Meeting commenced 1230 hrs
Members in attendance : 41. In the chair: P. Nightingale
- Apologies for absence
Peter Hart, Nigel Lilleywhite,Steve Sellwood, Richard Powell,Roger Dunn,Ralph Savage, Ian Forbes, Anneka Burgess, Andrew Clark,Margaret dean, Brian Winchester
- Minutes of AGM held 26 October 2013
There being no matters arising, adoption of minutes proposed by P. Foss, seconded by T. Smith. Adopted nem con.
- Treasurer’s report
The Chairman announced that the accounts are in good order. The Treasurer had resigned, so the Society is looking for a new Treasurer and also an Auditor.
Adoption of the accounts was proposed by G Fairfax, seconded by Z Byrne. Adopted nem con.
G Fairfax suggested a vote of thanks to James Goatcher for carrying out the role of Treasurer since 2009: proposed R. Cole, seconded A Bransby. Carried nem con.
- Chairman’s report
Lord Mayor’s Show 2013; The Chairman began by thanking all the members of the Society who had provided support over the past year. He went on to congratulate those who had participated in the LMS 2013.
Lord Mayor’s Show 2014; He was looking forward to seeing the Bell Lyres take part again this year. He hoped that the weather would be better for the 2014 Show than it had been in 2013. The Corps for 2014 would be around 85.
Cutlers’ Sword; The Chairman congratulated the winner of the Cutler’s Sword: L/Cpl J Jones of the Yorkshire Regiment, and explained that he had been part of the selection Panel. He reminded the meeting that the applicants were judged on musical and military matters. He further explained that the format would be changing for 2015.
Richard Holmes Award; The Chairman announced that the winner of the award this year was Geoff Fairfax, who had contributed much to the Society, and to his own Corps, as well as the drumming world in general. There would be a profile in the next drummers Call.
Practice venue; The chairman thanked Maj. Gary Jupp and the cadets of the 131 Army Cadet Detachment (2RTR) for the use of the centre as a practice venue, and the Cadets would be receiving a donation of £200 each year from the Society.
Attendance; The Chairman expressed concern that attendance at Music Meetings had dropped off over the past few years. He appealed to member Corps to notify their engagements so that the liklihood of clashes could be minimised. Meeting dates for next year have been provisionally booked.
There was some discussion at this stage about the format of meetings: Jo Millward (Chesham) said it was important to support youngsters, but support had been promised in the past and then did not materialise (she mentioned in particular buglers who had turned up hoping for some instruction). There were problems with drummers not all playing the same thing – Jo offered to do some drumming tuition. Peter Foss said that all the music had been sent out to members, but it was possible that the recipients could not read music. The Chairman said that the meetings for next year would include instruction and practice on separate instruments.
Drummers Call; The Chairman appealed once again to Groups and Corps of Drums for articles and photographs: he knew there was much going on from reports on various websites. Tim Smith mentioned the site “Marching band UK” and suggested the Society announced itself there.
New members; Individuals: Mr anthony Plews, Mr R F Crookshank, Ms Lorraine Flett
Web pages; The site is doing well; the chairman asked for advance notification of forthcoming events so that those who might be interested were aware of what was happening in their area.
Election of Officers; With the exception of the treasurer, the existing Committee had all indicated their willingness to stand again:
Chairman: Peter Nightingale
Treasurer
Secretary: Christine Fairfax
Training and development: Maj Mike Hall
Senior Parade Drum Major: Geoff Fairfax
Music and training : Peter Foss
Editor, Drummers Call: Peter Hart
There being no other nominees, election of the Committee for 2014/2015 was proposed by Pat Barber and seconded by Tim Smith. Adopted nem con.
The Chairman conveyed his thanks to the Committee for all their help this year.
Appointment of Auditors; The Committee will expedite this without delay.
Additional matters notified by members; The Chairman raised the possibility of a Corps to go to Ypres in 2018. Pat Barber suggested contacting the Western Front Association.
Neil Byrne enquired whether there was a list of member Corps which could be used for contacts
Side Drummers should “ghost” if unsure of the music
Richard Cole said he and his sister were prepared to replace the society music folders.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 1315 hrs.