Widgets

PRESENT: Colin Massey (Chairman), Stewart Aylward, Paul Balmer, Rex Butler, Andrew Cordery, Michael Dufton, Mike Hill, Michael Leek, Tony Mason (Secretary), Richard Sharp

APOLOGIES: John Williams, John Gerrard

CO-OPTIONS TO COMMITTEE: Stewart Aylward and John Gerrard were co-opted to the committee as Webmaster / Communications Officer and Room Steward respectively.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Held on 4th October 2021 were approved.

MATTERS ARISING: None

1. OFFICER’S REPORTS

CHAIRMAN          Colin announced that, the Mercia Probus Club had been wound up and the remaining assets had been distributed to 3 local charities.

VICE CHAIRMAN        Nothing to report.

TREASURER        Michael presented accounts to date together and noted that 54 members had paid subscriptions and 10 had not.  Room hire £60 (including £45 relating to last year) and speaker fees £70.  The gratuity cheque for the Annual Lunch has not been presented.

PROGRAMME SECRETARY       Richard thanked Andrew for support with setting up the external speaker on a Zoom link last week (speaker had tested positive for Covid).  Roy had given Colin a memory stick with an emergency quiz which he will pass to Richard.

EVENTS SECRETARY        Mike gave resume of the trips he is organising and the numbers signed up for them.  The Javelin waste disposal trip on 22 June is now full.  He said the cost of a coach is now £450 so this is significant if not many going.

EQUIPMENT STEWARD         Rex said batteries are costing £1 per meeting and suggested using rechargeable ones.  Agreed that Mike H would speak to Paul Clark about AFCC doing this.

MEETING STEWARD        Paul said he has a list of people who need a badge but doesn’t know how to print them.  Stewart offered to help.

ROOM STEWARD        Nothing to report.

WELFARE OFFICER        In John’s absence, concern was expressed that some of our more vulnerable members may have felt lonely as a result of keeping safe. (See also item 4)

WALK’S CO-ORDINATOR       No report.

SECRETARY        Nothing to report.

WEBMASTER / COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER        Stewart thanked for volunteering to take over.  He wants to encourage use of the website by regular emails to members drawing attention to items posted on the website.  Stewart will set up a group email address for the committee and in due course a group email address for all club members.  These will be for committee use.

2. CLUB COVID POLICY AND GUIDELINES        Agreed to leave as is for now.

3. ANNUAL LUNCH 2022 FEEDBACK AND PROPOSALS FOR 2023         Colin said 63 members and guests had booked but only 52 attended on the day.  This was partly due to concern about Covid safety and partly sickness.  Ellenborough Park refused to make any refund.

Colin had asked those who went to complete a questionnaire but received only 20 replies.  Most were OK with the venue but some thought it rather severe.  Opinion varied considerably on food and service and some said we should not go back.

Colin and Paul have looked / are looking at a number of alternative venues.

4. POLICY ON INVITATIONS TO WIDOWS to fee paying events       This was raised at the AGM.  There is no policy at present.  It was considered that, if an invitation was to be issued, 12 months bereavement before the Annual Lunch would be the appropriate limit for that event.

It was felt there were wider welfare issues to be considered and a sub-group of Colin M. Michael D, John W would look at this.

5. CORRESPONDENCE        Nothing.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS        Stewart had been appointed Independent Examiner at the AGM and has now joined the Club committee.  The Club Constitution does not prohibit this and Stewart is happy to remain as Independent Examiner.

Appreciation was expressed for the work Andrew has done on the website and virtual meetings.

7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

27 June 2022 at 10.30 at AFCC.

Approved and adopted as a true record.

Chairman Date 

MINUTES of a committee meeting held at the White Hart on Monday 4th October 2021

PRESENT: Roy Loudon (Chairman), Paul Balmer, Rex Butler, Michael Dufton, Mike Leek, Tony Mason (Secretary), Colin Massey, Richard Sharp, John Williams

APOLOGIES: Andrew Cordery

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Held on 7th June 2021 were approved.

MATTERS ARISING: None

1.         OFFICER’S REPORTS

CHAIRMAN                           

Roy announced that, all being well, he would be moving to Cornwall at the end of November.  He noted that there had been two recent meetings where the member rostered to give the vote of thanks had not been present and a replacement had not been arranged.  Roy also noted that visitors / guests should have a sponsor.

VICE CHAIRMAN                 

Nothing to report.

TREASURER                        

Mike presented accounts to date together with a projection of to the year end.  These showed that the club would finish the year with £718 in the bank but two deposits totalling £480 have been paid including £360 for the Annual Lunch which will be held in mid January 2022.

No subscription was levied in 2021 but, following discussion, a subscription of £35 will be proposed for 2022 at the AGM in January.  It is anticipated that this will enable the club to break even in 2022.  The preferred method for paying subscriptions is BACS but cheques will be accepted.

PROGRAMME SECRETARY

Richard is looking for a replacement speaker for 12 November as the original has recently had a stroke.  He would welcome suggestions for speakers (both internal and external).  The programme for 2022 is in course.

John Williams offered to organise a talk and demonstration of CPR.

EVENTS SECRETARY                    

Colin reported that the club can visit the Bugatti museum when convenient.  Bristol Aerospace is open for socially distanced tours.  Colin suggested holding back for the present.

EQUIPMENT STEWARD     

Rex suggested asking speakers what kit they will be using and to bring a usb stick.  Need to check out kit requirements to use the AFCC projector and also to check the operation of the hearing loop.

MEETING STEWARD                      

Paul said members are not using the speaker rating tins – only 9 for last meeting.

ROOM STEWARD                

Michael said the move to use the AFCC had gone well.  At present two room stewards are setting up for meetings but might be able to revert to one.  Covid protocols are not being fully observed.  Suggested that chair should point out fire exits and meeting point as members may not be aware.

WELFARE OFFICER            

John reported that John Hayter may be in Cirencester Hospital for some time, John Franklin is moving to Evesham, and we are unlikely to see Brian Eaton, Alan Tompsett, and Mike Mellors at meetings. 

WALK’S CO-ORDINATOR   

No walk in October as John is away, next walk Nov 17 from Halfway House Inn, Kineton at 10.30

SECRETARY                        

Nothing to report.

WEBMASTER                       

No report from Andrew.  Chairman to write to Andrew on behalf of the membership thanking him for his work on WebEx and Zoom thereby enabling us to continue with our fortnightly meetings during the lockdowns.

Not known how many members use the club website.  Suggested the club uses a Facebook closed member group.  Michael L to set up with assistance from Michael D.

2.         ANNUAL LUNCH 2022         

The Ellenborough Hotel is holding a deposit and Roy and Colin will visit with a view to booking a date in the week commencing 10 January 2022.

Suggested having a St George’s Day or Trafalgar Day lunch but no decision made.

3.         OFFICERS FOR 2022                       

Vice Chairman and Events Secretary needed.

4.         HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Committee agreed to propose 3 members for Honorary Membership at the AGM.  They are Brian Pickering, Malcolm Webb, and Alan Tompsett.

5.         CORRESPONDENCE                      

Agreed to renew the club insurance policy – premium £71.92.

6.         ANY OTHER BUSINESS      

Mid week break 2022: following the much enjoyed trip this year, it is proposed to organise another next year.  John Williams offered to lead on setting this up. Colin Massey would speak to Stewart Aylward to ask him to produce an aide-mémoire for organisers use in the future. Suggested the organisation should be part of the Events Secretary’s remit.

Thanks to Stewart Aylward, John Brooks, and John Williams for organising the 2021 event.

7.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

7 February 2022 at 10.30 at the White Hart.

Approved and adopted as a true record.

Chairman                                                        Date

PRESENT: Roy Loudon (Chairman), Paul Balmer, Rex Butler, Andrew Cordery, Michael Dufton, Mike Leek, Tony Mason (Secretary), Colin Massey, Richard Sharp, John Williams

APOLOGIES: None

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Held on 17th February 2021 were approved.

MATTERS ARISING: Deputy for Andrew for setting up virtual meetings – Andrew is in discussion with Phil H and Stewart.

1. OFFICER’S REPORTS

CHAIRMAN Roy thanked committee members for their responses to his March email re membership.  The majority were in favour of retaining male only membership but wives / partners would continue to be invited to virtual meetings.  

Roy noted there were 3 potential new members – application forms to be sent to them.  A discussion ensued regarding the levying of subscriptions (currently in abeyance due to the healthy club finances) and joining fees.

The possibility of hybrid meetings was raised from when the Methodist Hall reopens.

VICE CHAIRMAN Colin thanked Michael for stepping in with a presentation at the last club meeting when the scheduled speaker encountered difficulty joining on Webex.

TREASURER Mike reported the only expenditure this year – 6 speakers amounting to £260.

PROGRAMME SECRETARY Richard is checking the inherited programme for 2021 to ensure speakers will present online.  He asked how often internal speakers should be used – 2 or 3 in the programme in addition to member profiles with 2 or 3 as backups.  Appeal to be made to members for talks.

EVENTS SECRETARY Colin reported that the club can visit the Bugatti museum when convenient.  Bristol Aerospace is open for socially distanced tours.  Colin suggested holding back pending the lifting of Covid restrictions.

The midweek break at the end of September to Atcham is still on at the moment.

EQUIPMENT STEWARD Rex questioned whether the club had equipment for hybrid meetings.  This was thought not to be a problem.

MEETING STEWARD Paul said an average of 40-42 members were attending virtual meetings.

ROOM STEWARD Michael said if we return to the Methodist Hall, social distancing etc may need to be observed.  At the present time there is no date for the hall to be reopened.

WELFARE OFFICER John reported that Alan Tompsett is not expected to leave the nursing home, and Tom Hancock is very frail.  John Franklin has altzheimers and collapsed doing the recce for the forthcoming walk.

WALK’S CO-ORDINATOR Next walk is June 23 from the Childswickham Inn, 10.30 start, 4 miles, fairly flat.

SECRETARY Discussion re electing members to Honorary Membership.  Policy to be drafted and posted on the website.

WEBMASTER Andrew said there was general agreement to switch to Zoom and this would happen after the meeting on Friday (11th June).  Andrew will speak to Stewart about taking over the website.

2. CORRESPONDENCE None.

3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Roy’s next quarterly newsletter to members starting is end of June.

The meeting invites from Roy are seen as a good reminder.

4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

27 September at 10.30

Approved and adopted as a true record.

Chairman                                                           Date 

PRESENT: Roy Loudon (Chairman), Paul Balmer, Rex Butler, Andrew Cordery, Michael Dufton, Mike Leek, Tony Mason (Secretary), Colin Massey, Richard Sharp, John Williams

APOLOGIES: None

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Approved, no matters arising

1. OFFICER’S REPORTS

CHAIRMAN Roy welcomed members and thanked Mike and Richard for joining the committee.  He said having to have meetings online was not what he had looked forward to but they would have to continue for some time.  He said Probus is about fellowship and we don’t really get that online.  He wanted to use this meeting to consider how to get more people involved online and even join the club.  Also how to communicate with members.

Roy noted the reliance on Andrew to set up the online meetings and to guide speakers/presenters not familiar with Webex.  He suggested Andrew should have a deputy but Andrew explained we had tried this only to find that Webex rules only allow the subscriber to set up meetings.

VICE CHAIRMAN Nothing to report.

TREASURER Mike has taken over the accounts from John H and is in the process of setting up a new mandate with the bank.  Changes to mandate agreed.  Mike said the preferred method of members paying subscriptions or for lunches/outings is by BACS, or failing that by cheque which can be paid in using an app.  Cash is not welcome!

PROGRAMME SECRETARY Richard said he had inherited a programme for 2021 but some changes were having to be made because of the continuing use of online meetings – 14 May Jon Burchfield will be doing his profile in place of Kate Bellamy who didn’t want to present online.

Suggestion of using virtual online tours, say of museums, preceded by a talk.  How to get feedback from members on speakers? – use survey monkey.

EVENTS SECRETARY Colin had made a provisional booking to go to Bugatti museum on 20 April but he will speak to them about going in the autumn instead.  He will also speak to Bristol Aerospace to remind them of our deposit for a visit.

The midweek break at the end of September to Atcham is still on at the moment.

EQUIPMENT STEWARD Nothing to report.

MEETING STEWARD Only meetings had been via Webex – discussion on use of speaker ratings.  

ROOM STEWARD No intention at present to open hall/building.

WELFARE OFFICER John reported that Alan Tompsett is not expected to leave the nursing home, and Tom Hancock is very frail.  Robin Reckitt has had Covid and recovered.

WALK’S CO-ORDINATOR John has several walks planned and ready to go when we can.

SECRETARY Mick Clark has resigned membership.  Discussion re joining fee for new members and subscriptions at present time.

WEBMASTER Andrew suggested changing to Zoom platform when the current subscription to Webex expires and using Zoom for the next committee meeting.  Michael suggested that notifying members of the move to Zoom might encourage more to join online meetings.  

The website is a way of engaging with members and Andrew invited committee members to add things to it or send them to him.

Noted that some members are quite selective about the meetings they attend.  Andrew said Mercia Club are not meeting at present and suggested having a quiz on alternate Fridays.

2. CORRESPONDENCE None.

3. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Roy is going to do a quarterly newsletter to members starting at end of March.  Colin suggested issuing a hard copy to members who are not on email or do not have access to the website.

Question re Paul Clark’s survey of members’ requirements from the club – what was the result?

Colin asked if Mercia are likely to resume meetings when possible?  Approach to be made to Mercia to invite their members to our online meetings.

4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

8th June at 10.30

Approved and adopted as a true record.

Chairman Date 

MINUTES of a committee meeting held via Webex on Friday 23 October 2020

PRESENT: Harry Thierens (Chairman), Paul Balmer, Rex Butler, Andrew Cordery, Michael Dufton, David Fruin, John Hayter, Roy Loudon, Tony Mason (Secretary), Colin Massey, Brian Parry, John Williams

1. OFFICER’S REPORTS

CHAIRMAN:  Harry welcomed committee members and expressed thanks for joining via WebEx. He stated that the objectives of the meeting were to recap on this year but to also look forward next year with views on:

. Succession planning for officer changes

. Fees management for next year

. Suggestions on how to maintain communications and interest for members

. Continuity of our planned speaker program given that Webex looks likely to stay for some time yet.

VICE CHAIRMAN:  Roy noted that under the current circumstances, as a committee and with members, we have managed to sustain a good level of attendance with gradually increased participation. Currently it looks like we shall have to carry on this way into 2021 but at least there is some promising news regarding a vaccine.

TREASURER: John had circulated projected figures for end 2020 and for 2021 using Covid and non-Covid scenarios. (See below)

PROGRAMME SECRETARY: David had circulated a draft programme for 2021. If Covid restrictions continue, as it seems they will, some changes may be required.

EVENTS SECRETARY: Outings had not been possible because of Covid but hoped that Bristol Aerospace and Javelin Recycling would happen in 2021.

EQUIPMENT STEWARD: Rex reported that equipment had not been used since lockdown.

MEETING STEWARD: Only meetings had been via Webex – about 45 members had attended one or more meetings, average attendance about 30.

ROOM STEWARD: No indication when the room would be available – Covid.

WELFARE OFFICER: John reported that Keith Sallis had died peacefully that morning. Alan Tompsett is still in hospital, and Tom Hancock is very frail.

WALK’S CO-ORDINATOR: Brian said that walks had not been possible because of Covid. He informed the committee that he would be standing down at the AGM.

SECRETARY: Nothing to report.

WEBMASTER:  Visits to the website had dropped.

2. ANNUAL LUNCH 2021

Harry had been in touch with Ellenborough. The lunch scheduled for 13 January will not be possible under Covid. The hotel will postpone the booking to the same date in 2022 at the same cost.

3. OFFICERS FOR 2021

John Hayter, David Fruin, and Brian Parry are standing down at the AGM. New candidates will be sought for election as Treasurer, Programme Secretary, and Walks Co-ordinator.

4. SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2021

The Club has saved money in 2020 on room hire and speaker fees. Uncertainty over Covid presents difficulty in budgeting for 2021. Rather than proposing a subscription figure at the AGM, which would become payable immediately, it was suggested that a subscription holiday should be proposed with a subscription determined in the light of circumstances becoming payable at a date to be determined.

5. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Martin Podd had his 90th birthday in 2020 and will be proposed for election to Honorary Membership at the AGM.

6. CORRESPONDENCE

The Club insurance policy is due for renewal and this was approved.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There are a number of members who attended meetings in the Methodist Hall but who have not attended meetings via Webex. How to maintain contact? Newsletter and/or reports of meetings by email and/or the website, possibly using Radio Winchcombe.

8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

TBA (after AGM)

(to be signed by Chairman)

 

---

Treasurer’s predictions for 2021
INCOME	YEAR	2018		2019		2020			2021
						to date	year end		using Webex	using Meth hall
							(Predicted)		Sub say £20, x 60 members	Say 24 meetings @ £24 each
Annual subs & joining fees		1825		1700		1728	1728		1200	1740
EXPENDITURE
Administration		3		0		0	5		5	5
Group insurance		67		70		0	70		75	75
Room Hire		588		576		120	120		n/a	576
Speakers		999		998		235	450		885	885
Website		100		154		0	150		150	150
Miscellaneous		47		10		0	10		10	10
Exp excl events,trips,dinners		1804		1808		355	805		1125	1701
Surplus/deficit		21		-108		1373	923		75	39
Sub required to cover exp based on 60 payers									18.75	28.35
									(Note d)	(Note e)
Notes
a. Items still to pay for 2019:  (estimated)     Speakers £250;   website £150;  Insce £75; Odds £10  =  £485
b. Current balance in bank 08/01/2021: £3111, less outstandng £485  = Predicted final balance £2626.
c. We have saved £1000 (£456 room hire/£548 speakers) during the year, or approx £17 per payer.
d. Members may want a reduction in subs for 2021 to reflect savings and the loss of the companionship aspect of the club
If we made the sub £15, (ie £15x 60= £900) we would still have a small retention from 2020 of £100

MINUTES                  of a meeting of the Committee held at Salter’s Lee, on Tuesday 4^th February 2020

PRESENT                  Harry Thierens (Chairman), Paul Balmer, Andrew Cordery, Michael Dufton, David Fruin, John Hayter, Roy Loudon, Tony Mason (Secretary), , Brian Parry, John Williams

APOLOGIES              Rex Butler, Colin Massey

1. MINUTES   The minutes of the committee meeting held on 15^th October 2019 were approved and signed as a true record.

2. MATTERS ARISING         None not covered by reports.

3. OFFICER’S REPORTS

a.  Chairman.  Feedback from the Annual Lunch at Prescott was mixed with some good points and some not good, overall disappointing.  There ensued a discussion about possible alternative venues which Harry, Roy, and Paul will look at.  John W said Dumbleton Hall is changing hands sometime this year.  Harry to ask for a show of hands of who would go back to Prescott at the next meeting.  Harry suggested replacing St George’s Day lunch with a summer barbecue, possibly at Beckford. Agreed to revive practice of inviting widows to lunches and outings.

b.  Vice Chairman.  Nothing to report.

c.  Treasurer.  The cheque for the lunch at Prescott has not been presented.  Half of subscriptions for 2020 have been received.

d. Programme Secretary.  David is away from mid-September and aims to have the 2021 programme complete by then.

e. Events Secretary.  The next event is the trip to Aerospace Bristol to see Concorde on March 24th.

Trips to Javelin recycling plant (energy from waste) and Bugatti Museum at Prescott are being investigated.

f. Speakers & Equipment Steward.  Rex has not submitted a bill for new equipment leads following the upgrade of the sound system in the Methodist Hall.

g.  Meeting Steward.  Paul is having difficulty with Google forms used by predecessors.  The speaker ratings sheet is useful to Programme Secretary when arranging speakers.

h.  Room Steward.  Michael thanked Geoff for the way he had organised things. Now has 7 on his list.

i.  Welfare Officer.  John continues to keep in touch with several members who are unwell or infirm and gave an update.

j.  Walks Co-ordinator.  Brian said the next walk will be February 19th from the Halfway Pub at Kineton.  26 people signed up for mid-week break 29th September to 1st October.

Harry thanked Brian and the Johns for organising the walks.

k.  Webmaster.  Andrew had received an approach from the Mercia club to help set up a website for them.

l.  Secretary.  Nothing to report.

4. CORRESPONDENCE   None to report.                                                                           

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS    None.                                                                                   

6. DONM        7^th July 2020.  At 10.30 am at Salters Lee, Stancombe Lane.

Parking available.

            Approved and adopted as a true and correct record

Chairman…………………………………      Date ………..                                               

1. MINUTES The minutes of the committee meeting held on 8th July 2019 were approved and signed as a true record.

2. MATTERS ARISING None not covered by reports. Query raised why BD & WS had resigned (move of house and working respectively). Noted GN had only been to 1 meeting since joining.

3. OFFICER’S REPORTS a.      Chairman.  Trafalgar Day lunch has 35 attendees. Now salmon main course available. 12.45 for 1.00pm. Colin to try and source a bottle of Navy rum to raffle (unsuccessful so no raffle) and quiz on Nelson’s message. b.     Vice Chairman.  Harry will be away for couple of weeks from Friday. c.      Treasurer.  John anticipates at end of year club will have funds of about £1900, roughly equal to annual expenditure. Speaker fees about on budget. Current membership is 75 including 10 honorary members so shortfall of income from subs. Discussion on how much increase subscription by and/or levying meeting fee resulted in split vote on recommending subscription for 2020 of £26 (up by £1) or £27 (up by £2) noting that further increase may be needed in 2021. Having a meeting fee could partially or fully obviate the need to raise subs. Final decision to be made by member vote at the AGM as usual after John presents the case. d.     Programme Secretary.  The speaker/programme secretary forum is being revived. Programme for 2020 is almost complete and is on website. Dessert Highland Discs show that had to be curtailed to be December 2020 meeting. Lent lunches in 2020 mean meetings on March 6th & 20th and April 3rd will be in the church and not the hall. e.      Events Secretary.  BBC Bristol trip was very good and enjoyed by all. Trips to Aerospace Bristol, Compton Verney, and Gloucester energy from waste to be investigated. f.      Speakers & Equipment Steward.  All working well, thanks to deputies. g.     Meeting Steward.  Successor training in progress. Has 79 names on list so updated members list to be sent to committee. h.     Room Steward.  Geoff suggested a member survey which he will initiate for after the AGM. i.       Welfare Officer.  John said some 20 members attended Rodney’s funeral. Noted David Farrar has Alzheimer’s. He continues to keep in touch with several members who are unwell or infirm and gave an update. j.       Walks Co-ordinator.  In Brian’s absence John W said the next walk will be November 20th from the Shutters at Gotherington. k.     Webmaster.  Discussion re availability / circulation of membership list. Any member can request a list from the secretary but general circulation by email will only be done after an AGM. Geoff thanked Andrew for the write up of the Mens Health event on the website. l.       Secretary.  Nothing to report.

4. ANNUAL LUNCH To be held at Prescott on Wednesday 8th January 2020. Menu to be available from 1st November. Possible entertainer but maybe quiz if not.

5. OFFICERS FOR 2020 Several officers standing down at AGM but replacements have volunteered. Nomination form available in November (as in Constitution).

6. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP No member eligible for nomination.

7. CORRESPONDENCE Club insurance policy is due for renewal by 1st November. Renewal agreed.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Paul thanked Harry for standing in at the last minute for the last meeting. Paul to assist in laying Winchcombe Probus Clubs wreath on Remembrance Day.

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 4th February 2020.  At 10.30 am at Salters Lee, Stancombe Lane. Parking available. Approved and adopted as a true and correct record     Chairman…………………………………      Date ………..

PRESENT          Paul Clark (Chairman), Rex Butler, Andrew Cordery, Geoff Cove, John Hayter, Roy Loudon, John Mackelworth, Tony Mason (Secretary), Colin Massey, Brian Parry, Harry Thierens, John Williams

APOLOGIES     Mike Hill (Ex Officio)

1. MINUTES

The minutes of the committee meeting held on 12^th February 2019 were approved subject to the insertion of presented in item 3h and signed as a true record.            

2. MATTERS ARISING

None not covered by reports.

3. OFFICER’S REPORTS

Chairman 

Paul said the Ladies Probus had rebuffed the approach from Mercia Club about merging. Our response if Mercia approached us remains that if individuals wished to join they should apply in the usual way.

The Trafalgar Day lunch has not been booked, a sign up list to be put out at next meeting on Friday.

Paul and Harry had visited Prescott to discuss matters arising from the Annual Lunch and were happy that the matters raised had been resolved.

The dress code for meetings, “smart casual, jacket preferred, tie optional”, will be reviewed at the next AGM.

Vice Chairman.

Harry has received a letter the Gurkha Welfare Trust following the talk at the last meeting. Donations (with Gift Aid) totalled £230 – enough for example to pay a Gurkha pension for 3 months. Letter to be read at next meeting.

Treasurer 

John said all subs had been collected except for Lem Kerks who had not responded to reminders. Agreed his membership is lapsed. Brent Davies and Will Stebbings had resigned. Total subs £150 down on last year as number of new members outnumbered by increase in hon members and those resigning and dying.

Speaker costs likely to be about on target. Surplus of £70 on Wedgewood trip by selling seats to non-members to fill coach.

Programme Secretary.

The speaker for the meeting on Jan 10 has suggested giving the talk to a mixed audience. Agreed the meeting would be open to wives/partners. Because of room limit on number present, up to 30 non-members could attend.

John is experiencing pressure on the size of the speaker’s fee – agreed max of £75 including travel. Speakers have been booked to April 2020. More member talks are needed. Michael Dufton and David Wadsworth have talks prepared on the standby list. Suggested we could revive the Desert Island Discs show that had to be curtailed.

Events Secretary.

The Wedgewood, race night, and Brize Norton trips went well. Letter from Brize Norton thanking us for donation. 26 have put names down for the BBC Bristol trip out of a max of 32. List still open, money in August.

Trip to Aerospace Bristol will be left to the Spring.

Speakers & Equipment Steward.

Nothing to report. Thanks for recent cover.

Meeting Steward. Nothing to report.

Room Steward.

Geoff reiterated his wish to stand down at the AGM and will speak to possible replacements.

Welfare Officer.

John continues to keep in touch with several members who are unwell or infirm and gave an update.

Walks Co-ordinator.

Recce for the mid-week break walk still to be done. Next walk 17 July.

Web administrator.  

A member had asked why wives/partners photos were not on the website. Explained that, as with the membership list, photos are to aid member identification.

A request was made for members mobile phone numbers as some difficulty was experienced finding Brize Norton and not being able to contact others on the way. Agreed secretary will email members after Paul’s announcement at the meeting on Friday.

Paul thanked Andrew for his work on the website and reports of meetings.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

Meeting dates in 2020 have been booked with Methodist Church. An email had been received from Ladies Probus asking if we wish to participate again with the Remembrance Day wreath and who should lay it, us or Mercia. Agreed to participate but open about laying – suggest Ladies with men escorting as last year.     

 

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Paul thanked Harry for standing in at the last minute for the last meeting.  

6. DONM

15^th October 2019. At 10.30 am at Union Cottage.

 

Approved and adopted as a true and correct record

 

 

Chairman…………………………………      Date ………..                                                 

                                                                                                                                                 

 

MINUTES of a meeting of the Committee held at Union Cottage, on Tuesday 12^th February 2019 PRESENT Paul Clark (Chairman), Andrew Cordery, Geoff Cove, John Hayter, Tony Mason (Secretary), Brian Parry, Harry Thierens, John Williams APOLOGIES Mike Hill (Ex Officio), Roy Loudon, John Mackelworth, Colin Massey

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1. MINUTES The minutes of the committee meeting held on 9^th October 2018 were approved and signed as a true record. 2. MATTERS ARISING Paul said that he had not yet actioned item 3(b) the Trafalgar Day lunch but would ask for a show of hands at the next club meeting. 3. OFFICER’S REPORTS a. Chairman. Paul said he had heard that the Mercia Club were talking about merging with Ladies Probus. Discussion re response if Mercia approached us resolved that if individuals wished to join they should apply in the usual way. The dress code for meetings was discussed and agreed that this is “smart casual, jacket preferred, tie optional”. Paul noted that only 4 members were not wearing ties at the AGM.

1. 1. Vice Chairman. Harry has been invited to give a talk to Charlbury Probus club (11am drinks, lunch, then his talk).
   2. Treasurer. John said subs were coming in but he asked for guidance re approach to long standing members who are struggling to get to meetings. Agreed that if they offered payment this would not be refused but the club would not seek payment. On an individual basis their names may be left on the membership list.
   3. Programme Secretary. Speakers have been booked to end of 2019.
   4. Events Secretary. 37 people have booked for the Wedgewood trip. Cheltenham amateur race night on 3rd May, if 10 or more go the ticket is £13 each. Other events being investigated are RAF Brize Norton visit, Royal Mint Llantrisant visit, and Tewkesbury BC recycling centre visit.
   5. Speakers & Equipment Steward. No reporRoom Steward. Rota for room steward and first aider are on website. Individuals have been notified.
   6. Meeting Steward. Apologised for not having presented attendance figures at the AGM.
   7. Welfare Officer. John continues to keep in touch with several members who are unwell or infirm. Rodney is not leaving the house yet despite encouragement from Doug.
   8. Walks Co-ordinator. Next walk 20th February from Snowshill Arms. Recce for the mid-week break walk still to be done.
   9. Webmaster. Nothing to report.
   10. Secretary. Nothing to report.

4. ANNUAL LUNCH FEEDBACK Various comments had been made following the last club meeting (in response to Paul’s request) ranging from those who liked Prescott to those who preferred Dumbleton Hall and such things as lack of menu choice, cold fish, serve vegetables separately. Paul and Harry to provide feedback to Prescott and see if improvements could be made and what impact there would be on cost. Prospective date for the lunch in 2020 is 8th January. 5. CORRESPONDENCE An email had been received asking for a contact phone number (given) but nothing had been heard from the gentleman for whom this was requested. 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS None 7. DONM 9^th July 2019 and 15^th October 2019, at 10.30 am at Union Cottage. Approved and adopted as a true and correct record Chairman…………………………………      Date ………..-