Our AGM in Brief

29 April 2009 at University Campus Suffolk

Our Chairman, Jack Chapman, welcomed the Deputy-Mayor, Councillor Inga Lockington, who chaired the meeting in the absence of the Mayor. Apologies for absence were read out and the Minutes of the 2008 AGM were approved. The Chairman's Report had referred to the Government's pending decision on possible administrative boundary changes in Suffolk. Professor Peter Odell asked what the Society's present position was. Jack Chapman explained that the Society had always wanted more realistic enlarged boundaries for Ipswich and of the two options available the Society was backing 'North Haven' as best for the town.

The Treasurer, Ken Wilson, explained some of the less obvious features of the Society's accounts. For example, the Newsletter costs in 2008 were much the same as in 2007 although they appeared greater because of when payments were made. He drew attention to the value of Gift Aid and to the Society's contribution to the River Action Group for refurbishing notice boards. He also explained in answer to a question that the General Fund capital was not excessive but average for such a charity as ours and some of this would be needed for our 50th anniversary events next year. He would welcome suggestions for such expenditure. He thanked Ray and J 0 Atkinson for auditing the accounts at short notice. The accounts were formally adopted.

The results of the election of Officers and Executive Committee members can be seen on the back page of this Newsletter. The meeting closed at 8 pm and was followed by Richard Lister's talk, reported below, about UCS.