3May 2012 DRAFT FOR APPROVAL AT THE 2013 AGM

PRESENT: The Officers of the Trust and a number of members.

ITEM 1 - CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS

The Chairman Philip Butler welcomed everyone to the 43rd AGM of the Skelton VillageTrust.
Our Spring newsletter and AGM calling notice had been emailed or delivered to all members.
The notice included the accounts for year ending December 31 2011.

ITEM 2 - MINUTES

The minutes of the AGM held on 11th May 2011 were accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting and were duly signed by the Chairman.

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

ITEM 4 - CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2011/12

I have pleasure in presenting my report for the last year on behalf of your committee.

As usual we held three speaker evenings on a wide range of subjects. Following last year’s AGM our speaker was Philip Thake, the Chief Executive of York Conservation Trust who gave us an illuminating insight into the Trust’s invaluable work as Custodians and owners of a large number of York’s historic properties.

In November we accompanied ex Police Chief Superintendent John Lacy as he recounted tales both humorous and.murky from his days as a beat copper around York.

We were fortunate in February to be visited by John Oxley the York City Archaeologist who not only focused on his main subject of Roman burials but gave us an admirably illustrated overview of York’s wealth of archaeological discoveries.

Moving to committee activities, planning applications have once again been relatively few in number and with one exception caused us no concerns. The exception was the renewal of an application to build a dwelling in the garden of a house at the corner of St Giles Road and The Meadows. The original approved application some years ago had been for a single storey
dwelling – the renewal application was for two storeys. We objected on the basis that the proposed structure was too big for the plot of land. In the event the application was granted.

Last autumn we carried out our annual bulb planting around the village – which produced an outstanding display this spring albeit earlier than usual due to the marvellous weather in March.

Also in the autumn our Archivist supported by members of the committee and by members of the History Group staged another successful display from the Archive at the village school to coincide with their parents day. Sadly Wendy Taylor who had taken over as Archivist last year has moved away from Skelton but we are delighted that a long term Skelton resident Beryl Gatenby has now stepped into the breach.

For the second Christmas in a row we erected a Christmas Tree on the edge of the church yard at the top of The Green. This year’s tree was a few feet taller than its predecessor and the fact that it remained upright during some fearsome gales (unlike one or two other trees in nearby settlements) is a tribute to Chris Holland’s team engineering skills. Everyone seems to appreciate having a Tree in this position so we intend to repeat – the only issue raised is how much twinkling there should be from the lights. If you have an opinion do feel free to have a twinkle at Chris.

Regarding matters green, four trees were planted and we continued to care for the refurbished hedgerow in Orchard View. At the same time the Parish Council as custodian of Orchard Field and its hedges arranged for the hedgerow along the main road to be relayered by a specialist – and a very good job resulted.

It has now been agreed by the Parish Council that the Trust should take responsibility for the care of this hedge also. Both arrangements will reviewed each autumn as to their effectiveness.

Our website continues to receive hundreds of visitors and to be really great advertisement for the village – our thanks to Diane Thornton for keeping it so attractive and up to date. It now provides links to websites for this Hall and the Church and carries information on village events such as the Jubilee Gala.

Finally I am pleased to report again that our membership has maintained its steady growth. Whilst publicity always helps, word of mouth is the essential factor –so please continue to assist in that regard.

Our new Treasurer Ian Hutchinson is sitting at the receipt of custom ready to receive subs from members old and new at the amazingly low cost of £3 per individual or £5 per household. Further donations are as always gratefully received.

ITEM 5 - TREASURER’S REPORT 2011

The account for calendar year 2011 was included in the AGM Calling Notice, showing a credit balance at the year end of £1342.37. The accounts were approved and thanks expressed to Ian Drake for kindly auditing them.  

ITEM 6 - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2012/2013

The Chairman reported as follows:

“ I record my thanks to Chris Holland vice-chairman, Jean Lumley secretary, Ian Richardson treasurer and other committee members for the work they have put in this past year.

At the end of the calendar year which is also the end of our financial year Ian Richardson stood down as Treasurer after 10 years in the office. On your behalf I thank Ian for the time and energy he brought to the role, leaving our finances in very sound shape and a membership more than double than when he took office. I am pleased that Ian will be staying on the committee to assist in our green projects and at the same time welcome Ian Hutchinson to the role of Treasurer.

Jean Lumley is also leaving the committee having given me valued support as secretary for the last six years. Our thanks are due to her for her commitment to our discussions and activities. So far we do not have a candidate for the vacancy. Volunteers will be made really welcome – particularly by me!

John Backhouse and Wendy Taylor have left the village and the committee. We have one welcome volunteer to re-join the committee – Derek Jackson – but no other proposals.

Your other officers and committee members all offer themselves for reelection. There have been no other nominees and I therefore ask the meeting to confirm the appointment of your new committee.”

The committee and officers were duly elected.

ITEM 7 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
 
There was no other business.

Philip Butler Chairman Date ……………................