The 2008 President, Harry Snalam gave his address which proved humorous and very interesting. We were all enthralled by his audacious excursions and experiments. He certainly kept us all on the edge of our seats! Diz thanked him for his confessions and for his dedication in coming from Vancouver so often to reunions and also for attending Committee meetings during his time in office.

Greetings and apologies for absence were received from: Geoffrey & Joyce Galling (Whittingham); Kathlyn Tonkin (Bearby); Barbara Weschenfelder (Bearby); Mary Kidd (McClure); Maeve Hird ; Beryl Queen and her brother Alan Goodfellow; the meeting sent its sympathy to Alan who was in hospital suffering from MRSA and its very best wishes to him for a speedy recovery. Tony Jeffries; Edwin (Tucker) Thompson; Jane Scrimshaw (Wood); Ann Gardner (Bell); Alan Smith; Roy George; Sheila Howd (Dent); Joe & Beth Tillott; Norman & Christine Graham; Michael Warren; David Artiss; Joan Howarth (Robinson); Eleanor Hone (Jackson); Kathleen Wheldon (Hall); Brian & Jan Sinclair (Hall); The family of the late Charles Danson 1936-37 who was known at school as Karl Erich Danielsohn.

Congratulations to Reg Fall, who was the Steward and Maintenance Engineer at School, he reached the grand age of 100 years on 24th June this year and to Margery Rider who was a pupil at school and will be 100 on 2nd July. Cards of congratulation have been sent to both on behalf of the Old Scholars

The Minutes of the 119th A.G.M. were taken as read from the Magazine and approval was proposed and seconded by Gill Jackson (Hinds) and Tessa Snowdon (Greenwell).

There were no matters arising.

Jill Wheeler (Rhodes) Hon. Secretary reported that the Committee had fulfilled its role in keeping the Association running in accordance with the Association Constitution, and that Jenny Summerfield, our Reunion Secretary, along with the Committee, had brilliantly rearranged the 2008 Reunion when Whinstone View was no longer available.

Hon. Records Secretary’s Report. Diz welcomed Dick back to the fold after a two year absence owing to ill health. Dick reported that the total membership of the A.O.S.A. at present stands at 603. As well as Records Secretary Dick is the Website Supremo and garners many interesting facts & figures. The A.O.S.A. website is a great place to reminisce and keep up to date with events past & present. Dick reported that he now has an e-mailing list of 360. Email is a good way to keep in contact with many people. The A.O.S.A Website gets up to 800 visits daily and a high percentage of those are from North America. One poor chap has had his sleep pattern altered as he was so captivated by the site he sat up late while his family slept!

Hon. Treasurer’s Report was presented by William Pine. William had produced copies of the figures which he distributed to the members at the meeting, which was very helpful. The Association has £5,370.78 in current accounts and £14,152.57 in the Life Fund. The 2008 Reunion should not incur such a loss as in the past. William thanked Dick Bye for independently examining the accounts and also the Committee and in particular Jenny Summerfield for all the hard work in arranging the Reunion.

Editor’s Report. James Slater’s report began by thanking Gill Jackson for her invaluable help in compiling news, Suzie Scaife, Dick Dennis, Clifford Weschenfelder, Wendy and Nat Smith for their help in preparing and despatching the Magazine with such enthusiasm and dedication. Grateful thanks were also given to Jane Campbell (Bye) for all her care and dedication in keeping the Old Scholars’ Memorabilia in such good, accessible order. James went on to report that because not so many Magazines are needed the Magazine printing can incorporate colour photos - so if anyone has any interesting/unusual photos please can you let James have it/them with captions of explanation.

Acceptance of the above reports was proposed by Gill Jackson (Hinds) and seconded by Jenny Summerfield (Smith). This was agreed by all.

Retirement of Officers as of 2008. Dick Dennis, Records Secretary (yearly basis); Sonia Wade, Nominations Committee (yearly basis); Louis Trotter, Executive Committee (yearly basis). All these above are all willing to stay in office on a yearly basis.

Suzanne Potter, Nominations & Executive Committee, is willing to be re elected for a further 4 years (2009-13).

All those below are all within their years of office or willing to stay in office:
Chairman: Diz Dexter (2006 - 2010); Secretary: Jill Wheeler 2006 - 2010) Treasurer: William Pine (2005 - 2009); Editor: James Slater (2005 - 2009) Committee Member and Reunion Coordinator - Jenny Summerfield (2004 - 2009)

School Committee Representatives are: William Pine (2007- 2011); Jill Wheeler (2007-2011); Sonia Wade (2007-2011);

Lou Trotter proposed the acceptance of these posts, including the reappointment of Suzanne, and this was seconded by Wendy Smith (Arnold). All were in favour.

Retirement of these key Officers in 2009; William Pine, Hon. Treasurer; and Jenny Summerfield; Reunion Co-ordinator.

Lou Trotter spoke about the above retirements due in 2009. He said how concerned the Committee were that Old Scholars were not coming forward to help and this was putting the Association in jeopardy. The Committee needed to have a full compliment to ensure the Association's future. Margaret Carnegie (Wilkinson) asked for some clarification on the job and commitment required. Lou said being a Committee Member was not an onerous task. There are two meetings and the Reunion each year. Email is useful but not vital. Some positions are more specific than others but there is always help available from the previous incumbent. Other Committee Members added that it is really quite rewarding and a good opportunity to get to know other Old Scholars from different eras. The Meetings are pleasurable and it’s good to be able to help the Association. James Slater said that most Members did not have very much to do and it is a team where everyone helps where they can. Dick said that those who come on to the Committee have fun and learn by helping other members. Lou said he was pleased to report that he had already been approached by a member after his appeal at the Saturday evening meal. If anyone feels that they or someone they know could help, Lou Trotter or Sonia Wade (Dunn) will be pleased to speak to them.

Area Representatives. The General Committee is looking into redefining the Areas owing to changes in the way subscriptions are paid and news is gathered. Diz said she would keep the AGM informed of any changes.

Nomination of President Elect. Gill Jackson (Hinds) proposed Sue Fox (Turner) as the President Elect. Sue worked tirelessly for the Old Scholars’ Association, and in the pre-computer era, which meant that when she was the Records Secretary the records were all kept on cards at her home, each one hand-written! This was but a small part of her contribution to Old Scholars. Presidents are chosen for diverse reasons but it is right that those who have given so much to our Association should be honoured in this way. Sue’s nomination was seconded by Diz Dexter.

Diz asked those present at the AGM whether they had enjoyed the new format reunion, and the consensus of opinion was that the weekend had been a great success and enjoyed by all. Diz said she was very pleased and thanked Jenny Summerfield, William Pine and Tessa Snowdon especially for their contribution to the weekend turning out so well. She assured the AGM that the Association would be making a donation to the Ayton Meeting, because being able to use the Meeting House had certainly been a great asset.

Future Reunions. The 2009 reunion will be 27th & 28th June and the format will be much the same as 2008.

There being no other business the meeting closed 4.10pm.