At the the 39th annual general meeting acting chairman Alan Penwarden spoke of the society's turbulent year. He was pleased to report that Denis Miles, who had been hospitalised, had now recovered and was back working for the society again.
On a sad note, the loss of our chairman Frank Davies, who died in January, will be greatly missed for his leadership and commitment to the society.
Alan spoke of the society's work on two levels. First he thanked Lucinda Blake for all her hard wor
k in organising and planning the programme of lectures and the away visits last year to Oxford, Kew and Painshill as well as the Christmas social. All the events proved very popular.
On the second level he thanked the archivists, who every Wednesday morning carry out the vital work behind the scenes researching and replying to the many enquiries worldwide for information and family history. Special thanks went to Eric Archer for constantly updating the website.
In his report honorary treasurer Richard Garnett Harper was pleased to state that the society's finances were healthy. As the sale of publications and postcards continued to sell well, this year's funds were also helped by some speakers who gave their time free.
In his other capacity as acting membership secretary, Richard repeated his plea and stressed the need for more members to come forward and fill the vacancies on the council and help in the running of the society.
With the exception of one, all the other council members will continue to stand for another year. With no further business, the annual general meeting was closed.
Acting chairman Alan Penwarden then introduced the evening's speaker Barry Home who gave an illustrated talk entitled Mining of Totternhoe Stone and its Uses. Alan thanked Barry for his interesting and informative talk and in conclusion reminded members of the three summer visits and once again the stall at the carnival on June 21.
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