Roy suggested we email all clubs, to remind them all grants must be applied for before the event takes place. Copy this to the committee. Action Point Grant sub-committee appointed. Those nominated are Joan, Sandra, Garry, Roy, Jim and Jenny. We have previously used email to discuss grants and provide feedback on applications. It is proposed that we extend this and details of all grants will be emailed to the sub-committee, who will meet prior to the executive committee meeting to finalise recommendations.

- 9. Business Plan

1. Travel Fund. Joan outlined the business plan and explained how the travel bursary would work. And this was discussed in detail. We currently have at least two athletes in the area at Commonwealth/ Olympic standard. It is generally recognised that travel is a major factor in preventing some athletes being able to get the proper training at the correct level as they need. The 22p per mile figure was discussed and also the cap we place on travel within Scotland and within the UK. Sustainability of the travel fund is a concern and it is deemed preferable that we can benefit worthy individuals where money is a factor affecting their progress. The committee agreed to make this a major topic for discussion at the next meeting. Changes if any would be implemented next March. Formal approval from HC would of course be required. Future funding of the travel grant will also be discussed at a later date as will dealing with the reduction in funding from HC. The general terms of the travel Fund were unanimously approved. Jeannie Graham had asked to be informed of our proposal. £2000 from membership and £2000 from the excess in the sports fund to 1st be used to start the Fund. Start date April 2012. Proposed Margaret Paterson, Seconded Jim Hyslop.

2. Database. Alan Hoseason of Coaching Highland is in favour of our proposals. Plexus Media will allow us to charge a consultancy fee for other Sports Councils (7 in Highlands) to use the software. Coaching Highland would be prepared to take on the backlog of work necessary to enter all the information required onto the database for the other Sports Councils . The possibility exists to expand it and sell it on to the rest of Scotland. Jim requested that a facility be incorporated to allow the treasurer to maintain the accounts on the database, preventing duplicate downloading of information. Re -Document storage information – it must be possible to link documents to individual accounts and we need an online facility for making applications. Joan responded that this facility exists already on the database for administrator’s levels 1 and 2. All clubs will be requested to email copies of their constitutions, bank statements and accounts, in preference to sending paper copies. Jim pointed out that the key is that all the information is in one place. Margaret Farmer pointed out that we must still allow people to apply using paper copies as not everyone has internet access. Jim proposed we accept Alan Hoseason’s offer and there was general agreement.

3. Promotion of Bowling and Bowling Clubs. SALSC hold annual events. This year this is Ladies and Gents 50+ Outdoor Bowling Finals. RCSC funed in full, two four person teams at these events. The Ladies Finals is in Clachmanan this year and we are represented by St Duthus Bowling Club. The Gents competition is in Stranraer; our team is from Milton and District Bowling Club. SALSC decided to review which annual events they would hold. As yet this has not been done. Joan has questions about the amount of money going to these events. Comments have been made by local bowling clubs about the decline in the number of members. Margaret Farmer pointed out that when the SALSC annual event was held in Ross-shire a few years ago, only thirteen teams took part, the distance to travel affecting the willingness of teams from the rest of Scotland to take part. Despite the fact that there are more people involved in bowling in Scotland than taking part in any other sport, the member numbers are still declining. Sandra Gass said that despite trying to involve youngsters, the lack of parental support prevented many children taking up the sport. For adult volunteers, disclosures always seem to be a problem. Joan pointed out that Coaching Highland supplies child protection courses and that disclosures are generally free to sports groups. Margaret Farmer said that bowls in Tain are very seldom mentioned and some clubs are unwilling to have