Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 8 May 2004 at the Cliffden Hotel, Teignmouth, commencing at 1400 hours
1. CHAIR'S WELCOME
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. CHAIRMAN TO READ THE AGENDA
The Agenda was read and the Public Relations Officer's report added.
3. NOTICE OF ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Ron Candy, David Stephenson.
4. PRESENT
Colin Howard - Chair
Martyn Wilson - Vice Chair
Jeanne Jackson - Secretary
Alec Bridgewood - Treasurer
Jane Sellers - Appeals officer
Charles Peck - Public Relations Officer
Chris Biles - Committee member
Phil Troll - Development Officer
Paul David
David Stephenson
Kulvinder Bhogal
Lisa Bhogal
Doreen Fowler
5.APOLOGIES
Alex Shannon
Steve Ward
Richard Harrington
PRESENTATION
There then followed a presentation of a card to Jeanne Jackson in appreciation for her many years as NTE Secretary. Jeanne said she had been happy working for us during so many years.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE AGM 2003
It was agreed the minutes would be read to the meeting since they had not been fully circulated.
6a) - Under item 15 - Elections: Alec Bridgewood pointed out that everybody on the incoming Committee should have been nominated and welcomed.
6b) - Under Item 18 - Any Other Business - Development Officer's Contract: delete "...for which he is currently employed" and insert "... for which he is currently self-employed".
Subject to the above amendments, the minutes were approved as a correct record. Proposed Charles Peck and seconded Martyn Wilson.
7. MATTERS ARISING:
7a) - Job Descriptions: The Chairman said that some Committee members had formulated their job descriptions, but that these should be clarified.
7b) - Radio for the Print Impaired (RPI) sub-committee: Phil troll explained why this had been disbanded. This could, however, be recommenced as and when a minutes secretary is appointed.
7c) - The employment of a freelance fundraiser: This has so far been unsuccessful. David Stephenson suggested an approach should be made to the Charities Commission to find out whether there are strict guidelines to proceed with, or whether we can adopt our own terms.
7d) - Adoption of a Patron: A Patron had not been sought during the past year, and it was decided to defer this to the next Committee meeting.
7e) - Mission Statement/Press Release: It was recommended this could be updated.
8. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT:
Colin said the magazine was in good shape and that the sound quality had improved with the addition of new recording equipment. He was very pleased with the development of the website, and he commended Mary Jamison for the work she has done on our behalf. We need to widen our collections geographically and hopefully get more members involved with these. He commended Jane Sellers for taking the job of Acting Appeals Officer. The report was adopted. Proposed Chris Biles and seconded Alec Bridgewood.
9. SECRETARY'S REPORT:
Jeanne Jackson had received information from TNAUK saying that Sir Trevor McDonald OBE has agreed to become Honorary President of the Association. This will help to raise the profile of talking newspapers and hopefully make many more blind people aware of the services provided. As Jeanne will not be standing as Secretary for the coming year, she wished her successor the best of luck in the job. The report was adopted. Proposed Martyn Wilson and seconded David Stephenson.
10. ASSISTANT SECRETARY'S REPORT:
No report submitted.
11. TREASURER'S REPORT:
Annual Treasurer's report for the year ended 31 March 2004: Alec Bridgewood said this year has been financially disappointing. Our cash reserves are now down to £26,829.71, which is £1,798.38 less than this time last year. Our overall expenditure has been lower this year. The balance sheet for the year was then read. Report adopted. Proposed Paul David and seconded Charles Peck.
12. ACTING APPEALS OFFICER'S REPORT:
Jane Sellers, who has been acting Appeals Officer since October, has been arranging station collections. Various ideas on how to raise money were suggested including inviting somebody to run in the London marathon.
13. PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER'S REPORT:
Charles Peck gave details of two ideas for raising money. These were experimental and were supported by the meeting. Both the above reports were adopted. Proposed Martyn Wilson and seconded Kulvinder Bhogal.
14. DEVELOPMENT OFFICER'S REPORT:
Phil Troll said we now have the website up and running. Several editions of the magazine are now listenable on the site. He regretted we were unsuccessful with the lottery application. He then assured members we can still apply for a lottery grant. It is a requirement that a full committee must take part in the application. We can apply for more than one grant.
David Stephenson asked for clarification with regard to the 20 per cent increase that was agreed. Would this be permanent? Phil Troll explained the current situation and this was endorsed by the meeting.
15. MOTION:
The Chairman ruled that the motion could not be tabled as it had not been received by the Secretary three months prior to this meeting. The ruling was seconded by Martyn Wilson.
16. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE:
All officers were re-elected, but we are seeking a new Secretary. Committee members: Jeanne Jackson, Kulvinder Bhogal and Steve Ward.
CONSTITUTIONAL SUB-COMMITTEE:
Alec Bridgewood (Chairman)
Martyn Wilson (Vice-Chairman)
Phil Troll
Lisa Bhogal
Correspondent with Charities Commission: this will be the Secretary when appointed.
17. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
17a) - David Stevenson proposed all committee members' reports should be read on to the magazine prior to the AGM. This was rejected. The previous year's AGM minutes should be read.
17b) - Ron Candy was concerned that not enough security measures were being taken at station collections. No further action was suggested.
17c) - 25th anniversary celebration: It was agreed to have a meal in London on 11 September to which all NTE members and friends are invited.
18. DATE OF NEXT AGM:
It was agreed this meeting will be held on 7 May 2005 at RNIB in Judd Street.
Richard Harrington
Assistant Secretary
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