PROBUS CLUB OF EWELL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – WEDNESDAY, 3^rd MARCH 2011.

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE AND/OR MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE

The Members listed below were elected for 2011 to 2012:-

 

 

 

President Peter Anning  being welcomed by the Past President Frank Rae

 

Below are extracts from the 2011 AGM minutes

 

President  Report for the 2011 AGM

I hope my short presentation will not be compared with the recent acceptance speeches at the Oscars – I do not look or dress like them!

I want to start by expressing my thanks to Frank Rae for being our President during the last year and I hope you join me in this.  He has been thoroughly pursuing the interests of the club and providing support to the club’s committee in their various roles.  It will not be easy to follow him.

I have been a member of Ewell Probus for just 3 ½ years and therefore feel privileged to have become President now.  During this period I have introduced and continued to produce the club newsletter   - a task Cliff Douthwaite suggested.  As a result I have become fairly familiar with the workings of the club.   As you will have heard, Cliff is recovering from an operation and I hope he will be back with us soon.  I am sure that other members who joined more recently than myself will also have an opportunity to become committee members and President.

The club exists to provide a basis for social interaction – primarily at our lunches but also events such as visits (to interesting locations of course) and theatre or shows and I hope you will try to participate in these as well.

These events are only realistic to arrange if a sufficient number of people book.  It is therefore important to keep the club member numbers up.  This is referred to each year at the AGM and it is no different this year.   Please take a moment to think about your contacts who live locally or neighbours.  If you think of a suitable person, I would be pleased to send them an invitation to consider joining.

Finally, I look forward to be your President during the year we are celebrating its 40^th birthday.

Peter Anning

President's Charity.

Peter Aiming said his charity was Combat Stress. This is the U.K.'s leading charity specialising in the care of veterans' mental health. It looks after men and women who are suffering from psychological condition related to their Service career. This might be depression, anxiety, a phobia or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Services are free of charge to the veteran. Since 2005 they have seen a 72% increase in the demand for their specialist services.

The charity was started in 1919 as "The Ex-Servicemen's Welfare Society" and is now know as "Combat Stress". It was founded a year after the end of the First World War to rehabilitate veterans suffering from shell shock. In 1945 they acquired Tyrwhitt House near Leatherhead and relocated their headquarters there in 200. In 2003, HRH The Prince of Wales became Patron and in 20 10 he launched "The Enemy Within Appeal" - a £30million fundraising campaign to enhance the charity's three treatment facilities and establish a nationwide Community Outreach service.

 

Outgoing Presidents Report

Frank Rae said much had been achieved over the past 12 months. The enlarged Social Events Sub Committee so that more days trips, theatre outings, etc can be arranged not only for the members, but also their ladies and friends. Pat, John, Peter and Deric were thanked for their individual and combined efforts. Cliff as our Webmaster has been able to project Ewell Probus and the result is their have been over 12,000 hits recorded on our website. All this assists in being pro active with other clubs and associations, Frank, as Speaker's Secretary and Cliff have been contacted by the BBC and Universities asking for assistance or information with regard to a programme or projects. Our recent Ladies Lunch Speaker, Susan Purcell has said Ewell Probus has on of the best Probus Club web sites and she often direct other Probus Clubs to out site. Frank then referred to what he regarded as 3 main Committee functions Secretary, Treasurer and Welfare and the officers responsible for same. Turning to the Ladies Lunches it was evident that Kingswood Golf & Country Gulf as a venue met with members' approval as to a venue, the cost and service. The Golf Club were doing all it could to keep costs down and were happy with the arrangements currently in place with Ewell Probus. Whatever the weather Eric Hussey continued to arrange these events with great aplomb. Pointing out that apart from the position of 2nd Vice President the Club were fortunate in having a full compliment on the main Committee. There was however, no guarantee this will continue to be the case in the future should any of the Committee wish to stand down. When this occurs if was to be hoped members when approached and called upon will give readily their time and expertise.

Sadly the Club had lost two members, George Howard and Laurie Palmer. Both had been longstanding members and supporters of the Club and its activities. Both are and would be missed. Frank then referred to membership numbers and the strong efforts that had been made to increase same by advertising the Club and its activities. Whilst the results of these efforts have yet to be seen it was pleasing to see an upturn in membership from other sources.

Frank said we must continue to persevere with the membership issue and encourage new members to join as he was of the opinion we were one of the best and most active Probus Clubs in the County if not the Country.

In concluding Frank conveyed his best wishes to the President Elect, Peter Arming and every success in the year ahead. He was sure Peter's tenure would be enjoyable and pleasurable as Frank had over the past twelve months.

 

Secretary's Report for the 2011 AGM

Ken Amess drew members attention to the fact the upcoming year would be its 40th anniversary. He said the only known contact with those involved in the formation was Hon. Member, Ernie Palmer. It was to be hoped Ernie would be able to join us at a meeting sometime during the year. Consideration was being given as to how to mark this event. Ken then went on to highlight three areas which he considered were part of he Club's strength which he then outlined.

Firstly there was the monthly speakers on a range of topics and were lucky that from to time being able to secure the services of a high profile speaker. The latest example was Sir Bernhard Ingham who spoke in February this year. Thanks was due to Frank Rae who in his role of Speaker's Secretary who had the unenviable task of trying provide something to interest all - no easy task.

The Social Events team, Pat Hunt. John Mills, Peter Anning and Deric Tonge work hard to arrange a varied programme throughout the year. Also not easy. Two highlights from the past year were the visit to Sonning with a river trip followed by a lunch before a matinee theatre performance and a tour of St Paul's then the Bank of England Museum. This latter trip was lead by our Treasurer, Tony Field. Ken appealed for membership of the social events and reminded all members they are welcomed to bring guests. Furthermore the team were always happy to receive suggestions of places to visits etc. Approximately 10 years ago the Club's website became operational. We were one of the first Probus Club to have website. This has proved an invaluable tool in many ways. All members with e-mails are advised of upcoming social events, matters of interest etc. Members who miss a monthly meeting are able to read a report of the talk at that meeting which, like the social events, is generally accompanied with photographs. Additional it has proved it worth when we have been forced a meeting as happened in December 2010 when very severe weather caused the cancellation of the Ladies Lunch. The website has also helped to recruit new members. Ken said other Club Secretaries often congratulate us on the quality of the website. This is entirely due to Cliff Douthwaite, our webmaster.

2 years ago we moved the venue of the Ladies Lunches to Kingswood Golf & Country Club. This has proved to be resounding success as has been shown by the support it has received. Here Ken thanked Ladies Lunch Organiser, Eric Hussey thanked for his hard in ensuring the continued success of these important lunches. Ken said the future of any club or organisation was in the strength of membership numbers and we needed to use our camaraderie in building this. He appealed to all present to introduce new members pointing a viewing of the website would hopefully support what they told they friends, family etc.

It was always sad to report the passing of members. Over the past Laurie Palmer and George Howard had passed away. As always the Club was represented at their funerals and letters of condolences had sent to the families. Ill health had forced Frances Groen to resign and Ken had written to him. Earlier today John Vaughan had been welcomed into the club and Ken asked that all members make him most welcomed, as he hoped they would all new members. This respect Ken said members wearing their lapel badges helped again asking they are worn. The membership, including Hon. Member, Ernie Palmer stood at 59 which would hopefully increase shortly.

The Club's Insurance had been renewed. This was with Great Lakes Reinsurance plc, via Probus Insurance Plans Ltd. Premium Cost, £60.25p, an increase of 25p. A copy of the Policy can always be made available upon request.

In addition to Club's website the Club's existence was made known in various ways. This included entries in the Borough's Insight Magazine, Borough Leisure Listings Brochure, and Surrey County Council Database. These do not incur any charges to the Club.

Ken thanked Brian Cannel for running the monthly raffles and for his rotating the prizes. Very topical was the bottle of Pimms in July to coincide with Wimbledon.

Concluding Ken thanked all members, his fellow Committee colleagues for their support over the past year. To President, Frank Rae who concluded his year latter at this meeting Ken said he not only congratulated him on a successful year but also for his tireless efforts to promote the Club.

 

Treasurers Report for the 2011 AGM

Tony Field having earlier circulated copies of the Audit Accounts for the year to 31st December 2010, copy appended for the purposes of the Minute Book, said there was a significant change in the format of the accounts. The Social Fund had been merged into the General Fund. The change had the Committee's approval and simplified the presentation of the accounts.

The income was less than the previous year due to the fact there had been only one Ladies Lunch compared with two in the previous year. Figures for the current year will show three Ladies Lunches. All other items of income show an increase with the exception of interest. Apart from the Bourne Hall hiring charge costs for the year are similar to the preceding year. In the previous year one hall hire had been cancelled due to bad weather thus the increase for the current year would have smaller.

The balance sheet shows healthy cash position which is due to carrying forward the receipts of the cancelled December 2010 cancelled Ladies Lunch. The Charity Fund balance will further increase after the rescheduled Ladies Lunch and once this has taken place the current President's Charity, Help for Heroes, will receive a payment. There would be no increase in the annual subscription for 2011.

Tony thanked John Garlick, the Hon. Independent Examiner of Accounts and confirmed he had agreed to stand for re-election. In conclusion Tony also thanked Brian Cannell for his assistance with the monthly lunches, Eric Hussey on the financial side of the Ladies Lunches as well as others who handled cash during the year. Their help had greatly assisted.

Tony then answered questions which were seeking clarification on one or two points in the Audited Accounts.

The President asked the Secretary, Ken Amess to read a letter from John Garlick. This apologised for John's absence, his first in 20 years. John confirmed he had examined the accounts and congratulated Tony on his book keeping and presentation. John further confirmed his willingness to stand for re-election.

The President then moved the adoption of the Accounts. Proposer was Malcolm Davis and John Mills Seconded. This was carried unanimously.

 

The Past President Frank Rae presenting the Certificate of Excellence to David  Wood

 

Speakers Secretary Report for the 2011 AGM.

Frank Rae reported during the year under review we continued we had continued to have a numbers of interesting speakers attending the monthly meetings. He then outlined these.

In April we had heard about the developments and work of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust. At the May Ladies Lunch Ann Chance gave a light hearted talk on how she conquered Mount Etna. In June Derrick Fulford enlightened all with a Day in the Life of a JP. Keith Weston, a local butcher, about a Butcher's Tale of Woe, followed in July. August, Mervyn Edwards, a retired policeman, but having served in demanding departments such as Chemical, Biological & Nuclear Terrorism explained the problems of policing environmental protests. September, Jonathon Fryer gave a very interesting talk about Dealing with the Arab World. Some five months later the Arab World was in turmoil and disarray. In October Dr, Mike Smith blinded us with science trying to explain the Cholesterol Myth in layman's terms, hi November member, Ken Williamson gave a very good idea as to what our own soldiers were having to contend with at Arnhem during the Second World War. Mother Nature caused the cancellation of the December Ladies Lunch at which Col. J. Kimmins was to give a talk about the Queen's Messengers. Kindly John Kimmins has agreed to give his talk at our next Ladies Lunch in May. David Roe took us down memory lane about English Traditions as Portrayed on Pub Signs and in February Sir Bernhard Ingham told us in no uncertain terms why we needed Nuclear Energy,

Total costs of speakers was just under £500 and very much in line with the previous year, due in main to the cancellation of the December meeting and member, Ken Williamson giving his services free for which the Club thank him.

 

Social Secretary Report for the 2011 AGM.

Pat Hunt first reported on events that had taken placed since to the last AGM.

April 2010, 21 members and friends attended a matinee performance of "Sister Act" at the London

Palladium. May 2010, A guided walking tour of the Inns of Court. Unfortunately it had not been possible to see inside the Great Hall. 21 members and guests attended.

July 2010, 30 members and guests had enjoyed a short river trip in Oxfordshire followed by a lunch and then comedy at the Sonning Mill theatre - a very successful trip.

August 2010, an early evening meal at the Parrot, Forrest Green had been attended by 30 members and their wives. September 2010, A visit to the RAF Museum Hendon. Only 15 members and guests supported this trip which was disappointing. October 2010, 20 members and guest attended a Matinee of "Hay Fever" at the Rose Theatre, Kingston. November 2010, 29 members and guests had a 2 hour guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral. Following a break for lunch members then made their way to visit the Bank of England Museum which included an illustrated talk.

Pat then referred to upcoming events. Later this month a trip to Bletchley Park, April tour of the Olympic site

And a proposed evening visit to the Magic Circle in September. Unfortunately Cliff Douthwaite's ill health had forced the cancellation of a Garden Party at his home to celebrate the Club's 40th Anniversary.

Alternative venues had proved too costly. It was now proposed to use the May Ladies Lunch to mark this occasion in some way.

Pat thanked his fellow Social sub-committee colleagues also retiring President, Frank Rae for keen interest and endeavoring to attend as many trips as possible and Cliff Douthwaite for publicising the trips on the Club's website

 

Ladies Lunches Report for the 2011 AGM.

Eric Hussey reported two Lunches had been scheduled for 2010 at the Kingswood Golf & Country Club. The first was held on 5th May was attended by 76 Members and Guests. During this Lunch the Club's "Award of Excellence" was made to Malcolm Davis who had retired earlier in the year from the office of Secretary, a post he had held for several years. Inclement weather forced the cancellation of the scheduled Christmas Lunch on 1st December. This had rearranged for 23rd February 2011. He reported separately on this event. Eric thanked all members who attended for their support as well as Brian Cannell and Ken Robinson for taking the Charity Collection for "Help for Heroes". Amount collected was £234.10p. Members who had donated prizes for Ladies Prize Draw were also thanked. It was pleasing to report there had been a surplus of £267.6Ip which had benefited the Club's finances.

Eric drew member’s attention to the forms at their table placings for the next Ladies Lunch to be held at Kingswood Golf 7 Country Club on 4th May 2011. He looked to members continued support. He then outlined the rescheduled lunch held on 23rd February which had been attended by 36 members and 56 Guests. At this lunch the "Award of Excellence" had been made to David Wood a Past Treasurer and Treasurer. This would be fully covered at the 2012 AGM.

 

Report of the Webmaster for the 2011 AGM.

Cliff Douthwaite was unable to attend having major surgery His report was read by Ken Amess. The Website had recorded 12,074 visitors (on 18 th February 2011) indicating an active interest from members and further afield which is good for the Club which rates fairly high on various search engines and near the top on Google. The site was renewed for another year with the full support of the Committee, all of whom are on e-mail. The fee was £43.34p for 24/7 server space, but next year this be plus the URL (domain costs covering 2 years) £25 on top of which is VAT and any other possible increase.

There had been much Internet correspondence from fellow Probus Clubs to share speakers or seeking advice as well as speaker offering their services. All had been passed to Frank Rae our Speakers Secretary.

Our agreed and established links with the Probus Club’s of Epsom, Surbiton and Kingston have been used for offering spare places for our outside events when we had the need to fill shortfall on our booked transport. But the problem was having this relayed to members of those Clubs since their Secretaries perhaps are lacking computers experience or willingness to act quickly. Or indeed to give me their membership e-mails!

The reports of monthly meetings and visits have been well received. Following the recent trip to the RAF Museum at Hendon, had resulted in a enquiry from a private flying farmer in Perth, Australia say  if he came to the UK he would like to be invited to one of our meetings.

The Internet via e-mail has been used extensively to advise in particular activities for the upcoming year to allow members to select online and indeed to change details as the numbers for events change or meeting details are finalised. Whilst in general these come from the club e-mail ewell.probus@btinternet.com , if just replied to come back only to the webmaster and not who the message is signed by, perhaps this is not clear to the members?

I am grateful to those members who have or have agreed to produce the reports and photographs for both monthly meetings and activities in my absence due to ill health

 

Catering Secretary's Report

John Mills said as all knew the lunch price had increased to £16.00p. This was inevitable after 2 years with any increase. He was of the opinion this was still good value for three course meals with waitress service. The catering contractors, Eligo have had their contract extended for a further two years, so it was to be expected the same standard would continue. John asked any members to advise him if they have any special dietary requirements which he was sure the Chef would happily deal with. The plan for all to be seated by 12.40pm to assist with timing for the speaker seems to have worked and this will continue. John had spoken with the Chef and he hoped it would be possible to introduce from time to time some variation from the usual "roast type" lunches we currently enjoy.

Charles Abdy said he wish to register a complaint concerning the lamb served today which he found to be undercooked. John said he would speak with the Chef.

 

Welfare Secretary's Report.

In the absence of Richard Whittington, Ken Amess spoke to advise members that Cliff Douthwaite left hospital yesterday. Les Robinson was scheduled to undergo surgery next week. It was hoped Jackie Briggs would leave hospital next week whilst Cyril Frazer was aiming to return to Probus next month.

 

 

 

 

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