PRESENT: Simona, Tricia, Liz, Sarah, Keith, Nathan, Harry, David, Heather

APOLOGIES: Alan, Cathy, Natasha, Adi

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our Chairperson, Simona, welcomed everyone and asked that the Minutes of the previous AGM on 16th May 2024 be approved. All present approved the Minutes with no changes.

MATTERS ARISING

Concern had been expressed at the previous AGM about heating deficiencies at the present venue during the colder months. A brief discussion took place about this issue and it was agreed to consider alternative venues in the longer term, but meanwhile the Committee would look at making the present venue fit for purpose: proposed by Heather and seconded by Simona and supported unanimously.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

The report recorded that it had been a rich and rewarding year with new members welcomed and successes celebrated.

WEBSITE REPORT

Members’ poems and stories have been showcased and the website has proved a valuable point of contact in attracting new members. Looking ahead, the aim will be to encourage engagement with the community and with members generally.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Hilary is deemed to have resigned as Treasurer. Simona reported that the finances are in a satisfactory state, but subscriptions will be required soon. A clear message will go to members when this is appropriate. Meanwhile, no payments should be made as bank account details are likely to change. It was unanimously agreed to keep subscriptions at the current level, ie £35 per annum. The Chairperson, Secretary and new Treasurer will aim to meet and report back at or before the October WWC meeting, so that appropriate bank details can be notified.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chairperson: Simona was proposed by Tricia and seconded by Sarah (and others)

Secretary: Heather was proposed by Tricia and seconded by Sarah (and others)

Treasurer: Tricia was proposed by Simona and seconded by Heather (and others)

Website Officer: Dave was proposed by Heather and seconded by Sarah (and others)

All officers were unanimously elected.

Liz explained that she would like to stand back from the Community Liaison role due to personal commitments and it was agreed to leave this post unfilled, making reaching out to the community a shared activity. Liz had made a useful contact with Woking News and Mail, having a poem published recently. It might be possible to build on this, leading to regular publicity for WWC.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Liz suggested that consideration could be given to holding the occasional event outside the regular monthly meetings, eg workshops, breakfast/lunch meetings. It was agreed that this was a useful idea meriting further discussion.

With no other matters to discuss, Simona closed the AGM.