The Annual General Meeting of the Vale of Lune took place last week. Current postholders willing to continue were proposed, seconded and confirmed in their roles. Interim Chair Paul Batty officiated. Concluding his term as President, Dave Bagot stepped down, taking on the role of Asst. Press Secretary. As well as continuing as Press Secretary, Barry Lees was appointed President for a two year term, paying tribute to Dave Bagot's achievements during his term. Ruth Bradburn agreed to review Membership card administration practices. Fred Swarbrick acknowledged the considerable work done by Secretary Lynda Antcliffe and Treasurer Suzanne Robinson, in the running of the club.

Honorary Life Membership was awarded to two members; Scott Evans and David Hughes. Their citations read as follows,

Scott Evans first became involved with the Mini/Jnr section of the Vale in support of his son Louis. He quickly took on organisational roles for that section, and as well as bringing his skills for the benefit of the whole club. Serving several years on the Exec Committee, Scott brought his professional expertise in the electricity supply industry, and boundless enthusiasm to a many aspects of the running of the Vale. When facilities are repaired or improved, it is likely that Scott was partly or wholly responsible.

Negotiating deals with suppliers for purchasing kit for players, applying for funding for capital projects, sharing his technical expertise in guiding Vale colleagues in the use of I.T. systems. turning out at all hours and for prolonged periods to work on repairs to our buildings. Scott has, whilst unseen by many members, worked tirelessly for the good of the club and the community. For several years Scott has been the person to go to to get difficult tasks done. His efforts deserve the gratitude of the members.

Dave Hughes began playing for the Vale in the Mini/Jnr section in the 1970s. He progressed into the senior section and made his first team debut whilst still in his teens. He went on to play for all senior male sides, finding his niche as captain of the Vale Vikings, a role he carried out for many years. Dave brought his talents to the Captains' Cabaret events as comedy scriptwriter and performer, and involved himself fully in developing new players whilst maintaining playing opportunities of existing personnel.

Organising rugby tours takes a lot of work. In the 1990s, Dave took on the organisation of the end-of-season Trojans' Tours. He went on to organise twenty-five tours, including this year's Sunderland outing. All aspects of the tours are under his remit. Player recruitment, coaches, hotels, liaison with clubs, solving problems as they arise. Dave's dedication, over four decades, has maintained the tradition of senior rugby touring at the Vale. He has taken the club to towns and cities across the country, bringing the party and enhancing the reputation of the Vale in rugby clubs that would otherwise be beyond our range of influence. His efforts deserve the gratitude of the members.

Ave Atque Vale.