AGM May 20th 2009
President Roger Dye welcomed 36 members to the meeting. The minutes of the previous AGM were agreed, Apologies for absence were noted, and committee members made brief reports of their year's activities. Treasurer Geoff Robinson went through the Accounts noting that we had made a small surplus on the year, and that he would not be proposing a subs increase. Bill Chadband reported another successful Annual Exhibition. Frank Hutchinson noted that the WEB site was still our best publicity outlet, though he regularly informed magazines and local newspapers of events. Jill Hargreaves dealt with local publicity and the Displays we mount in the Library at the beginning of the Session, and prior to the Annual Exhibition. Social Secretary Colin Pickles reported a good trip to Lisbon, and thanked Tony Redford for organizing the Exhibition Dinner, and our end of the regular Lakes Weekend Competition against five other clubs. Bill Chadband reported seven editions of FOCUS covering 88 A5 sides and costing members £2.20 each. Now that all articles go on the WEB as soon as they are produced, and are archived there, the necessity for a paper version has been reduced. Several members had stated that they were happy not to receive the paper version, so Bill proposed to do a circular email to all members with an email address (and thus access to the WEB) inviting them to state (restate) their preferences. This would save the club money, but those who wished to get the paper copy would still receive one. Roger circulated the draft syllabus for information. He noted that the Digital evenings had held up well this session, and the PDI competitions had been well supported. Competition Secretary, Phil Riley thanked Barry and Roger for their help. He invited feedback on the judges. Jon Bawden noted that we needed judges to be encouraging to members whilst highlighting faults in an image. Jill Hargreaves keeps track of the club equipment on loan to members. If it is moved on it is important to let Jill know, else the last recorded member is held responsible.
Two resolutions were both agreed nem con. That the committee is authorized to change and publish the modified rules for the Annual Exhibition; and similarly that the committee is authorized to change and publish the changes to the rules for the Clubworker competitions.
Roger announced the final results for clubworkers of the year:
- Katie Garner = Best Intermediate worker
- Phil Riley = Best Slideworker
- Dorothy Redford = Best Printworker
- Alan Saunders = Club worker of the Year
Roger noted that being President and arranging one's own syllabus was hard work, but satisfying. He was pleased with the increased membership, but would like to have done better in the external competitions. His general approach was that we should lead, rather than follow, fashion. He was grateful to a hardworking committee for constant support, and for the backing of all our members.
He noted that Tony Rosevere and Joyce Streets were hoping for a rest from committee work. He was pleased to announce that Graham Johnston had agreed to be President elect. The President is appointed by the committee and he was willing with their consent to do a second year as President. Jill Hargreaves agreed to become membership secretary, with John Garner taking over as local Publicity man. With these changes the new committee was voted in.