ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2011

Summary of the Annual General Meeting, held on Sat 25th June 2011 at 2.45 p.m. in the Age Concern Hall, Haywards Heath

The Annual General Meeting of Yews Talking News took place on Sat 25th June at Age Concern Hall, attended by about 35 volunteers and listeners. The committee officers each presented an Annual Report, starting with Editor Kathleen Harris, who said that with the addition of one new reader, the recording teams were now at full strength, and apart from some disruption due to the snow, the recording sessions had gone smoothly throughout the year.

Chief Engineer Jeff Harris reported that the Committee had decided to begin sending out recordings on memory sticks as well as cassette tapes, and those listeners present were offered the opportunity to take away a player and begin receiving memory sticks. New listeners will be sent memory sticks, and those existing listeners who would like to change will also gradually be incorporated into the scheme.

The Treasurer’s report showed a healthy balance sheet up to the financial year end of 31st Dec 2010, including some generous donations, and the proceeds of a quiz night. However, rental for the Studio in the Yews will begin to erode these funds, and the group will have to start thinking about more fund-raising activities in future. Summing up, Chairman Malcolm Hulatt commented that despite the complication of the changed status of the Yews building, and a continued gradual decline in listener numbers, the organisation remained in good shape for the future. He thanked all the volunteers for their work during the year.

The current Committee members were then re-elected for a further year. A vacancy remains for the Secretary post. The meeting was followed by a strawberries-and-cream tea, prepared and served by committee members and other volunteers. Musical entertainment was then provided by the baritone John Humphries, who performed a highly enjoyable selection of war-time songs, including some ‘singalong’ items which were joined in with great gusto by the audience.