Signed cohy GH. 9
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR HELD ON
MONDAY 15 MAY 1989
PRESENT:
Rita Horton (Chair) and members
APOLOGIES:
John Britten
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Meeting.
AMENDMENTS
TO THE RULES
The Chairman read the proposed amendment that the Financial Year should end
on 30th April instead of 3lst July and this was agreed unanimously.
2.
MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD ON 16th MAY 1988
Having been previously circulated,
a correct record by the Chairman.
the Minutes were agreed and signed as
Proposed by Roy Price and seconded Margaret
Dare and carried unanimously.
3.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
4.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
In her report the Chairman appealed for more support from choir members
not only for the choral concerts but all the orchestral ones tooc.
She
pointed out how dependent the choir is on the Borough Council continuing to
provide an orchestra of such high quality and it behoved every choir member to
attend as many concerts as possible during the season.
The Chairman also asked for more support for the events organised by Guildford
Philharmonic Society, since each choir member was also a member of the Society.
Lady Groves
had become its President and she was very keen that
it should
expand and strengthen its activities.
The Chairman went on to thank Neville Creed for his hard work and enthusiasm
which resulted in some marvellous music making; also she thanked Lynette Newman
for her outstanding accompaniment of some very difficult works.
Finally the Chairman warmly praised the retiring committee which she said had
given unstintingly of its time for the good of the choir and had been the most
marvellous support to her,
and the many people who,
though not on the committee,
helped things to run smoothly, with an especial mention of Christine Medlow for
being such an efficient librarian.
5.
VOTING FOR CHAIRMAN AND SEVEN OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR
COMMENCI
1 JUNE NG
1989
Chairman:
Rita Horton
re-elected unopposed.
Committee (list of nominations attached):
Geoff Forsfer, Max New, Jenny Hakim,
Joy Hunter,
Michael Jeffery,
Radley, Peter Wilford.
Jean
TREASURER'S REPORT AND ADOPTION OF THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS ENDING 31 JULY 1989.
Stephen Wright presented the accounts and took questions.
There was some
discussion about the format of the accounts but no changes proposed.
were 150 paid up members.
There
Stephen Wright moved the adoption of the accounts,
Iris Bennett seconded and they were accepted unanimously.
CHATRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PUBLICITY AND RECRUITMENT'S REPORT
In the absence of John Britten, Jenny Hakim took questions from members.
Ttems discussed included publicity for the Choir and the size of leaflets and
posters. A Choir leaflet would soon be ready and members were urged to
advertise activities as much as possible. Suggestions for publicity in
newspapers/church magazines/schools etc. were discussed and it was reported
that the Borough Council have a fortnightly mailing list of 350 which included
schools.
Any other suggestions were welcomed.
because of lack of space.
A4 size preferred by libraries
The Chairman thanked Jenny Hakim.
MASTER
T OF CHORUSON
APPOINTMENATI
FOR THE END
RECOMM
Neville Creed's name was put to the meeting by the Chairman.
This was then
proposed by Henry Carew, seconded by Michael Longford and unanimously carried..
The Chairman proposed that Neville Creed be re-appointed and this vas
unanimously agreed.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
The Chairman proposed Henry Carew be asked to continue, seconded by Michael
Longford and unanimously agreed. It was suggested a letter of thanks be sent
to Henry Carew.
10. The Chairman invited Neville Creed tospeak and he thanked the Committee and
the office for their help with the increased amount of work undertaken in 1988.
He then summarised the concerts of last season and outlined the programme for
1988/89 which met with enthusiasm from the members. Neville reiterated that,
as a Choir, we had relied heavily on support from the Borough Council but members
must do more to sell concerts.
necessity.
A publicity drive for new members was a continuing
He ended by thanking the Choir for their work and enthusiasm.
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(a)
Geoff Forster suggested alternative social events for Monday 17 July:
either a return visit to Merrist Wood (greatly enjoyed by those who went
Jast year) or a cruise launch on the Wey but numbers would be limited to
45.
Further discussion by new committee.
(c)
The question of seating in the Civic Hall if numbers increased was raised.
It was suggested that another room be found for the AGM because of the poor
(d)
It vas suggested members could do more at the 'Come and Sing' to encourage
(b)
accoustics but the Chairman explained the difficulties.
other people to join the Choir.
It was pointed out that this must be done
with care since many people who came along already belonged to other choirs.
Three-quarters of last year's singers were non-members of the Philharmonic.
It was suggested that a small table inviting people to sign if they were
interested might be a good idea.
(e)
The question of fund raising to offset the costs of
'Come and Sing' was
discussed.
(£)
A question was asked about other venues for concerts, but Neville answered
that the Civic Hall amenities were the best available.
(g)
A suggestion was made that the Choir and Orchestra have more mixed social
events but it vas pointed out that members of the orchestra often travelled
long distances and had other engagements.
(h)
In ansver to a question, the Choir was originally formed in 1946 but had
undergone changes in name since.
Max New proposed a vote of thanks to Rita Horton.
The Annual General Meeting closed at 9.45.pm.
Kta Lot
305%
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CHATRMAN'S REPORT.
Ladies and Gentlemen
For the last two years as part of my report to you I have highlighted a particular
item concerned with music in Guildford where I have thought the choir could
help improve matters, but this year as this is my 'swan song'
I've decided
to confine my remarks to what I feel have been really noticeable differences.
Firstly there is the size of the choir - this year it is as large as it has
ever been and that means our performances are attracting people to come and
join us which is marvellous.
The standard at which we are now singing I feel
is consistently high - I'm sure Neville would say there is still much room
for improvement but I feel there has been a noticable shift in our attitude
and now we are not only singing but performing.
I know from all the many people
who have spoken to me how much you have enjoyed all our concerts this last
season and that must bode well for the coming season.
Secondly I am sure I
see many more of you at the season's concerts,
you intermittently but one of two with subscription series tickets.
some of
That pleases
me very much for it shows real support for the orchestra - encouragement for
Guildford Borough Council.
Thanks to Michael Jeffery and his team we have
sold more seats for our own concerts.
Thirdly more of you are coming to the Philharmonic Society evenings.
I told
you last year changes were afoot and there are yet more to come but its very
encouraging to know that you like what has been done so far and are willing
to support the Society.
Fourthly,
T am delighted too by the closer relationship we are now enjoying
with Sir Charles and Lady Groves.
It would be very easy for Sir Charles to
treat his Guildford connection as something of a sinecure - the fact that he
doesn't is a measure of the man.
He takes a keen interest in the choir and
it is thanks to him that we have such a splendid
'bumper bundle' of choral
vorks for next year.
These things I have mentioned all show a change of attitude.
We don't just
come on a Monday evening, sing and go home again. We are getting to know each
other better - the coffee session once a month and the Freiburg visit - all
help in the process.
It would be very flattering if I thought this had anything
to do with me, but I think it has much more to do with Neville.
He alvays
works very hard on the choir's behalf and has all its best interests at heart
- we owe him the most enormous thank you for this.
He is sorry not to be here,
The Creeds are a talented family and we are extremely fortunate
as is Lynette.
to have two of them in our camp.
Lynette's accompaniment this season has been
quite outstanding - compliments from our eminent guest conductors were not
Jjust formalities - they were very much meant and well deserved.
Your committee this last year have worked very hard on your behalf.
Max New
as Vice Chair took on the responsibility of our Freiburg guests and did a marvellous
job - and now has the headache of our visit there;
Eime organising the auditions,
food and drink.
in addition he spent much
often coming straight from the office minus
We have found a treasure of a treasurer in John Yeomans who
has worked unstintingly trying to keep us solvent.
very special vote of thanks.
Jean Radley deserves a
She's had quite a task with the registers
Cont: overleaf/
Ccont:
and helping Max with the auditions and John with the banking and all this at
Thanks a million, Jean. Michael Jeffery has exhorted
a time of great crisis.
us to buy tickets for the concerts and has made money for the choir in the
process; and has ensured that we have all somewhere to sit for the concerts.
Jenny Bakim has worked very hard and been the most marvellous PRO, Joy Hunter
has done the committee minutes as well as being Alto representative, Geoff
Forster has kept us entertained and Peter Wilford has help with the publicity
group and as Tenor representative.
AlL of these people deserve our thanks.
In addition there are all those not on committee who have helped - those who
see a job wants doing and do it.
May I commend to you Michael Dawe, Helen
Archibald, Rosalind Plowright, Henry Carew our auditor, John Britten and Christine
Medlow.
Finally, can I say a heartfelt ‘thank you' to you all.
I have enjoyed my term
as chairman - yes there is a lot to do and a certain amount of hassle, but
there are many privileges and these far outweigh the drawbacks.
You have alvays
given me the most marvellous support and I know you will do just that for whoever
takes over tonight.
My best wishes and thanks to you all.