Foresters Morris & Sword Dance Club
AGM Monday 6th March 2006
8pm. Queens Walk Community Centre, The Meadows
Present:
Ken Bramman, Arthur Dexter, Frank Earp, Joe Earp, Steve Earwicker (Bagman),
Eric Foxley, Paul Gadsby (Treasurer), Vic Martin, Dave Middleton, Steve
Moore, Andy Sowter, Steve Tanner, Stewart Thompson (Squire), Barrie
Whittamore
1.Apologies
for absence
Ciaran Laughlin, Cecil Laughlin, Richard Gibbons, Colin Higgins, William
Pearse, Simon Hopper,
2.Minutes
of previous meeting (14th Feb 2005) These were accepted as a true record
of the meeting.
3.Matters
arising
Eric was very happy with the White Trousers.
No alternative venue has so far been identified.
4.Items
for A.O.B
Discussion of the Beast
Report on Morris Ring ARM
Moot Hall Sessions
Sticks
5.Squire's
Report
Andy was praised for getting the Old Moot Hall Sessions started.
Another successful year, but noted that fewer paid events.
We remain popular with the public but still have few new recruits.
A discussion followed on how to recruit new members. Advertising our
practices on Folkwaves, advertising posters, making use of University
links etc. Trying to start a children’s side was suggested. Possibly
basing it around a school would help. Having handouts aimed at attracting
new recruits to hand out. Put note & contacts on bottom of posters
& leaflets. Frank volunteered to make a publicity board and Ken
will ask Trina if she will make a poster. Eric will do some new blank
posters for this season with contact details & invite to join on
the bottom. Posters in A5 as well as A4 & A3 useful. Need to think
of message eg: English Customs, Folk Music, Exercise etc. Also need
to make people feel comfortable about coming along to have a go. Running
open practices sessions, perhaps in another venue.
Having a shop window display also suggested.
6.Bagman/Treasurer's
Report
For 2005/6 we had a good year with double the number of paid bookings
and increased collections. The hall hire is still lower than we were
paying at the school even though has increased to £10 an hour.
7.Subscriptions
for 2006
Proposed that the subscriptions remain the same as last year. £30
standard rate & £15 for unwaged.
8.Charities
for 2006
Proposed that we continue to support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Agreed
to give £300 from the collections at Carol Singing & Mumming.
9. Election
of Officers:
Squire Stewart Thompson
Bagman Eric Foxley
Treasurer Paul Gadsby
Foreman Vic Martin
Captain of Sword Steve Moore
Captain of Mummers Ken Bramman
Keeper of Animal William Pearse
Keeper of Scrapbook. Vic Martin
10.Tours
for 2006
Eric circulated the list of proposed tours some of which were not yet
confirmed.
Mayday – dance at dawn at Castle, Breakfast at Stewart’s,
then Tram-meeting at Hucknall 9.00 go into Nottingham, dance, then back
to Hucknall then dance in afternoon at Papplewick Pumping Station from
1pm.
Not got a team for Shrewsbury Festival.
11.Social
Evening
To try and book again at Paul’s at Bottesford
12.A.O.B.
a) Discussion of the Beast
Eric read a proposal from William suggesting that the current beast
Willoughby was limited in its use because of safety & weight. William
willing to construct a new beast. Ken still has the old horse and will
bring it to a Practice to see if can be renovated.
b )Report on Morris Ring ARM (Vic & Ken) Paul Rees of Thaxted MM
is the new Squire of the Ring.
2009 will be the 75th anniversary of the Ring, may need to be booked
soon because of finding a large enough venue. Also a plan for each team
to plant an oak tree to mark the 75th.
c)Old Moot Hall Sessions
The Sessions started in November by Andy Sowter on the second Tuesday
of each month have been a great success and are encouraging more people
to sing & play music.
d)Sticks
Vic raised that we needed more sticks. Suggested that we could contact
rangers at Country Parks. The length should be 33” by 1.5 –
2” diameter.
The meeting
closed at 9.50pm
