The Group held it’s Annual General Meeting on the 17th of November at St. Andrews Church.
The Agenda was proceeded with at a brisk pace with apologise for absence, a number of members were unable to attend, through to the minutes of theAGM2010 with Matters arising.
The Treasurer reported a small surplus for the year and spending of the Lottery Grant had started with the fitting of the Heritage Room cabinets, Projector and Screen for the Village Hall, Sound Recording Equipment, and Binding Tools & Accessories.
The Chairman, Jack Walker expressed his thanks to all the Groups Officers for their contributions throughout the past year. He was very pleased with the way the Group continued to progress not only as organisation committed to recording village history but as a social gathering as well.
Election of Officers was proposed and seconded en bloc as there were no nominations at this time. A new office was proposed, that of Researcher, Paddy Murfitt has already done so much work collecting field names it was felt his services would be invaluable to other areas as well particularly when it came to Mapping.
The Officers elected were:- Chairman- Jack Walker, Secretary- Pam Walker,
Treasurer- Ruth Marsters, Archivists- Pam Bullas, Webmaster- Janet Gough,
Researcher- Paddy Murfitt, Media & Reporting- Richard French.
After a great deal of discussion it was decided by a majority to increase the Annual Subscription to £15.00. At a previous Committee Meeting it was generally agreed that the subs had to be increased. Both Jack Walker and Richard French were in favour of making the increase to £15, both stated cases where similar organisations had failed owing to lack of funds. There was also the fact that had been no increase for the 5 years since formation, inflation reducing the value of subs and savings and the village hall hire would be a lot more once it re-opened. The Treasurer felt that a £5 increase was too much and might result in a loss of members so it was initially set at £12.50. per annum but the membership were in favour of a full £5 increase.
The Heritage Room is just about complete and once the builders have finished we can begin to furnish it and start placing in the archives that are at present in members homes or in storage.
A full programme for 2012 was thrashed out and there are to be some changes. There will be more occasions for “Round The Table Discussion” and some new speakers.
Last years outing failed but there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for one next year but closer to home. With that in mind Ely Cathedral was suggested and agreed too.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm with refreshments and members chatting among themselves until 9.30. Special thanks to Graeme Pressley our Churchwarden who has opened the Church for our use and helped with the refreshments throughout the time we have been using St. Andrews also thePCCfor allowing us to use the Church while the village hall was refurbished.
Group Social Evening.
Held at the home of Ruth & Cyril Marsters on Hilgay Road on the evening of the 8th. of December at 7.30pm. Members gathered for a buffet style supper with all the usual beverages. Not quite so many present this year which was perhaps better as it was getting a little overcrowded last time. Several members had previous engagements which included the Thursford Show and a Wedding Anniversary. This will not be a problem in the future as we will be back in the village hall soon. The evening closed at about 11pm when the last members went home. Thanks to Ruth & Cyril for hosting the event, yet again, generous with their hospitality and time over the past years. Very much appreciated by all the members and the highlight of our social calendar. I shall look forward to seeing you all again this month when our new programme opens on the 19th of f January.
New members welcome or just came along anyway and see the new hall.
Happy New Year.
Richard C. French.
West Dereham Heritage Group.
December 2011