CYGNETS BUNGALOW

 

Annual Report for 2006

 

During the period under review there has been a total of seventeen full weeks, one half week and one week end lets.  The Benrath Juniors were in residence for the Head of River. There were two very successful Sculling Camps one in April and the other in September.  Both scheduled to last seven days.  In addition Mortlake Anglian Alpha Boat Club had a week end sculling camp for which they paid £200.  The annual accounts have been audited and the year's excess of income over expenditure of £2,770.44 has been transferred to the Club's main account. In addition £1,076 has been retained for any future capital expenditure.     

 

During the year two Bungalow Management Committee meetings were held, one in May and the other in November. At these the efficient running and maintenance of the property are kept under careful review. The Committee consists of ten senior members of the Club including the three Trustees, the Treasurer and the Captain. From this number is selected a sub committee particularly concerned with planned improvements and maintenance which is now chaired by Vice President Derek Bush.  Meetings of the sub-committee take place when required. Regretfully due to other commitments Alan Cox had to resign as Chairman of the sub-committee but remains member of the Bungalow Management Committee and when possible of the sub committee.

 

At the November meeting in addition to the normal committee business the opportunity was taken to scatter the ashes of F E (John) Bull into the river.   Twenty two persons were present for the ceremony and a toast is his memory was given and lunch taken.  This occasion was well represented by old friends from both boathouse clubs.  John had been the senior Trustee and Alan Cox had been co-opted to fill his place and will be elected to the post at the 2007 Annual General Meeting.     

   

Work has continued during the year. In the shower room annex the outside up-river wall has been replaced with cedar cladding which was donated by our President Peter Sly. The work was carried out by Vice Presidents Derek Bush, Alan Cox, Richard du Parcq and Charles Ford. The down river bedroom has now been insulated, the ceiling lowered and clip board flooring laid.  The flooring had previously been donated by Alan Cox. This work was principally carried out by the usual team of Messrs Cox, Bush, Ford and du Parcq.  At a later date papering the wall and ceiling and also decorating was carried out by the same team with the expert assistance and supervision of Mrs Di du Parcq.  Once again Life Honorary Member Nina Padwick has regularly trimmed the privet hedge and supplied lunchtime sandwiches for the working parties, On one occasion Vice President Vic Reeves with Angela provided a super curry.  Anne Lambe and Shirley Ford have also helped in a variety of ways.  

 

During the year a bed, cutlery and crockery were donated by the Rawkins family.   A shower control unit, a TV, a strimmer and an incinerator were bought.  Work for the future includes re-covering the sitting room floor by using and relaying the existing tiles depending upon the condition of the tiles.  In addition re-cladding the garden facing shower room wall had become quite urgent. The storm lobby by the kitchen and glazing the up-river end of the veranda are more long term projects.  The outside walls and the fence by the access path need staining.  Both boats need repairs and this is expected to be put in hand during the first Sculling Camp in April. It is planned that the re-cladding of the garden facing shower room will also take place at this time. The total estimated cost of all the planned work plus two new beds is estimated to be £3,500

 

As indicated 2006 rents have been increased for the second year running. The principal reason for this to cover the cost of increased day by day expenditure including lawn cutting.  The rent per week for May, June and July is now £300 and all other weeks £275.  For shorter periods it is £50 a night. For other clubs using the premises for training it will be £150 a night.     

 

Sixteen weeks, three weekends, two one week Cygnet Sculling Camps, and two MAABC Sculling Camps have already been reserved.  Once again the Benrath Juniors will be our guests during the Head of the River period. The 2007 Barbecue will be held on 18 August.  The Bungalow is a great place and delightful for a relaxed week but always book early.  Currently I can still offer a single one-week vacancy from the 13 May and one from the 8 July.  There are vacancies in September and October. 

 

We are exceptional fortunate for the keenness and skills of our Vice Presidents.  For all the period that I have been club secretary and responsible for bungalow administration and organisation it has been these veteran members who have shown us the way. The work carried out at the Bungalow requires a great deal of effort and new volunteers are made very welcome.  Skills are useful but help in any form is always appreciated. If you are able to join us during 22 to the 28 April for a maintenance week or any part of it do please let me know. It is also a great deal of fun.  The club has a valuable, well loved and envied asset so any contribution in either muscle or skill is always welcome.

 

This report will be posted on both the Club notice board and website.

 

R E Lambe

Bungalow Secretary, 15 February 2007