Proposed by: Daniel Weir – Seconded by: Morwenna Fowler

The AGM Notes

1) LHFC’s Constitution was written in order to facilitate the merging of the unincorporated club with the incorporated club. Accordingly it was intended for a smaller membership.

The AGM Believes

1) The general meeting quorum rules at present require too few members (the greater of 3 people or 5% of the member base) to be reflective of the full membership base.

The AGM Resolves

1) That the quorum for general meetings should be increased to 12 members or 10% of the total membership.

2) That clause 11.5.b of LHFC’s Constitution should be amended to as to read:

“Subject to the following provisions, the quorum for general meetings shall be the greater of 10% or twelve members. An organisation represented by a person present at the meeting in accordance with sub-clause 7 of this clause, is counted as being present in person.”

Proposed by: James Tamplin – Seconded by: Dan Weir

The AGM Notes:

1) That LHFC has increased its fees only once since 2016, and that if they had kept pace with inflation a class would now be £20, but that wages have not kept pace with inflation either.

2) That the typical cost of an instructed class at a gym in central London is often £20 for an hour’s instruction, but that most gyms are commercial enterprises, not charities.

3) That LHFC must occasionally raise its prices due to rising costs, but nonetheless has an obligation to keep its prices as low as possible, so as to remain accessible to as broad a range of people as possible.

4) That many organisations offer concessionary prices based on an honour system.

The AGM believes:

1) That many members would be willing and able to pay a higher price for classes.

2) That raising the price of classes for everyone nonetheless would risk some members no longer being able to attend.

3) That an honour-system approach represents the best interests of the club, since it would not force anyone to pay a higher price than they currently pay.

The AGM resolves:

1)That the standard price of an LHFC class should be increased from £17.50 to £20.

2) That the current £17.50 price should become a discretionary concession tier.

3) That a discretionary donation tier of £22.50 per class should be introduced. 4) That it should be up to individual attendees to determine which tier they can afford to pay.

Proposed by: James Tamplin – Seconded by: Dan Weir

The AGM Notes:

1) That LHFC’s annual membership fee has not been increased since it was introduced and that had it kept pace with inflation it would currently be about £36.

2) That similar membership subscriptions are much more expensive, but typically come with more perks than are offered by LHFC.

3) That LHFC must occasionally raise its prices due to rising costs, but nonetheless has an obligation to keep its prices as low as possible, so as to remain accessible to as broad a range of people as possible.

4) That many organisations offer concessionary prices based on an honour system.

The AGM Believes:

1) That the membership fee should be increased to above the rate required by inflation such that further increases are not needed for some time.

2) That a concessionary rate should be introduced but that this rate should still reflect the impact of inflation since the club was founded.

3) That a premium rate is not appropriate for club membership as members can make donations through other channels should they wish.

The AGM Resolves

1) That LHFC’s annual membership fee should be increased to £40 per year.

2) That a concessionary rate of £30 per year should be introduced.

3) That it should be up to individual attendees to determine which tier they can afford to pay.

Proposed by: Kelsey Dame – Seconded by: Daniel Weir

The AGM Notes:

1) That LHFC relies heavily on the voluntary labour of its members to operate, but has only ever offered grants to instructors, and these only sporadically.

2) That the instructor grants system was developed when the club was much smaller, with fewer instructors and active volunteers.

3) That those donating to fundraising campaigns are likely to expect the funds to be used to benefit the club as a whole, rather than individual members, even when donations are unrestricted.

The AGM Believes:

1) That the good will of members should not be taken for granted.

2) That developing the means to compensate members is for the good of the club.

3) That so far as possible, members should be compensated from the club’s regular income rather than from donations.

The AGM Resolves

1) That the incoming 2025-26 Committee should prioritise the creation of a fair rewards system for all volunteers, including instructors.

2) That this system must not prejudice the financial sustainability of the club.

3) That this system should not permit grants to be made from club reserve funds or from unrestricted donations.

Proposed by: Patrik Malve – Seconded by: Dan Powell

The AGM notes:

1. LHFC is similar in character to sports clubs and fitness clubs

2. Other clubs of a similar character have other revenue streams that LHFC is not making use of

The AGM believes:

1) Low impact, repeat revenue streams in use at other clubs could benefit LHFC, as they benefit other clubs

2) Proceeds from new revenue streams could be used to support other important objectives, such as compensating volunteers

The AGM resolves:

1) An investigation should be undertaken to identify alternative revenue streams in use at other sports clubs, not limited to HEMA

2) The investigation should include:

2a) determining the viability of renting (well ventilated!) lockers to members, for a monthly fee

2b) purchase or lease of a vending machine for placement in the hall

2c) reaching out to club membership for additional ideas or schemes they have seen work at other clubs

3) The investigation should conclude no later than the 31st of December 2025, with a written update via the newsletter to membership on findings, conclusions and potential options for further consideration