49 people attended the Society’s AGM, held on 2nd April 2024.
Chairman’s Report – Paul Miller thanked committee members for their work over the last year, particularly Carol Measham who was retiring from the committee and as Herald Editor. Also he thanked Grant Shaw, Mick Dawes and Shirley Yeomans and John Harrison for their contributions. Russell Gough, who resigned as secretary in October 2023 was also thanked for the great amount of work he did in that capacity. Finally, Paul thanked Sean and Ann from the Cantelupe Centre for all their help.
On a less happy note, the Chairman stated that due to age and declining numbers on the committee the time may soon come where the number of events and meetings and other work done on behalf of the Society as at present will not be possible and encouraged anyone who could spare the time to turn out and help with the bookstall at events or in any other way – we are now three committee members down, even allowing for a new member at this meeting. It is also hoped to arrange, subject to support from the membership, for at least one bus trip to an appropriate venue in the Summer.
Treasurer’s Report – Norma Brown reported that the Society’s finances remained in good order particularly as we had a good year for book sales, 2023 seeing this at over £2500. We had bought display banners, storage boxes, a new gazebo and a voice recorder and photographs from Andrew Knighton’s estate. Norma thanked Beverley Kilby, Vicky Langford and Grant Shaw for their work on the new and now fully functional website which was professionally set up. Norma also thanked John Harrison for his work as Auditor.
Annual membership subscription and charges for non-members – no changes to be made for 2025, subscriptions now having remained the same for many years.
Election of Chairman – Paul Miller was re-elected, there being no other nominations. Proposed by John Harrison and seconded by Lewis Hall.
Election of Secretary – this position was vacant and there were no nominations or names from the floor.
Election of Treasurer – Norma Brown was re-elected, there being no other nominations. Proposed by Frank Wilson and seconded by Chris Beardsley.
Election of other committee members – All members of the existing committee indicated that they were prepared to stand for re-election, apart from Carol Measham. Therefore, those nominated were Jim Davison, Beverley Kilby, Vicky Langford, Grant Shaw, Shirley Yeomans, Mick Dawes and Frank Wilson plus one new member (Dennis Kerry). Proposed en bloc by Lewis Hall and seconded by Lynette Baker.
Appointment of the independent examiner of the accounts – No nominations – to be arranged at a later date.
Appointment of new Charity Trustee – due to Russell Gough’s resignation there was a vacancy for a Charity Trustee – current trustees are Paul Miller, Beverley Kilby, Grant Shaw and Mick Dawes. Jim Davison was proposed by Lynette Baker and seconded by Frank Wilson. As there were no other nominations, he was elected.
