Trophies for NIBU Major Competitions were then presented by I Hamilton and R Johnston who congratulated the winners, thanked everyone present for attending and declared the meeting closed.
NIBU Alerting and Systems Policy
Alerting
As from 16th September 2004 the Alerting policy of the NIBU
has changed. The new policy is as set out in the diary. Your attention
is drawn to the following excerpts
At the start of every round each pair must inform their opponents of their basic system (e.g. forcing club, strength of no trump opening, 4 or 5 card majors) and their carding methods and in particular any unusual openings for which opponents may need to prepare.
During the bidding no call above the level of 3NT is to be alerted unless it occurs on the first round of the bidding. Calls above the level of 3NT after the first round of the auction are to be alerted at the end of the bidding. The dummy or declarer alerts the defenders before the opening lead. The defenders alert after the opening lead has been made but before it is faced.
Alertable calls
The following bids are considered natural and do not require an alert:
Any offer to play in a suit for the first time, which shows
• Three
or more cards in a minor suit
• Four or more cards in a major
suit
And says nothing about
any other suit
The following conventional bids in common use need not be alerted:
Stayman 2 club response to 1NT (provided it guarantees a 4 card major)
Strong Acol 2 club opening bid
Doubles
Any double of a one level suit opening or response at the one level by an opponent is deemed to be a TAKE OUT DOUBLE. All other doubles are deemed to be PENALTY DOUBLES. Any variation from this rule must be alerted.
Systems
The NIBU has adopted the English Bridge Union Orange Book as far as Systems and conventions approval is concerned. Copies of this can be downloaded from the EBU website at www.ebu.co.uk on the Internet. The following levels apply to NIBU events:
Open non-handicap NIBU competitions Level 4
Junior, Intermediate and Handicap competitions Level 3
Any system may be played in the Premier League 1 and the Kelvin cup, provided 1 weeks notice in writing has been given to the opposing Captain, of any systems not allowable at level 4 with full description and a suitable defence. The opposing team shall have sole seating rights whenever such systems are played and may consult a written defence during bidding.
It is the duty of each player to check whether the system/convention they are using is allowed in the competition in which they are participating.
If Clubs wish to adopt the Orange Book the NIBU recommends that they use Level 3. This allows all the usual conventions while protecting club players by banning odd bids with the exception of Multi.
EBU Permitted Conventions Broad Descriptions
What follows is merely a broad guide and should not be relied upon.
Level 1
System Old fashioned simple Acol
Conventions Only Stayman, Baron, Blackwood, Gerber, 5NT Grand Slam Force
No sputnik double
Level 2
System Natural systems, Strong Club, Canapé
Conventions Snap, Support bids, Bergen raises, fit jumps, Complete freedom to FG from strength, and following a FG bid and from openers rebid. Two suited overcalls if 1 specified. Texas . 2NT may be a weak minor two-suiter 5 Hcp range. All continuations after a 1NT opening.
Two in a suit openings may not mix weak and strong options
Three in a suit must be natural or pre-emptive.
Level 3
Systems
Conventions Except for a slightly restricted Multi 2 ¨ two in suit openings may not mix weak and strong options. 3 level opening bids must have 4 in bid suit. Transfer overcalls.
Level 4
Systems
Conventions Light opening bids. Transfer and Relay responses. Wide variety of opening two bids but if a weak variety then at least 1 suit specified.
Variety of 3 level bids. 2NT may be weak 1 of 2 suits.
Level 5 Details to be decided by sponsoring organisation
Systems
Conventions
Note on levels 1-4
Multi is illegal at level 2, slightly restricted at level 3
In practice odd 3 level bids are only permitted at level 4
2 ¨ 0-11 and 2 unspecified 5 cards suits are not permitted
2NT both minors is permitted at level s 2 and 3 with a 5 point range, unrestricted at 4
2NT one unspecified minor is only permitted at level 4
HUM (e.g. forcing pass) systems are not permitted at any level
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