Minutes of Meetings, Most Recent First

Minutes of the meeting May 11th. 2006
Present: Andy Petherick, Angela Hulme, Janey Easton, Frances Humphrey, Chris Ford, Margaret & Steve White, Christine & Otto Nicklasson, Pearl & Dave Moore, Lorraine Petherick, Hazel & Richard Slee, Ray Kingdon, Brian Buckingham, John Coleman, Janet Camp, Claude Squire, Lynne & Winston Smallridge.
Apologies: Pat & Colin Richards, John Hulme, Dawn Buckingham, Richard Rudd.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read & approved.
Matters arising:
Annual outing. Transport costs. Cardiff £320 2.5 hours each Salisbury £300 about the same travelling time. If costs based on hire of full 33-seater coach. Approx £10 to £11 If about 20 go then cost about £15. Janey thinks this is expensive. Margaret said other members of public might want to come.
Date of trip. Margaret proposed Sept. 30th. Janet seconded. All agreed.
Janet proposed Cardiff Margaret seconded. All agreed.
A head count showed 12 at this stage likely to go.
Ray will provisionally book a coach.
Margaret will put up posters around town.
Bonfire party. Anne was asked to check the insurance cover.
French visit. Margaret has had 10 menu slips. Remainder must be returned by May 18th. 33 people coming. 2 left for placing in accommodation. A teacher & the coach driver. Janet will take the teacher & Christine & Otto or Janey will take the driver if no one else offers.
The French coach trip to Bath will leave @ 9a.m. Winston said that to be back in good time for the evening meal the coach should leave Bath @ between 2.30- 3 p.m. at the latest. Margaret will make sure this info. is passed to the French guests.
Raffle prizes will be required.
Dave Moore suggested asking Town Council if the Assembly rooms might be used F.O.C. as a gesture to Entente Cordiale. Andy replied that the rooms must be paid for in advance. The Twinning Association secretaries could then make a request for reimbursement. The council at the next meeting would then make a decision.
Andy will write in his capacity as chairman to the Mayor & Mayoress inviting them to the meal at no cost.
Chris asked about wine. The usual arrangement will apply. Namely B.Y.O.
Andy pointed out that a license is now £21 for all events.
Claude will ask the Mayor if he will give a tour of the Assembly Rooms on the Sat. morning.
B.B.Q. July 2nd. John Coleman & Lynne are both away. Hazel, Angela & Janey offered to help. Steve will collect chairs & tables. Someone will be needed to collect Claude's B.B.Q. equipment.
No report from the treasurer.
No correspondence.
No A.O.B.
Meeting closed @ 8.26 p.m.

Minutes: April 13th. 2006



Present. Winston Smallridge, Claude Squire,

Margaret & Steve White, Lynne Smallridge, Dawn & Brian Buckingham, Janet & Richard Rudd, John Coleman, Janey Easton, Chris Ford, Frances Humphrey, Angela & John Hulme.

Apologies. Pat & Colin Richards, Lorraine & Andy Petherick, Hazel & Dick Slee.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read & approved.

Matters arising. French meal. There is a need to give starter & main course choices. Margaret will sender out a letter to members.

Charity. The T.A. has decided that the nominated charity for this year shall be the Friends of S. Molton Community Woodland Trust. Chris & Frances gave their grateful thanks & said that the monies will go towards a tarmac path to give easier access for disabled visitors. The treasurer was asked to see that the money was transferred to the Woodland Trust.

Bowls evening. It was agreed that this was a very successful event. Lynne extended thanks to Hazel & Richard Slee & Emrys & Marion Smith for organising the evening. The winner was Ron Smith. The bring & share supper was excellent. 28 people attended. The cost of hire was £55 & a profit was made of £43.

Wine tasting. Another very good evening. 26 members + 2 children were present. Many thanks were extended to Maureen & Claude for organising the refreshments & the wine tasting. Also thanks once again to Anne & David White for the free use of the venue. Claude asked for comments on the format for the tasting. It was generally agreed that a mixture of reds & whites was the favoured combination.

Twinning walk. Claude cannot do the sausage & mash supper on the same day the 17th. Sept. Margaret proposed changing the walk to the 24th. Dawn seconded. All in favour.
Annual outing. Winston produced costs for coach & fare for train trip from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. It could work out at least £20 per head. The meeting felt this was expensive. A guided tour & wine tasting of Sharcombe vineyard was also discussed. Coaches cannot get all the way to the vineyard, although tractor & trailer can pick up visitors. Going by car would mean a round trip of 150 miles & the drivers would not be able to take part in the wine tasting. This option was therefore also disregarded.

Janet suggested that members should look for cheaper options.

Lynne thought that going to a town or city might be a better idea then people can do their own thing.

Places suggested were Cardiff & Salisbury. Winston once more agreed to get prices of coach hire.

Janey proposed there be no trip this year but later withdrew this proposal.

Claude wondered if we should have an event to subsidise a trip.

Margaret suggested that a decision be taken at the next meeting when more members might be present.

Bonfire party. The cost of insurance for a party of up to 100 will be £52.50p. All agreed that this be included in the ticket price. Dawn said that at least 5 members would not be coming.

Janey wondered if there would be any Health & safety issues. Janet said that because it will be a private party there should be no problems.

The meeting felt it would be prudent to check the insurance cover.

Treasurer's report. £1218 .15p in the bank.

Correspondence.

1. Devon twinning circle newsletter was distributed. It included details of the A.G.M. on April 29th. @ Paignton. Janey thought she perhaps might be able to attend & represent South Molton. She will let the secretaries know her decision so that T.A. apologies can be sent if she is unable to attend.

2 Fremington twinning sent details & an invitation to a quiz evening.

3. Exmouth also sent details of an Anglo/French society event on July 15th.

4. O.E.F. committee have asked if the T.A. would like to have a stall on June 17th. The meeting agreed that the T.A. should support the O.E.F.

6 Notification was given of a barn dance this Sat. in the assembly rooms run by the Woodland trust.

A.O.B. Chris gave out the T.A. website address http://sth-molton-twinning.tripod.com/

Margaret reported a win for the T.A. team at the Cancer Research quiz evening. She attributed their success to the fact that the difficult questions suited her team.

Livarot visit. French will arrive at about 6p.m. on Thurs.

They will then take a coach trip to Bath on Fri. leaving at 4p.m. to be back in time for the meal at 7p.m. for 7.30p.m.

Sat. free.

Sun. depart 9.30p.m.

Meeting closed @ 8.36p.m.

Minutes of meeting held on February 9th. 2006

Apologies: Steve White, Karin & Dick Barton, Colin Richards, Richard Rudd & Lynne Smallridge.

Present: Anne White, Eddie Snow, Janey Easton, Pam Bartlett, Alan Bartlett, Pearl & David Moore, Winston Smallridge, Claude Squire, Pat Richards, Margaret White, Lorraine Petherick, Janet Camp, Dawn & Brian Buckingham, John Coleman, Chris Ford, Frances Humphrey, Angela & John Hulme.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read & approved.

Matters arising: -
1. French exchange meal.
Margaret had menus from Hilary Partridge catering. Cost £16.75p per head. Includes 3 courses + cheese & biscuits, coffee & mints.
After reading the menus a vote was taken on whether or not we should use Bay Tree or Hilary Partridge. Eddie proposed Hilary Partridge, Chris seconded meeting agreed.
Selections were then made from the menu. The cost includes a choice from 2 starters, one main + vegetarian & 4 sweets.
Margaret to ask if we can have a choice from 3 starters including Melon, 2 mains + vegetarian. option. We would give numbers in advance.
Votes then taken on options & the following were chosen.
Starters. Melon, chicken pate & soup.
Main. Duck in Cumberland sauce, roast beef with vegetarian option of pasta & mushroom bake with 2 English cheeses one of which to be Stilton.
Sweets. Apple pie, double chocolate truffle forte, strawberry cheesecake & fresh fruit salad.

2. The possibility of a Town band concert on the Friday evening of the French visit had been put forward at the last monthly meeting. Claude reported that after much thought the band had decided that if the hosts wished to spend time with their guests at home such a concert might not be very well supported. They therefore felt it would be better not to proceed. They offered to play at the dinner on Saturday if we wished. David Moore felt that would be too much with David Gale already booked to appear. The meeting agreed.
Janey proposed that Claude take back our thanks to the band & that we would be delighted to have them to play at the next French exchange dinner. All agreed.
A suggestion was made that the new Mayor could host a coffee morning in the Assembly rooms & the band could play. Lorraine felt we should leave the Saturday free. All agreed.

3. Clarification of tenure of posts as identified at the A.G.M.
The constitution makes clear that any incumbent officer wishing to stay in office beyond the 3 years maximum must stand in an open re election. Plus anyone wishing to nominate or stand for any of the positions on the management committee whether in post or not must give, in writing their wish to stand one month before the A.G.M. The most suitable time would be at the November meeting. There being no meeting in December. A reminder will be given at the October meeting.
Minutes of the previous A.G.M. together with any nominations must be circulated to members a minimum of 2 weeks before the A.G.M.

4. Action points from the A.G.M raised by David White was discussed.
a) Treasurer to list cash payments in full on the balance sheet. This is now being done
b) Gifts in the town museum & the George Hotel to be itemised by the secretaries. This is in hand. Andy & Lorraine have a pot at their house to be included on the list.
c) Town council rep.to be sent minutes of all meetings. This was being done but now that the chairman, Andy is the T.A. rep. He has said that he does not wish for copies of the minutes.

Treasurer's report.
Balance £1171. 8p. One outstanding bill for insurance due in April approximately £80. Subscriptions continue to come in.

Correspondence.
A letter had been received from James Dallyn asking if the T.A. would be willing to support him again following his selection to represent Great Britain in the surf life saving championships in Australia.
The chairman reported that James request had been declined because it is T.A. policy not to give to the same charity twice. The meeting agreed this was the correct decision.
Selection of this year's charity to take place at the next meeting. Three charities were put forward for consideration at the next meeting. Claude asked we consider the junior town band, Chris the community woodland & Margaret the eye clinic operating out of the cottage hospital.

Planning this year's events.
After considering many excellent suggestions the following calendar was agreed as a basis for the coming year's programme.
March. 18/25th. Indoor bowls @ the bowling club. Catering committee to perhaps provide refreshments. A request to be made to use the bowling club bar.
April. 1st. Wine tasting @ the Old Rectory. Claude will manage the wine.
May. French visit.
June. A trip on the Tiverton canal with a stop to pick up fish & chips.
July 29th. Summer meal @ the Old Rectory.
August 20th. Picnic @ Roadford reservoir. Water sports are available.
September. Two suggested trips. Steam train trip from Minehead to Bishop's Lydeard & a visit to Sharpham's vineyard @ Dartmouth. These to be costed by Winston & Janet.
October. 7/14th. Sixties evening in the church hall.
November. 4th. Greek evening with fireworks @ the Old Rectory. The Greek food being dependent on whether or not Lee has that evening free.
December. 9th. Christmas meal.

French meal @ the George. Generally felt that it was good. Some reservations about the toughness of the lamb & the temperature of the food. Some people felt that it was cramped downstairs & that it would have been better upstairs in the function room.

A.O.B.
Chris Ford has offered to set up a web site for the T.A. He would operate the site; it would be free & act as a vehicle for distributing information to members, publishing the newsletter & advertising the association to a wider audience. He suggested the newsletter could be translated into French, if there is anyone with such linguistic talents? Margaret's mother was suggested.
It was pointed out that the logos on the newsletter are there by permission, which would perhaps have to be sought again for the web site.
The meeting agreed that a web site is an excellent idea.

Meeting closed @ 9.24 pm.

Minutes of meeting held on January 12th. 2006
The new president, Andy Petherick took the chair.
Present: Janey Easton, Andy & Lorraine Petherick, Richard Rudd, Janet Camp, Eddie Snow, Dave White, Frances Humphrey, Chris Ford, Ray Kingdon, Alan Bartlett, Pam Bartlett, Pearl & David Moore, Stephen Lock, June Smith, Christine & Otto Kristassen, Simon Karcz, Hazel & Richard Slee, Steve & Margaret White, Brian & Dawn Buckingham, John Coleman & Lee Wadsworth.
Apologies: Claude & Maureen Squire, Pat & Colin Richards, Dick & Karin Barton, Rae McCool, Paul Donner, Lynne Smallridge & Bettine Dunn.
Minutes of the last meeting were read & approved.
Matters arising:
1. Medieval meal much enjoyed.
2. Christmas meal very good.
3. French exchange meal on May 26th.
Margaret reported that Marks' catering have taken over the Bay Tree café in Market Street, Barnstaple. 3 courses + coffee & mints - £14, with cheese & biscuits £15. Margaret will also try to get information about the caterers who supplied food for the Witheridge T.A.
Lorraine emphasised that a decision should be taken at the next meeting.
Winston reported that the Town band have offered to do a concert on the Saturday. Ray reported that the French would like to go to Bath on that day. Steve White pointed out that there might not be much time to entertain guests before a concert. If the offer of the concert is accepted then Janey proposed it should be performed in the Assembly rooms.
Andy said he would talk to Claude before the next meeting about costs etc.
In response to a question from Dick Slee, Margaret confirmed that David Gale has been booked to perform on the Friday evening.
4. French meal January 28th.
Margaret needs to receive bookings by Jan. 20th. She has menus for distribution. The cost is £20
Correspondence.
1. Notification received of the next Devon twinning circle meeting on Jan. 21st. Information was passed to Margaret who indicated she might be able to attend & give our apologies for absence.
2. Details received from North West Devon Leader about European funding for small businesses & community groups. This info. to be kept on file in case needed for future reference.
3. A letter has been received from Simon thanking the association for providing such an enjoyable evening at the Christmas meal.
4. A letter has been received from Madame Lebertre thanking the association for their letter of condolence.
A.O.B.
The chairman appealed for ideas for events over the next twelve months & to come armed with them at the next meeting.
Dawn & Brian will send out the next news letter as soon as possible & as always appealed for copy items.
Date of next meeting February 9th.
Meeting closed @ 8.47 p.m.

Minutes of the A.G.M. of the South Molton Twinning Association held @ the George Hotel on January 12th. 2005
Present.
Angela & John Hulme, Chris Ford, Frances Humphrey, Maureen & Claude Squire, John Coleman, Dawn & Brian Buckingham, Mark Ogden, Hazel & Richard Slee, Pearl & David Moore, Pam & Alan Bartlett, Eddie Snow, Lorraine Petherick, Simon Karcz, Margaret & Cliff Lewis, Pat & Colin Richards, Margaret & Steve White,
Lynne & Winston Smallridge, Ann White, Stephen Lock, June Smith & Andy Petherick.
Apologies for absence. Sue Sewell, Janey Easton, Gwen Kingdon, R. McCool, Lee & Colin Wadsworth, Paul Donner & Bettine Dunn.
Minutes of last A.G.M.
Were read & approved after an amendment that the President's name, Lynne Smallridge be added.
There were no matters arising.
Treasurer's report.
The financial status of the association was as presented on the attached accounts. John Hulme thought the subscription was low.
Cliff Lewis asked for clarification on the entry, "cash payments". The secretary reported these were for miscellaneous items such as gifts, parking fines & cash withdrawals for sundry expenses.
Claude Squire asked that in future all such items be listed in full.
Ray Kingdon commented that the finances were in good shape.
Margaret White proposed a vote of thanks to Ann for her good work. Pat Richards seconded. All agreed.
Secretary's report.
As attached. Colin Richards pointed out that the gifts from Livarot on display in the town museum were on loan & had not been given to the museum.
Margaret White suggested an up to date list be made of those gifts in the museum.
Pat Richards wanted to clarify that the remarks in the secretary's report referring to the poor response to requests for exchanges with children, referred to those families who had taken part in the last exchange between South Molton & Livarot.
Chairman's report.
Felt that most had already been said. He added that the T.A. had enjoyed another good year & made money. The picnic @ the seaside which was a new event proved a great success. He thanked everyone who had worked so hard especially the catering committee. He thanked the T.A for having him as chairman for the past three years.
Margaret White proposed a vote of thanks to Andy for all his hard work. Lorraine seconded. All approved.
Election of Officers.
It had been suggested that because this year was the 30th. anniversary of the twinning with Livarot the new chairman should be selected from founder members still active in the T.A. & that other founder members also still active, be appointed as vice-presidents for the year.
Dave Moore asked if there were any present that would agree to act as chairman. Andy Petherick said that Claude Squire had been approached & had agreed to act subject to approval by the meeting. The President, Lynne Smallridge proposed the meeting accept Claude as chairman & Pat Richards seconded. All agreed.
The appointment of vice-presidents was proposed by Eddie Snow & seconded by Dave Moore. All agreed. Those approved for this purpose were, Maureen & Claude Squire, Ray & Gwen Kingdon, Hazel & Richard Slee, Margaret & Cliff Lewis & Dawn & Brian Buckingham.
Andy Petherick proposed that Claude Squire be appointed only for the current year. Brian Buckingham seconded. All agreed.
Steve White proposed that all other officers be reappointed in their present posts. Claude Squire seconded. All agreed.
A.O.B.
Hazel Slee asked how does our town council rep. knows about T.A. meetings. The secretary replied that she should be sent minutes of meetings but that this has not been regularly done. She had however been sent notification of the A.G.M. & sent her apologies.
Stephen Lock suggested writing to the town council expressing our disappointment at the few meetings attended by the representative.
It was the general feeling of the meeting that because there are several members of the town council who are also members of the T.A. it might be more appropriate if one of these could be the town council representative.
Andy & Claude explained that if at any time the T.A. wanted to make representation to the town council then it would best be done via the appointed representative.
It was suggested that the present status quo be maintained until the next town council meeting in May. Until then the meeting asked that minutes until then must be sent to the town council representative. This was proposed by Claude Squire & seconded by John Coleman. All agreed.
Eddie Snow proposed a vote of thanks to Andy Petherick for all his work as chairman over the past 3 years. Steve White asked that all committee members & helpers be included. Seconded by Stephen Lock. All agreed.
Date of next A.G.M.
January 12th. 2006.
Meeting closed @ 8.03p.m.