AGM Report

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 9th May 2013, at 7.30pm, IN THE GLOBE INN.


WELCOME
The president accorded a welcome to members present, expressed pleasure at the large attendance and hoped for a constructive meeting.

PRESENTATION
The President welcomed honorary members Mrs. Maureen McKerrow and Mrs. J. Brown. He expressed the thanks of the club for their cooperation and that of the staff of the Globe Inn during the year. He presented each with a gift as a token of appreciation. Both ladies congratulated the president on a memorable year and looked forward to working with the club in future.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS GENERAL MEETING
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 10th May 2012, were read by Mr. D. Miller and adopted as a true and correct record of the business, on the motion of Mr. Laing, seconded by Mr. Watt.

MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
No matters were raised.

HONORARY SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT
The honorary secretary submitted his 41st annual report on the activities of the club for 2012 – 2013. He reviewed a very busy year with a full programme of cultural, social and sporting events and paid tribute to the president for his conduct in the chair and as an ambassador for the club at numerous commemorative events. He singled out the 124th Anniversary Dinner as one of the most enjoyable in recent years but unfortunately marred by the large number from the company who left before the end of the programme and stated that this was damaging to the reputation of the club. Other Globe Inn functions were superb and included a stirring toast to “Auld Scotia” from the BBC’s Brian Taylor at the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner. A success story was the completion of the clubroom and library renovations project and the restoration to the club’s historic Centenary Banner as well as the make-over to the bust of past president Baillie James Scott. The year saw the passing of three long standing members, Ted Murray, Tom Bartlett and James McWhirter. The secretary thanked the office bearers and members generally for their support. Some discussion ensued. Mr. Urquhart did not accept the criticisms regarding the early departure for the Anniversary Dinner and gave his opinion. Other comments were made but the president advised that this would be an item later on the agenda. The secretary was thanked by the president and his report was adopted on the motion of Mr. Urquhart, seconded by Mr. Lauder.

HONORARY TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT
The treasurer commented on the annual accounts and balance sheet as previously circulated and expressed thanks to Mr. Manson for his help. The accounts had been inspected by an independent qualified examiner who had signed a statement of satisfaction with the material submitted for inspection.  The areas of concern from last year had been brought under control and allowing for the expenditure on clubroom and library renovations, the funds were in a healthy state. Merchandising activities brought useful income from the sale of club umbrellas and donations from commercial Burns Supper attended by members raised £300.00. He proposed an increase in members’ annual subscriptions of £1.00 pensioner and £3.00 Ordinary to match the increase in administration costs. Some discussion ensued. The treasurer’s report incorporating the proposal to increase subscription was approved on the motion of Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Lauder. The treasurer was thanked by the president.

LIBRARIAN’S ANNUAL REPORT
The librarian expressed satisfaction that the library facilities had been upgraded and would enhance the display potential for the McKerrow Collection and other material although some minor work on safety glass doors and locks are still outstanding.  Several donations of books had been received during the year and are available for viewing. The value of the library stock is now estimated at £11000.00.  It is now possible to rotate the display of pictures and photographs and this will be done on a regular basis.  Some open Library Evenings were held during the year to enable members to sing, recite or discuss Burns’ verse or song and it is intended to continue with these but no one would be compelled to perform. He proposed to purchase a further supply of folders for past president’s ephemera and hoped that past presidents would make a contribution to the cost of £14.00 each. Some discussion ensued. Mr. Scott suggested that the Past Presidents Fund could be tapped for this purpose and was advised that this would be considered. Mr. Welsh asked if back-to back photographs had been taken of the restored Centenary Banner and Mr. McKinnon suggested that postcards could be produced. The librarian confirmed that photographs had been taken and the possibility of post cards would be considered. Mr. T. Johnstone suggested that the north wall could be used for projected images during Club Nights and was advised that this was being done. The president thanked the librarian and his report was adopted on the motion of Mr. A. Johnstone, seconded by Mr. Hastings.

WEBMASTER’S REPORT
The Webmaster stated that during the year, the club Website had undergone a major facelift which had been generally well received. The Home Page had been improved with quick links to other pages. The site had a high visit rate, over 1000 per day, peaking at the end of October to January, many from China. The site maintenance cost of £120.00 annually was felt to be good value. The Webmaster again appealed for content from members as he felt it was not for him to generate content personally.  A website Subcommittee had been created and had met twice. Mr. McKinnon now has appropriate software to enable him to input content. Some discussion ensued. Mr. Lauder proposed that an Editorial Sub Committee could be formed to assist the Webmaster who agreed to consider this. The Webmaster was thanked by the president and his report was approved on the motion of Mr. McKinnon, seconded by Mr. G. Johnston.

“200+ CLUB”
Mr. Miller, as promoter, reported that the share uptake this year was 186, an increase of 13 from the year previous. He felt the decision to increase the number of prizes but at the same overall value had been justified. He thanked members and friends for their support. Mr. Miller was thanked by the president for his efforts. With the president’s permission, Mr. Scott offered thanks to those who had responded to the recent Solway Sound “200 Club”, the talking newspaper for the deaf.

124th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
The president opened discussion and stated that the early departure before the end was a major disappointment and had tainted the evening. It had drawn adverse comment from the guest speaker, Mr. Jimmie Macgregor. The office bearers had discussed the matter and had some suggestions to make to address the situation. These included abolishing the last interval and printing the estimated finishing time on the tickets but he felt that the structure and format of the anniversary dinner should not be radically altered as it had stood the test of time and that a 12.30am finish was not “too late” as some had claimed. Some members claimed to have difficulty in obtaining taxis at that time and that some had work to attend on the following day but the president found this of little merit in that the function, which was the set-piece of the club programme, was one night per year. Winding up, he asked if the incoming committee would give further consideration to the matter and try to arrive at a solution acceptable to as many members as possible.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2013 – 2014
Before demitting office, the president expressed his thanks to members for their support during his year. It had been a remarkably quick period with many highlights and excellent social functions at the Globe Inn and hoped the issue with early leavers at the Anniversary Dinner can be resolved next year. He thanked especially the office bearers for their help and hoped that the incoming president would enjoy the same level of support. He declared all offices vacant and nominated the senior vice president, Godfrey Bedford, as president for 2013 – 2014. This was seconded by Mr. Watson. There were no other nominations and Dr. Bedford was invited to assume the Chair and invested with the presidential regalia by past president McIntyre. In his inaugural remarks, the president expressed thanks to members for according the signal honour and privilege of serving as president of one of the most prestigious Burns Clubs in the world. This was a great responsibility and hoped he would be found worthy. He paid tribute to past president Ian McIntyre whose stewardship of the club had been outstanding and looked forward to having him at his side during his year in office. He presented Mr. McIntyre with his past president’s badge and hoped he would be an active past president for many years to come. The president proceeded to fill the other offices as required under the Constitution.  Senior vice president. The secretary stated that Mr. Clark was unavoidably absent but had tendered apologies in writing stating that he was willing to serve if elected. His nomination was moved by D. Smith and seconded by the president. As there were no other nominations, Mr. Clark was declared elected. Junior Vice President. The president reported that the retiring committee wished to propose Mr. Callum Watson for this post. This was moved by Mr. Miller, seconded by the president and unanimously agreed as there were no other nominations. Mr. Watson was presented with the JVP’s medallion of office. He expressed thanks to members and vouchsafed to do his utmost in upholding the traditions of the club and would arrange for a substitute piper during his year.  Honorary Secretary, Mr. D. Smith, proposed in absentia by Mr. W. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried by acclamation. Mr. Smith expressed thanks but warned that his time was coming to an end after 41 years in post.  Honorary Treasurer, Mr. Lauder proposed Mr. Frank Manson. This was seconded by Mr. Miller and carried unanimously as there were no other nominations. Mr. Manson expressed thanks. The president expressed thanks to Mr. Neil Johnston for his services as treasurer last year. Honorary Librarian, Mr. Gordon Johnston, proposed in absentia by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Manson and carried unanimously as there were no other nominations.
Executive Committee, twelve members were proposed and seconded, the president announced that the committee would consist of, W. A. Johnston, K. Crookshanks, D. Mackie, D. R. Miller, N. Johnston, L. McQueen, C. Gibson, K. McKinnon, R. Walker, A. Johnstone, W. Welsh, D. Watt with immediate past president I. McIntyre. The secretary confirmed that Messrs, W. Johnston, K. Crookshanks and D. Mackie, being absent, had submitted written confirmation that they would serve on committee if elected.
Delegates to the WRBF Annual Conference. On the proposal of the secretary, it was agreed that appointments would be deferred to the first committee meeting as several members had voting rights as individual or family memberships. It was known that seven members would be attending with spouses.
Delegates to Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association.  The secretary stated that the custom was to depute the presidential team to represent the club but in the recent past, the delegates had found it difficult to attend. He suggested that three permanent delegates be appointed and proposed Mr. Welsh, Mr. G. Johnston and Mr. McIntyre who had previously indicated their agreement. This was unanimously agreed.

PRESENTATION
Past President McIntyre invited the president to accept a calf bound Centenary Edition of Burns Works, edited by John Logie Robertson, as a gift to mark his term of office, for use at the top table during functions, to replace the volume previously used and now missing. Mr. McIntyre was thanked by the president for this superb edition, some of whose pages were uncut, and the secretary was charged to ensure its safe keeping.

SYLLABUS DATES, 2013 – 2014

The president stated that the Globe Inn function dates were as follows.
Jean Armour Dinner, Monday 1st July 2013. Toast to Jean Armour, John Glover, “Other Women
..” James Haining.
Hallowe’en Supper, Thursday 31st October 2013, Speaker, Jim Thomson, SVP WRBF, Kilmarnock
St. Andrew’s Night Dinner, Monday 2nd November 2013, Toast to “Auld Scotia”, Stuart Houston, Biggar.
125TH Anniversary Dinner, Monday 27th January 2014. “Immortal Memory” Sir George Reid. “The Lasses, O”, Dr. Peter Hughes, Carluke.
Annual General Meeting, Thursday 8th May 2014.

FORTHCOMING DIARY DATES

The following dates were announced by the president.
Coldstream Bridge Ceremony, Sunday 12th may
Club Bowling Night, Tuesday 21st May at Newall Terrace by kind permission of Dumfries Bowling Club arranged by Mr. Crookshanks with prize giving and pies and mushy pears at the Globe thereafter.
Wauchope Cairn, Hawick, Sunday 7th July.
Brow Well Service, Wednesday 17th July
Dumbarton Bowling Match, Sunday 15th September at Newall Terrace.
A date for the club Treasure Hunt was still to be confirmed.


CONCLUSION
The president thanked members for their attendance and again thanked the club for the honour bestowed upon him. He hoped that members would continue to support the club with the same zeal as in the past and announced that the inaugural Executive Committee meeting would be held on Monday 27th May at 7.30pm followed by the customary buffet supper and soiree when talented members could display their attributes without compulsion.


VOTE OF THANKS
A vote of thanks to Mr. McIntyre and Dr. Bedford for their conduct in the Chair terminated the meeting.
 

HONORARY SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEASON 2012 – 2013

Gentlemen, in my 40 odd years as secretary of this club, I have had the privilege of working with many distinguished presidents but the year now ended is one which I will remember for many reasons for many years. The season was notable for the range and breadth of events, functions and activities.  Our president is a man of stature and rose to every challenge with aplomb being an excellent chairman of committee meetings and a genial Master of Ceremonies at functions. His well-honed diplomatic skills were an asset to the club and his incisive grasp of esoteric concepts extricated the club from some sticky situations.

Due to the unintended consequences of the change to the Constitution, the season’s opening events of the trip to Coldstream and the club bowling night were held in the reign of PP Frank Manson. The latter, at Dumfries Bowling Club on 3rd May, by courtesy of Mr. Crookshanks, saw the coveted “Draffan Cup” won with consummate skill by Messrs W. Johnston and Crookshanks. Thanks are due to Mr. Wilson for team marshalling.

The club was represented at the commemorative events at Covington Mains, Symington, 1st July, Wauchope Cairn on 8th July and Brow Well on 18th July. The ceremonies were followed by enjoyable social gatherings.

The club Treasure Hunt on 19th July saw four teams, accompanied by an “advisor” shuffle round the town centre pubs to decipher the cryptic clues but no cheating was observed although there were elements of intoxication.  The winning team was J. Clark, S. Austin and W. Graham. Thanks due to Mr. Little for donating succulent haggis pies and to Mrs. Brown for donating mushy peas.

The former royal yacht “Britannia” was the destination for the annual outing on 11th August when members and friends travelled to Leith by minibus. Following a tour of the vessel using electronic handsets for the commentary, the party proceeded to the city centre for luncheon at Rose Street. Fish & Chips at Biggar was a highlight on the return journey.

Two of the most satisfying events this year were the successful conclusion of the clubroom and library renovation programme and congratulations are due to the project manager, David Miller and his subcommittee. Also, the decision for renovate the club’s historic centenary banner and the makeover to the bust of past president Baillie James Scott. Thanks are due to Joe Scherrer and Colin Hunter McQueen respectively. On 10th December, a reception was held in the clubroom to offer thanks to the contractors and others who had contributed to the programme. Unfortunately, one contractor and club member mistook the date and the representative from the Community Payback Team failed to appear, however, a certificate of appreciation was presented to officials of the Community Payback Unit by the president on 3rd May 2013, which appeared to be appreciated. 

The Winter Club Nights were particularly enjoyable and well supported apart from one. The speakers were authorities on their subjects and conveyed their enthusiasm to an appreciative audience.  The last in the programme was an evening outing to Sulwath Brewery at Castle Douglas which proved popular.

The annual conference of the Robert Burns World Federation in September was held at Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when the club was well represented. The business meeting was unimpressive and the Caird Hotel, interesting but the weekend was enjoyable socially. Hon. Member Jane Brown was elevated to Senior Vice President. The Saturday Night Dinner featured a demonstration by North Yorkshire Fire Brigade. I am pleased to report that members were well behaved on the whole.  Earlier this year, the club responded to an appeal by the RBWF for donations to meet their cash shortfall and donated the sum of £250.00. It is to be hoped that the Federation will get its finances sorted out.

Dumbarton was the venue for the annual bowling match with Dumbarton Burns Club on 9th September when members were warmly welcomed and accorded generous hospitality. The weather was clement and although the match was a walk over, the club came in a close second and the president accepted the runners up trophy. A most enjoyable day was spent amongst friends.

The club plays a leading role in the Southern Scottish Counties Burns Association and past president John Caskie has brought a new dynamism to the organisation as secretary.  The schools competitions are one of the SSCBA’s most important activities and I can confirm that the club’s contribution of prizes and manpower are very much appreciated.

A particularly enjoyable event was a soiree at Ellisland on 22nd September when following an excellent supper and during a night of harmony, your reporter was shaken rigid by the surprise presentation to mark his 40 years as honorary secretary and thanks are recorded to all involved and to Les and May Byers for their hospitality.

Only one visitation from a Burns Club took place this year when a party from Greenock Burns Club arrived on 9th June and were accorded the ten cent tour. Possibly a bad summer and adverse economic conditions were a factor in reducing the number.

The core programme of functions in the Globe Inn last year was outstanding for the excellence of guest speakers and superb guest artistes, supported by talented club members. The Jean Armour Dinner on 2nd July featured addresses from Peter Kormylo and Wilson Ogilvie with an inspiring oration at the statue from Mr. Miller. Guests included Holly Little and Willie McRobert.  The excellence of the cheese board provoked special mention. Hallowe’en and St. Andrew’s Night were both nights to remember and the 124th Anniversary Dinner on Thursday 24th January will go down in the club annals as one of the best gatherings in the Globe Inn in recent years but I have to record my personal dismay at the number in the company who saw fit to leave before the end of the programme. This drew adverse comment from the guest speaker and will do the reputation of the club no good. I hope the incoming committee will address this problem.  For the first time in some years, the club was not represented at the Dumbarton Burns Club’s St. Andrew’s Night as the date coincided with ours and on 25th January last, severe weather conditions in the area prevented the club delegation travelling to their Burns Supper but we were delighted to welcome  Colin Laurie, their president to our celebration on 24th January.  Although the Globe Inn had agreed some time ago to the 124th Anniversary Dinner being held on Friday 25th January 2013, the advent of the Dumfries Big Burns Supper saw us pushed out of the Globe on that date to make way. Fortunately, all our speakers and guest artistes were able to accommodate the change of date. The DBBS was conceived to attract visitors to Dumfries with a “Burns Programme” to stimulate the economy but doubts have been expressed as to whether January is the ideal time of year for tourists. Their programme was seen as “inclusive” with an appeal to all ages and included pop concerts but I suspect it has little to say to serious Burnsians. The summer pageant, “Love, Life and Liberty” promoted by the Arts Festival Association and scripted by thespian John Cairney was first class outdoor theatre with   the audience following the actors round the places in the town with Burns’ interest. The closing scene at Burns House was genuinely poignant featuring professional actors and talented locals. Hopefully this will be repeated in 2014. 

The SSCBA’s Annual Commemorative Service at St. Michaels Kirk on the afternoon of 25th January was well attended and the club’s floral tribute was laid with panache by the president at the Mausoleum although in a blizzard

The St. Andrew’s Day Service at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, was attended by the president, secretary, librarian and spouse and witnessed the annual pageantry and colour in historic surroundings. Luncheon thereafter was taken at the Roslin Glen Hotel, Roslin, with a visit to the iconic Rosslyn Chapel.

A small delegation attended Glasgow University’s annual Burns Seminar on 12th January and spent an interesting day listening to a variety of speakers. These included Hon. Member Chris Rollie on recently discovered Burns’ manuscripts.

One of the most enjoyable events in the club calendar is the Burns Supper provided for the residents of Charnwood Lodge. This year it was a Burns Lunch on Sunday 27th January and proved most successful in that format. Inspiring toasts were delivered by the president and senior vice president supported by club members with songs and recitations.

A full house attended the Christmas Dinner in the clubroom on 17th December and sat down to a superb festive meal and harmony.  Santa appeared and was gracious. Thanks are due to the Globe Inn for catering.

Disappointingly, the Dumfries Round Table became defunct last year and with it, the disappearance of the annual charity pub quiz so there was no revival this year of the “Burns Unit”. We still have in our possession, the runners up trophy from 2012 and I would be grateful for any suggestions as to its disposal.

There was no Games Night this year as Marchmount Bowling Club who had agreed to Friday 29th March suddenly advised that they were holding a function on the following day and required to set up the room that night. They offered as an alternative, 22nd March but insufficient members were available and sadly a decision was made to cancel the event but it is hoped it will be reinstated next year.

A success story was the introduction of the club umbrella.  The order of 35 well designed gamps are now sold out, including the demonstrator, resulting in a handsome profit and thanks are due to PP John Caskie for his entrepreneurial skills.

Income from other sources due to the indefatigability of PP Gordon Johnston were gained with the Burns Suppers provided at the Five Arches and Friars Carse.  Both events featuring club members were hugely successful and plans for 2014 are in the pipeline.

Andy Mackay produced two first class issues of the Howff News during the season and the club is indebted to Andy for his professionalism.  An edition of the E-MAIL EXPRESS was issued in February and sincere thanks are due to Neil Johnston for his technical help.  As club Webmaster, Neil has given a makeover to the Website and you will hear from him later. Thanks are also due to Neil for his time and effort spent on this vital tool which has global reach. Hopefully the “President’s Blog” can be revived next year.

It is understood that Dumfries Burns Club with a declining membership are having difficulty in finding delegates to attend our St. Andrew’s Night and Anniversary Dinner and discussions are underway to replace invitations to those events with that to the Jean Armour Dinner to which ladies would be welcome. John Clark’s verse of greeting to the Dumfries Burns Club at the Anniversary Dinner was well crafted and could be understood.

Alan Marshall converted an ancient tape recording of the 1966 St. Andrew’s Night Dinner to CD which enabled members to revisit the past. This was a fascinating glimpse of yesteryear when the speeches were long but the entertainment was memorable and the background noise

OBITUARY
In December 2012, the death was announced of long standing member and committee member Ted Murray, following a long illness. Ted was also a past president of Dumfries Burns Club and the SSCBAA and will be sadly missed. In April 2013, Tom Bartlett and Jimmy (Purley) McWhirter, also members of long standing, died after long illnesses and their names are recorded here with respect.

STATISTICS
Currently the membership consists of 69 Ordinary, and 49  Retirement Pensioners. Honorary Members number
 42. Total 160. During the year, Jimmie Macgregor and Bert Hastings were admitted to Honorary Membership.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The committee met on 11 occasions during the season with subcommittees meeting as required. The Attendance Register is displayed in the anteroom. I have said in the past and repeat again that the club is entitled to expect that members who agree to serve on committee should show some interest and commitment to supporting club activities other than just the social events in the Globe Inn.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My customary but no less sincere thanks are offered to all, in whatever capacity, contributed to the success of the season’s activities. This has been a superb year with countless highlights and thanks are due to all our speakers, guest artistes, Winter Club Night speakers and to all those members who gave so unstintingly of their talents to entertain, especially songsters, Frank Curran, Bill Welsh and John Caskie. We are fortunate to have so many members who can perform at the drop of a hat and to the club piper, Callum Watson, without doubt, one of the best in Scotland.  Thanks also to the winning team who discreetly but robustly vend raffle tickets at the functions. Special thanks to Jane Brown and Maureen McKerrow and the staff of the Globe Inn for their cooperation during the year and to David Miller and Gordon Johnston for their help with the administration which was of great assistance and much appreciated. Thanks also to John Caskie for the efficiency of the function seating plans and to Neil Johnston for producing function tickets and programmes.

CONCLUSION
Gentlemen, we can look back on a memorable year with much enjoyment. It has been a sincere privilege to serve as secretary during Ian McIntyre’s year in the Chair.  His term of office was notable for many things but chiefly the atmosphere of good fellowship and humour which attended every function, meeting and event. Like his predecessor, he listened to the secretary and on occasion, took his advice. I hope that he will be an active past president for many years to come.

Looking to the future, the club is in good hands and the continuation of the Waiting List for membership tells its own story. Godfrey Bedford will be a horse of a different colour and I have no doubt he will lead us to greater heights.

Gentlemen, I have much pleasure in submitting my 41st Annual Report for your consideration.


David C. Smith
Honorary Secretary
9th May 2013