Friends of Chiltern Open Air Museum - News
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 28th annual general meeting of the Friends of Chiltern Open Air Museum was held at The Community Centre, Chalfont St Peter on 23 March 2011.  Chairman Anne Ratcliffe opened the meeting and welcomed those present.  She reported that the 2010 season had been another success both in terms of fundraising and in the more practical ways that the Friends support the museum on and off site.  She said that the Friends should be very proud of their contribution to the development of the Museum, which she described as “a wonderful unique local treasure”.

Jenny Ogden, who has worked long and hard for COAM, was resigning from the committee after 24 years.  Her enthusiasm and commitment extended beyond the Friends committee to being a member of the Events sub-committee, supporting the Friends Centre and co-ordinating the rota of volunteers to man it, working with children on site, organising the Winter Talks, visits to theatres and other places of interest, the annual quiz and so much more.  The Friends have been very fortunate to have the support of such an active, friendly person for so long and are grateful that Jenny will continue to be involved.  The Chairman presented Jenny with a Gardens Gift Voucher and a framed photograph of Maidenhead Pavilion (The Friends Centre).

Anne was resigning as chairman of the Friends committee and offered her sincere thanks to all the Friends who have supported her and especially the committee members who work hard ‘behind the scenes’.  She said she was looking forward to the many events planned for the new season, especially the Family Fun Day, and reminded everyone that 2011 is The Year of the Friends.

Friends’ membership for the year 2010 had totalled 1259, a small increase on previous years.  There were 502 full members, 575 additional members (those residing at the same address as full members) and 182 life members.

It was proposed to increase membership subscription from January 2012, in line with increases in Museum entrance rates that will come into effect this season. Full membership will rise from £18 to £20, and additional members from £12 to £13.  Life membership will increase to £200 and additional life members to £130. The proposal was accepted and agreed by those present at the meeting.

The Treasurer presented the accounts for the financial year to 31 October 2010 and reported that the Friends had donated £29,268 to the Museum during the year, slightly down on last year.  Most of this money had gone into the general fund and it would be good to raise more money for specific projects.  The annual quiz, auction and Uxbridge coffee morning had been very successful but other ideas for fundraising in the future would be welcome.

The following Committee members were elected / re-elected:
Chairman – Diane Thomas
Treasurer – Dick Lister
Secretary – Tricia Phillips
Membership Secretary – Beth Neill
Committee members – Tom Crosby, Lawford Thomas, Janet Michael, Bernie Shafe and Anne Ratcliffe

There are two vacancies on the committee, so an opportunity for new members to join.  It is a great way to get involved and meet those who organise the Friends of COAM.  Anyone interested should contact any committee member direct or leave a message via the Museum.  We would be pleased to hear from you.

Membership of the 200 Club increased to 133 for the past year, which enabled 12 monthly prizes of £45 to be paid out.  The three annual prizes were drawn during the AGM.  The winners were:
1st Prize – Mrs L Reed-Wenman - £150
2nd Prize – Mrs M Clark - £100
3rd Prize – Mr R Carr - £75

In closing the meeting, the outgoing chairman thanked those present for attending and invited everyone to stay on for refreshments, followed by a talk entitled “Bones in Archaeology – what they can tell us” presented by Yvonne Edwards.

TREASURER’S REPORT