Minutes of the 2020 Annual General Meeting
Saturday 11 July 2020 – Virtual meeting
• Lord Dear – President
• Eoghan Cameron – Chairman
• Ian Bell – Chief Executive
• Simon Starkie – Independent Scrutineer
1. BASC Chief Executive Ian Bell opened the meeting.
“Welcome to the 2020 British Association for Shooting and Conservation AGM.
It is a rather more unusual AGM than what we are used to, due to these strange times. Thank you for attending the AGM, we hope you and yours are all well and are looking forward to the coming season.
“Some of you may already have seen some of our officers in the field, as they visit shoots and provide Covid-19 compliance advice for the coming year.”
The CEO confirmed that the meeting was being recorded, for the purpose of assisting with the minute taking – and that attendees’ microphones were muted, which is why questions were sought in advance of the AGM. These questions will be answered immediately after the preliminaries.
The CEO advised that there may be a delay between presenters appearing on the screen due to home broadband speeds etc.
The CEO advised that he would be asking members to vote on four elements during the meeting
1. Adoption of the financial statements
2. Appointment of auditors
3. Resolution regarding BASC committees
4. Election of Vice President – Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
The CEO advised that voting will be open for 10 minutes from the time when it is announced that the voting has begun.
The CEO gave further information on the resolutions regarding the BASC committees and the election of Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown as a Vice President of the Association:
“Our current constitution allows us to invite only BASC members onto our committees. We have found that this is restrictive and we do not get the breadth of information and the engagement required in order for us to be provided with a full range of opinions when debating BASC policy and BASC decisions.
“It is important for us to be able to invite all experts, whether they wish to be a BASC member or not. For example, some of those that we would wish to have on these committees are members of other organisations and other bodies that perhaps do not wish to be members of BASC.”
The CEO advised that he had received one question about this from a member. The member understood that we require that level of expertise but was concerned we would not be able to protect BASC’s confidential information. The member asked if BASC would be able to hold those individuals to account while they are on the committees. The CEO confirmed that each committee has its own rules and regulations and members should be assured that any confidential BASC information will not be shared with those who are not BASC members.
This move will only affect a small number of committees as and when it is required. Safeguards will be put in place and it is important that BASC has the confidence and the ability to invite members across a broad spectrum onto those committees in order that its decision making is based upon the very best information available.
Proposal for the election of Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown to be a Vice President of BASC
Proposed by Christopher Graffius
Seconded by Jak Abrahams
“In 2020, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown was elected as the third chairman for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Shooting and Conservation, as such he became the key person for the representation of British shooting in politics. He has since been re-elected by MPs and peers as chairman in each subsequent year.
“BASC provides the secretariat for the APPG and we work very closely with Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown on a range of matters. Sir Geoffrey is a keen shot and, as a member of the APPG since 2010, has brought his extensive political experience and great knowledge of shooting in the countryside to Westminster. The result is that the group has grown to be one of the largest in parliament. It plays a crucial role in informing parliamentarians and securing their support and action to promote and protect shooting and conservation in the political arena.
Sir Geoffrey also serves on several committees and maintains a broad portfolio of international and political interests; he is a man with credibility in Westminster, on every issue of late – from firearms licensing fees and home office consultations to medical involvement in licensing, general licences for pest control and the promotion of game.
“Sir Geoffrey has been a sound and protective ambassador for our sport and the countryside way of life – a commitment that he intends to continue in the future. An outstanding example of his dedication was his leadership of the campaign to preserve civilian .50 calibre target rifle shooting. This was in the face of ministerial opposition and an effective backbench MP pressure group. It is a testament to his impact and influence. Sir Geoffrey has appeared in BASC’s Shooting and Conservation magazine on many occasions, to inform our members of the political work he and others are doing to represent shooting and conservation. We have no hesitation in recommending Sir Geoffrey for his election to Vice President of BASC.”
The CEO confirmed that concluded the four items of business for voting.
The CEO announced the opening of the voting for the four items outlined and stated that voting would be open for 10 minutes.
2. Answering of questions submitted
The CEO advised members he would answer the questions that had been submitted by members prior to the AGM.
The CEO advised that changes had been made to the agenda so that members’ questions could be dealt with upfront and before the President and Chairman’s addresses.
The CEO thanked those members who had submitted questions. Four members had submitted questions for the AGM. Some of these questions overlapped and consisted of several parts.
Question 1 from Mr Chris Manning
I note your removal of legal expenses insurance at a cost of roughly £13.50 per member. It was part of the benefits package that I paid for with my subscription and I regret that BASC is no longer honouring this contract.
Please can BASC at the AGM:
1. Provide details of annual legal expense premiums over the last 10 years against claims?
2. Notify members if they have any plans to replace this service via some other mechanism?
3. Tell members what the c£1,000,000 surplus is being spent on, and why this is more important than refunding/reducing subscriptions.
Reply to Question 1 from Mr Chris Manning
BASC ensures that its policies are worthwhile to members, provide value for money and are of sufficient benefit across the membership. The increasing cost of LEI insurance (which was not passed on through increased membership fees), the number of exclusions, the increasing excess, the 6-month exclusion clause and the low numbers of members seeing successful outcomes, all meant that this cover was no longer meeting the requirement.
The legal expense cover has only been in place since 2014. In 2014, the premium was £250k a year; due to the net loss that the underwriters experienced in 2017, the premium almost doubled in 2018 to £463k.
In 2019, this almost doubled again to around £940k. This was despite re-tendering and moving the policy to another underwriter.
Due to the premium increases, the Association re-tendered the policy in 2017 and again in 2019. The market for this cover has shrunk significantly and due to the loss ratio on the policy, most underwriters do not wish to provide the cover. Those that do demand significant exclusions, excesses and limited numbers of cases taken to a successful conclusion.
The BASC firearms team, the very best of its kind, offers support and advice to all members on all aspects of firearms licensing. Our firearms team will still be on hand to provide support, advice and guidance to all members on firearms licensing matters.
Our public liability and personal accident insurances are unaffected and include:
• up to £10 million Public Liability Cover
• up to £10 million Employer Liability Cover
• up to £10 million Product Liability Cover
• up to £50,000 cover for personal accidents resulting in the loss of sight, hearing, or limbs.
The Association has frozen membership subscriptions for the coming year when other organisations are putting theirs up. As previously stated, the increasing cost of LEI insurance had not been passed in its entirety to members. BASC Council ensures that the Association invests its well-managed finances where they have the greatest effect, while continuing to meet the strategic objectives and invest in the protection of shooting for everyone.
Question 2 (part 1) from Mr Michael Alldis
1. A very small time notification in Shooting and Conservation [was] received on Thursday 2 July for completion by 9am on Monday 6 July [in order for members to attend the AGM]. Also, those without computers or broadband [have been] disenfranchised.
Reply to Question 2 (part 1) from Mr Michael Alldis
The country faces the challenges of a worldwide pandemic that has impacted every facet of our lives. BASC is already the first organisation to be out providing services to members on the ground.
Prevented by law from holding a face-to-face AGM, BASC considered Financial Conduct Authority and sector best practice, legal requirements and government guidance.
In the May edition of Shooting and Conservation (S&C), we informed members that the decision regarding the AGM, due to Covid-19 restrictions, would be published on the website as soon as possible. Council decided in early June that there was no option but to have a virtual AGM to ensure legal and Association requirements were met. The decision was announced via the website on the 19 June 2020 and in the most recent S&C.
Yes, those with broadband and computer issues will find it difficult to attend. But we are prohibited from holding a face-to-face
AGM at this time. Even if we were allowed to run a face-to-face AGM, this would also mean that some members are disenfranchised if they are unable to travel to the event.
It is worth noting that far more members have joined this AGM than have attended in recent years.
Question 2 (part 2) from Mr Michael Alldis
1. [Regarding] the Accounts loss of half a million pounds: was this deficit agreed by F&GP or did they fail to rein in this profligate over-expenditure? Staff numbers increased by 16 per cent after many years of very little growth. Staff costs are up by over a million pounds. The dismissal of the former Chief Executive has still not been resolved and no provision has been made for what a tribunal may award.
Reply to Question 2 (part 2) from Mr Michael Alldis
Yes, the Council and Executive and Finance Committee did agree the deficit. The deficit was due to planned investment in the Association to achieve our strategic objectives, plus a significant increase in the legal expense’s insurance premium at renewal in August 2019.
Prudent financial planning has allowed us to invest previous surpluses when we have needed them to meet strategic objectives.
Staff numbers and costs are approved by Council in order to ensure the successful running of the Association. In 2019 this included a number of temporary roles – in particular, political officers in the run up to the general election.
(No provision is required to be made regarding to any legal cases – but I do not intend to answer this part of the question).
Question 2 (part 3) from Mr Michael Alldis
2. Lead – gross lack of consultation. What will this cost BASC in lost membership?
Reply to Question 2 (part 3) from Mr Michael Alldis
Reactive and rearward-looking policies will not save shooting for future generations. BASC Council is elected to set the strategic direction of the Association and, in this case, with the eight other signatory organisations we are providing leadership in the aspiration to transition from lead shot and single use plastics for live quarry shooting within five years.
Yes, there has been a small dip in membership, but we have also seen new members who agree this demonstrates true leadership and will help secure shooting’s future.
Question 3 from Mr John Harlow – Chairman, Holbeach & District Wildfowlers Association
1. Wildfowlers are the historic guardians of BASC and we find ourselves at the forefront of threats to our sport through the consenting process with Natural England and further restrictions on our ammunition. Will Council agree not to further erode our sport by the imposition of adaptive harvest management without first allowing it to be fully discussed AND agreed by the Wildfowl Liaison Committee?
Reply to Question 3 from Mr John Harlow
Threats to shooting are faced across all disciplines and in many guises.
It is recognised that wildfowlers are often the first line of defence against attacks on shooting; restrictions imposed on wildfowling could easily affect other disciplines in the future. It is for this reason BASC is working proactively to ensure we are well placed to deal with such threats – only yesterday Council agreed significant financial and legal commitment to ongoing appeals against NE decision making.
Part of the broader wildfowling portfolio is fully understanding the practicalities, pros and cons of schemes like adaptive harvest management (AHM).
BASC has been discussing the concept of AHM for at least three years. It has been discussed at length during the last two Wildfowling Liaison Committee (WLC) meetings and the minutes of these meetings are available on request.
At the WLC meeting on 8 Feb 2019, a recommendation was made for BASC Council to fully explore AHM. A report produced by BASC’s Head of Science was circulated to WLC for comment. No comments were received. BASC Council has supported the requirement to fully explore all permutations of AHM.
There is a drive from AEWA for AHM to be brought in across the flyway. It would be remiss of BASC to not recognise the possibility that such a scheme could be forced upon us in the future or that it could offer solutions that allow us to continue to sustainably take legitimate wildfowl species instead of species being removed from the quarry list. The system has already been used to increase the harvest of greylag geese in Scotland – AHM can work in in our favour, an extension to a season to allow a greater harvest is just one such example.
WLC will continue to be engaged on this topic. BASC needs to work across all levels to ensure we act in the best possible way to protect the sport, today and for the future.
Question 4 from Mr David Stewart
1. 1. Over the last couple of years there has been a welcome increase in references in BASC’s member material to BASC’s conservation role and activity. What is the overall conservation goal of the society: how will we know that the goal has been achieved? And what contribution can the ordinary grassroots member make to help achieve that goal?
Reply to Question 4 from Mr David Stewart
BASC produced a conservation strategy for the organisation which was signed off by Council in September 2019 and is available on the website. It set BASC’s ‘Conservation Vision’: To have inspired every shooter to enhance their environment; and ‘Conservation Mission’: Enhancing the environment through sustainable sporting shooting
BASC’s strategic aims for conservation
BASC’s key strategic aims for 2020-2025 are part of a long-term commitment by the organisation for sustainable sporting shooting to deliver public benefits through increased biodiversity and habitat management, and produce a sustainable supply of healthy game meat.
The key conservation strategic aims are:
• Sustainable ammunition
• Sustainable management of quarry species
• Eradication of wildlife crime
• Net gain in natural capital from sustainable sporting shooting
Each of the key strategic aims are underpinned by action plans which show how BASC intends to take these areas of work forward. Individual members can support the organisation’s key strategic aims by moving to the use of sustainable ammunition, supporting the zero tolerance statement on raptor persecution, ensuring that they follow the GWCT Guidance for Sustainable Gamebird Releasing, and undertaking work to enhance the habitat on their shoots.
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The CEO stated that it is important to answer the questions that members have put forward and challenge the Association, challenge our decisions and support our objectives through the Council decision making and I hope that I have answered the details that were proposed.
The CEO handed over to the President, Lord Dear
3. President’s address
“Can I start off first of all by saying that this is my third AGM as President and, to repeat what I said before, it is a very great privilege for me to maintain that office. I am grateful for your support in supporting me as your President. And the counter point of that is, that in the many things that I do, in various fields in public life, I get more enjoyment and a greater sense of fulfilment I think from the work with BASC than I do with almost any of the others.
“The CEO talked about change and you only have to look out of the window or look at your newspaper or turn on the television to know, had you missed it, that we are in an era of enormous change, enormous challenge and of course the foremost one that effects all of us in one way or another is coronavirus. Although, I want to touch on other challenges and changes in a moment.
“In the question of coronavirus, it could have brought down many organisations bigger and longer established than BASC. And my first comment is a word of thanks and very fulfilling word of thanks to the Chairman and to members of Council who have handled this crisis so very well. We’ve come out of it, or are coming out of it, I think very well. And because of that I pay that tribute.
“A particular word of thanks to the CEO and staff, and all the people at the Mill and elsewhere in the country who have done so much of the detail to do with coronavirus. A very fulsome word of thanks to all of them from me. I think you have done a brilliant job and are continuing to do that. And we will continue of course to try and do what I wrote about in one of the issues in our magazine a few months ago, to protect the key workers, as I think I called them. And I think most of you will know who I mean by that; the keepers, the ghillies, the stalkers, the people in the retail trade who rely on shooting as an essential part of their life and the way they run their business. They could have so easily gone out of business and some have of course, sadly. But we should do everything we can as members to support them and ensure their wellbeing as we look at our own situation and wonder where our sport is going.
“So where is our sport going? Well there are problems and many of the problems have been problems we have addressed in the AGM, in my time and in the past. And I make no apologies for repeating those. Medical reporting is but one of the three that I want to mention. Medical reporting is still there, and I do not know how it will end. We have a police service which is at odds with itself and cannot come up with a national policy that makes sense. And some forces are taking a line which I feel is totally unsupportable. We have the Home Office who typically, I have to say, are proving no leadership of any consequence at all on that. And of course, we have medical professionals which on the fringes vacillate from trying to make a great deal of money out of the membership all the way through to those who want nothing to do with shooting at all and refuse to grant certificates. All of that is an issue which has exercised the minds and the activities of the staff at the Mill for a long time and I fear will continue to do so because I don’t see a quick end to this. But we shall do our best as your Association to come up with a solution that is fair and equitable.
“The issue of lead shot, the CEO has already mentioned that and I endorse entirely. Steel shot is going to come in. Steel shot will be here in the years to come and I think we would be very wise as membership of an organisation like this to move to steel shot or similar as quickly as we can. And in doing that we enhance our conservation credibility, which I ought to mention again in a moment. We advance that and are seen to be an organisation which is willing to be at the forefront of change rather than being dragged, as it were, kicking and screaming into the future. And lastly, an issue which does not affect many of our members and that is the persecution of raptors. As an example, it is largely grouse moors as we know which are the focus of tension on this. And yet there is no doubt in my mind that one relatively small issue, although serious as it is in terms of raptor conservation, small in terms of the overall shooting agenda, can cause enormous damage to us as a shooting organisation and as members of it.
Because there is no doubt in my mind, that sitting as I often do in the centre of machinery of government in Westminster, no doubt in my mind that shooting, if you pardon the analogy, is very much in the cross hairs of public opinion. We are living in very strange and I think really quite worrying times. You only have to look at the way in which Black Lives Matter has taken off and the fringe elements that are now supporting it. Putting to one side the awfulness of the incident in the USA that sparked it all off, the tearing down of statues and the demands, and sometimes quite outrageous demands, on the coat tails of that is something that society has only just woken up to and is not at all sure of how to handle. You have got the total, I call it cluster, approach of smash everything. Everything that was once cherished and accepted is now there to be challenged.
“You’ve only got to look at the way in which free speech is now under very grave threat – generally, in the media and certainly in the universities – to ask yourself what is going on? Well I don’t know what is going on, except that I am absolutely sure that the organisations like ours cannot automatically expect an umbrella of protection from parliament and from government. Government and parliament will be swayed by public opinion. And if there is a strange current running through public opinion which is to challenge absolutely everything that once stood as something that was unassailable, then shooting is going to be, as I’ve said just now, right there in the cross hairs. Because in so many people’s minds, shooting is equivalent to slaughter. Shooting and slaughter go very cleanly/neatly together for those who oppose what we are doing. And yet shooting as the CEO has already mentioned, and I make no apologies for coming in on his coat tails for this, shooting and conservation, the two essential words in the title of our organisation, shooting and conservation are critical. So, what can we do as members to reinforce that?
“Well there is a lot we can do. But I think there are three things that I would put in this very short address to you today.
“For a start, the shooting code is there to be adhered to. It was the subject of great debate as it was being fashioned but it has stood the test of time. It is absolutely essential for the wellbeing of shooting, the wellbeing of membership and the wellbeing of the environment that we all adhere to it.
“I think we should speak out when raptor persecution and illegal activities occur. Speak out! And say quite openly that this is nothing to do with us, we deprecate it, we do not support it, it is not what we stand for. I’ve pinched for myself I suppose, the old Tony Blair vision of three messages for education, when I say ‘education, education, education.’ I make no apologies for the pun. I think so far as this organisation is concerned shooting sits side by side with conservation, conservation and conservation. And that way, we can do what we can to put a balanced view in front of those who would seek to curb or destroy the sport that all of us at this meeting subscribe to.
“So, I conclude really with not warm words of everything is okay in this particular garden, because I don’t think it is. But my thanks go to the membership for supporting BASC so very warmly. It is a great organisation, a very well-run organisation, and one of the biggest organisations in the western world in this particular field and I think we should all take pride in being members of it.
“I wish all of the membership well and thank all of the membership for their support and their understanding. And during these very difficult times, for their tolerance for what we are all trying to do. I think overall, against the backdrop of what I’ve said about the challenging times, if we keep our heads and if we go forward sensibly, I think in the end we are going to come through. But it’s going to be difficult and I think we are very fortunate to have a Chairman, the Council, CEO and the staff to help us to do that. I conclude by saying good luck and good shooting.”
4. Chairman’s address – BASC Council’s report on the Association
“Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, most in our community will be keenly aware that shooting sports have never faced so many challenges on so many fronts. Indeed, some have no doubt imagined that the final redoubt will soon be within sight, except that this is by no means reflected by the reality on the ground; BASC has never before conducted operations in so focused and strategic a manner. We are a small but highly professional and dedicated organisation which punches well above its weight in multiple arenas as the President has already touched upon. I would like to add to that the combined strength of our sister organisations, and the effect is a united front whose mindsets and actions could not be further from those of gradually shrinking defence.
“The days of reactivity are numbered. We are now entering the over-the-horizon era – an era in which the focus shifts to ensuring our treasured way of life is both available and appealing to those who come after. If, as we believe it is, the survival of shooting beyond our generation is important to our community, then it is the duty of our representative organisations to lead the way.
“BASC and its allied organisations’ aspiration to transition away from lead shot for live quarry shooting within five years is but one facet of this. We and our allies realise we cannot force a single shooter or manufacturer to transition away from lead shot. Nor, for that matter, can we force anyone who persecutes protected species to stop doing so, but what we can do is drive cultural change, change which will ensure the self-regulating, law-abiding shooting community is master of its destiny rather than the servant of legislators without sympathy for the survival of our way of life. Some among us may construe this as surrender, that their organisations have given up the fight; on the contrary, if we exhaust precious resources fighting for the indefensible, eventual surrender is inevitable. By identifying and eliminating the very few chinks in shooting’s armour well in advance of our opponents, we prevail. If the only argument left to the antis is that they simply don’t care for who we are or what we do, we prevail. With BASC’s increasingly focused approach naturally comes a leaner, more strategic budgeting model than in previous years and the CEO touched upon this earlier. This is reflected in BASC’s latest accounts, which demonstrate both financial health and capital efficiency. Members can be assured that their subscriptions are resourcing the right activities in the right areas at the right time. Put simply, if it doesn’t help to protect shooting, we don’t do it.
“It therefore gives me enormous pleasure to announce that today BASC is launching a new legal fighting fund for shooting and conservation. This fighting fund, which is the first of its kind, is designed to make a significant contribution to the promotion and protection of shooting and its benefits to the rural environment. The fighting fund is being established with a seven-figure sum from the Association and will be ring-fenced for proactive legal initiatives to benefit shooting and its contribution to the countryside. In addition, the fund will assist BASC in mounting legal challenges when shooting and conservation are threatened.
“We are now seeing a growing trend of disputes about shooting and conservation being taken to the courts rather than being resolved by co-operation and consultation. BASC will always take the offensive to meet such legal challenges whether they come from government, overly risk-averse police forces or anti-shooting organisations. Indeed, we are already fighting cases in England and Wales, with other potential cases in the wings. Being heard by the court depends on the ability to fund these actions and, thanks to the generosity of our members and sound financial management, BASC has the means to do so. This fighting fund gives us the dedicated financial teeth and muscle to make sure that shooting can take effective legal action whenever it’s required.
“Everything BASC undertakes is geared to protecting shooting now and for generations to come. That is our overarching purpose. Our staff are dedicated, professional, passionate and extremely hard-working. Behind them stands BASC’s democratically elected Council, ordinary members who have stepped forward to represent you and shape strategy. Your membership buys much more than insurance, representation and advice; it is your important contribution to ensuring the sport continues to thrive. Without this BASC family, shooting is considerably weakened.
“I am delighted to inform you, therefore, that our membership continued to show positive growth through 2019. This boosted BASC’s membership income by some £625k – a clear demonstration of the confidence placed in us by new and existing members. But what is this down to? Some of the many direct member benefits developed further by BASC in 2019 included:
• The further expansion of member training and education events.
• The augmentation of our member benefits portfolio. During 2019, for instance, our offers on vehicles saved members a staggering £5.4m across 23 different manufacturers.
• We’re also constantly looking at members’ value for money and we found the firearms licensing legal expenses insurance package to be wanting in this regard, with only 1 in 1,000 members making a claim and only 1 in 2,000 members having their cases taken up, at an annual (and rising) cost of £1million to BASC. This was clearly unacceptable.
• Although not an easy call, Council decided it was right to withdraw this element of the membership package which the vast majority of members will never use.
• Of overriding importance to us is the fact that BASC’s membership package is one of the most competitively priced, even though our insurance package remains the most comprehensive.
“In the wider context of 2019, the Association also invested its income and some of its reserves to support delivery against its strategic objectives. Some examples included:
• The expansion of political and public engagement, with particular emphasis on general licences and the protection of shooting.
• Investment of around £1million in specialist staff focused on:
o Promoting and improving access to shooting
o Training and education
o Championing game as food
o Boosting our social media presence and resources to improve member awareness and educate the wider public about the benefits of shooting
o Expanding UK-wide political engagement
o The establishment of a new Eastern England regional team
• Supporting the British Game Alliance financially and by providing expertise and knowledge to help them grow and succeed.
• Investment of £106k of legacy funding in projects such as Let’s Learn Moor, launching the BASC Scholarship programme and the osprey conservation project in northern England.
• Launching a new website to improve information quality and delivery to members.
“None of this is possible without you, the members. BASC’s strength lies in the breadth and loyalty of our membership and we are extremely grateful for the faith that you continue to place in us. Let us, with you the members, continue to take the sport forward and make our grandchildren’s grandchildren proud of what we did to ensure their place in the field.”
5. Council elections
Independent Scrutineer Simon Starkie addressed members to announce the results for 2020.
There were ten candidates for two national seats and one uncontested candidate for Northern Ireland.
Simon Starkie confirmed that 5,214 votes were received from valid voters and were cast in the following order as they appeared on the ballot sheet.
• Duncan Greaves – 1,126
• Karl Waktare – 680
• Mike Madgwick – 553
• Paul Mayfield – 601
• Mark Shillito – 860
• Ann Mortimer – 2,530
• David Fry – 690
• Al Gabriel – 1,500
• Geoffrey Burgess – 529
• Martyn Jones – 1080
Simon Starkie stated that he therefore declared Ann Mortimer and Al Gabriel duly selected for two national seats and Oliver McCullough duly elected for Northern Ireland.
6. Obituaries
The CEO read out the obituaries:
Jack Charlton OBE, Mr J Wardell, Mr Clive Rogers, Mrs Kim Chesworth, Mr Leonard Collins, Mr J Ashbrook, Mr Roger Lindop, Sir Henry Riley, Mr A Thomson, Mr A Spicer, Mr Gary Smith, Mr C Witt, Mr Geoff Cook, Mr Harvey Harman, Mr D Ausobsky, Mr Paul Taylor, Mr John Kidd, Mr James Jennings, Mr J Hewins, Mrs Katharine Robinson, Mr David Dance, Mr Dominic Brown, Mr Peter Anderson, Mr Rod Coult, Mr Ivan Haynes, Mr M Funnell, Mr Peter Elliott, Mr Ron Rollason, Mr Keith Morley, Mr F Allen, Mrs B Willmington, Mr A Marsh, Mr J Dobney, Mr J Gittens, Mr Kenrick Barter, Mrs Helena John, Mr John Gorman, Mr Christopher Rooke, Mr P Cooper, Mr Jonathan Wood, Mr F Howsam, Mrs Elizabeth Bennett, Mr I Pritchard, Mr Steven Masters, Mr Ken Hocking, Mr Nigel Steele-Mortimer, Mr Tristram Turton.
The CEO asked all to observe a short period of silence to remember our fellow shooters and members.
7. Results
Simon Starkie, independent scrutineer, announced the results as follows;
Resolution 1
Adoption of the financial statements: 37 for; 0 against; 1 abstained
Duly carried
Resolution 2
Appointment of auditors: 37 for; 0 against; 1 abstained
Duly carried
Resolution 3
BASC Committees: 36 for; 2 against; 0 abstained
Duly carried
Resolution 4
Election of Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown as a Vice President: 38 for; 0 against; 0 abstained
Duly carried
8. AGM closure
The BASC Chairman thanked everyone for attending the AGM. He confirmed this concluded the AGM and passed on his congratulations to re-elected Council members and the new elected Council member.