MINUTES of THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Held at Phillips Foote in Sydney on 30th October 2009

The meeting was opened by the interim chairman Alan Knott at 1830hrs.

Present:

Alan Knott, Neil Martin, Peter Isherwood, David Williamson, Jane Ainley, Edmund Carr, Chris Coy, Tony De Vere, Geoff Fowler, Iain Frost, Sandy Galbraith, Danny Gunn, John Hensford, Stephen Herklots, David Holmes, Bryan Horrex, Barry Keeble, John Marshall, David Montgomery, Les Morrow, John Payne, Mick Payze, Barrie Peters, , Robin Reid, Ron Rudd, Tony Savill, Derek Sim, Bruce Smith, Richard Toone, and Bob Walton.

Apologies:

John Knight, Bob Leggat, Alex Lang, Peter Hoiles, Syd Lambrick, Ron King, Richard Lorraine, John Lott, David Southworth, Tony Woolacott, Chris Clark, Alan Roach, Darrell Daish, Bob Fozard, Roger Goodison, Julian Lillico, Matt Harger, John Welch, Neil Abbott and Ken Watt.

Chairman’s Report :

Alan Knott welcomed everyone to the inaugural AGM of the Warsash Association – Australia branch and submitted his report, which is attached.

Membership Secretary’s Report :

Neil Martin submitted his report, which is attached. He reported that we have 59 members after six months of operation.

Treasurer’s Report :

Neil Martin submitted his report, which is attached. He stated that it would be easier if subscriptions were payable at a set time each year. It was proposed by Richard Toone and seconded by Chris Coy that subscriptions should be paid in January each year, this was carried unanimously. Neil raised the cost of printing and distributing “All Hands”, it was agreed that future All Hands would be distributed as a pdf file, but it would be necessary to print some hard copies for those members without email.

Election of Officers:

David Williamson was asked to be the Electoral Officer.

He advised that the nominations for Membership Secretary/Treasurer, Hon Secretary, and Committee member were received by the secretary more than 14 days prior to the AGM, and could not be contested. A nomination for Chairman was requested from the floor. None of the vacant positions were contested and the results of the election were:

Chairman: Alan Knott, Proposed Peter Isherwood, Seconded Bruce Smith

Hon Secretary: Peter Isherwood, Proposed Neil Martin, Seconded Ron Rudd

Membership Secretary/Treasurer: Neil Martin, Proposed Peter Isherwood, Seconded Derek Sim.

Committee Member: John Marshall, Proposed Neil Martin, Seconded Peter Isherwood.

David Williamson stood down and Alan Knott resumed the chair.

GENERAL BUSINESS;

  1. Frequency of elections: A discussion took place about the frequency of and location of future AGM’s. Chris Coy stated that Sydney was the most central location, because it is conveniently located for members from New Zealand to be involved. The meeting also agreed that the AGM should be held in October. David Holmes proposed and Stephen Herklots seconded the motion that the AGM should be fixed in Sydney and be held in October on an annual basis. The meeting voted in favour.
  2. Should WA Australia Branch be extended to include New Zealand: Neil Martin advised that he had been in touch with the UK on this matter . It was agreed this matter should be held in abeyance for the time being and we wait to ascertain the feelings of WA New Zealand members.
  3. Merchandise: Peter Isherwood outlined the list of merchandise, which is available on the website and asked if members had a preference for any other items. The meeting was satisfied with the Polo shirts and the caps. Peter also advised members that the cost of the shirts included $5 for WA – Australia, to cover the cost of the digitization and a small contribution towards other administrative matters.
  4. Future Reunions: This matter was covered earlier in the meeting. It was agreed that each state should try and organise at least one social get together in the course of the year in order to develop the fellowship of members.
  5. “ALL HANDS” Australia supplement/Newsletter: It was generally thought there is no need for a supplement, because a newsletter can be created on the website.

Chris Coy proposed a vote of thanks to the committee for organizing the Australia Branch and the reunion, which was unanimously seconded by the members present.

There being no further business the Chairman wished everyone an enjoyable reunion and closed the meeting at 1935 hours.

Hon Secretary Chairman

Peter Isherwood Alan Knott