Holsworthy AFC AGM 
President of the Football Club, Charles Cornish opened proceedings at his final meeting as President, retiring after many years from his position having already retired from various others in the Town to lessen his burden. He goes with the thanks of everyone connected with the Club for his sterling service over such a long time.
As his successor, Fred Prouse was proposed, seconded and unanimously elected by the members. Fred has been associated with the Club for more years than he would care to remember and there could be no more popular choice for the role. Chairman Barry Parrish gave his thanks to everyone especially the fund raisers whose efforts become more important every year. He made the point that significant sponsorship had not been renewed due to constraints upon local business and all income from the Magpie/RBL Club had ceased due to its own financial problems. 
 
On the pitch it was a difficult time but with largely the same playing squad that finished the season hopefully helped by local youngsters coming through to first team standard anticipation was high of an improvement this coming season. 




A new main Sponsor in Bob Wilson of Wilsons, the local Builder and other sponsorship deals with AW Bent Limited from Stratton and Holsworthy household cleaners Homeclean were welcomed. 

Plans for works to the ground to provide new facilities have recently been publicised and are subject to agreement on planning consents, funding, new lease etc so some years work is needed. 

The first team won the Torridge Cup, the Second's the fair play award with only one booking all season (a remarkable performance) and the Under 14's took the Plate in their final.

The Secretary's report was put forward by Ivor Phillips attending his seventh meeting in 33 days at Club, League and County FA levels. Treasurer Becky Moore emphasised the financial difficulties of the last season but whilst the Club was a little strapped most other Clubs in the South West would give their right arm to be as sound as Holsworthy are intrinsically. It is a fact that they are stronger financially than almost every Club in the Football League, all that is lacking is a sugar daddy. If all Debtors paid up and depreciation was excluded, the Club would have almost broken even but in any event cash at the bank and assets far exceed any small shortfall. For all that, next season's costs need to be contained and all income avenues explored. the killer for football clubs is debt,Holsworthy AFC do not have a serious problem in that regard. The Club will not spend money it does not have.

Commercial Manager Tony Bayley reiterated the difficulty raising funds but bingo nights, race nights (one with Rotary) Wit and Wisdoms and 250 Club efforts all introduced income. All Football Club members on the Magpie/RBL Club Committee had resigned and nominations for their (essential) replacement will be made at the next Committee Meeting.
The Meeting closed with comments being made about the effect of the proposed development of the Old Showfield site. The Club had had discussions with the developers some while ago and it had been anticipated that the scheme would include facilities dedicated to the Football Club that this now appears not to be the case. Football Club involvement in the leisure facility is critical to the town as the Club runs many youth and children's teams and the main Upcott Field ground simply cannot cope with the demands placed upon it.

D.A. Clements