1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Robert Bates, Brian Bull, Arnold Burston, Phil Charles, Ishbel Curr, Peter Evans, Monica Gardiner, John Gooder, Josie Gooder, Mike Hodder, Virginia Hunt, Sylvia Martin, Tom Martin, Anne Smith, Nigel Tringham, Kevin Turnbull, Liz Turnbull.
2. Minutes of 61st AGM of 18 June 2020
John Hunt (JH) reminded members of the circumstances of the delayed 61st AGM as well as the current circumstances whereby the 2021 AGM had been deferred to this point in March 2022. After a proposal from JH, the minutes of the 61st AGM were approved nem con.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
4. President’s report
JH noted that his report had been electronically circulated to members along with the agenda. JH particularly emphasised two points. He noted that ‘live’ lectures had now resumed, and that it was the Society’s intention to continue with a blended mix of live and Zoom-based lectures for the remainder of the 2022 season and that the programme for 2022-23 would also have this hybrid element. Secondly, he noted the death of Dr Margaret O’Sullivan, former County Archivist for Derby, noted scholar of midland history and a member of the Society who died in September 2021.
A member, Jean Norris, asked JH if it would be possible to reconsider the number of zoom lectures now being offered in the ‘post-lockdown’ situation, calling for the maintenance of a substantial zoom programme. It was argued that such a programme was more cost-effective, gave access to a wider range of excellent speakers, and was more convenient and accessible to the membership, particularly for those who do not live in the immediate environs of Lichfield or face other obstacles to attendance. JH suggested that a survey of opinion might be organised among the membership, pointing out that the reduced numbers of members attending the AGM might not necessarily represent the view of the membership as a whole.
Members were invited to reflect on this proposal and the matter will be voted on under AoB.
5. Other Officers’ reports
The Secretary gave a brief report, which was accepted nem con. Keith Billington (KB) as Treasurer and membership secretary reported that the accounts remained in a satisfactory state, and a significant number of subscriptions had continued to be paid with the benefit of Gift Aid declared, and membership numbers had remained level over the previous 12 months.
He noted that the annual audit remains outstanding. Following a question he observed that despite the cost of the licence to use Zoom, it remained cheaper to host a programme of talks and lectures through this medium when compared to hiring a venue such as the Guildhall. His report was accepted nem con.
JH referred to the reports from all other officers (Transactions, newsletter and Excursions, programme and Web Design which had been circulated earlier. There were no questions. All officer reports were accepted nem con.
6. Election of Officers
JH noted that as at the 2020 AGM (held in 2021) the committee was offering itself for re-election en bloc. No other nominations had been received. It was proposed that the President, Secretary and Treasurer be re-elected, all of which were agreed nem con. All other posts were returned to their incumbents nem con.
7. Any Other Business
Vacancy for Publicity officer: KB had explained in his presentation of his role as Membership Secretary the background to the need for this role and reminded members that this vacancy remained open, and any interested members should contact any Committee member for information. JH noted that expressions of interest on a trial basis were welcome.
JH referred to the Staffordshire Medieval Cross Slab survey he was undertaking and invited members who find these on any trips they make to Staffordshire Churches to photograph these and email him at j.r.hunt@bham.ac.uk Further information will be circulated.
There was a brief further discussion on the question of the survey of members referred to above. It was noted that JH and SL would identify appropriate questions and a suitable item of survey software, probably survey monkey. All members would receive an email soliciting their responses in the coming weeks. A show of hands confirmed the request for a survey with 16 for and only 1 against of members present. There were a number of abstentions. It was therefore agreed to initiate a survey of members concerning their views on the proportion of Zoom lectures that should be in forthcoming SAHS programmes. Action: JH & Steve Lewitt (SL) to progress.
There being no further questions the meeting closed at 8.15pm.
Steve Lewitt
Honorary General Secretary
March 2022
