ROYAL SOCIETY OF ST GEORGE COSTA BLANCA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held on 19 February 2011
at Cumbre de Sol, Benitachell at 12.30
MINUTES
The meeting opened at 12.30. The meeting closed at 13.00
PRESENT: 34 Members & 9 Guests
APOLOGIES
President Paul Rodwell, Mrs Anne Weskett, Mr Brian Weskett, Fr Robin Carter, John Deacon, Lorna Ainsworth, Sid & Celia Burrell
The Chairman welcomed the proposed two new Committee Members, Jean Farrimond who had volunteered to act as the new General Secretary and Maggie Dennis who had volunteered to act as Membership Secretary.
The Chairman also welcomed the Guests which included a special welcome to Derick and Maggie Berridge, Derick being the Society´s Hon. Auditor.
1. APPOINTMENT OF THE PRESIDENT
The Chairman was pleased to advise that following our invitation to Mr Paul Rodwell to become Branch President he could now confirm that Mr Rodwell had graciously accepted. The Society now looked forward to welcoming him and his wife to our future events.
This was approved.
Proposed by: Toby Carpenter
Seconded: Jacquelyne Phillips MBE
- MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The Chairman advised that these were available on the website prior to the meeting. .
These were approved
Proposed by: John Tucker
Seconded by: Bryn Summerhayes
- TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE CHAIRMAN´S REPORT TO 31 DECEMBER 2010
The Chairman reported that, throughout 2010 the Branch operated with a committee of only 5 members and his personal thanks went to them all. The constitution provided for 9 committee members so that meant that each committee member had to do the work of 2 people. This was an unsatisfactory situation and must be redressed if the Branch was to operate in an efficient manner and provide the level of functions for which the Branch was renowned. Thus, if any member would like to contribute some time toward helping to run the Branch to please let him know.
The Chairman advised that after several years conscientious service as our General Secretary, Christine Felton had decided to retire from her post with effect from the Annual General Meeting. The Chairman thanked Christine for all her hard work, much of which was carried out behind the scenes in a most exemplary fashion. Her administrative and organisational efforts in support of the Branch would be missed. The Chairman welcomed Jean Farrimond who had volunteered to take over as General Secretary. The members were advised that although not previously serving on the committee, she had enthusiastically attended many of our functions over past years in support of Bob Oxley. The Chairman was also pleased to report that Maggie Dennis, a member for only just over a year, had accepted his invitation to join the Committee as our Membership Secretary. A thank you was given to both Maggie and Jean.
The Chairman advised that due to the volcanic ash cloud disruption during the early part of 2010 and the cancellation or delay to many flights, the committee decided to cancel the visit of the 2 Chelsea Pensioners invited to be our guests of honour at the 2010 Banquet. Apologies had also been received from the Ambassador and, as at the date of the Banquet, we were without a Consul in Alicante things were looking thin as far as speakers were concerned. However our Branch Chaplain, Father Robin Carter, and his personal guest, Andrew Johnson, agreed at very late notice to fill the gap, and both did a magnificent job in entertaining us all. The staff of the Carrasco Restaurant had provided an excellent meal, contributing to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
In June, we once more held Her Majesty’s Birthday celebrations at the La Galera restaurant where we were provided with a very good lunch. This event was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Following its success in 2009, it was again decided to hold our 2010 autumn function on 5 November. The event was well attended and all enjoyed an excellent meal served by the staff of the Pinosol Aparthotel. Diners were also well-entertained by our Vice Chairman, Gaby Ferenczy, who gave an account of the history of gunpowder and the conspiracy of 1605. The proceeds of the raffle were donated during the evening towards the Appeal to provide Gerald McGrath with a voyage of a lifetime with the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
The Chairman reported that the past 12 months have been an adventurous, interesting yet stabilizing period for the Branch. Membership figures and finances remain fairly constant, and attendance at functions has also been very good, particularly at the June and November events. He asked for continued support to the Society during 2011.
This was approved.
Proposed by: Christine Felton
Seconded by: Joan Summerhayes
- TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE TREASURER´S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2010
The Treasurer read from his report for 2010 which had been circulated at the meeting. A copy of the Income & Expenditure Accounts is attached.
The Treasurer reported the Society´s finances remained at a satisfactory level and there was no need for any change at present in subscriptions. We had finished the year with €5,663.15 in the bank account.
The Icelandic ash cloud which brought so much disruption to air travel in April and prevented the speakers and many members from attending the Banquet, resulted in a considerable reduction in our costs. This was reflected in the €1,435.36 surplus recorded in the Accounts.
Unfortunately, the ash cloud also prevented our friends and sponsors, Close International, from attending the Banquet evening, and again in November the Spanish Air Traffic controllers strike further prevented them attending the Autumn Dinner Dance. The Treasurer thanked Close for their continuing support and looked forward to seeing them in 2011.
The Costa Blanca Club was also indebted to John Cunningham, who despite ill health and an inability to visit Spain, had once again paid our capitation fee to the Society.
The Treasurer said that he was very pleased to see Derick Berridge and his wife at the AGM and, on behalf of himself and the members of the Society formally thanked him for auditing the Society’s 2010 accounts.
These were accepted.
Proposed by: Hugh Martin
Seconded by: John Tucker
- TO ELECT THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
BYE-LAW 2
The Chairman asked the present Members of the Committee who were prepared to serve for another year to raise their hands.
Mr Gaby Ferenczy
Mr Bob Hunt MBE
Mr Bob Oxley
Mrs Anne Weskett – absent, but had indicated that she wished to serve a further year
In addition two new members were introduced onto the committee:
Mrs Maggie Dennis
Mrs Jean Farrimond
This was approved
Proposed by: Mr Mick Dennis
Seconded by: Christine Felton
- TO RE-ELECT Mr Derick Berridge AS HON. AUDITOR
Derick agreed to continued in the position of Hon Auditor.
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Hugh Martin thanked Bob Hunt for all the hard work carried out on behalf of the Society during 2010.
The chairman thanked all the committee members for their hard work over the past year.
The Chairman advised that the next event would be the St George´s Banquet/Royal Wedding Celebration to be held at the Carrasco on Friday 29th April. More details would follow via the Newsletter. Regrettably apologies had been received from the Ambassador who advised he would be hosting his own Royal Wedding Celebrations in Madrid. A number of organisations had been approached with an invitation to join with us.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 13.00
