NWEMF AGM 28th November 2020 by zoom
Present: Roger Wilkes, David Allen, Peter Syrus, Jenny Walsh, Bob Foster, Liz Richards, Cath Glazzard, Maire Gibson, John Huthnance, Rhoda Bramhall, Mark Bertinat, Ruth Stock, Averil Cox, Tim Gannicliffe, Mark Flinn, David Rowley, Elizabeth Silman, Morris Davies, Phil Parkinson, Diana McLean, Ann Herniman, Elizabeth Dodd, Clive Tolley, Sarah Young, Robert Johnson, Martin Steward, John Robinson, David Love, Beryl Kilpatrick, John Greenhalgh, Clive Walkley, Peter Wallis.
1. Apologies: Janet Evans, Joan Baxter, Alix Bryson.
The Chair thanked organisers of the preceding workshop with David Allinson, there seems to be an appetite for such online sessions.
2. Minutes of previous meetings: AGM proposed Jenny Walsh seconded Mark Bertinat accepted unanimously; EGM proposed Peter Syrus seconded Tim Gannicliffe accepted unanimously.
3. Matters arising none
4. Chairs Reports already published in Newsletter. We are all working under strange conditions and Committee haven’t been able to meet since early 2020 (foiled by transport problems). On behalf of NWEMF members Chair thanked Committee members for their service which has enabled NWEMF to keep going.
5. Treasurer’s Report and Accounts previously published in Newsletter, Martin noted 2019 a bit slimmer in number of workshops, a lot of cancellations due to poor sign up therefore Income and expenditure down. Workshop income balances costs which suggests our pricing is right. Accumulated balance slight increase. Hopefully 2021 will get back to normal and maybe we can spend more on tutors, have two for a workshop perhaps.
Joan Wess fund not touched this year.
Mark Flinn question: are workshops cancelled because of low numbers but musically viable?
Martin: this doesn’t happen, we don’t cancel because of financial considerations but having sufficient participants for each part.
Diana McLean commented: Reasons for poor attendance: difficulty travelling to venues eg no car/not driving in the dark; difficulty setting aside time during daylight hours; difficulty being sure will be able to attend until the last minute eg for caring responsibilities. Don’t know how to get round this maybe car sharing.
Possible online input either intro before a workshop or all online
David Allen proposed accepting the 2019 Accounts Tim Gannicliffe seconded unanimously accepted; the Chair thanked Martin for his work.
5a. Membership report from Bob Foster: current membership 131, last year 142 – difference typical of people leaving at renewal time because can’t get to meetings but once we restart workshops hopefully we’ll have people joining as has been the pattern in the past. The Chair thanked Bob
6. Workshops planned 2021/22 – info on website a bit out of date still show 6th Feb workshop which has definitely been postponed.
Usper workshop with Roger in April + AGM may still be able to go ahead but possibly not till summer.
Some workshops are pencilled in but everything is so uncertain firm decisions cannot be made and the Committee will make plans as they can.
7. Election of officers
Chair – current vacancy – Roger has been standing in since Tim had to withdraw.
Secretary – Ruth standing down as Secretary and from Committee, thanked by Chair. John Huthnance willing to take over provided he can stand down as Newsletter ed.
Treasurer – Martin willing to continue if re-elected
Chair – after discussion David Love volunteered, Mark Flinn & David Allen as former Chairs will offer support as needed. Proposed Jenny Walsh seconded Martin Steward elected unanimously.
Newsletter editor – Elizabeth Dodd former Committee member who has been in the role in past volunteered proposed David Allen seconded John Huthnance elected unanimously
Secretary – John Huthnance, proposed David Rowley seconded Morris Davies elected unanimously
Treasurer – Martin Steward proposed John Huthnance seconded John Robinson elected unanimously
8. Election of Committee Members:
Tim Gannicliffe
Peter Syrus
Jenny Walsh
Elizabeth Silman
Bob Foster
Proposed David Allen seconded Mark Bertinat, all elected unanimously.
David Rowley to contact Rob Kerr regarding his continued co-option.
AOB
Rhoda: online workshops appreciated, better to have quality workshops rather than quantity
Discussion regarding the desirability of more online sessions, even once we can meet, perhaps as an introduction to a face-to-face workshop. We could also explore evening sessions rather than Saturdays. Equally zoom committee meetings welcomed.
The meeting noted thanks to Roger for stepping in as Chair.
