2009 – Annual General Meeting

The AGM was attended by 36 members and one guest.

The business was concluded in 28 minutes under the guidance of the Chairman, Ian Whyte and the Secretary, Steve Williams. In the absence of the Treasurer, Martin Shaw (who was on holiday), the Secretary presented the financial statements and accounts. They showed a surplus for the year (2008) of £1,641.09, due mainly to sales of the WW1 book ‘Brindle & Hoghton Pals’ and surplus of £421.01 from the Lancashire Local History Federation Day in October. The reserves stood at £3,443.49 with deferred income for 2009 (subscriptions) adding a further £207.

In his annual report, the Chairman highlighted the membership which stood at a very credible 66 and commented on the wide range of topics at meetings during the year – which included football, railways and local subjects. An Open Day at Brindle St. Joseph’s School in April had attracted over 100 visitors and many visitors had donated items for the archives.

He paid tribute to the Secretary for his work on writing the book about the men from Brindle and Hoghton who fought in the First World War and thanked the Treasurer for keeping a watchful eye over the finances during the year. The Chairman also thanked the Archivist Darren Cranshaw for being the custodian of a rapidly growing collection.

In summing up a very good year for the Society, he congratulated fellow Committee Member Katie Smith on her marriage in July.

As for the rest of the meeting, there were no rule changes and members re-elected the Executive Committee, en-bloc and voted not to change the annual subscription from its current £10. Under matters raised by members, the recently erected plaque on the old Workhouse wall at Top o’th’ Lane in the village was highlighted.

The evening was concluded with a presentation by the Secretary entitled ‘Dip Into The Archives’, which featured items received during the year.