Annual General Meeting – 21st July 2023

The Probus Club of Salisbury AGM took place recently, and Brian Sharpe was appointed as the new Chairman.

We congratulate Brian on his appointment and wish him all the very best in his new post.

The usual matters were discussed at the AGM, and the following highlights should be noted:

The Presidents Report to the Membership

John Newsome professed to have enjoyed his “command” and applauded the support he had received from an outstanding committee. He reported that the Club was going from strength to strength. Two key factors in this success were the well anticipated and attended lunches (thanks to organiser Bob Burrows) and the commendable speaker programme on diverse subjects of interest.

The President implored all present to spread the word to attract new members and acknowledged the advantage of the Club’s new website. New outings being contemplated for the future and ideas from members will be welcomed.

The election of other officers and Committee members for the forthcoming year

As set out below, it was proposed that Committee members be elected en-bloc as in previous years :

• Vice President and Assistant Secretary: Godfrey Ball (new appointment)

• Secretary:  S (Steve) J. Mayall  (continuing in office)

• Minutes Secretary:  John Turnham (new appointment)

• Treasurer: R (Bob) G. Burrows (continuing in office)

• Assistant Treasurer: B. (Brian) J. Howard (continuing in office)

• Programme Secretary – Dr M. (Mike) R. Pointer (continuing in office)

• Social Secretary: Derek Armitage (new appointment)

• Webmaster: Ian Preece (continuing in office)

• Committee Member: J. (John) S. Heath (continuing in office)

• Almoner: John Newsome (new appointment)

• Independent Examiner: John Turnham (continuing in office)

Approved unanimously – no abstentions or comments.

Proposed :  Eric Ralph

The Treasurers Report

Bob Burrows gave a short “Powerpoint” presentation explaining the club’s financial position. This was supported by a set of accounts and a full report (see attached). John Turnham was thanked for his industrious role as Independent Examiner.

Bob addressed queries from the floor concerning the need for a £2,000 reserve balance, the minimal cover provided under the Probus insurance scheme and a suggestion to ascertain if venue charges are comparable with those levied on competitor clubs. Food quality was mentioned as a major plus factor as was free parking when available.

Accounts approved unanimously – no abstentions or comments.

Proposed: Tim Howard-Jones

Seconded: Steve Sims

Recommendation to increase member subscriptions from £45 p.a. to £50 p.a. approved unanimously – no abstentions or comments.

Proposed: John Turnham

Seconded: Ed Boaden

The Programme Secretary Report

Report presented by Mike Pointer.

Mike paid tribute to the legacy work upon handover by Bill Tucker and requested member feedback on speaker subject and delivery in order to guide future programme content.

The Social Secretaries Report

Presented by Steve Mayall.

Discussion also ensued on the advisability of securing the Squires restaurant in preference to the St John Suite for key lunch venue.

The White Hart Lunch Secretary Report

Presented by Bob Burrows – future monthly lunch themes outlined. Members urged to “Eat To Save” to secure more than twenty covers to avoid venue fees.

The meeting finished at 12:05pm, after which members enjoyed a theme lunch celebrating the first Moon landings of 1969.