Annual General Meeting 2024

Annual General Meeting

To be held on Thursday, 28th March 2024
At 8:00pm, at Toot Hill Village Hall

As a member of the Group, you are invited to the 24th AGM.

We look forward to welcoming you to our AGM which will be held at Toot Hill Village Hall. We need a minimum number of attendees so would urge you to come along as this short meeting will be followed by a talk by one of our members, Jacquie Eykelbosch, who will give a talk entitled ‘Close to Home – Essex Artists and their Stories’. There will also be tea/coffee and hot cross buns/biscuits to follow.

Agenda

1. Welcome and apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of previous AGM held on 23rd March 2023 (copy attached).
3. Matters Arising.
4. Reports
   1. Chairman’s Report: Martyn Lockwood

      I must apologise to you, firstly for my absence from the AGM. Some of you are aware that I am currently in the Lister Hospital at Stevenage. Secondly for the delay in issuing the March newsletter. It will be sent out as soon as I return home and can get access to my computer.

      I think we have had a good year with interesting speakers. In May we visited Copped Hall, Epping for a very enjoyable guided tour of the mansion to see the progress they are making.

      I would like to thank members of the Committee for their support. If you would like to help, please let me know. I look forward to your continued support in 2024.

   2. Secretary’s Report: Jane Adair

      During 2023 all 8 meetings were held at Toot Hill Village Hall and were well attended. We had interesting talks provided by 5 speakers from the Group and a further 3 external speakers increased the variety of talks. Additionally, in May we also held an Awayday at Copped Hall, Epping.

      Our AGM was held in March at Toot Hill Village Hall where 17 members attended which ensured we could be quorate for the meeting to go ahead.

      Additionally, we held 2 Committee Meetings, one in August 2023 at Anne Brooks’ house and the other in February 2024 at my house. We would welcome anybody who would like to join the Committee so please do approach any Committee Member if you would like to join us.

      I would like to conclude with my thanks to my fellow Committee Members and that we can all look forward to another interesting year of talks.

   3. Treasurer’s Report: Andrew Smith

      Approval of draft accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023. Please see attached Receipts and Payments Account and Treasurer’s Report.

      Proposed/Seconded

5. Subscriptions for the year beginning 1st April 2024.

   It is recommended that the membership fee remains at £15.00 individual and £30.00 for family membership. It is also recommended that the entrance fee remains at £2.00 for members and will also remain at £5.00 for visitors. At the AGM and Christmas this will also remain at £2.00 for members and £5.00 for visitors.

   Proposed/Seconded

6. Election of Committee.

   The Constitution requires one Committee member for every 10 members (para. 6.1). The following Committee Members have offered themselves for re-election and the Executive Committee recommends:

   • Chairman: Martyn Lockwood
   • Treasurer: Andrew Smith
   • Secretary: Jane Adair
   • Other Members: Anne Brooks, Peter Moring, Elaine Smith, Jackie Pepper

   Proposed/Seconded

7. Programme for 2024: A full programme of speakers for the year 2024/25 has been agreed.
8. Any Other Business: This should be communicated to the Secretary before the meeting.
9. Date of next Annual General Meeting: 27th March 2025.

Secretary:
Jane Adair