Message from the Chairman….. IT’S GOOD NEWS!
I am delighted to report that at a well attended EGM on November 28th, the motion to dissolve the Society was withdrawn and a lifeline has been given for the Society’s future.
A Steering Group, comprising Collette Drayson, Karen Delahay, Jane Gladding and Lesley Kennedy was voted in to look at how the Society should re focus to be relevant in the 21st century and to recommend any necessary changes to the Rules, for ratification at the AGM to be held on 10th April 2015 at the Mowlem. The Steering Group will take the lead but I, and other members of the existing Committee, will be giving support where we can.
I am also very pleased to report that after the meeting, a volunteer has offered to take on the role of Treasurer. At the time of writing, the Steering Group has begun its work. It has already been agreed that Society membership will continue as hitherto, subscriptions remaining at £5 per head; please send your subs or membership enquiries to the Acting Membership Secretary, Jane Gladding at 59, Rabling Road, Swanage, BH19 1ED.
The Steering Group has expressed its intention of planning a programme of visits, speakers and, possibly, other events with a view to keeping all our existing members and attracting new ones. Ideas of subjects for talks and places to visit are being collected, more are very welcome – please send your thoughts and ideas to any members of the Steering Group or to me at mikestollery@btopenworld.com. If you are a member and have not received the recent Newsletter please contact either Jane Gladding or me.
We expect to produce the next Newsletter for members in late February/early March together with the formal notice of the AGM and the relevant papers. Meanwhile, please keep a look out for announcements of future meetings and events in the local press and periodic updates on the website.
May I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year, one in which the Purbeck Society will go forward with renewed strength and purpose.
Mike Stollery
Chairman
December 2014