Charity Registered Number 1114470
Minutes ofMeeting No 30, Wednesday 29th November 2006
At Old Hall Heckmondwike
Present Les Woodcock (Chair) Jim Birch
Paul Goulden Melvyn Rutter
Apologies Kath Conway Stephen Bartle
Virginia Stokeley Stuart Martin
Joe Lee Henry Stokeley
Lesley Birch
(i)Welcome: News of Members
After last months meeting, Alan Naylor was involved in a tragic accident, Joe Lee dropped Alan off at the top of the road (as usual) but while crossing the road, Alan was hit by a driver who failed to stop, Alan passed away the following weekend, a memorial service was held on the 7th November.
Alan attended the very first meeting of the original group of Priestley enthusiasts, he never missed any of the following meetings & attended every function, he was a retired schoolteacher & an active member of the local Historical Society.
We unanimously agreed that Alan’s contribution would be greatly missed.
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We have 1 new member this month, Andrew Walker from Leeds.
We have had an enquiry from a “Priestley Dinning Club” in Hackney London; the chairman will contact them for further details
(ii) Minutes of Meeting of 25th October 2006
Signed off OK
(iii) Matters Arising
Nil
(iv) Website & Newsletter Update:
Committee photograph to change. HS to deal
Newsletter prepared by HS & will be circulated with minutes.
If any organisation would like a link then please contact
Any suggestions for improvements to site please send to the Webmaster.
(v)Publication “Life and Legacy” proofs
We have had no reply from the publishing company to the e-mail sent by the chairman on the 10th November, he will send it again & follow up with a hard copy, this is causing further delays, for which we can only apologise.
(vi) Bagshaw Museum
Official minutes will be circulated once they are available. (Still applies)
(vii) AGM & National Science Week 2007
We intend having a walk round Priestley’s Leeds as part of the above, Society member Helen Braithwaite who is writing a biography of Priestley’s early years, predominantly in Leeds, has suggested that we may be able to set up an heritage trail on the lines of the Birmingham project. We will look at this & see what can be covered.
DVD still required from VS showing 2006 Woodkirk presentation.
(viii)July 4th 2007 Lecture & Symposium: joint event with Huron University
The next meeting with Huron will be on the 7th December @ 1.30 pm.
LW to look at the possibility of covering the event with a Web Cam, so remote members can watch.
Liz Kingston has agreed to do a presentation.
(ix)2007 RSC History Autumn meeting.
Confirmation received from David Knight; Alan Dronsfield; Joe Lee; Stuart Martin; Peter Morris & Les Woodcock, that they will attend as speakers, Colin Russell still to confirm or otherwise.
(xi) Any Other Business
LW to register Paul Goulden on line as additional trustee, this is to replace S Bartle. Still to complete.
Heckmondwike Christmas Lights Wednesday 6Th December; Melvyn Rutter will perform experiments as Priestley prior to the lights being switched on, his performance will start at approximately 6.10 pm with the lights being switched on at 6.20 to 6.30 pm, lets give him some support.
Melvyn has also proposed the following.
Proposal to run Good Science in Schools Award, with the Priestley Society, in the West Yorkshire Area.
Aims
The aims of the awards are to encourage pupils / students to undertake scientific studies and or experiments, with an environmental theme.
The projects could be both as individual and group work, in both junior and high schools, up to year 11 (16 years old).
The project work could be recognised through the Priestley Society in a number of awards, presented annually.
The award ceremony would be an opportunity for participants to display their work to local elected members, and each of the other groups. Media coverage would be guaranteed, raising the profile of the students, the Priestley Society, and the concept of Science in Schools.
Method
Each school in the West Yorkshire (??) area could be sent details of the award.
Those schools where there is interest, could be visited, to offer encouragement and guidelines of how to enter for the award.
The deadline for entry for the award could be the end of May, each year.
The award ceremony could then be before the school break for the summer holidays, (1st week in July).
Costs
An annual donation of £300.00 could be divided as: -
i)5 prizes of £20.00
ii)5 prizes of £40.00
This would provide for 10 awards, with the best projects in the four
Categories receiving the higher amounts.
Summary
This award scheme aims to raise the profile of science in schools, through annual participation of students undertaking projects with an environmental theme.
The Priestley Society would add credibility to such a scheme, and is well placed as an authority on good science.
The media coverage of the annual award ceremony would raise the profile of students, The Priestley Society, and Science in the Schools of West Yorkshire.
Melvyn offers the annual award funding of £300.00 via his company Yorkshire Ecological Solutions Ltd.
Other sponsorship would be gratefully accepted.
(xii) Date of next meeting
Old Hall Heckmondwike 7.30 pm Wednesday 31st January 2007.
We may have a meeting in December; this is dependent on response to local members e-mail
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