AGM Minutes
This year's AGM was held in the exclusive Brick Lane Brasserie. Thanks to Paddy McGuirk for organising.
1. The team congratulated P.McGuirk for his outstanding organisation of the Gala Dinner and Champagne reception. These reflected the Strollers' status as a long term institution.
2. The team invited several latecomers to consume a selection of fitting beverages, accompanied by light hearted renditions of several cricketing favourites (including the Zimbabwean anthem Zulu Warrior). H Brace dribbled and ranted incoherently, while pouring red wine on members of the team.
3. The team graciously accepted apologies from J Allen and T Fletcher for the late arrival of their Eurostar, and permitted them to consume the cold leftover curry. Several members argued that the two need not pay for this privilege, but they insisted on putting club before selves.
4. A series of witty speeches were delivered about the 2004 season, interrupted only by the occasional polite titter or supportive round of applause. Awards were announced for Player's Player (Rob Tinline), Magic Moment (Luke Fletcher) and Player (Tom Fletcher). As in previous years, memorable prizes were distributed. The team paused to reflect on these individual successes and to congratulate those concerned for their contribution. The team lingered on having won their first overseas tournament, and having seen off Cowden, albeit in controversial circumstances. Low points of the season were also mulled over, with P McGuirk drawing special praise for his 75% duck record. R Tinline exhibited his Players Player.
5. The incoming fixtures secretary circulated next year's highlights (list below). Incoming captain D.McAndrew read these out several times, before standing on the table so that the rest of the restaurant could hear, and collapsing to the ground in a pile of glass and cold korma. A lively debate ensued as to whether G Winter or D Cross (a former Stroller) would be the first player to reach 11 lifetime runs. H Brace offered several diners his views on their sexual preferences.
6. Finances. Members apologised to T Fletcher for having failed to yet pay for either last year's new kit, nor the Brussels bus ride. Those implicated intended to do so urgently.
7. The team congratulated the outgoing captain on an outstanding season, with four tours and an unprecedented record of played 5, won 4. The captain modestly turned down the several thoughtful momentos that the team offered in recognition of his services/financial outlay.
8. The meeting adjourned to a nearby hostelry, where H Brace led the interaction with several potential scorers. D McAndrew was ejected, but the team made the case for his re-entry. H Brace was gently asked to leave by a doorman. The team discussed at length whether to repeat the case for re-entry, but the motion was unanimously rejected. Members gradually dispersed into the night.
Parasan Legbreakalotathan
The Bengal