News
AGM Minutes 2024 East Midlands
MINUTES OF THE 17th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NODA EAST MIDLANDS REGION, held on SUNDAY 9th JUNE 2024 at 12.00 AT MELTON MOWBRAY THEATRE.
1. Welcome:
Councillor Jules Jones welcomed all to the Meeting (82 people) and introduced Alison Roberts (Secretary), Kelly Taylor (Treasurer), and Christine Hunter Hughes, President of the Association.
Apologies for Absence:
Apologies for absence were received from Ian Cox Chairman of NODA Trustees, Paul Blunt and Martin Weston, Wendy Carter, and Wyn Hinks.
2. Declaration of Interests: None
3. In Memoriam: The following members of NODA were remembered for their dedication to amateur dramatics over the years: Mark Parkin of Boston Operatic Society; David Robinson, a stalwart of Leicester Operatic Players for over 50 years, and long-term Chair of the society; June Jones of Kettering Hillside Players and Kettering Theatrical Society; Pauline Wildman of Rushden Operatic Society and Sharnbrook Amateur Theatre Trust. Pauline also served many years as a dedicated Regional Representative for the old District 6 of our Region.
4. Minutes of AGM held on 21st May 2023:
These had been circulated by email and were taken as read, and proposed as a true copy by Martin Holtom, seconded by Joyce Handbury. All were in favour of acceptance, and the Councillor duly signed the minutes.
5 . Matters Arising: None.
6. Election of Councillor 2024-2025:
The Chair was passed to Christine Hunter Hughes, President. The President advised that the Office of Councillor is elected on an annual basis. There being no other nominations, Jules Jones was duly elected to service for the ensuing year. The Chair was returned to the Regional Councillor, Jules Jones.
7. Election of Regional Representatives for 2024/25:
District 1 South Derbyshire Adam Collishaw
District 2 North Derbyshire Joyce Handbury
District 3 Nottinghamshire Martin Holtom
District 4 North Lincolnshire Julie Addison
District 5 South Lincolnshire Kei Bailey
District 6 Leicestershire & Rutland Colin Blackler
District 7 North Northamptonshire Yvette Bougourd
District 8 South Northamptonshire & Milton Keynes Caroline Jervis
The co-opted Officers are:
Treasurer Kelly Taylor
Membership secretary Alison Roberts
Youth Advisor Amanda Hall
Website Manager and News Editor David Ridout
Secretary Alison Roberts
Awards Secretary David Ridout
Jules particularly thanked Julie and David for all the help they had given her whilst she had been unwell.
8. Councillor’s Report:
Jules thanked everyone present for their support and enthusiasm for amateur theatre in the East Midlands Region. There is now a full cohort of Reps and Assistant Reps in post. We have new member societies, and Reps are aiming to increase numbers further.
Jules reported that feedback from audiences has been that the standard of shows is excellent. She was aware that some groups are struggling to find adequate and affordable performance spaces.
NODA members know the benefits of live music and drama, particularly for young people and for mental health. NODA will continue to support this.
She reminded everyone to ensure that contact details are up to date on the NODA website, to sign up for the NODA East Midlands newsletter and to visit the website and Facebook page, and to send invitations to productions to your Rep as early as possible.
9. Treasurer’s Report:
Kelly reported the issue with access to the bank account has persisted over the last 12 months. However, she has been able to assess expenditure and reported that the Region is still on budget. Expenses claims are coming in for reimbursement for fuel and Reps’ expenses.
10. Youth Adviser’s Report: Amanda introduced herself and thanked everyone for working towards being more inclusive and supporting our youth members. She was delighted to have seen many youth productions around the East Midlands, with standards that keep on improving. She commented on the benefits of working in professional venues, with MDs and choreographers ensuring that youngsters are challenged.
Amanda reported she recently took her youth group to the MTI Europe Junior Theatre Festival in Birmingham. This was a thoroughly enjoyable and very loud day with over 2500 young people. She encouraged other youth leaders to consider taking their youth groups to this annual event. Details will be circulated soon.
Amanda advised that the NODA website has lots of information including help with DBS checks. She added that a DBS is not a chaperone licence, advising that these must be done through the council local to the group.
She asked youth leaders to continue to listen to our young people and provide them with creative performance opportunities.
Jules thanked Amanda for all her work with youth groups across the Region.
11. Address of the President of NODA, Christine Hunter Hughes:
Christine reported that, over the past 9 months she had visited societies all around the British Isles, and was happy to be here to celebrate the achievements of the East Midlands. She had seen over 130 performances, varying from large companies in big theatres to small societies in village halls, and has been warmly welcomed everywhere. The standard had been excellent and she felt we have the best hobby, which provides friendship and a sense of achievement, entertaining local audiences to a high standard.
She reminded everyone that any NODA society can invite the President to their production, but invitations must be in early.
She advised that changes are coming which will make NODA more relevant, visible and valued.
Christine thanked Jules for continuing through her illness, and thanked the whole team for their support.
12. Any Other Business:
13. Annual General Meeting 2024 – Date and Venue: The Venue and Date are to be confirmed.
Jules Jones thanked everyone for joining the meeting, particularly the President, Christine Hunter Hughes.
Meeting closed at 12.45 pm
AJR June 2024
