Annual General Meeting 2011
Chairman's Report
Dr Geoffrey Purves started by thanking everyone for showing their support of the Society by attending on the night and for the continued generosity of Lord Ridley and his son in allowing us access to their delightful grounds and use of the Clock room.
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Ven. Geoff Miller, our speaker
Photo ©Nigel Jenkins
In a slight change to the usual running order, the Venerable Geoff Miller gave a talk entitled ‘It’s not all ruins’ after the business of the AGM was over. We hope this will be the start of a series of talks we can publish in pamphlet form and collect as statements on the subjects that the Northumberland & Newcastle Society is focused on.
After the resignation of John Laidler as Honorary Treasurer we were fortunate to have Kim Michelle step forward to assist for several months but unfortunately due to increasing pressures of her full time career she felt unable to continue in this role. Other developments over the past twelve months include the introduction of a new Marketing & Membership Committee to look at recruitment. An Extraordinary General Meeting was called in April to raise the subscription rates, which have remained static for over ten years now. In addition Direct Debit payments and electronic payments for events will be made available to members.
Social events have continued to thrive with large numbers attending the interesting and varied lectures and tours that have been arranged by the Events Committee over the year. Kielder Viaduct has attracted more attention this past year and will be an important and integral part of the Kielder Lakeside Way and the Kielder Marathon in October, which should provide good publicity for the Society.
Dr Purves then went on to thank the large number of people who freely give their time to help towards the Society aims and encouraged anyone who was interested in joining the Committees to contact Sue in the office. He finished by confirming our gratitude to our major sponsors, whose generous donations make a great difference and are much appreciated.
City and County
August 2011
