Minutes of the Branch AGM held at Stockport St George on 18^th November 2006

Chairman’s Opening Remarks and Vote of Thanks

The Chairman, Simeon Farrington, thanked the Rev. Libby Lane and the organist Philip Waddington for officiating at the service. He also thanked the St George’s ringers for the use of their bells and for providing an excellent buffet tea.

Apologies for Absence

Received from: Andrew Mays, Bill Hall, Neil Lomas, George Lee, Tony Freemont, Roger Bugler, Stephen Hughes and The Archdeacon of Macclesfield Richard Gillings.

Minutes from the Previous Meetings

These were accepted.

Matters Arising From the Minutes

At the request of Trevor Marchbank, Ben Hockenhull was removed as a resident member of Cheadle. (See minutes of Taxal Meeting 15^th July 2006.)

The 2007 Annual Report is due to come out in time for the Guild Meeting in March 2007. An electronic proof is supposed to be available for checking beforehand to prevent the mistakes of last year.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary presented her report.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer pointed out that the Accounts were usually presented at the January meeting. As the format of the meetings had been altered this was no longer practicable and the accounts had been this year, and were to be in the future sent out via email (and post to those without email), providing this was acceptable to the Branch. Those present agreed that it was. The Treasurer would then be willing to answer any queries. The Treasurer explained that instead of keeping two separate bank accounts for the general fund and the BRF he had now amalgamated the two into one savings account in order to make more interest. The funds are now only separate on paper.

Bell Advisors’ Report

Peter Dyson reported that no advice had been requested in the past year.

The Chairman reported on the Bell Advisors’ course run by the Guild in September. He and Andrew Regan had represented the Branch and had both been elected Guild Bell Advisors at the last Guild Meeting.

Election of Officers

Branch Bell Advisors: Simeon Farrington, Andrew Regan

Proposed by Clive Calton and seconded by Andrew Mayes.

All the remaining officers were elected en bloc with the following exceptions:

Joining the Committee: Dennis Latham, Rosemary Spencer

Leaving the Committee: Peter Dyson, David Friend and Stephen Hughes.

N.B. Christine Broadley remains as Acting Vice-Chair until a replacement can be found.

Proposed by Trevor Marchbank and seconded by Clive Calton.

It was noted that Roger Bugler, Branch and Guild Librarian, stated that he would be likely to want to step down within the next few years. To ensure his knowledge is passed on to his successor the role of a Deputy Librarian who will eventually take over as Librarian was suggested. People were invited to put their names forward for this role.

Election of New Members

No new members were elected.

Jeanette Jenkins asked whether the membership subscription included insurance. The Treasurer replied that it did not and that it was the tower’s individual responsibility.

Members Lost

A minute’s silence was held in memory of Denis Mottershead and Peter Spencer.

Guild Archive of Photographs

The Chairman announced that David Adams (Guild Archivist) had put out a request to all towers for their old photographs. These are to be stored electronically to preserve for future generations. A suggested cut-off date of 1960 had initially been suggested. The Chairman would be willing to coordinate collection / scanning of photos within the branch.

Other Business

A volunteer was required to organise the Branch Outing in 2007. As our Branch is hosting the Guild AGM in 2007 any ideas regarding the programme were also requested.

22 members signed the attendance book.

Evening ringing continued Stockport St Mary’s.