Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, 7.15pm, Wednesday 15 November 2023
Chipping Norton Methodist Church Hall
The Chairman, Paul Embden welcomed members to the meeting.
Apologies received from Elaine Parsons and Val Fletcher.
Minutes of last year’s AGM had been circulated – members accepted the minutes for 2022/23
Chairman’s report
Plant stall in May raised more than £307 slightly up on the previous year and if I remember rightly, a very cold and wet start to the season and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking everyone who participated in this event, helpers, suppliers and buyers.
Committee: I would like to thank the officers, committee members and refreshment team for all of their work during the year.
Talks: I think that we had a very interesting and diverse selection of talks last season and have to say that our committee have been working extremely hard to yet again select a number of interesting and exciting talks for the forthcoming season which I do hope that you will enjoy.
Secretary: Our current and long serving secretary Eileen Forse has kindly agreed to minute this AGM but has decided to stand down following the close of this meeting. I and the committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Eileen very sincerely for all her hard work over many years (20 years) and I must say that her secretarial expertise has made my role so much easier.
Secretary's report
The2022/23 season has not been as busy as in former years and membership still hasn’t returned to the numbers since before Covid.
Earlier in the year we were saddened to hear of the passing of a former committee member who faithfully served our refreshments for many years, Sheila Nobbs – she had been unwell for some time and unable to attend meetings. A few months later Ruth Cornish sadly passed away but hadn’t been able to attend meetings for many years due to poor health. Just recently an active committee member, Wendy Sumners passed away shortly after an operation. Wendy joined the committee in 2010 and had supported the committee and association in many ways and was always willing to step into any situation at short notice when she was needed. Wendy always supported our summer days out which she thoroughly enjoyed. Wendy will be very much missed.
As we were unable to find someone to organise the summer days out this year we were unable arrange any, but a few of our members joined with Great Rollright and Sibford for a few trips, which we much appreciated. (Anyone willing to organise trips for next year?)
We held a plant sale at the front of the Church for club funds in May and helped by a lovely sunny day and lots to sell, it was a very successful morning. Many thanks to all who helped in any way. The committee are considering holding another one again next year –date to be announced.
Batsford Arboretum sent a very generous donation this year to help with the cost of speakers.
The membership stands at 61. Numbers had dropped after covid but are slowly rising again; as many of our members cannot be as active as they would like, numbers at meetings remains around 30/40.
My thanks to all the committee for your support during the last year, to the membership and to the new members who have joined us over the summer months.
Treasurer's Report
Linda Souch drew the attention of the membership to the balance sheet for 2022/23 attached to the back of the agenda.
Report
Thankyou all so much for continuing to support our Horticultural Association, which has long history in this town and can only continue with your membership and enthusiasm for gardening and gardens.
The last year has been a positive one for this association, we have had to transfer funds from our savings account. This is partly due to the current change in the beginning of our membership year, from March to October. Your current membership card reflects this. It runs from March ’23 - October ’24. Our AGM is in November and as our talks begin in October, we often welcome new members at that time. If new members join in January, they will pay £10.
For the treasurer, this winter season is our most costly time; speaker costs have risen partly due to increased travel costs and our rent is due in January. Our funds now also include the previous CNHA Enterprises balance; this is due to the changes at Barclay’s bank and the threat to close this small account, in case we were money laundering! Our main account is safe at present.
All the committee were delighted with the success of our annual plant sale in May. Many thanks to all those who work so hard to produce plants for sale, and to support on the day. The wonderful total of£326.80 includes a few sales during meetings. We also thank Batsford Foundation for their generous gift of £100 to all garden clubs.
The committee are working on next year’s programme and I hope to continue to share details of the Rollright Garden Club and their plans for next year.
Re-election of Officers
The following officers are happy to stand again and were duly re-elected. Chairman and Speaker’s secretary – Paul Embden; Deputy-chair –Paula Mitchell; Treasurer – Linda Souch; Membership secretary –Emma Bayley.
Re-election of Committee
All the committee are happy to stand again for re-election and were duly re-elected. George Barrow, Terry and Kate Bartholomew, Martin Freeman, Elisabeth Morland, Elaine Parsons, Doug Paxton and Joan Thomson – Eileen Forse is willing to remain on the committee.
Appointment of new Secretary
At this point in the evening, the chairman introduced the proposed new secretary who had volunteered to take on this role, Sandra Morris. Sandra introduced herself and the members voted to elect her to theposition of secretary with immediate effect.
Appointment of Auditor/ Examiner for 2023/24
Mrs Janis Paxton has agreed to examine the accounts for the coming year.
Date of next A.G.M.
This will be on Wednesday 20th November 2024.
At the close of this part of the meeting the Chairman wished to thank the retiring secretary Eileen Forse for her years of service to the association and a presentation was made of a Whichford Pottery container, containing bulbs and an azalea. Eileen thanked everyone for this gift.
There being no further business the chairman closed this part of the evening – the usual meeting then proceeded.
Signed:
[Approved by members and signed by Paul Embden, Chairman]
Dated: Wednesday 15th January 2025