AGM 2023 4 Minutes

These minutes were approved and signed at the AGM on 25 November 2024

1. Meeting opened at 20:00
2. Apologies: Margaret Corry MC, Steve Bearpark SB, Jean Morgan, James Biddles, June Fitzgerald Present: Bill Wells BW (Chairman), Mark Watson-Lee MWL (Treasurer), Juliette Bird JB (Newsletter & Minutes Secretary), Sue Grandison SG (Social secretary), Brenda Le Surf BLS, George Churchill GC, Karol Patten KP, Harry Morrison HM, Pat Staley PS, Keith Morgan KM, Lindsey Crutchett LC, Peter Crutchett PC.
3. Minutes from 2022 AGM: Signed by BW
4. Club Accounts: See separate documents provided by MWL. (1) Treasurer’s Report (2) Statement of Accounts. MWL state our main issue this year has been getting agreement from Brentwood School to use their premises for our productions. It appears they have outsourced facility management to some degree. There has been a (hopefully temporary) loss on play ‘Variation on a Theme’ as we have bought scripts we have yet to use and lost an admin fee on cancelling the play licence. BW added that he has had to rely on a personal connection with the school’s head to get anyone to respond to our requests to book the memorial hall. We are still awaiting a date to be confirmed for our Spring production. Quiz made about £300 to be put towards future productions and the running for the club. It costs just over £1000 a year to run the club without putting on any plays. KP asked where the grant from the Arts Council is represented on the Accounts. MWL state see note 2. KM ask why electricity cost is so low. MWL state two reasons: (1) MDC doesn’t go to the barn very often now as no sets being built. (2) The shooting club pays the majority of the bill. KM ask about the insurance not covering over 80 year olds. MWL confirm this and state that anyone over 80 working at the barn, etc. must do so at their own risk. KM wonder if NODA may offer a special insurance package that may suit our type of organisation. Accounts: Adopted by SG and seconded by BLS
5. Elect Honorary Treasurer: MWL is happy to continue this coming year. Proposed by GC and seconded by LC
6. Chairperson’s Report: BW read his report. See separate document.
7. Elect general club members to the committee: (Elect 11 general members is stated on agenda – review club rules to check this number still appropriate for the club). Proposals for committee members are the same as last year, namely BW Chairperson, MWL Treasurer (see item 5), JB Minutes Secretary. We are still looking for a production secretary. General committee members: SG (social secretary), BLS, SB, GC (new in 2023 with specific responsibilities in the barn), MC. The above proposed en bloc by KP and seconded by HM. KP stated she will aim to rejoin the committee in summer 2024 in a general capacity.
8. No new nominations received by 14 November.
9. AOB from the committee: None
10. AOB from the members: LC asked when The Ladykillers will be performed. BW state that we have lost more cast and the director (Louise O’Connor). So not sure when we can produce this play yet. Spring 2024 June Fitzgerald is keen to direct something and this is currently being reviewed in monthly committee meetings. (June does not want to direct Ladykillers) In Autumn 2024 we may be able to do Ten Times Table directed by Graham Poultney. However, we may join with Hutton Players to produce their Autumn production. There is a proposal from Hutton Players to join the MDC and this is to be subject of greater discussion in early 2024. PC asked what the MDC club rules state regarding who makes the decision, committee only or all members via a vote. Club rules will need to be reviewed in detail as part of the 2024 discussions to determine requirements. KM broadly positive about the amalgamation and knows work will need to be done to ensure joining committee roles, finances etc. is treated fairly. A general question about how many members the MDC currently has was answered with 23 members. LC state that both clubs are struggling to put on productions and may well disappear unless by joining forces a stronger entity can keep going for a few more years.
11. Meeting closed at 20:30