20 members were present for our Annual General Meeting which was held at Croxley Green Community Club on Thursday 16th May 2019. The meeting started at 8.15pm.

Apologies were received from Anthony Highet and Martin Liepa.

Steve Bailey presented the Chairman’s Report (link below)

Rod Lacey presented the Treasurer’s Report (link below)

Mike Collins queries the fees for PAT Testing - this is a service provided by the Community Centre to test the plugs of all electrical equipment used at the club.

Mike Collins suggested a donation box in return for cakes and second-hand magazines and camera gear. This will be actioned.

Rod Lacey noted that 6 or 8 non-members bought tickets to the Mindfulness talk last week (which will be in next year's accounts) and suggested that it is important for members to spread the word about club events.

Members suggested a number of ways to recruit new members including publicity in local magazines and attending more local events such as Rickmansworth Festival. These will all be considered at the next committee meeting.

Mike Brankin suggested an analysis of where members are recruited from - this will be included in our members survey or on future membership forms.

Rod Lacey suggested that the club accounts should be in line with the season dates to help with budgeting for each season. This will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

Members unanimously voted to keep the subscriptions the same for next season and to raise the concessions age from 60 to 65.

Cat Humphries presented the Secretary’s Report (link below)

James Bennett asked what the definition of the Wildlife/Nature Cup will be - this will be discussed at the next committee meeting but it is expected to be the PAGB definition of Nature.

Rod Lacey proposed a vote of thanks to the Secretary for all her work this season.

Louise Christie raised the subject of whether we should continue to be Croxley Camera Club if we want to be known as covering Three Rivers - this was discussed by the membership and it was agreed that due to the history of the club we should retain the name. Extra focus will be given on our branding as "The Friendly Club" as this was seen to be more important when attracting members from further afield.

Mike Brankin suggested that we have hi-vis jackets with the club name on to promote our photographic activities. Cat Humphries suggested branded t-shirts which members could buy as both a marketing opportunity and potential addition to club funds. Both suggestions will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

George Purchase suggested that although attracting new members is important, retaining members is vital. This is something which all club members should be helping with and collectively we can be more welcoming and inclusive.

Gordon Calder suggested putting copies of the club programme and newsletters in SRS. This will be investigated.

Mike Collins noted that the existing committee has done a fantastic job this year. The work Vanessa Lacey did on the exhibition in the library was great. Vanessa noted that this was beneficial to both the club and the library and that there were inquiries as to whether the prints were for sale. Members should consider pricing their prints if they are included in future exhibitions. The committee will investigate hosting an exhibition at more library venues across Three Rivers.

The current committee was re-elected en masse by unanimous vote.

Mike Collins stepped down as President of the club but will receive honorary life membership as acknowledgement of his years of service to the club.

Denise Noverre was co-opted into the committee to help with publicity and bookings.

Louise Christie volunteered to assist the committee wherever needed.

Mike Brankin suggested that a forum halfway through the club season would facilitate suggestions from members. This will be looked at when compiling the programme for next season and we will continue to have our suggestion box at club meetings.

George Purchase suggested a vote of thanks to Steve Bailey for all his work as club Chairman over the past year.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.