Annual General Meeting - Chorleywood Community Arts Centre - 28th June 2023
Attendees: Jenny Freeman, Fran Mole, Bob Woolley, Toni Walker, Lynda Hearty, Barbara Burrows, David Mateus-Flynn, Mike Burton, Christine Dowling, Yvonne Harris, Leona Ruff, Morag Watkins, Lesley McHale, Mockie Harrison, Marion Barnaby, Pat Hopper, Vikram Chhapwale, Sonbol Perfitt, Hazel Salmon, Mark Hughes, Stephen Oliver, Jenny Woods, Lorrice Douglas, Brenda Gabriel, Mandy Berman, John Crean, Donna White, Marty Kristian, Janet Galpin, Edith Rambure-Lambert, Amanda Armour and Sheena Herbert
Apologies: Debbie Edwards, Beki Moreau, George Cronin, Pat Barrett, Liz Waddington, Fenella Mowbray, Elaine Bailey, Judith Schoffren, Natalie Jenkins, Rose Reeves, Fiona Kelly, Lizzy Duncan, Pip Jacobs, Vera Dreyfuss, Liz Hudson, Amanda Welsh, Barbara Jorgensen, Shirley McArdle, Avril Spence, Jenny Carpenter, Cindy Waite, Manju Rahim, Sue Wharton, Sue Hanson, Sarah Crickmore, Barbara Chan, Roger Prowse, Fiona Ryan Watson, Christine Plumb, Marlene Read, Sophie Finn, Caroline Jennings and Bobby Forlan
1 and 2. Welcome from the Chair (Mockie Harrison) and apologies
Mockie Harrison opened the meeting and welcomed everyone present.
3. Acceptance and approval of the minutes of AGM 2022
Approval of the minutes of the 2022 AGM was proposed by Marty Christian and seconded by Stephen Oliver.
4. Chair’s report.
A report had been prepared by the Chair, Mockie Harrison. The full report is attached. The highlights covered the achievements of the last year including the 130th competition, the successful refurbishment of the downstairs of the art centre, the launch of the newsletter and the varied programme of workshops. Congratulations to the winners of the 130th competition who were:
1st place - Mockie Harrison
2nd place - Stephen Oliver
Joint third - Brenda Gabriel and Fiona Ryan-Watson
Fourth place - Barbara Burrows
5. Treasurer’s report
The accounts had been circulated with the agenda prior to the meeting. The Treasurer's report covered the period from April 2022 to end of March 2023. The highlights included the cost of the refurbishment leading to a loss of £4485 at the end of the year. The reserves of £85,750 have been maintained during the financial year. The financial climate continues to be challenging with high energy prices. Income was generated from workshops (£2140) but there was less income from hiring the hall out. There has been a gap between the clay being used and the payments coming in and this loss cannot continue. A new system was introduced recently and potters write down the clay they have taken and are asked to make immediate payment. Please make clear when making a payment that this is for the purchase of clay to enable the Treasurer to track the payments. The Treasurer's report and accounts are attached.
6. Increase in fees
A detailed analysis had been completed by the Treasurer and Chair on how the costs of running the centre should be allocated across the varied pottery and art sessions. The utility bills had increased as can be seen from the accounts. The committee was pleased to be able to keep the annual membership subscription fee for all members at £30 (this payment is due on 1st September). A small increase in fees will be implemented from 1st September 2023 to partially offset the increase in bills to run the centre. To reflect the high usage of electricity by the potters, the pottery sessions will increase to an annual cost of £196. For those paying monthly the cost is £16.40. For Art and Textiles the annual fee increases to £143. For those paying monthly, the instalment is £12.00. Life drawing sessions (including model fees) increases to £217 per year or a term fee of £72.25. Painting sessions on Tuesday morning increases to £127 or a term fee of £43 to cover the 13 week term. The poster (attached below) with the new charges will be placed on the noticeboard and on the website. Consideration will be give to any members who are experiencing financial hardship and please contact Morag Watkins to discuss.
7. Election of officers for roles of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary
The committee stood down. The Chair thanked Lizzy Duncan and Martin Russell Jones who had stood down from the committee during the year. The Chair also thanked Mark Hughes for his contribution over the year as he will be standing down in September when he moves to Germany. All the committee members were thanked for their contribution.
At the AGM the three “officers” of the charity are appointed for the year. The following members were proposed for re-election as Officers to the Executive Committee
Mockie Harrison was proposed as Chairperson, Morag Watkins as Treasurer and Lesley McHale as Secretary by Leona Ruff and seconded by Mandy Berman.
There were no objections and the officers are appointed.
The following members will continue to sit on the committee
Caroline Jennings
Sophie Finn
Sonbol Perfitt
Rebecca Moreau
Bob Woolley
The committee is always looking for new members and/or volunteers. Please contact Mockie Harrison if you can volunteer your time on a one off basis or if you could attend committee meetings on a regular basis (every two months). There is a particular need for someone who could keep the garden tidy and volunteers would be very welcome. If you have any ideas or suggestions for improving the centre then please contact any of the committee members who will raise this on your behalf at a future meeting.
9. Any other business
No items were raised and the committee members thanked everyone for attending the AGM and were grateful to Morag and Mockie for providing the wonderful food and drinks.