The Meeting began with a two minutes silence, so that we could all thank God for the life of Clifford Morgan, and reflect on his great influence on the School and pupils.

The President, Sonia Wade, gave her Presidential address.

Greetings and Apologies for Absence were received from Mary Kidd, Martyn Gaudie, Stuart Brammer, Beryl and Hugh Colwell, Fred and Erica Sessa, Audrey Bell (Gibson), Joyce Bell (Wooffindin), Sarah Brunton, Christine Pacy (Beckwith), Jennifer Tilley (Weir), Christine Meyer (Gent), John Douglass, Margaret Eden, Joan Kilpatrick (Lishman), Colin McLaurin-Jones, Bevan Pumphrey, Tony and Beryl Browne, Louis and Doris Trotter, Mike and Barbara Adam, Harry and Susan Snalam, Alan Noble, Anne Chetwynd Stapleton (Pease), Eric Rodham, Richard Wood, Johan Toftdahl, Kathleen Wilson (Fall).

The minutes of the 112th AGM were taken as read from the magazine, and were proposed and seconded by Joe Tillott and John Douglas.

There were no Matters Arising.

The Secretary’s Report was read.

It was felt by the Executive Committee, that as the website was now becoming such an important method for communication of O.S. news and association business, from now on we would include a report from the Records’ Secretary as part of the report to the AGM.

Dick reported that the membership at present stands at 728, of whom 264 are life members. There has been a slight adjustment of figures because of the end-of-school members who were given free membership for three years. As the three years are now at an end, those names have been taken off the register. Only 20 people took up the offer from the Association to become full members. The website now has 1020 pages, and so far this year, has had 70,000 “visits”. Dick also announced that he had set up his own computer in the Meeting House, so that anyone without a computer might view it. Dick also pointed out that he had set up a Book of Condolences for Clifford Morgan. If anyone who did not have access to the website would like to add their names or reminiscences, Dick would be pleased to add them, if they gave their names to him. Anne White said that she felt we must give Dick a very big vote of thanks for all his work, as she realised only too well how many hours must have gone into producing such a comprehensive document.

Treasurer’s report – the balance sheet was distributed and Clifford Weschenfelder explained that the deficit was mainly due to the cost of hiring the marquee. He also explained that a little of the cost came from a subsidy put onto the evening meal, but this by no means covered the total cost. A discussion followed as to whether we should continue to run the Association on a yearly deficit, or curtail the weekend reunion activities. By a general show of hands, it was agreed to carry on, as there were funds in the Association, but thought would be given to try to find ways of cutting costs as much as possible. Cliff ended by requesting any O.S. who could, to make a donation to the weekend’s expenses.

Gill Jackson read out the Editor’s report and expressed her thanks to all who helped with the production of the magazine. She told the tale of a bit of detective work, trying to find Winifred Matthews (1942-44). A letter from Winifred’s mother had been found by David Butters of Billingham, who had bought an old Ayton School textbook. Although Winifred hasn’t as yet been traced, Gill believes that eventually she will be. Does anyone know what became of Winifred after she left Ayton and Wigton?

Sue reported, as a member of the School Committee, that £200,000 of residual funds had now been distributed*, and a sub-committee set up to administer the Archives/Memorabilia”. As a result, Jane Campbell, Carol Avison and Roy Openshaw had done a great deal of work to assemble the display now on show in the Meeting House. Sue felt that special thanks should be given to Jane, who has spent many hours sorting through, cataloguing and organising this display.

Proposed acceptance of the above five reports.

Wendy Smith proposed acceptance and Jenny Summerfield seconded this.

Proposed change to the Constitution.

Sue pointed out that everyone had received notice of the proposed change to the Constitution with the 113th Reunion Weekend notice. This change was proposed because an Old Scholar had asked the Committee to distribute some printed literature on his behalf. Joe Tillott had contacted Sue, Margaret and Dick, suggesting an alteration in the wording but not the meaning of the alteration and, at the General Committee meeting, it had been unanimously agreed to accept the wording suggested by Joe. Sue then asked the meeting to accept the change in wording. This was seconded by Arthur. Sue then asked for a show of hands, to accept the new alteration to the Constitution. It was unanimously agreed.

Retirement and Resignation of Officers

Treasurer: Clifford Weschenfelder

Sue asked Roy to give a vote of thanks to Dorothy Dawson (who automatically stands down as Immediate Past President), and to Eric Rodham who is retiring as Auditor, as well as to Cliff.

Roy thanked Dorothy for her hard work, not only as District Secretary, but also for the extra work she did whilst in office as President and, in particular, for the organisation of the Reunion Weekend spent in Middleham and Bainbridge. He expressed thanks to Eric for his years of work carried out mainly in private, but so important to the Association. Roy pointed out that Cliff had been Treasurer for nine years, but in all, had served the Association in practically every office over a period of thirty years.

Re-election of Officers willing and able to remain in office:

Chairman: Sue Fox (1998-2002); General Secretary; Margaret Carnegie (1994-2002); Editor Gill Jackson (1999-2003); Records’ Secretary Dick Dennis (1996-2004); Reunion Coordinator: Tessa Snowdon (1999-2003); Convenor of Nominating Committee Sonia Wade (2000-2004); Ordinary Members Roy George (2001-2002) Martyn Gaudie (2000-2004) Samantha Noble (2000-2004) Jenny Summerfield (2000-2004); School Committee Representatives Sue Fox (1998-2002); Tessa Snowdon (2002-2003)

This was proposed by Joyce Spinks and seconded by John Douglas.

Election of Officers:

Treasurer: William Pine

This was proposed by Jenny Summerfield and seconded by Wendy Smith.

There were no nominations for a member to serve on the Nominations’ Committee.

Appointment of Auditor – Clifford Weschenfelder has agreed to become Auditor.

Nomination of President Elect.

Arthur Grainge proposed Dick Dennis as the next President Elect. This was seconded by Joe Tillott.

A.O.B. Joyce Spinks thanked all the committee members for their work over the past year. Sonia presented plants to Sue and Tessa as personal thanks. Douglas Horne asked if there was a printout of the expenses for the weekend. Cliff said that, as all bills had not yet been received, this was not possible, but that the cost of hiring the marquee was £1,500. There followed a discussion about the format of the weekend, and Joyce asked if, now that the Meeting House was again “open”, could we not go back to the AGM being in the Meeting House, and follow with an evening Meeting. Sue said this would be considered by the committee in October. Dick said that he felt Saturday afternoon was a bit wasted and, if anyone could suggest an activity that might take place then, could the committee be informed.

The meeting ended at 4.30 p.m. with a special vote of thanks by Sue to Tessa and Samantha for all their hard work towards the success of the weekend. This was followed by a welcome cup of tea.

Margaret Carnegie (Wilkinson 1948-55)