7th November 2024
The church hall, Christ Church, Oxton
Present: 49 members of the society signed in their attendance.
The following members sent their apologies: Peter de Figueredo, Philip Duffy, Paul Smith, Kevin Donovan, Patsy Taylor, Rhiannon Evans, Mark and Pamela Boardman, George Harrison, Janine Sugget, Lynda Roberts
1. Welcome
The Chair of the Society, Chris Jarrey, welcomed members to the AGM.
2. Minutes of the last AGM
The minutes of the last AGM, which had previously been made available to members by email, and with paper copies circulated at the meeting, were approved. Proposed for approval by John Booth; seconded by Ann Roberts.
3. Chair’s Summary of the Annual Report
The Chair outlined highlights from the last year, being:
Changes within the committee; the Chair welcomed new committee members Duane Chong (Trees Co-ordinator),; Alistair Beattie, who will take over the society web site, and Hugh Owen, who will become membership secretary.
In so doing, Jeff Willis will be standing down as Vice Chair, although remaining on the committee. Jeff’s contribution in stepping in to look after membership following the loss of Dave Barden was noted by the Chair and the members present demonstrated their thanks to Jeff for this and his many other contributions. A thank you was also extended to the Secretary, John Heathman for his work, including involvement in the events.
Don Firth Williamson would be leaving the committee after the AGM but will continue his hugely important role in local businesses liaison.
A huge appreciation to all the volunteers who have helped to organise our Secret Gardens and Christmas Lights events. These being led by Kirsty Cotton and Lisa Stafford (Gardens) and by Marie and Dave Pennington (Lights). Also noted was John Booth, who has continued to see that the hanging baskets have again flourished this year.
The successful work carried out by the History Group with high quality periodicals and the continued organisation of the village walks
The Secretary asked for Approval of the Annual Report from members. This was proposed by Graham Maclean and seconded by Don Firth-Williamson
4. Financial Report
The Treasurer, Griff Round presented an income and costs report for the last year’s financial transactions. This again highlighted the success of the Secret Gardens event which provided a large revenue boost to not only the society, but to the charities that
help to run the event and effectively allows the society to continue with its conservation work.
Approval was sought from members present for the accounts as presented. This was received. Proposed by John Field, and seconded by Julie Firth-Williamson.
5. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
6. Election of Officers and Committee.
Nominations for members to stand for election as Executive Committee members and for specific Officer posts was presented by the Secretary.
These were as follows:
Chair – Chris Jarrey
Vice Chair – Alan Chape
Secretary – John Heathman
Treasurer – Griff Round
Conservation and Partnership – Alan Chape
These nominations were unopposed.
The following were proposed to serve on the Committee: John Field, George Harrison, Bob Knowles, Heather Alcock, Carla Walker, Steve Weber, Dominic Wilkinson, Alistair Beattie, Hugh Owen
All the appointments above were approved: Proposed by Monica Toosey and Seconded by Rowena Beighton-Dykes.
Annette Capper (representing The Friends of The Arno) and Allan Brame (Wirral Borough Council) remain as co-opted members of the committee.
7. Design Awards.
Jeff Willis presented three cases where residents had carried out works to their properties that are important to maintaining the overall heritage look of the conservation area. The planning sub-committee had visited each of these properties and 3 considered these cases worthy of a Commendation for their design and quality of works.
These were awarded to:
a. Dave and Liz Coombes for works at Rose cottage, Mount Pleasant
b. Julia Nelki and Michael Gophert for works carried out at 15 South Bank
c. Gillian Mounsey and to Chris and Gemma Tutill for works carried out at
41 and 43 Christchurch Rd.
8. Presentation
There then followed a most interesting talk and presentation by Rowena Beighton Dykes titled “Whatever happened to Jesse Gavin, an Oxton Artist?”
9. Close
The Chair closed the meeting and thanked members for their attendance