THAMES VALLEY WRITERS’ CIRCLE

Notes of Annual General meeting

26 July 2011

Present: Elizabeth (convenor) Joyce (notes), Dorothy, Chris, Barbara, Terry, Gerry, Richard, Colin, Mojib, Dan, LesW, Dick, Sally, Pat, Nick, Sharon, Lucy

Apologies – Neil, LesC

Minutes of previous AGM for 2010 read and agreed – proposed by Colin, seconded by Chris

Convenor’s Report

Several new members were welcomed during the year and we have had varied readings of novels, short stories and articles.

Our Pick and Mix Anthology was completed in January and in May we won best anthology at the David St John Thomas Charitable Trusts Awards 2011. But not only did we receive a cup and a cash award but we were voted winner of winners and received a shield and another cash award. Thanks must go to Barbara and particularly Mary and Stuart who produced the finished anthology under very difficult circumstances.

An In-house collection of stories from the 2011 Arthur Redway Memorial competition is now complete and is now on sale, price £2.30.

There have been several competitions throughout the year and our annual one-act play was judged as usual by David Casals. Jan’s play has now been shortlisted for the national pint sized play competition.

In May, 14 short stories were judged and critiqued by Iain Pattison.

Thanks to Neil for his entertaining and mind provoking workshops.

Any member who would like to give a presentation or workshop will be very welcome to do so.

Claudette suggested we might meet once a month, possibly at a venue near Palmer Park.

Thanks to the serving committee members and to Terry for setting out the tables and chairs

Good luck with future writing.

Treasurer’s Report

An interim balance sheet up to 25 July 2011 was passed round showing a healthy balance. £55 is to be donated from the sales of the Pick and Mix Anthology to RBH for the Robbie the Robot Fund.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary agreed with the Convenor’s report and also remarked that now she does not take notes it was good to sit back and enjoy the readings.

Election of Committee

Elizabeth is standing down as convenor and from the committee. Our thanks for all the hard work she has put in during her convenorship.

Chris is also standing down as Treasurer although she will remain on the committee and our thanks to her.

Les Williams has agreed to be our new convenor and he was proposed by Barbara and seconded by Dorothy.

Sally Johnson has agreed to be the new treasurer – Proposed by Chris, seconded by Elizabeth

Joyce will remain as Secretary

Dick will remain on the committee and deal with publicity

Chris will still be on the committee

Barbara is our Life President

Future Plans and Projects

The circle re-convenes on 6 September.

Halloween – plans to be announced

We finish for Christmas on 13 December with a lucky dip and perhaps a few mince pies.

We start the New Year on 17 January 2012 with our fish and chip supper.

Hopefully David Casals will once again judge our one-act plays in February.

In April we will have the Arthur Redway Memorial Competition

Possibly another short story competition in May.

We also hope to invite speakers throughout the year.

Any Other Business

In light of our healthy bank balance it was suggested that we might indulge ourselves and a skittles evening was suggested – watch this space.

Barbara has proposed a joint venture – a radio play to send to the BBC. She has asked for ideas, outlined on one page double-spaced ready for our return on September 6. She suggested we listen to the Radio 4 afternoon play and pay special attention to the opening. We will then decide on the best plot, characters etc.

Meeting Ended.