MINUTES TVHS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 13th DECEMBER 2018
Fordbridge Park Clubhouse – 7p.m.
Present: 16 members attended.
Apologies from: Maureen Willis
A welcome by the chairman was followed by the 2017 minutes which were agreed and signed
President’s Statement: Ken began by thanking Eileen & Jose for rescuing the meetings in August & September when there was no speaker. He then talked about the remarkable weather during the year, first cold then hot, followed by torrential rain when his son in law hoped it would last all day so that his entrance fee at Lord’s cricket ground would be reimbursed. He felt sorry for Eileen who tended the Vernon Goslin planter in Church Road Ashford as, after planting some new varieties she was dismayed to find they had been stolen. He commented on the lorries on the college site with their continuous beeping whilst reversing, which was so distracting it had driven him out of his garden to seek refuge indoors. He had gained at least 6” of garden all along the boundary when his neighbours cut down their conifers and was hoping to plant some new roses including one called Penny Lane. He concluded his memories of the year in horticulture by wishing everyone a happy Christmas and prosperous new year.
Chairman’s Statement:
Jose welcomed all those to the meeting and said her statement would be short and sweet like her! She thanked all those who had helped during the year and given their continuous support to the society. The plant fair had been profitable as it was held on a Saturday and this would be repeated in 2019, but more publicity was needed. June Barnard continued to send information of trips and Jose passed it on. She invited members to come to the committee meetings which are held every 3 months.
Monthly Competitions Secretary’s report
Membership has dwindled and therefore the support in the competitions had fallen. More entries would be good with 150 pts needed for a £5 voucher.
Membership Secretary’s report
29 active members, 2 vice presidents who never appear and an average of 18 members per meeting.
Press & Show Secretary’s report
Eileen sends information to SCAA when required. Next deadline is 1st January. Entries not always up to date.
Speakers’ Secretary report
The calendar was filled with various speakers and topics including auriculas, glasshouses, plant galls, poisonous plants, and trees; together with a plant sale, quiz and a member’s slides.
Treasurer’s report
Dee welcomed everyone, handed out reports and thanked Clive Lacey for auditing the accounts.
Income: Total to October was £750.86 Expenditure: Total £1054.02 Expenditure over income: -£303.56
Commencing balance £1715.70 Total expenditure over income:-£303.56 interest 0.82 balance = £1412.96
Current a/c 370.31, cash £30.76, deposit a/c £1011.87 – Balance £1412.96
Presentation of cups – Monthly Competition:
Zillah’s trophy - most points in Floral Art
- Jose Green 23 pts, runner up Stella Smith 9 pts.
Merriman Cup for most points in classes other than Floral Art
- Jose Green had 185 pts, runner up Margaret Keefe with 177 pts.
Election of Officers:
The chairman was willing to stand again, was proposed, seconded and duly elected. All other committee members agreed to stand and were elected unanimously. It was decided to retain only two vice presidents.
President: Mr K. Willis: Vice Presidents: Mrs E. Lacey, Mr. Ron Bathurst
General Committee: Chairman: Jose Green, Assist Marilyn Willis, Members’ Sec: Marilyn Willis, Press Sec: Eileen Lacey Asst. Marilyn Willis, Speakers’ Sec: Mrs Jose Green, Treasurer: Mrs Dorothy Barker
Sub Committee: Mrs Barbara Bathurst, Mr Ron Bathurst, Mrs Joy Brooks, Mrs Margaret Keefe,
Election of Auditor: Mr. Clive Lacey
A.O.B.
Future of Society
There is enough money to pay for another year’s hall hire. The membership card will be simplified and programme issued for the first 6 months to see how we go. January will be members’ evening, enrolment & slides. Feb TBA, March will be a fish @n chip supper for Ken’s 90th birthday celebration; April Hostas TBC; May will be our plant fair , June TBA. Robert Goble to be approached re: talks, publicity in libraries & supermarkets.
Membership renewal January 25th – please come along