BCSS Macclesfield & East Cheshire Branch

Newsletter March 2006 - AGM Highlights

The AGM in February went on a little longer than planned and in the course of it the branch’s affairs got a thorough going over, touching on some topics that had not recently been aired. Julia Davenport (Secretary) produced the minutes very smartly and they’ve been a great help to me in putting together this summary of proceedings.

In spite of declining BCSS membership it was good to learn from Julia that at the end of 2005 there were 44 paid up members linked to the branch. We welcomed 4 new BCSS members and another on transfer from another branch. Average attendance at meetings was 21 members with as many as 28 one one occasion. Another way of looking at the numbers shows that more than 30 of our members attended at least one meeting. We are delighted, too, to have some regular visitors from other branches at our meetings.

In presenting the accounts Elizabeth Maddock (Treasurer) drew attention to the fact that although the branch had substantial reserves its general "trading" was close to a loss. One of our major sources of income, plant sales, could vary markedly simply on account of the weather on Show day and the plants made available for sale, so it was risky to depend on this. An increase in meeting entry fee from £1 to £1.50 was proposed. This was the first increase for 10 years. A lengthy and wide ranging discussion ensued. Points covered included a review of how other branches operated, the fact that delaying could result in an even bigger increase in the future, the good value of a talk by a recognised expert and tea and biscuits all for £1, increasing fuel costs, retention of reserves for book and equipment purchases and for contingencies such as increases in room rent or enforced moves to more expensive premises. Following the discussion the Treasurer’s proposal was adopted by a large majority.

In his report, Peter Shakeshaft (Show Secretary), also took a look forward and reminded the meeting that Wilmslow Show would take place on Sunday 9th July 2006 at Wilmslow High School. He expressed the hope that most members would enter at least one cactus and/or succulent. We are all invited to look round our collections, large or small, and decide upon our best or favourite plants. If anyone required any help or advice or had transport difficulties any of the branch’s more experienced exhibitors would be willing to assist. Nearer the Show date he would be asking for help with setting up tables etc in our marquee on Friday 7 July and dismantling again on Sunday. We would also be looking for plants to sell on our own stall, so if you are re-potting please take the opportunity to pot up offsets or cuttings for the sales table.

Mike Ashworth (Webmaster) reported that edited Newsletters are now included in the branch website. Editing is carried out to exclude personal items and details which it is felt would be undesirable to have world wide circulation. In 2005, 43,735 hits to the site were recorded. A significant number of these would be from search engines. It was learned that the biggest source of new BCSS members is the Internet. In the discussion it was explained that irrespective of whether they are able to, or wish to attend meetings, all new UK members are allocated to a branch for admin purposes. If they do not specify one they are allocated to the one which is perceived to be nearest their home address. Members are free to change branch allocation if they wish.

Our Honorary President, Norman Williamson starts the second year of his two year term. Our Chairman and all the other Officers were prepared to serve for a further year and were re-elected. A vacancy on the committee was created by Roger Adamson having completed his two year appointment. There were no nominations at the meeting but Julia was going to contact a member, absent from the meeting, who could possibly be interested in serving on the committee. Sybil Wilbraham will continue to organise the raffle and Roger Hensman will continue to look after Plant of the Month. Roger H reported that in 2005 the Table Show had attracted seven participants but only two of them could be described as "regulars". This was disappointing. However, it was with great pleasure that Norman presented the trophy for the year to Harold Cooper. There followed some discussion on how greater participation could be achieved. It was finally agreed that we continue with the same formula in 2006 but that the committee would review the situation later in the year.

Alasdair Glen