PROBUS CLUB OF EWELL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – WEDNESDAY, 3^rd MARCH 2010.

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE AND/OR MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE

The Members listed below were elected for 2010 to 2011:-

 

President Frank Rae being welcomed by the Past President Ken Amess

Introductory Address by the New President.

Frank Rae said it was a great privilege to be elected President and thanked the members also his Proposer and Seconder for this confidence. As President he would use his utmost endeavours to meet the Club's best interests and work assiduously to that end during his terms of office. Frank stated his own aspirations for the Club were threefold, two of which had already been put in motion by his predecessors and were well advanced. The first and most important aim is to continue ad openly encourage what he refer to as the 3 F's, namely Fellowship, Fraternity and Fun for without these attributes the Club is nothing. Secondly membership for one reason or another had declined over recent years. Behind the scenes the Committee and Sub-Committee had been working to address this issue and again is well advanced with plans to project Ewell Probus into the public domain with a view to attracting recently retired or semi-retired gentlemen with interests such as our own. Frank said he would like to think, therefore, that the Club Fraternity and increased Membership would prosper in the coming months.

It was approximate; eighteen months ago the Club had recognised it was facing some financial issues that needed resolving. The then Treasurer, Malcolm Davis with due diligence and foresight steered the Club out of that immediate difficulty. Today all will have heard Malcolm report the finances have improved. Frank said, nonetheless, he saw a window of of opportunity over the next or s where the income flow can be further utilised for the benefit of the Club and its members. In this respect our new Treasurer, Tony Field and Frank were as one, but again this was only to be expected when two ex bankers get into a huddle over bonuses they are bound to agree - utilisation of income!

Concluding Frank believed the aforementioned 3 F's within the Club and its members is of paramount importance and was sure he would have members support in this respect.

Nomination of the New President's Charity

Frank Rae said he would once again propose Help for Heroes as the President's Charity and was sure members would all wish to give their support. In Frank's view it is the single most important charity operating at this time. Whilst not being able to ascertain exact numbers of sever casualties coming back Frank's conversation with Help for Heroes gave him the strong impression these were high and all in need of specialist treatment. Recent weeks had seen the NHS concern that they might not have enough beds for those injured and needing medical assistance. It was interesting the MOD considers the numbers too sensitive for release to the general public. Until recently most battle wounded return under the radar and were almost forgotten. That was until 2007 when Help for Heroes was established so they could be cared for in a sympathetic manner and be provided with the very best this country had to offer, both by way of facilities and medical attention.

Headley Court's rehab facilities were topped out in 2009 and will be fully operational this spring. Cost of these facilities was £8 million plus. This was the first stage, the second is already under way namely establishing recovery recovery centres around the country. Help for Heroes is currently funding a £3.5million project for a treatment centre at Leatherhead for Combat Stress. This will be finished in May 2010 and available to all service and ex service men & women requiring treatment. The criticism of other Charities of spending too much on administration and salaries cannot be levelled at Help for Heroes. They established a trading company to sell products and the profits generated from sales means the can cover nearly all their operating costs. Currently 98% of all donations received are used for the direct benefit of service personnel. Frank said as all were aware injuries incurred will often adversely affect their future lives and every support is welcomed. He trusted all members agreed with his thoughts on this and could rely on their full support of his chosen Charity, Help for Heroes once again in 2010/11.

By a show of hands the membership gave their unanimous support,

 

Below are extracts from the 2010 AGM minutes

 

President  Report for the 2010 AGM

Ken Amess said as he prepared for this year's AGM he was struck just how quickly his year had passed. The old adage 'Time flies when you are having fun" came to mind. Yes he had enjoyed the year. He was of the opinion the two Ladies Lunches was likely a high point of a President's year and the very successful move to the new venue, Kingswood Golf & Country Club, had made his more special. The attendances of the two 2009 Lunches which had shown a considerable increase on the corresponding lunches of previous years showed this move had been popular with all concerned. This would be the venue for 2010 and 2011. Ken thanked and praised Eric Hussey saying Eric had carried this out whilst balancing it with handling family matters involving his daughters illnesses. Thus it was pleasing Eric's hard work had been reward with the triumph of the two events. Ken also thanked Brian Cannell and Ken Robinson for attending to the Charity Collections. The President's nominated Charity "Help for Heroes" had raised the record sum of £825. This sum included the excellent December Speaker, Browen Mills donating her fee and a previous speaker, Major (Retd) Paul Whittle making a very generous donation for services by Cliff Douthwaite for website assistance. Ken thanked all who had contribute to the worthy charity which underlined the the strong support for the men and women or our armed forces especially those who suffer horrific injures of which very little is ever reported.

Having regard to some decline in membership a sub-committee, comprising Cliff Douthwaite, John Mills and Peter Anning, had been formed to promote the Club within the local area and its surrounds to attract new members. Members were also encourage to do their part in trying to increase membership numbers. Our Social Events sub-committee do try to produce a varied programme of events that have an appeal to all. This part of the Club is very important and goes a long way to developing friendship and fellowship not only amongst members but also their other halves. The change to monthly meeting seating, agreed by members at the 2009 AGM, has been a success. This does go some way to ensuring there is circulation, contact and interplay between the membership. A warm friendly spirit prevails at the monthly meetings. Ken said after 7 years as Treasurer, Malcolm Davis would today step down from that position and opinioned all would agree he had done a magnificent job. He had managed to steer the Club through some choppy waters. The was greatly indebted to him. Ken was pleased that Malcolm has agreed to as a Committee Member in today's re-election of Officers. Also stepping down was Committee Member David Wood. David had been Malcolm's predecessor and had been the 2004/2005 President. On the Club's behalf Ken thanked both for their years of work and service to the Club. .It was much appreciated. Concluding Ken went on to thank his Vice President, Frank Rae for the support and help over the past 12 months. The same remarks also applied to Committee colleagues. Finally to the membership Ken expressed his thanks for the honour of them allowing being allowed to serve them as President over the past. It had been an honour.

 

Secretary's Report for the 2010 AGM

Kern Amess said despite the severe weather conditions in January 2010 the meeting had gone ahead. This was due to the caterers holding the Club to the contact.. Treasurer, Malcolm Davis has made robust efforts to persuade them to agree to cancel or make some allowances for the circumstances. Sadly to no avail. A cancellation would have meant the Club incurring a financial loss. Members were informed by e-mail or telephone. On the day some 29 hardy members attended, some having walked. The booked speaker had been unable to attend so Member David Benke stepped in and entertained all with his experiences of training to be a paratrooper. This had been well received. The Club was indebted to David. Honorary Member, Ernie Palmer one the Club's founder members attended the June 2009. A number of members had left the Club over the past year for health or other reasons. These had included Tony Holdaway, Arend Noltes and Bob Lythgoe. Sadly after a struggle with illness Ray Blears had passed away. The Club was well represented at his funeral and condolences had been passed to his family. As had been announced earlier today George Howard had died. Over the past 4 months the Club had welcomed new members, Brian Coleman-Smith, Brian Renwick, Peter Richards and Brian Vikars. The Club membership stood at 63. Ken reminded members of the need to recruit new members. He requested all to bring along to meeting friends, relations, acquaintances suggesting, they first attend a meeting as guests to obtain an idea of Probus. The Club's Website viewing was a good first stop

Ken again appealed for Members to wear their Lapel Badges to all meetings noticing that a number do not wear them. Apart from being considerate and helpful to new members existing members of the Club could not be expected to recall everyone. It was often the first means of communication. Those who had lost or mislaid their Lapel Badge had only to ask Ken and he would arrange to supply a new one. Lunch attendances had been in the range of 29 and 46. The lower number was, as already indicated, due to January's adverse weather.

Apart from the 4 Committee Meetings there was frequent contact and discussions between members of the Committee of any Club matters. Insurance with Sterling Insurance Co., via Probus Insurance Plans, was renewed 1st November 2009 at the lower premium of £59.75p. A reduction of £3.75p on 2008. The terms cover the Club against Public Products & Employers Liability, Loss of Money, Regalia or other Club equipment and additional expenditure such as rental of temporary premises. Copy of the Policy can be made available upon request. In accordance with motion passed at the 2009 AGM subscription to the Probus Magazine had been cancelled.

 

Treasurers Report for the 2010 AGM

Malcolm Davis had earlier circulated copies of the Audited Accounts for the year to 31st December2009. Copy Appended for purposes of the Minute Book. He said he would stepping down today as Treasurer and thus this would be the last set he would be presenting. It was pleasing to report the Club's finances had improved considerable during 2009 whereafter he went through the details of the circulated accounts.

 

 

Speakers Secretary Report for the 2010 AGM.

Frank Rae said during 2009/10 7 male and 5 female speakers had been engaged. Frank then listed each of the Speakers and the title of their respective talks. The May Ladies Lunch talk enlightened those attending of Flora Thom[son - Beyond Candleford Green. Whilst the talk had been of interest to some could have been lighter intone. The December Ladies Lunch Speaker, Browen Mills kept all spell bound with her talk "A Trio of Surrey Ladies". She then surprised all by donating her fee to the President's Charity - Help for Heroes. A extremely generous gesture. The vagaries of Global warming failed to halt the January 2010 meeting.   

 

 

Social Secretary Report for the 2010 AGM.

Pat Hunt reported on the trips arranged by the Social Sub Committee since the last AGM. These had included a private guided tour of Polesden Lacy. Thanks here was due to John & Anne Mills also Bernard Reeves who are all National Trust volunteers. Then a small party led by Ken Robinson enjoyed an interesting tour of the BBC Television Centre and in June a four hour river from Walton Pier to Kingston and back.

Due to illness a reduced number Pat led a party to to Chatham Historic Dockyard led by Pat. production of Cabaret at the Wimbledon Theatre had not lived up to expectation. The first trip of 2010 had been a lunch at the Rubbing House. Pat then went on to detail the planned events for the remainder of 2010 starting, later this month, a visit to London Palladium. The remainder of the programme was being circulated. Pat took the opportunity to thank John Mills who had organised a number of the trips also Ken Robinson who would be "hanging up his clipboard". Ken's banter would be missed. Thanks were due to Cliff Douthwaite who not only ensures all trips are publicised by e-mail and on the website but follows this up with reports and photographs of each event. Members who cannot be contacted electronically are kept informed via the Club's Newsletter, produced by Peter Anning.

 

Ladies Lunches Report for the 2010 AGM.

Eric Hussey reported 2 Ladies Lunches were held during 2009 at the new venue of Kingswood Golf & Country Club. The move had been successful. It ha been very successful and a vast improvement on Bourne Hall for our Ladies which Eric believed should be the main consideration. This had been reflected in the increased numbers attending. Eric thanked all those Members who had attended for their support also Brian Cannell and Ken Robinson for taking the Charity Collection for Help for Heroes. The amount collected was £684. Additionally Eric thanked all those Members who had donated prizes for the Ladies Prize Draw. Due to the excellent support the had been a handsome surplus from the two lunches which had benefited the Club's finances.

Eric drew members attention to the forms at their tables placing for the Ladies Lunch to be held at Kingswood on 5th May 2010 and looked forward to continued support.

 

Report of the Webmaster for the 2010 AGM.

Updates of the site, since I last reported at our 2009 AGM we have had just over 2,131 more visitors to the site which is good going, I think our site is looked and reviewed by many outside of our club.

We have about 45 members who have access to the net and this gives a good communications link to past and future events, whether this increases the attendance is difficult to quantify.

If the speaker is on the Internet and I can obtain their e-mail I normally ensure that the reports gain their approval, most who reply are more than satisfied, typical is Graham Aston who spoke to the Club about "Travels to Paraguay" contacted us that he was continuing his project of providing clothing to the ethnic natives of that country and had been informed that the report was indeed very helpful and he wished to pass onwards his kind greeting to all of the Club membership. He sent in February a new set of pictures which will be on our site soon.

The request about “Toy Train to the Clouds” by Major Paul Whittle, for a selection of images about his other talks to be put on the site, this was approved by the committee and this resulted in a one off donation to the Presidents Charity of £75.

Costs the committee raised about the web site costs, for your general interest the web site costs are about £72 per year plus VAT, I looked at alternatives with the possibility of reducing the annual costs, but the committee felt these would remove our ranking for searches based upon Google and other engines so decided to stay with our ISP, I trust you feel this is money well spent?

The e-mail system of informing and reminding members of upcoming meetings or activities has been more in operation this year. The e-mail system came into its own when the activities were established for the upcoming year and a proforma was circulated in February with details this allowed all members on the web to reply thus giving the sub committee a background of possible support, apart from a few technical glitches all worked well, although 2 members still have to reply!!

We have of course members without Internet access, although Computer/Internet availability is open to all here at Bourne Hall and other libraries, also I am happy to offer coffee and a free demonstration at my home, any takers, the coffee is good!.

 

Catering Secretary's Report.

Cliff Douthwaite said since his report to the 2009 AGM the website had just over 2,131 more visitors. He thought this was good and included many outside the Club. Some 45 members have access to the net and this allows them to be kept fully informed of the Club's activities.

Eric drew members attention to the forms at their tables placing for the Ladies Lunch to be held at Kingswood on 5th May 2010 and looked forward to continued support.

Eric Hussey reported 2 Ladies Lunches were held during 2009 at the new venue of Kingswood Golf & Country Club. The move had been successful. It ha been very successful and a vast improvement on Bourne Hall for our Ladies which Eric believed should be the main consideration. This had been reflected in the increased numbers attending. Eric thanked all those Members who had attended for their support also Brian Cannell and Ken Robinson for taking the Charity Collection for Help for Heroes. The amount collected was £684. Additionally Eric thanked all those Members who had donated prizes for the Ladies Prize Draw. Due to the excellent support the had been a handsome surplus from the two lunches which had benefited the Club's finances.

John Mills said during the last year he had not received one complaint from members regarding the quality of the lunches. He hoped the chef can continue to maintain this standard. The lunch price remains at £14,00p and no notification had been of any increase. The caterers are required to give a minimum 2 months notice of any increase. Whilst the standard of the lunch is good it is a little predictable i.e. Soup, Roast and pudding. John would be speaking with the chef to make the menu a little more interesting and as cheese as a last course option has become more popular to have a larger number of cheese course available. In a effort to give the speakers more time plus Questions afterwards John had asked for the lunch to be served prompt a 12.45pm. This would mean all to be seated by 12.40pm

Welfare Secretary's Report.

Richard Whittington reported on the status of those members who were currently unable to attend for health reasons. As was usual all had received get well and best wishes cards from the Club. He reflected rarely does a meeting pass when at least one member was unable to attend for reasons of illness. There had been 2 deaths Ray Blears last year and as was announced at today's lunch meeting George Howard. Where funeral arrangements were know the Club was always represented. Additionally condolence cards or letter were always sent to the family. Richard wondered whether there were members who would like to attend meetings but for various reasons were unable for such reasons as being unable to drive. If this was the case then they could perhaps be offered membership assistance to attend meetings. He therefore appealed to the membership asking them to assist their colleagues in such situations to get to our meetings.

 

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