Secretary's Report from AGM 2019-20
There seems to have been two themes to our outings this year: dancing and trains. The best word to describe the theatre trips would be active, but at least we were only watching.
Spirit of the Dance is exhausting to watch but that could also be said to refer to the ballets. We even had an opportunity to visit the costumier that makes all those lovely costumes for the dancers in such shows as Strictly and Dancing on Ice. Then there were the trains. Tenterden evoked a time when you didn’t want your white sheets on the line when the steam train went by. Fortunately that wasn’t our concern. We had a lovely train ride, and enjoyed a fish and chip lunch whilst we travelled. Then there was the so-called train ride around the Denbies estate which gave us wonderful views over the Downs.
A trip to a Christmas Market was a first for us, and we went to Winchester. Not only does it have one of the best markets in Europe, but we were also able to explore a very interesting and historic city
Over the years Elizabeth Veasey has been responsible for organising numerous outings and theatre trips and this year made the decision to stand down from the committee. The last trip she organised was Teapot Island which was thoroughly enjoyed. It was hard to believe there could be so many different teapots, never mind in one place. Thank you Elizabeth for all you have done over the years.
We held a Summer tea party using money from a legacy to celebrate TG’s 90th birthday. We had a banner and bunting made by the quilting and handicraft groups. The entertainer didn’t turn up but Sheila Plant gave a most interesting talk about Beatrix Potter, which many members said they had enjoyed more than an entertainer.
Our Drama Group has continued to entertain us, the highlight being a play written and directed by one of our own members, Catherine Reeves, and we were delighted that one of our photographs from that production was included in The Townswoman.
This year we did not have a Christmas lunch at The Chateau but instead held it in November, which is actually our Guild’s birthday month. This meant we had a festive meeting in December.
We have had a very interesting and varied programme of speakers. One of the most popular was probably the Guide Dogs for the Blind as the service user brought along his dog. Members then showed their generosity by raising £100, in a last-minute collection during the tea break organised by Sally Thomas
And talking of charities, this year we supported two: the Croydon branch of MacMillan Nurses and the Garwood Foundation in support of Rutherford School, whose pupils all have multiple disabilities. . We also gave money towards the Selsdon Lights, and, of course, we mustn’t forget members’ donations to the Shoe Box appeal, organised as always by Pam Oubridge.
Members have continued to support the East Surrey Federation’s meetings, and in June Elizabeth Baigent attended the National AGM in Chelmsford, and carried the Federation’s banner.
We are in the fortunate position of having over 90 members, a membership many other Guilds wish they had. Two of our members have received their 50 year badge and we have several who have been members for over 40 years.
No report would be complete without me thanking people. Firstly, Yvonne Huber has decided to stand down from the committee and we thank her for everything she has done in various roles. Thank you also to members who have given me stamps and envelopes for their minutes or offered to deliver to other members; to Harry Guglielmi and Brian Miller for their help during the year to make sure everything in the hall is ready for our meetings; and lastly to a group of people who we take for granted but who are vital at our meetings.: Special thanks go to the refreshment teams led by Kay Hucks for providing us with tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the year. Meetings just wouldn’t be the same without them.
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