Birstwith Horticultural Society
Archive
The Annual General Meeting of The Society held on Wednesday 23 November 2005 - 8pm at St James' Church Hall, Birstwith.
Minutes
1. Apologies for Absence J Hindle / N Castle / G Harrison / L Eastland
2. Minutes of Annual General Meeting held Weds 24 November 2004 Approved M Green / Seconded G Plant
3. Matters Arising from Minutes Non arising
4. Chairman's Address See below
5. Treasurer's Report and Adoption of Accounts
6. Resignations & Election of Officers & Committee
6.1 John Hindle - but will continue collections work
6.2 Martin expressed heart felt thanks and appreciation to John and will be writing to that effect
6.3 John Robinson will perform gate responsibilities for 1 more show
6.4 Judy Platt proposed Liam Eastland for Vice Chairman
6.5 Judy Platt proposed Harry Eastland as Chairman
6.6 Martin to discuss proposals with Liam and Harry
6.7 New Committee list to be issued when all officers elected
7. Show Classes
7.1 All classes have been set ready for a final draft
7.2 2 new classes to be added for children - sunflowers and marrows
7.3 Seeds for sunflowers to be purchased and distributed Birstwith School children
7.4 New classes to be cash prizes
7.5 Schedule to have tear off slip so than the general public can Suggest classes for the 2007 Show.
7.6 Draft Class Schedule to be issued for approval and print January 2006.
8. Show Evening
8.1 Leigh to draft marquee plan so that the tables are arranged in a manner that they can be used for both day and evening events without having to be re-arranged.
8.2 John Dennis to enquire if we can have a longer main marquee to avoid having to take a separate marquee for the bar and refreshments.
8.3 Trailer or stage to be positioned at out outset at one end of the the marquee, used during the day for trophies and presentations
8.4 Sub Committee to discuss all aspects as soon as possible
9. Provisional date of 2006 Show - Saturday 29 July 2006 with Entry Night on Friday 21 July 2006
9.1 Dates Approved
10. Any other business.
10.1 Nigel Worsnop will be responsible for appointing judges and arranging judges lunches. Thank you to Judy and Colin Platt for taking care of this at the 2005 Show.
10.2 John Robinson to pick up the BHS Project once again and report to the committee as relevant
10.3 Due to Health & Safety Reasons and serious access issues including length and costly planning application No Pony Event will take place at the 2006 Show.
10.4 Future Meeting Dates
Wednesdays - Old Station Inn 8pm 18 January / 8 March / 12 April / 17 May / 21 June / 12 July 20 September / AGM 22 November Church Hall 8pm.
BHS Dinner - Saturday 16 September 2006 Quiz Night - Saturday 28 October 2006
Chairman's Report - AGM - 23rd November 2005
My report to last year's AGM described the turnaround in the good fortunes of the Society. After years of treading water and a worsening financial position, we had managed to stage a Show with fresh ideas, a successful evening event and a healthy profit! This year we continued the same theme, with new faces on the Committee bringing new ideas and challenging old ones. It is inevitable that this will occasionally lead to the wheel being reinvented, but this is no bad thing.
We recognise that there is more to do - the catering for the evening event still leaves much to be desired (but through no fault of our own this time!) and perhaps we need to consider how to keep visitors entertained when the weather turns against us (like this year!). Sadly, we are still struggling to re-instate the gymkhana event, partly due to space restrictions and partly due to safety considerations, but hopefully we will be able to resolve these difficulties in the future. We have also proposed to Birstwith School the possibility of relocating our Show Hut, subject to the necessary consents and subject to the cost being met by the village as a whole and not just by the Society.
I would like to close by thanking all our Committee members for their support during 2005, especially those "regulars" who have been the custodians of the knowledge and who have maintained Birstwith Show as a calendar fixture for many years. This gratitude extends to the army of volunteers who came along during Show week and over the weekend, making the various events gel into what can rightfully be described as a village weekend. Whilst not wishing to single out anyone in particular, I feel that Garry Plant's contribution as the Honourable Secretary to the Society has been nothing less than outstanding, and I would like to offer Garry my deepest gratitude for his sterling efforts.
Thank you. Martin Green
Accounts
2004 Awards 2004 Results 2004
Minutes Annual General Meeting of The Society
Wednesday 1 December 2004 - 8pm - St James' Church Hall, Birstwith.
Apologies Colin Platt / Liam Eastland / Geoff Manock / Sue White
Minutes of AGM 26/11/03 Previously distributed, no matters of discussion
Matters Arising from minutes None raised
Chairman's Address see below
Treasurers Report and Adoption of Accounts
In general terms the 2004 show provided an excess of £1223 for the year which could be mainly attributed to the evening event although the Show had made a small profit and made cost savings, such as not taking up the Stray FM advert which represented a substantive cost hitherto.
A statement of income and expenditure for the year ended 20 September 2004 will be posted at The Society's web site.
The floor was asked if there were any question, the resulting Q&A session resulted in the following points being ascertained
- The income from the Day Beer Tent had gone to The Station Inn who ran the bar offset in part by a donation from the Station toward the evening event and by them making all the arrangements and laying on staff. Q John Mitchell
- BHS were not involved in the Sunday Service Lunch and as such derived no income Q Janet Mitchell
- Ticket sales income from evening event was taken into BHS Q Mrs Manock
- Advertising revenue is worth having Q John Mitchell
- Marquee size was down but the costs higher this year
- Subscriptions generally cover the cost of the marquee Q John Mitchell
Our thanks are recorded to the auditor Mr Jim Clough whose services are offered and will be retained for the 2005 Show unless any objections are received in reasonable time.
The accounts were adopted, proposed Janet Mitchell, seconded John Robinson.
Resignations & Election of Officers & Committee
Resignations Philip Cockroft President
John Mitchell Show Marquee
Janet Mitchell Advertising&Sponsorship
Colin Platt Trade Stands/Show Site
Jennifer Wallace Refreshments
Geoffrey Packer Committee/RSPCA Stand
Bob Kennedy Evening Event
The Society holds the service, dedication and hard work those members standing down have provided over the years, through their own good will and endeavours, very dearly indeed and will be writing letters of appreciation in due course.
It ought to be noted that Mrs & Mrs Mitchell will continue to assist on the day if they are not away at the time as will Mr Packer who has assisted Mrs Packer on the RSPCA stand each year.
Election of Officers - responsibilities to be reviewed and decided at the next meeting
Philip Trickey
Darren Bush
Lee Parker
Richard Caven
The committee will also discuss the merits of having the WI run refreshments at the show.
A full committee list will then be issued with contact numbers and email addresses for convenience of quick communication.
Show Classes
Janet Green is willing to sort out the horticultural classes and Mr Norman Castle also volunteered to assist.
Mr Castle suggested that the children's classes run to a sixth prize to create more interest and also that the prize cards ought to have a better profile to demonstrate the importance of the prize / event.
Show Evening
Given the success in terms of enjoyment, attendance and raised revenue it was generally felt that it was well worth repeating in 2005.
Clearly there are areas of improvement to make such as the provision of food, catering for the right numbers and so forth. The overwhelming attendance this year, meant that it had fallen a victim of it's own success, ticket sales were ebbing toward the 180 mark only days beforehand and then simply took off.
Provisional Date of 2005 Show Entry Night Friday 22 July 2005 Show Day Saturday 30 July 2005
AOB
- Mrs Manock proposed that letters of thanks be sent out to those members standing down from their posts especially Mr & Mrs Mitchell who have given so many years of service and our outgoing President Mr Philip Cockroft.
- John Hindle noted that The Society should record it's thanks and gratitude to Martin Green as Chairman, for all his efforts, contribution and hard work on yet another show year.
- Proposed dates for 2005 Meetings
17 January / 7 March / 11 April / 16 May / 20 June / 11 July / 19 September
AGM 23 November 2005
Addendum
Chairman's Report - AGM - 1st December 2004
My report to last year's AGM was full of gloom and doom. On the face of it, the Show in 2003 had been a great success - the weather was lovely and all who attended had a good time. However, in spite of all this, we made a financial loss. Making a loss wasn't anything new to us - indeed, we'd been doing it for a number of years already! It prompted me to question whether Birstwith Show had outlived its time. After all, we wouldn't be the first horticultural show committee to hang up our trowels and call it a day. If nothing else, my gloom and doom message guaranteed a well-packed AGM!
Out of the long grass marched the cavalry. Well, it was perhaps more akin to the Red Army, led by "comrade" Garry Plant. Like a modern-day Robin Hood, Garry promised the support of his merry men (would this be from the Beer Tent, we asked ourselves). Apart from the tiny oversight of being the first Honorary Secretary to be away on holiday over Show weekend (whoops!), Garry delivered the goods, and much more besides through his sterling efforts. In addition to Garry came Liam Eastland, Birstwith's own Alan Whicker, who single-handedly produced the Show Schedule from somewhere in China. All of a sudden we were beginning to rock and roll, and there was yet more to come! Recognising that we needed an evening event to offset the high cost of the marquee, Ric Caven proposed a jazz event, which was duly delivered by Bob Kennedy (plus much help) - and what a night! We are not free of risk yet, but surely with the help of new faces with new ideas, we have a fighting chance of holding on to our trowels?
I need to thank my father-in-law, Robert Hogg, for organising the flypast of the Lancaster Bomber. This was surely the crowning moment of Show Day? Many there didn't know whether to laugh or cry as it evoked so many emotional memories.
I would like to close by thanking all our Committee members for their support during 2004, especially those "regulars" who have been the custodians of the knowledge and who have maintained Birstwith Show as a calendar fixture for many years. This gratitude extends to the army of volunteers who came along during Show week and over the weekend, making the various events gel into what can rightfully be described as a village weekend.
Finally, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Philip Cockroft for being our President over recent years and for providing expert guidance. We must now commence a search for a replacement to match up to his high standard.
Thank you.
Martin Green
Chairman Martin Green Tel 01423 770823 email-home email-work
2003 Photos 2003
Minutes of the AGM held on Wednesday 26th November 2003 at 8.00pm in St James Church Hall.
Philip Cockcroft - President took the Chair, 20 members were present.
1 Apologies for absence.Geoff and Margaret Manock.
2 Minutes of AGM held on Thursday 20th November 2002
Copies circulated to the committee.
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted.
3 Matters Arising - none.
4 Chairman's Address
I would like to start by thanking all our Committee members for their support during 2003, especially those "regulars" who have been the custodians of the knowledge and who have maintained Birstwith Show as a calendar fixture for many years. This gratitude extends to the army of volunteers who came along during Show week and over the weekend, making the various events gel into what can rightfully be described as a village weekend.
On the face of it, this year's Show was a great success - the weather was lovely and all who attended had a good time. However, in spite of all this, we made a financial loss. Having compared this with the "scarecrow weekend", which required a fraction of the effort to stage (for most people!), which inspired the village to unite for a weekend and which provided a healthy profit for worthy causes, we must ask ourselves if we are doing the right thing. Has Birstwith Show outlived its time?
The meeting here tonight will hopefully address this very important question and will decide the future of Birstwith Show for decades to come.
5 Treasurer's Report and Adoption of Accounts.
In presenting the accounts for the year ending 30th September 2003, as in previous years it is not my intention to go through them in any great detail, as I am sure you will find them self - explanatory
However, you will notice that we have finished the year with a deficit of £509 against a surplus last year, excluding the Wet Weather Fund claim, of £478, a difference between the two years of £987. This is a very disappointing result given the ideal weather conditions of the day.
If one takes into account that, included in the deficit of £509, is £181 in respect of prepaid insurance, the loss of £153 incurred when two beer barrels were vandalised and £170 in respect of depreciation, then we have finished the year in a break even situation. Even this is unsatisfactory, as we have to generate surpluses to cover eventualities like those which we experienced at the year 2000 and 2001 shows.
Mr. President, as can be seen, the cost of staging the show continues to rise year by year and perhaps now is the time for the incoming committee to consider the future direction of the show and its ability to generate revenue.
Finally, may I record the societies thanks to our Hon. Auditor, Jim Clough, for the efficient manner in which he has once again carried out the audit.
The members accepted the accounts as presented.
6 Resignations & Election of Officers & Committee
Sue White had written to tender her resignation, the Chairman recorded his thanks for her years of hard work which was endorsed by all members present. Janet Green also resigned as did Jane Garcia, Edward March and Harry Eastland, again thanks were expressed for years of past service. As in previous years, it is assumed all other officers and committee members named on the reverse of the agenda are willing to serve.
7 Future of Birstwith Show
This subject provoked much discussion. Most members felt that the traditional show should be preserved, and be dependent on the needs of the village and its near community. Garry Plant and four or more colleagues volunteered to help with show activities; they had in mind organising the Saturday night event or some similar contribution.
Although there was concern that the Show had made a loss / broke even last year, it was felt that finances could be trimmed and activities re-organised to make a small margin in future years.
Many members expressed support for the show, and said how much they had enjoyed last years' event; it was also considered that if the show were discontinued, it would be very difficult to re-start.
It was agreed that a smaller tent should be booked in December and confirmed at the first committee meeting next year.
Birstwith School are to refurbish the Playing Field in spring next year, normally the tent would be erected in this area, John Robinson and Harry Eastland agreed to find an alternative location, and indicate the impact on other space for the ring, trade stands, stalls and beer/tea tent.
However, it is clear that the show committee needs a secretary and some other administrative help if it is to continue
8 Show Classes
It was suggested that dummy schedules be prepared which only listed those classes, which had at least two exhibitors last year. Martin agreed to do this provisional list. It was recognised that
linkage to the award of trophies would be problematic if classes were changed significantly.
The dog show brought in a significant number of people, with 100 entries; perhaps more classes, and space, should be considered for next year.
9 Date of 2004 Show - 31st July
It was agreed that entry night will be Friday 23rd July 2004, with postal entries am Saturday. Hall booked with John Dawson - HE
The committee were asked to consider having some entries in particular classes on the night before the show; it was thought this would help to increase entries.
10 AOB
Proposed Dates for Meeting of New Committee
Venue proposed - the Station Hotel.
First meeting Monday 12th January 2004
Finally, our President recorded thanks to the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Committee for their work during the year.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm.
Chairman's Report
The 109th Birstwith Show was held on Saturday 26th July 2003 under glorious conditions. Birstwith's own Show Princess and her two attendants opened the Show just after lunch, but by then the Show Field was a hive of activity. Two hundred and twenty exhibitors had staged seven hundred and twenty exhibits - a marvellous turnout and one which justifies the hard work of the army of volunteers whose support made the day a great success. In addition to the exhibits, there were many attractions to keep the whole family interested throughout the afternoon, including horses & ponies, Punch & Judy, the Rossendale Sheepdogs, Monty Roberts Learning to Listen Centre, the dog show, Pete Zed, children's sports, the Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Prize Band and the baby show. Children's bouncy castle type rides kept the energetic children at bay, and the Show Field was well served by food and drink providers, including the Tea Tent and the Beer Tent which have always been welcomed by visitors. Various trade stands provided interest and allowed those wanting to buy something different an opportunity to indulge. All in all, an excellent day.
A message from the Chairman
Martin Green is the Chairman of the Birstwith Horticultural Society and he sends the following note to you all:
'This is my sixth year as Chairman of the Society and it is once again my privilege to write to you. For last year's Show we attempted to widen interest in exhibiting by introducing new classes, and this year we have continued this theme, with a real drive to bring in more novices. If you're not competing in this year's Show, think about the next one! And if there are any new classes you think we should introduce, please let us know.
The Society is always in need of new volunteers to succeed those who have grown unable to support in the way they did before. We keep our doors wide open for newcomers to play a part in our wonderful Show, thereby helping to preserve a tradition and to make a little piece of history. Without a flow of new ideas we would surely pass into oblivion.
Whoever you are, wherever you're from, why not join us for next year's Show? Call in at the Secretary's Tent on Show Day and give us your name, we will do the rest. Or visit our website!
Finally, may I express my deepest gratitude to the Committee members and all the supporters who have helped to put this year's Show together. Thanks to all the competitors - without you there would be no Show.'
Annual Dinner 2003
The show dinner was held at the Station Hotel on 27th September 2003.
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The President of the Society Philip Cockroft saying "a few words" after the dinner at the Station Hotel.
The pub restaurant was full and everybody enjoyed A few more pictures are given below |
2003 photos 2003
2002 Photos 2002