Dear <<First Name>>
By conference I will have been Chair of the SRP for 3 years. When I was elected I felt strongly that it was necessary for the SRP to review how it operated and to think carefully about its obligations as a charity. We could no longer operate just as a club for recorder players to meet on a Saturday to play together, but should also make a contribution to the wider world of recorder playing and music in general in accordance with the aims set out by our Society’s founders. To that end, I have striven to put in place new initiatives that would make us a more open Society while continuing to support existing members with those activities that many enjoy so much. I’m sure you are familiar with some of the new initiatives, which include improved communication through electronic media, a new composers competition, the Schools Affiliation Programme, facilitating interaction and membership from younger players and professionals and simplified membership for members that did not wish to join a branch.
While these initiatives were appreciated by many members, I’m very much aware that they were not popular with some and the last year has been very difficult. I have attempted to continue to work in the best interest of the Society while grappling with a frankly largely adversarial committee, some of whom have been committee members for decades and in some cases conflicted in their views through their other activities.
I have also attempted to make the committee more streamlined and effective, not least to reduce the financial burden to the Society of large committee meetings which currently incur inappropriately high travel and accommodation costs. I hope that a new committee under new leadership will be able to implement effective financial management systems and controls suitable for a Society of our size and assets.
So, with conference approaching I have made the decision that it is time for me to step down and for our members to elect a new chair that will hopefully enjoy the full support of our members and the committee. However,a proper election can only take place if you are presented with a choice of candidates and can choose one that best reflects your views on how the Society should be run. This is of course true for other committee members, and as you may know the Officers of the SRP committee are re-elected annually with other roles elected by rotation. I have been made aware that there is already one candidate for Chair, but appropriate notice should be given to all members in order that the proper procedure should be followed in the election of officers. Therefore notice is given that the offices of Treasurer, Chair and Secretary need to be filled or ratified at conference, along with other key roles. Nominations are sought from any member,,not just through branch secretaries and nomination forms should be submitted to the Secretary in order to ensure that information regarding candidates can be circulated to ALL members prior to conference to allow delegates to consider the wishes of their branch members as well allowing the views of central members to be taken into account. Given that three key positions are up for election I urge all members to consider standing or contribute views to the selection process at this crucial time for the society. The nomination form may be downloaded here.
I am proud to have served as your Chairman and will do my best at the upcoming conference to ensure that the handover to a new committee is smooth and effective.
Kind regards,
Vic
___________________
Vic Morris, Chairman
email: chair@srp.org.uk
|
|
|
|
|