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Report on the AGM – Sun 25 Apr
04 at Novotel Knebworth - by Bruce (in advance of Minutes or Newsletter!)
On a beautiful sunny Sunday towards the end of April, some
35 of the Society’s members gathered for the 2004 AGM.
Four of the longest-serving committee members (Ninetta Butterworth,
Mary Browning, Elizabeth Sharp and Jim Power, all full members) were
standing down from the committee, as well as John Campbell, our Treasurer
for the last 6 years. The
assembled members were unanimous in their appreciation
of their efforts and contributions.
Four new committee members were elected – Malcolm Coward (Full
Member), Glynis Mills and Jackie Henderson (both Associate Members, and
the coordinators for the Yorkshire Group and Watford Group respectively)
and Cathy Spearing (an active Friend from the south-west of the country).
Many of you will know Malcolm – he is a successful and renowned
equestrian artist who contributes a great deal to the development of our
members through his tutoring at SEA workshops across the kingdom (and
abroad). Glynis, Jackie and
Cathy are all keen to help our members in any way possible – if they
don’t know the answers to your questions, they’ll know someone who
does!
The AGM also
confirmed Margaret Curtis as our Secretary, and elected Chris Cottrell as
our new Treasurer.
Our Chairman’s
report (as well as the Treasurer’s) concentrated on the changing
financial aspects of the Society. Earlier
in the Society’s 25-year history the Annual Exhibition had been the
principal source of income in the year.
The use of the Mall Galleries last year, in response to the
non-availability of Christies and the overwhelming wishes of the members
to retain a prestigious venue in
London
for the Exhibition, had generated a net loss to the
Society. While such a loss was
sustainable at least for this, our Silver Jubilee year, many more
‘successful’ events like the 2003 Annual Exhibition would spell the
financial decline of the Society. The
committee would be reviewing options over the next year, for consideration
by the Society
I outlined the
current state of planning and preparation for the Silver Jubilee
Exhibitions in
London
’s Mall Galleries,
Newmarket
’s Palace House, and Glynis Mills summarised
Tadcaster’s Gallery 42 planning. Much
of the detail for the first 2 is in the January 2004 newsletter (with
entry forms), while the Gallery 42 information is elsewhere in this
newsletter.
The Regional Group
system was discussed – some are more active than others, but they all
depend on the enthusiasm and active energy of their coordinator.
The committee had some ideas to help stimulate the groups (and the
outgoing treasurer’s final point in his report was that we should spend
more money on encouraging the groups) – once these ideas have been finalized,
they will be incorporated into the Society’s new handbook, which was the
final main subject for discussion.
I outlined the
draft handbook which I have produced.
Stretching to some 22 pages, it covers not only the ‘standard’
stuff about Constitution, Byelaws, executive committee, promotion
procedures, etc, but has
specific guidance for members (especially group coordinators) on setting
up and running workshops, organising exhibitions, social events, and
managing group finances. A
full print run of some 500 for the membership would be more than the
Society’s finances can sensibly stand at the moment, but they will be
sent to the 15 group coordinators for their comments and suggestions, and
will also be published in electronic format on the website for any
interested member to download and print.
Sitting quietly
throughout the meeting was someone not known to many of those present –
David Gell had come along as possible new Chairman to replace Caro Skyrme
in September! He had wanted to
get a feel for the Society before committing himself, and I’m happy to
say that the AGM didn’t put him off!
He and Caro are now working on a transition plan!
(A final plea –
if you have any information on events or activities which you think would
be of interest to the Society’s members, please let me have it
for the website – I can’t publish it if I don’t have it!)
Bruce
(afternote - the
panel of 9 Full Members reviewed the portfolios of a number of Associate
Members for promotion as a result, Judith Ingram and Margaret Barratt are
now Full Members - congratulations to both!)
webmaster@equestrianartists.co.uk
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