PSSTTA Annual General Meeting

7.00pm 31st May 2024

Atlantic Hotel, Porthcawl

DRAFT MINUTES

1. Introduction and welcome – Mary Emment-Lewis welcomed 26 members to the AGM.

2. Apologies for absence – Apologies were received from Margaret Bush

3. Approval of Minutes of 2023 – Passed unanimously.

4. Matters arising - none

5. Chair’s report - attached - was received and noted by the meeting. Proposed – Anne Williams, Seconded- Janet Hanbury. Passed unanimously

6. Treasurer’s report – draft accounts attached. Problems experienced with NatWest adding Cathryn Hodges as a signatory and treasurer had been ongoing for a full year  and had prevented preparation of final audited accounts so  draft accounts were presented to the meeting. Adoption of the accounts was proposed by Anne Lee, Seconded - Jenny Worthington. Passed unanimously

7. Membership report – Dave Bush reported that there are currently 22 paid up members, counting Pencoed’s corporate membership as one. He knows of two members who wish to continue but have not yet paid their 2023-24 subscription Proposed – Bobby Lewis, Seconded – Dave Worthington. Passed unanimously

8. Social Secretary report. Elaine Winstanley explained that we had not prepared a newsletter this year, given the uncertainty about whether or not the association continued and our lack of an active twinning partner. We have, however, enjoyed meeting on a number of occasions, including our Christmas meal and the Film night. It was proposed that the report be received. Proposed – Bobby Lewis, Seconded – John Hodges. Passed unanimously

9. Events and Publicity report. There was no report, events having been covered in the Chair’s and Social Secretary’s reports.

10. The future of the association

Cathryn Hodges reported our disappointment that Braunau, in Austria, had decided not to proceed with exploring twinning. The twinning.org website showed two towns in France apparently seeking a twin, one in the South, far from an airport, and the other being Fouesnant in Brittany. An initial letter has been composed by the Clerk to the Town Council, which was read to the meeting and this is to be sent after the AGM. Since the information on the website may be incorrect/out of date, she also suggested that we seek the  agreement of the council to advertise Porthcawl as seeking a twin. The meeting agreed to this, and the Chair will take it to the council’s next meeting.

11. Should the association continue?

            John Hodges read out the message from the committee sent to members with

           notice of the AGM. Rob Lee reminded the meeting that a vote upon this was

 needed and Anne Lee suggested that we might continue as a francophile

 group even if no new twin is found. The meeting voted to continue, with

twenty three in favour, one vote against and no abstentions

12. Election of Officers
1. Chair. The secretary took the chair for this item. Mary Emment-Lewis is willing to serve again. There had been no other nominations received, and none were forthcoming at the meeting. Proposed- John Hodges, Seconded - Janet Hanbury. Elected unanimously. Mary resumed chairing the meeting and thanked the committee for its support during the past year.
2. Secretary. John Hodges was prepared to continue. No other nominations were received. Proposed Mary Emment Lewis, Seconded Dave Bush. Elected unanimously.
3. Treasurer. Cathryn Hodges was prepared to continue. No other nominations were received. Proposed - Mary Emment Lewis, Seconded - Malcolm Hanbury. Elected unanimously.
4. Membership Secretary. Dave Bush was prepared to continue. No other nominations were received. Proposed - Mary Emment lewis, Seconded- Malcolm Hanbury. Elected unanimously.
5. Social Secretary. Elaine Winstanley was prepared to continue. No other nominations were received. Proposed - Mary Emment Lewis, Seconded - Rob Lee. Elected unanimously.
6. Appointment of Auditor. Andrew Singer will be approached to continue as auditor.
7. President. This will be the new Mayor of Porthcawl Town Council,Jeff Perrin (who was present at the meeting.)
8. Town Council representative – Bobby Lee

13. AOB. Mark Steer reminded members that Pencoed have a skittles and buffet evening on 21st June at Llanharry WMC, all welcome.

Meeting closed at 19.29