Report of the AGM

Report of the Annual General Meeting of the South West Maritime History Society 2022

Eighteen committee members, trustees and members gathered in The Box in Plymouth for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21st May 2022.

As the committee structure will change after the transition to charitable incorporated status (CIO) there was no formal election of officers at the meeting; trustee nominations will be submitted for approval at the next AGM. The two objectives for the following year are the development and launch of the new website, in conjunction with a link to Facebook with the aim of attracting new and younger members, and the transition to CIO.

The Treasurer submitted financial reports and reported there is a profit after taxation compared to a loss in the previous year. He reported the financial situation is acceptable, although would benefit from an increase in the number of members, and there are some members who continue to not pay the full subscription of £20. MSW would now be limited to 240 pages and the cost stabilised. A special reference was made to the contribution made by David Clement’s bequest and a donation from his wife, Dina. The accounts as presented were put to the meeting and accepted unanimously.

The Membership Secretary stated there are currently 234 members; she had nothing special to raise other than the amount of effort expended in ensuring members paid and paid the correct amount.

Mike Williams presented a Dartington Glass vase to Julia Creek in recognition of her service to the society, including a period as chairman. In Julia’s absence the bowl was accepted by Mike Bender who, with Martin Hazell, will make the presentation to her in person. Mike Williams also presented an inscribed paperweight to Martin Hazell in recognition of his contribution to the society and his long stint as chairman.

Jonathan Turner reported the new website will be functional within two or three weeks of the meeting and described the additional features and retention of existing elements for members. In addition, nonmembers will be able to access contents pages, paying for downloads. A saving of about £1000 will be achieved with the change of website service provider. Jonathan also reported on the results of the member’s survey.

Mike Williams presented a compelling case for the change to CIO status, which will not be detrimental to members and limit the financial liability of trustees in the event of a claim being made against the society. A new CIO bank account will be opened but existing accounts

Mike Williams (Photo: Jonathan Seagrave)

Martin Hazell (Photo: Jonathan Seagrave)