Euro2 Meeting 13-16 May 1999 - RT2 Reykjavik

Minutes of Presidents Meeting

Saturday, 15 May 1999

99.01  Preliminaries

The Meeting started at 16.15hrs and was chaired by Torfi Leifson  the President of the hosting Table RT2 Reykjavik.

Present for the meeting were a maximum of two voting delegates from:  RTBI, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands and Poland.

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed the Euro2 delegates.  He said that he was happy that so many delegates were present but would have liked to also see more delegates and particularly from RT2 Linz, the previous year‘s hosts.  He then asked each to introduce himself stating his position within Round Table.

99.02  Reykjavik Program

All delegates felt that RT2 Reykjavik had prepared an excellent program and it was evident that a lot of work had been done. The Program represented excellent value for money. It was also commented that  the Programs get better and better every year and that next year Cyprus have a hard act to follow.

RTBI and France said that the pre-tour prepared  by Reykjavik was an excellent idea.  Delegates agreed that the pre-tour should become a standard feature of future Euro2 Meetings.  Cyprus indicated  that they planned to hold a pre-tour.

The Chairman remarked  that yet again registrations came in very late.  This made  their work more demanding and made the finalization of the  program extremely difficult. Earlier registrations was strongly  encouraged since this will benefit everyone.

 99.03  Euro2 Dates Questionnaire

In the 1998 Linz Euro2 Meeting it was agreed that  the Secretary will ask each European Round Table 2 for their preferred dates when to hold the Euro2 Meeting: The results of this questionnaire were distributed and discussed.  Cyprus indicated that their preferences would be a weekend in May. The main conclusions that emerged from the questionnaire  were that the European RT2 Tables which do not normally attend the Euro2 Meeting  (which is traditionally held on the Ascension Weekend in May) indicated that the Euro2 Meeting clashes with or is too close to the ‘Ports’ Meeting and various AGM's.  As a result most of these suggested  moving the Euro2 Meeting to a weekend in September.

A discussion followed during which concern was shown that moving the Euro2 Meeting to September may negatively effect current attendees.  In addition this may still not guarantee that the RT2 members that attend the ‘Ports’ meeting  will then also attend the Euro Meeting. It was pointed out that when the Euro2 Meeting was held in August, there was only one couple attending from Tables involved in the ‘Ports’ meeting. In view of the above it was decided that for the moment the Euro2 Meeting will continue to be held in May with the Ascension Weekend being the preferred date.

99.04  Euro2 Secretary

On a proposal by the Chairman supported by France and Luxembourg the Meeting re-appointed Tony Zahra as Secretary who accepted, saying that that was one sure way to make him  go to Cyprus.

99.05  Euro2 in 2000

Cyprus as the indicated organizers of the 2000 Euro2 Meeting, gave an outline of their program.  They said that although it will be possible to hold the meeting during the Ascension Weekend it will not be the best date due to a major Trade Fair being held on those dates in Cyprus.  In view of decision taken on the Euro2 dates (see above 99.03) it was agreed that the Euro2 Meeting will be held in the first or second weekend of May since both have a public/bank holiday. Cyprus will advise before the end of 1999 the exact dates for the Euro2 Meeting. An indicative Program was distributed: A ‘challenge’ for the best RT2 millennium banner is planned.  The pre-tour  plans include the possibility of cruise liner trip going to Cyprus/Egypt/Syria/Lebanon. Home hosting  will also be made available to make the event more attractive.  It was indicated  that the price will be competitive and the overall cost will not exceed 350 Euro which will include all beers and soft drinks but not white spirits (also, of course, this does not include the pre-tour). Following the presentation Cyprus was confirmed as the venue of the Euro2 meeting in 2000.  

99.07  Euro2 in 2001

At the Linz 1988 Euro2 President’s Meeting, Poland and Malta had shown an interest to host the 2001 Meeting whilst Luxembourg expressed an interest to host the 2002 meeting. After a brief consultation Malta indicated that it will not apply for the 2001 meeting but would apply for the 2002 meeting whilst Luxembourg indicated that they will not apply for the 2002 meeting but would apply  for the 2003 meeting. Poland made an informative and detailed presentation: the pre-tour will include a visit to Hitler's bunker, sailing, hunting and a ‘Solidarnosce’ tour. Gala dinner will be held at Arthur's Court. Their motto will be ‘we can do it’.  Poland were then approved as the venue for the 2001 meeting. As usual, final confirmation to be given in 2000 in Cyprus.

99.08  Other

a) RT2 Leeuwarden is to check the whereabouts of  the Euro2 trophy and present it next year in Cyprus..

b) The Euro2 Photo Album  which as customary was presented to RT2 Linz (the 1998 hosts) has not been received. RT2 Reykjavik is to contact RT2 Linz so that RT2 Reykjavik will be able to insert photographic highlights from the Euro2 Meeting and then pass it on to RT2 Cyprus in 2000.

c) It was suggested that contact should be made with Rome 2 which it was understood had been recently chartered.

d) Age Limit Rule: It was established that some Tables have retained the 40 year age rule while others have opted for the 45 year limit.  It was confirmed that a Table 2 can be represented at the President’s Meeting as long as that Table adheres to the rules of the respective Association of Round Tables in its country.

e) Hungary exhorted members to attend the June EMA  which was being held in Hungary.

f) It was agreed that henceforth the indicated maximum price for the Meeting (including beers, wine and soft drinks) will be denominated in Euro which was then fixed at 350 Euro.

There being no other business at 17.30hrs the meeting was closed.

_______________________                                         _________________________

 Euro2 Secretary                                                                               Euro2 Chairman     

Secretary:                  Tony Zahra,  3 Old Railway Sqr., B’kara  BKR12, MALTA.

                                Tel: +(356)492140,440875  Fax: +(356)493164.  E-Mail: first@maltanet.net