Thursday, 16 January 2020

Residents Association Continues as New Committee Elected.




 WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION


MINUTES OF AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING HELD AT  THE SWAN HOTEL ON MONDAY 13TH  January 2020 AT 7.15P.M.

PRESENT
Gina May (Ch), and seventy two members.

APOLOGIES
There were no apologies.

Gina May opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending.
The code of conduct was then read out.

RESIGNATIONS
The following committee resignations were handed in with regret and read out as follows: Gina May, Jacquie Agnew, Laura Shawyer, Clare Hastings, Mandy Rickett, and Linda Kiddell.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO VACANCIES
The following nominees had been proposed and seconded and were duly elected:--
Chairman                                 Tom King
Secretary                                 Stephanie Sutton
Treasurer                                  Jane Ashbee-Welch
Editor                                      No Nomination
Social Organiser                      Ron Rolfe
Membership Secretary            No Nomination
Press Officer                           Ash Ashbee-Welch

The new committee members then introduced themselves to those present.

Tom King, the new chairman, expressed his wish that the W&WRA will continue and will be rebuilt, and reviewed some of what it had achieved over the sixty one years of existence.

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
Accounts.  Richard Banning, of R&B Solutions, and other members asked how members’ money had been spent, value for money and accountability.
Tom King replied that a full set of audited accounts would be made available for the AGM in May as had always been the practice, and would be available on paper or in the magazine when re-introduced.

Website.  A request for a W&WRA website was made from the floor.

Constitution.  This will be carefully looked up and recommendations made to bring it up to date.

For £3 per year subscription what do members get?  In answer to the question Tom King said there were files of issues that the W&WRA had fought on behalf of members, there is social inclusion, and representation and there will again be a magazine, and social events.

Magazine.  Derek Smith a previous editor of the W&WRA magazine said it had been difficult to obtain sufficient copy for this and had had to write up some articles himself.  A newsletter or magazine was an excellent way of maintaining communication with members.

Venue.  Several members from the floor expressed regret at the loss of the regular meeting and coffee place at the Bake House as this had facilitated contact and communication, one member had made many friends there after moving to Westgate.

Road Stewards.  Hopefully this system will be re-introduced.

Noticeboards. The one near “Krusty Cobs” will be in use, and a second one may be sought.

Councillors at Meetings.  In answer to a question councilors will be invited and welcome to attend general meetings.

MEETINGS
Next monthly general meeting will be held at the Westbrook Bowls Club on Monday 10th February at 7.00pm for 7.15pm.
The meeting for March will be held in Westgate, and the venues will alternate as before.


Chairman Tom King thanked all for attending.

The meeting concluded at 8.09pm.