UNAPPROVED AGM MINUTES - 2024

3.  REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND OFFICERS

The Chairman presented a report on behalf of the officers and himself, the following summarising the main points:

• During the year, two live meetings had been held.  Allan and Thelma Smith were thanked for looking after the domestic arrangements for these.
• In addition, a very enjoyable visit had taken place on 17th February to the Museum of Royal Worcester.  David Byrne was thanked for organising this.
• The Society had published four newsletters during the year.  The quality of these was the envy of many other ceramic societies.  Chris Brown was thanked for peer reviewing submissions, and Roger Thornhill and his son David for producing and publishing it.
• A plea was made for more articles to be submitted for publication.  Whilst there were sufficient for the May and August editions, there were not enough at present to fill the November edition, which would be the 100th one.
• Three prominent members of the Society had died during the year - Maurice Wright, David Waterhouse and Phil Thomas.
• Current membership of the Society was 98.  Ivor Smith was thanked for looking after membership matters.
• 10 copies of the pattern book had been sold during the year, leaving only 18 to be sold.
• Chris Brown and Roger Thornhill were thanked for the work they continued to do on the polychrome pattern book.  The manuscript had been written and photography was under way.  It was hoped that the book would be published in late 2025 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the factory, but this depended on funding being available.
• As would be reported, the Society’s finances were in a healthy state.  Thelma Smith was thanked for looking after these.
• John Benbow was thanked for examining the accounts for 2023 and Kate Cadman for her help and support to the Society and its members throughout the year.
• All officers and committee members were thanked for helping to run the Society.
• It was noted that Allan Smith was not standing for re-election.  He was thanked for his contribution over the years, especially the rebuilding of the monument, arranging walks around the area, and investigating possible new websites.
• It was noted that the posts of Programme Secretary and Archivist were vacant.  An appeal was made for volunteer to come forward to take these up.
• Finally members were thanked for being part of the Society and for their contribution to it.

A member of the Society thanked Chris Riddle for his chairmanship.

4.  ACCOUNTS FOR 2023

The income and expenditure accounts for the year ending 31st December 2023, which were available at the meeting, were presented by the Treasurer, Thelma Smith.  In line with Rule 23, these had been examined by John Benbow.  It was reported that the Society continued in good financial health.

It was AGREED that the accounts as presented be adopted.

5.  SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2025

In the light of the financial situation reflected in the accounts, it was AGREED to keep subscriptions for 2025 unchanged i.e. UK: £25 per household; overseas in sterling: £30 per household.

6.  ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXAMINING THE ACCOUNTS FOR 2024

It was AGREED that the accounts for 2024 be examined by John Benbow.

7.  ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2024/25

The following elections were AGREED:

Chairman  -  Chris Riddle
Secretary  -  Roger Thornhill
Treasurer  -  Thelma Smith
Archivist and Librarian  -  VACANCY
Meetings Organiser  -  Chris Riddle
Membership Secretary  -  Ivor Smith
Newsletter Distribution  -  Chris Riddle
Newsletter Editor  -  Roger Thornhill
Press & Publicity Officer  -  Olly Cartwright
Programme Secretary  -  VACANCY
Committee Members  -  Simon Bailey, David Byrne, Liz Dawes, Tim Dawes, Andrew Stevens