ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025
Minutes of meeting held on 22 April 2025 – 7pm at Millennium Centre, Rainhill
Present – Christine Scott President
Brian Renshall, Chairman
Moira Dickenson, Treasurer
Ann Davey, Secretary
Dave Burton, Acting Secretary
Committee Members Anne Slater, Susan Davies, Judy Lowe.
Members of the Society. – Ann Veronica Howitt attended the meeting but left as she was conscious of potential overcrowding in the room which had a maximum capacity of 30 for insurance purposes. Additional space was subsequently made to accommodate all attendees. Also in attendance was our speaker for the evening Author Susan Brownrigg.
Apologies – Linda Curwen due to ill-health.
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Welcome
The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking all who were in attendance. The Chairman went on to welcome our President Christine Scott who had attended the meeting despite problems with her car.
Minutes
Members were advised that the minutes of the AGM 2024 had been entered on our website for reference.
Chairman’s Report
The last 12 months have as usual been a busy one for RCS. We have held several Speaker Meetings at Rainhill Ex Services Club which have proved very popular, as have the monthly Walks with a Talk for which we must thank Anne Slater and Judy Lowe. We hold a bi-annual quiz, and last year held a very well attended and highly enjoyable Lancashire Night which will be repeated in November. On top of this there have been two of Alan Crosby’s History courses organised by Judy Lowe and as usual we have taken part in the annual Rainhill Gala where we have been very successful in selling our various publications and Rainhill Civic Society souvenirs and of course publicising the Society and its work.
We also attended the St. Helens History Day at the Town Hall and just a few weeks ago we held a Rainhill Remembered meeting at Tower College. Most, if not all these events are of course included in our quarterly Newsletter put together by Anne Slater.
Finally, you will, I hope have noticed the very colourful tubs at The Stoops and outside the Village Hall. For these we must thank Robbie Campbell from Harefield Garden Centre who provided the plants FOC and Keith Melling who did all the planting. I have no doubt that the next 12 months will be just as busy, so if you think you can help in any way please do not hesitate to come forward and speak to any member of the committee.
Thank you, Brian Renshall.
Treasurers Report
In accordance with requirements the previous year end accounts had been submitted to the Charity Commission in January 2025.
Annual Accounts for 2023/2024
Opening balance as at 31.3.2023 £ 5,096
Income including a legacy of £15,090 £16,382
Expenditure £ 2,422
Closing balance £19,036
The Treasurer confirmed that the following Trustees had been removed as required by our Bank. Colin Ince and Gill Harris, both of whom will be greatly missed and remembered for their valuable contribution to the work of the Society.
Subscriptions (Donations)
The Management Committee decided at its last meeting to use the term “Donation” rather than subscription as it was thought to be more appropriate to RCS activities. The subscription for the coming year will be £5 per person, children will be free of charge. The Proposal was put to the meeting and approved by vote. Donations can be made in cash, by cheque or by electronic bank transfer. Those wishing to use bank transfer were advised that the following information will be required.
Account Name Rainhill Civic Society. Sort code 40 38 29. Account number 80690147 The reference to be used is the “surname” of the member followed by “subs 25”
Election of President
Our President had been approached prior to the meeting and had agreed to be nominated for 2025/26. Christine asked if there were any other nominations and as there were none she was duly elected for a further term. The President then took charge of the Meeting.
Election of Committee
The following members had expressed their willingness to stand Ann Davey, Anne Slater, Judy Lowe, Moria Dickinson, Susan Davies, Ann Veronica Howitt, Linda Curwen. The President called for any other nominations. As there were none the President called for a vote and the nominations were proposed by Kevin Dickinson and seconded by Chris Tigwell. The nominations were voted upon and approved. The Committee will determine the Officers and its next meeting.
Any Other Business
Ann Davey our secretary then asked to speak. She commented that it had been a difficult year for RCS as our Chairman Colin Ince had passed away, that together with members ill health had impacted on our organisation. Ann went on to thank Brian Renshall and David Burton (who were retiring from the Committee) for stepping in to ensure that the work of RCS continued. Ann also asked those present to consider helping the Committee in its future work. Without additional support a diminishing Committee may not, in future, be able to sustain its contribution to our community.
Closing Remarks by our President
Christine urged RCS to keep going and encouraged members to come forward to support our work. Christine advised the meeting that she, among others present, had been a member for some sixty years and advocated work for RCS stressing the importance of the Societies voice in our community, communicating matters of concern, suggestions and comment to those organisations who exist to protect and govern our interests. Christine commented her involvement RCS was rewarding and satisfying. She pointed out that over the years RCS has made a significant difference to our community and urged members to continue to good work into the future. “Tell others what they need to keep in mind and keep the flag flying” was her message.
Conclusion
The Chairman welcomed our speaker for the evening. There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting.
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David Burton Acting Secretary April 2025