Chairman’s Report : AGM - 18 November 2009
2009 has been another successful year for this Society. We continue to have a full membership and have a large number of people on a waiting list to join. The programme of lectures has been varied, of a high standard and has been well supported by the members. Two lectures this year provided the inspiration for two successful outings – one to St Pancras International Rail Terminus and a four day visit to the Houses and Gardens of Normandy. All Outings and Study Days have been well supported and feed back from members indicate the successful choice of venues.
The Sandwich Lunch after the June lecture provided a relaxed and friendly occasion before the summer break. Next year we celebrate 30 years as a Society and are at present looking into the possibility of organising a Society Lunch to follow the June Lecture 2010!
As you will be aware, things do not just happen! I would like to put on record my thanks to all the volunteers who ensure that everything runs smoothly. Every member of the committee works hard to maintain the high standards that members of Welwyn Garden DFAS have come to expect. All members of the current committee have agreed to stay in post for another year with the exception of Ann Hollis who is standing down as Vice-Chairman after 7 years of service in various roles. She has now moved on to become Chairman of the Area Committee and we wish her every success. Chris Lund will act as Vice-Chairman as well as Study Day Organiser. In addition there are a band of people who man the registration desks and operate projectors. Also, the various personnel at Campus West who make ready the venue each month.
Joyce Wallis and her team of Church recorders have been working at St Mary and St Andrew at Watton-at-Stone. This is the 16th church recorded since the founding of the Society - a full list can be viewed on our web-site. Joyce reports that due to ill health and other reasons her team is depleted and they could do with more volunteers. The web-site has been designed, and is managed by Jean Hockings. It is recognition of the high standard of her work that NADFAS House suggested that she enter for a media award. Ours was not the winning web-site but it received high praise. A history of the Society, as well as the on-going programme of events, can be viewed by the click of a mouse! I would also like to mention the efforts of Norah Irvin who is our Young Arts Co-ordinator. Last Thursday she set up a Young Arts Day that took place at Monks Walk School. 20 less able pupils were able to work with Kev Sutherland, a well known designer of Graphic Comic Books.
Whilst recognising the magnificent efforts of current members I would also like to mention members who have made contributions in the past. This year we have had the deaths of Maureen Roe and Joyce Poole, both have served on the committee, and of Dilys Applegate, a founder member and number 1 on our roll.
A big innovation this year has been the introduction of Digital Notices at the start of lectures. We have to thank Chris Lund for setting this up and keeping them up-to-date. Also new this year, after a few years break, was a Society trip away. The success of the visit to Normandy has encouraged us to contemplate another one in the future. Dianne Howes
Chairman's Letter September 2009 Chairman's Letter January 2009