Minutes of Annual General Meeting on 6th May 2026
Welcome – Jill Wilson gave a warm welcome to the members present.
Apologies for absence – Apologies had been received from Gail and Harvie
Williams, Di Naylor, Stella Sommerlad and Frances Palmer.
Minutes of last AGM – The Minutes had been circulated before the meeting. They
were approved and signed.
Matters arising – None.
Treasurer’s report for year ended 31 st March 2026 – Jane Davidson thanked Viv
King for examining the annual accounts and for agreeing to examine them for the
Circle next year. Appointment of Viv as Examiner was approved by the Meeting.
The statement of accounts for the year ending 31 st March 2026 had been distributed,
and Jane summarised the main features. Income totalled £2,701.35 and
expenditure totalled £2,796.20, meaning that we made a small loss of £94.85.
Compared with the previous year, many of our income and expenditure amounts
remain similar. However, in addition to having charged a higher entry fee at the
musical event in 2024 compared to that charged in 2025, we had considerably fewer
visitors attend our meetings during this year overall, therefore resulting in a
significant decrease in visitor fee income.
Having reviewed our current financial position and the likely increase in costs for this
coming year, such as the hall hire and speaker fees, the committee are
recommending an increase in the annual subscription from £28 to £30. The annual
accounts, treasurer’s report and recommended increase in subscriptions were
approved by a show of hands.
Subscriptions are now payable for the forthcoming year, with bank transfers the
preferred method of payment.
Members are also reminded to ensure their contact details are updated if they have
changed, and to provide emergency contact details should they wish.
Chairman’s report – Jill hoped everyone would agree we had had a very good year,
with a varied programme. We were particularly grateful to those of our members
who had provided us with excellent presentations and musical entertainment.
Jill also expressed special thanks to Richard Doyle for organising the library of French
books and DVDS, to Jane Davidson for handling finances in the absence of a
treasurer in addition to her publicity role, and to members who had helped behind the
scenes.
The committee has been focussing on longer term planning. To help increase
membership numbers we have developed an attractive Facebook page and an improved website using a different, less costly provider. Wider advertising of events
in local publications and the introduction of cards to distribute at other events and
venues has started.
Jill thanked Pauline Bonser and Ray Howard, who are retiring from the committee at
the AGM, for their contributions. Ray will continue to help with technical matters and
the pétanque sessions when able to do so. Jill made presentations to them on behalf
of the Circle.
The chairman’s report was approved by a show of hands.
Election of officers and committee – Linda Martinez and Grazyna Stone have
been attending recent committee meetings. They are both willing to join the
committee, with Grazyna agreeing to be Treasurer. The meeting approved their
election with a show of hands. The re-election of Jim Duffy, Jane Davidson and Jill
Wilson to the committee was approved by a show of hands.
Going forward, additional committee members will be required, including a new
chairman. Jill asked anyone who felt able to help to let a committee member know.
Future programme – Jill mentioned that our next event would be the summer lunch
on 10th June at Wivenhoe House. Details will be emailed this week. The programme
for September to December has already been circulated.
Any other business
Richard Doyle thanked members for their generous contributions to the library.
Hilary Miles currently has three bags of archive material from the Circle. It was agreed the committee would discuss this at their September meeting, aiming to keep only a minimum, but with the 60th anniversary of the Circle in mind.