The Ninth Annual General Meeting of The Widecombe & District Local History Group was held at The Church House, Widecombe on Wednesday 3rd May 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

The meeting began by observing a minutes silence in memory of Sylvia Needham, a stalward member of the group, who died on Friday 14th April, just a couple of days before her 92nd birthday.

The old Holne A.R.P. bell given to the group by Sylvia was tolled to begin and end the silence.

Apologies:- Joy Routley, Barbara Norrish, Bessie French, David West, Ken Hamlyn & Sue Booty.

This meeting preceded the normal May meeting and was chaired by Rodney Cruze and 54 members and guests attended.

The minutes of the Eighth AGM were read and agreed.

Treasurer’s Report.

Jenny Pascoe presented the accounts for the year ending 31st December 2005 and reported another successful year. The funds of the group stand at £3015.24. Her suggestion that the financial year should end in future on the last day of February each year was agreed. This would then show a more up-to-date financial situation. For example we have purchased our two display cabinets since the last year ended.

Roger Whale proposed the adoption of the accounts and sincere vote of thanks to Jenny for her hard work during the year. This was seconded by Terry French and agreed unanimously. A vote of thanks was recorded to Andrew Tilt for auditing our accounts.

Chairman’s Report.

Rodney Cruze thanked everyone for their support over the past year mentioning several individuals who have devoted a great deal of time and energy in their support of the many activities and projects that the group has been involved with. He also thanked all the members for their continued support over the year with a particular mention for all those who keep the group going by their ‘behind the scene activities’ like the tea ladies without whom we could not function. He stated that the year has been very rewarding from his position as chairman and that all the meetings have been so enjoyable. He felt that the success of the group is due to the professional way in which all the projects and activities are organised and presented, but carried out in an atmosphere of fun and good humour.

Secretary’s Report

Anthony Beard thanked everyone for their support during the past year. The projects that we are involved with are all going well and the Ponsworthy Project is nearing completion with the hope of launching the booklet at Widecombe Fair 2006. The group continues from strength to strength. He thanked the Chairman and all those involved with The Heritage Marquee at Widecombe Fair this year and this proved to be one of the highlights at the Fair with the marquee being full all day. With the innovation this coming year of a three day trip to Wales, the group is becoming a real community organisation benefiting from a wide diversity of interests. The group could not function without the individual actions of so many so a sincere vote of thanks to one and all for making this group something very special and the task of secretary so enjoyable and rewarding.

Election Of Officers:-

• Chairman Terry French
• Vice-Chairman Mary Pascoe
• Secretary Anthony Beard
• Assistant Secretary Peter Rennells
• Treasurer Jenny Pascoe
• Family History & Website Co-ordinators Roger & Ann Claxton
• Archive Researchers John Kimber & Peter Rennells
• Programme & Outings Secretaries Ann Claxton & Wendy Beard
• Librarian Richard Wells
• Newsletter & Project Secretary Sue Booty

The meeting closed at 7.51 p.m.

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