Attendance: The register circulated for signature, see link below. Committee members present: Karl Luff, Warren Mechanik, Gary Frayne, Wendy Payne, Derek Mc Mahon, Noreen Wonacott, Peter Kratz.

Apologies: Heiko Alfeld, Neil Lavin, Mike Butcher, Michael Bolton, Stephen Kelly Senior, Elvira Ryan, Brian Goemans.

The chair declared that there was a valid quorum.
WPGMHA AGM Attendance register 18 May 2026-compressed

1. Adoption of Minutes

Adoption of the minutes of the AGM of the WPGMHA held at WPCC on 5 May 2025. Adoption proposed by Steve Dugmore and seconded by Brent Conbrink.

2. Chairman’s Report

Karl Luff, with assistance from Noreen Wanacott, presented a two-part historical overview tracking the growth of Western Province (WP) Grand Masters.

Historical Overview: 2010 – 2018

The first era, from 2010 to 2018, began with a highly successful inaugural tournament at Hartleyvale under the club’s first Chairman, Moir Scholtz. This foundational period included notable international tours to Oxford and The Hague, alongside crucial foundational work from pioneers Rob Birt and John Donald.

Evolution and Expansion: 2019 – 2026

The second era marked a phase of rapid expansion and structural maturity despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. WP launched its first Summer League in 2020 and subsequently grew its membership from 60 to 162 players by late 2024, aided by the introduction of our first ladies’ team. WP Grand Masters has demonstrated competitive and structural dominance, securing undefeated league titles in Gqeberha and fielding three full 55+ teams alongside the historic debut of the first WP Ladies Over 60s team in KZN.

Future Challenges for the New Committee:

• Recruitment: Attracting younger players (55+ for men, 50+ for ladies) to prevent the depletion of lower age brackets as players age up.
• Longevity & Coaching: Structuring leagues to accommodate different competitiveness tiers (similar to the Masters A, B, and C structures) and hiring high-level coaches for IPT preparation.
• On-Field Discipline: Improving pitch behavior and umpire respect.
• Player Movement: Regulating players playing across different age-level designations (“up and down”).

Danny St Dare thanked Karl for his tremendous efforts from the floor.

3. Financial Report (Year to 31 December 2025)

Previously circulated by Warren Machanik, who highlighted the following key points:

• Accounting Transition: Financials transitioned from a cash-based system to an accrual system.
• Performance: While 2024 cash-based accounting initially reflected a R2,000 loss, the corrected accrual framework showed a R12,000 profit. This year, the club achieved a net profit of just over R30,000, thanks to healthy profits and generous private donations for medical kits.
• Reinvestment: The club will invest funds directly into the league, including a 50% sponsorship of new team shirts.
• Approval: Adoption of the financial report was proposed by Warren and unanimously adopted by the meeting.

4. Constitutional Review

The proposed constitutional changes previously circulated to members were proposed for adoption.

Resolution: The changes were unanimously approved by the floor without objection, giving the committee the authority to update the Constitution document.

5. Other Business / Matters Arising

• Selection Issues: Chair asked members of the 60+ RSA side if the selection issues relating to one of the WPGM members had been resolved. Larry confirmed there was no longer an issue.
• Service Award – Noreen: Presented with a special token of appreciation for her years of dedicated service and administrative support as she steps down from her role.
• Service Award – Karl: Awarded a special token for his monumental leadership as Chairman since taking over the reins from Rob, John, and Pottie.
• Winter League Trophy 2025: Awarded to the Green Team.
• Summer League Trophy 25/26: Awarded to the Orange Team.

6. Election of Office Bearers

As only a single nomination was received for each portfolio, no formal ballot was required. The incoming committee for the 2026/2027 cycle was confirmed:

A group photograph of the incoming committee was taken. There being no further business, the meeting was declared closed at approximately 21h30.