– AGM The Arts Society Dartmoor 2026 9[th] September 2026
Treasurer’s Report for Year ending 31[st] December 2025 Treasurer: Lynne Vowles
Opening Balance £32,560 at 01/01/2025, Closing Balance £22,899 at 31/12/2025
£9,564 of this closing balance was income received in advance for 2026 membership.
In 2025 we had 106 signed Gift Aid forms from members which enabled the Society to claim £1661 from HMRC towards our income. On behalf of our Society, the Treasurer would like to thank those members for making this possible.
Our Net income for 2025 was £788 which means our annual income of £16,732 continues to exceed our annual expenditure of £15944.
Our national affiliation fees at £14.50 and local SW fees at £0.50 totalled £3178.
Our total lecture expenses were £4424.
At the time of writing this report, 10/07/26 , our current account balance is £15,683.
We currently have £6,000, in an instant access savings account opened in June 2025, which is our Society’s contingency reserve fund. 10/07/26 balance is £6,038.
In addition, we have instant access to £5,000 which was transferred in February 2025 to the Patricia Fay fund. Head Office use the interest earned by this fund to support Arts Projects.
In 2025 we used £938 of our funds to purchase audio equipment and an Arts Society laptop.
Also, from our funds, £1136 was spent purchasing art and craft supplies to provide 40 art and craft bags to deliver to the Children’s Hospice in Barnstable.
Get Changed Theatre continues to receive £500 each year for a period of 3 years when it is reviewed.
Our Society continues to have a very healthy balance and would welcome suggestions from our members of ideas for how our society can use our funds to financially support a broad range of projects.
Lynne Vowles, August 2026
AGM Dartmoor Arts Society 2026
’ – Chairman s Report September 2025 to June 2026 Tim Newcombe, Interim Chairman
This was not a report that I had expected to write! Following my re�rement at the last AGM and the presenta�on to me of a most generous book token, together with the Presidency of the Society for three years (the first sinecure of my life), I was looking forward to si�ng in the back row and simply enjoying the lectures! Alas it was not to be.
Within a few months I found myself back as the Ac�ng Chairman and since an Extraordinary General Mee�ng in January of this year I have been serving as your Interim Chairman. When I took this on however, I made it clear that this was for one calendar year only, and so I WILL be re�ring at the end of December 2026.
As before, I have only been able to undertake the du�es of Chairman because we have a wonderful team. Each member of the commi�ee takes great care to ensure that they not only fulfil the obliga�ons of their par�cular por�olio, but also liaise with the other members of the group. This means that our commi�ee mee�ngs are few and they are not drawn out.
Again, I want to thank the members of the team for their support and I also want to thank all of you, the members of our society. Without your support and enthusiasm for our programme of lectures, the visits and Discovery Days, and our outreach into the community we would not be nearly as successful.
Given that we have two hundred members, I cannot believe that there isn’t at the very least, one member with the skills and experience to co-ordinate the work of our commi�ee as Chairwoman or man (we are an equal opportuni�es organisa�on!).
We have achieved so much since this society was formed 14 years ago, don’t put it all risk by hiding ‘your light under a bushel’! If you think that you might be able to help us by joining the commi�ee with a view to possibly taking up the chair, please contact me or any of the other members of the commi�ee immediately a�er our AGM on 9[th] September.
Tim Newcombe, Interim Chairman, August 2026
AGM Dartmoor Arts Society 2026
Report on Charitable Giving September 2025 to June 2026
Mari Baker, Community Arts and Charitable Giving Representa�ve
As in previous years, the Arts Society Dartmoor con�nues to support the Get Changed Theatre Company and have donated £500 to them. They are a local theatre company based in Okehampton providing vibrant arts and drama opportuni�es for adults with learning disabili�es in West and Mid Devon.
We were delighted to receive grateful thanks from the Children’s Hospice South West in September last year for the dona�on of 40 bags of age-specific art and cra� materials and children’s books, to be available to children in the Hospice in Barnstable. Some of you helped make the bags, and we know that they will be used many �mes over in the coming years.
This year to date we have focussed on strengthening our arts-related charitable giving procedures so that we con�nue to remain confident of fully mee�ng our legally binding charity commission requirements. Three forms and procedures have been designed, as follows:
--An Ini�al Enquiry Form, to be completed by local with a specific project, specific amount and poten�ally also prac�cal help, local defined as our members’ towns and villages, so any poten�al dona�ons are directly relevant to our neighbourhoods.
--Commi�ee Procedures wri�en and formally approved, to review arts-related charitable dona�on requests. The commi�ee ini�ally discuss whether to proceed with the applica�on.
--A Grant Applica�on Form to be given to the organisa�on reques�ng assistance, who need to provide specific project details, an�cipated start/end dates, any other funding, cost breakdown, and expected benefits of the project. The commi�ee will review in detail and make a formal decision to proceed or not, to be recorded in the Minutes, prior to further financial and organisa�onal checks and an ul�mate dona�on.
It is hoped that we can move forward in the coming months and iden�fy local organisa�ons who would benefit from an arts-related dona�on from The Arts Society Dartmoor. We greatly welcome members’ sugges�ons for this and look forward to hearing from you in this regard.
Mari Baker, Charitable Giving Representative, August 2026
AGM Dartmoor Arts Society 2026
Report on Membership, September 2025 to June 2026
Membership Secretary, Jane Chapman
Once again DARTS’ membership is thriving in 2026. We are at capacity with 201 members, a tribute to our welcoming society as many newcomers are introduced by members. We also now have a short wai�ng list of five, which may well increase before the year end.
A�endance at lectures is fairly high thanks to a varied programme. There are around 120 plus members at each lecture. I regret to advise that, for a variety of reasons, we have lost some members during the year.
I wish to thank those who volunteer to work with me by gree�ng members, opera�ng the recep�on table and providing name badges. These badges are important for Health & Safety reasons, as it is essen�al that we know exactly who is present at each lecture, hence the need to ‘�ck off’ each a�endee’s name before heading for refreshments.
contribu�on of £10 per guest for this. Such guests are most welcome when space permits, but it is vital that members advise me about this well in advance of any lecture, as guest places are limited to seven. I can then advise beforehand if there is availability.
Jane Chapman, Membership Secretary, August 2026
AGM Dartmoor Arts Society 2026
Report: Visits and Discovery Days September 2025 to June 2026 Caroline Shipley, Visits & Discovery Days Secretary
DISCOVERY DAY 22 OCTOBER ‘THE ART OF ART DECO’ by MRS PAMELA CAMPBELL-JOHNSTON
This event was attended by 63 members paying £61pp for 3 one-hour lectures, teas/coffees on arrival and a three-course lunch, and took place at The Arundell Hotel, Lifton’s conference facility, the Tamar Room.
Pamela Campbell-Johnston’s three lectures; The Art of Art Deco and its Global Appeal, British Art Deco Architecture, and Marion Dorn: Her Rugs & Interiors. They were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and dynamic. She is an engaging speaker and members commented on how much they enjoyed her lectures. Members were also able to look at and handle various interesting Art Deco objects on display which had been brought in by Pamela and discuss them with her afterwards.
The Arundell Hotel was an excellent venue, welcoming and comfortable, lunch was served very efficiently in the hotel dining room, allowing us to relax, eat and socialise. Members commented how much they had learnt from the lectures.
VISIT TO UGBROOKE HOUSE, CHUDLEIGH, NEWTON ABBOT, 13 MAY 2026, SELF DRIVE
The visit to Ugbrooke House was attended by 41 members at a cost of £46pp, which included teas/coffees on arrival, a tour of the house, lunch of quiche & salad, plus access to the gardens. Upon arrival, refreshments were served in the library and members were able to socialise in a warm, relaxed atmosphere on what turned out to be a very cold day. Lunch was also served in the library.
Ugbrooke House is approximately 1 hour from Okehampton and was considered by the Committee to be a suitable venue for a visit with its fascinating history covering 900 years. Alterations had been made to the original building by Robert Adam in the mid-18[th] century and the gardens were designed by Capability Brown. Ugbrooke House is a member of Historic Houses. Tours of the house took between 1 to 1 ½ hours and were very detailed. Access to the gardens were able to be fitted in between tours or after lunch. It was a fascinating visit and greatly enjoyed by all participating members.
Caroline Shipley, Visits & Discovery Day Secretary, August 2026
AGM Dartmoor Arts Society 2026
- Report on Lecture Programme September 2025 to June 2026 Programme Secretary: Lynn West
We started our year in September with a lecture by Dr Emma Wa�s: Secret life of things, which introduced members to interes�ng, unusual and valuable objects passed on through genera�ons. In October, Dr Jus�ne Hopkins lectured on Art Nouveau glass which is one of the most important movements of the last century. In November, Ian Swankie took us on an amazing journey around the world of famous railway sta�ons.
Archaeologist and anthropologist, Dr Jamie Hampson, gave a fascina�ng insight in December into his onsite studies and inves�ga�ons into ancient rock art sites across the world. In January 2026 we had a very well received lecture by James Russell on a lesser-known female ar�st, Tirzah Garwood. The lectures that followed in February by Sophie Ma�hews, Music in Art and Sam Smiles, and in March on Turner in the West Country gave intriguing insights into other art related worlds.
Our own member, Peter Howard (art expert, local to Okehampton), gave a super lecture in April that challenged our percep�ons of how we look at and interpret landscape in art – sadly our planned lecturer Elizabeth Merry, due to talk on Beatrix Po�er, was unable to a�end. Douglas Skeggs followed in May, extending his professional insights into the world of David Hockney. Geri Parlby concluded our lecture season with a study of Byzan�ne churches in Cappadocia. All the lectures were judged to be excellent!
system has proved effec�ve whereby members, at the end of each lecture, drop their counter into one of three labelled jars: Disappoin�ng, Good, Excellent.
The new brochure format for our Programme of Lectures 2026, designed by Judy Lawson, was well received by all members. The 2027 Programme of Lectures has been approved by the committee, and all lecturers have returned their booking forms.
Lynn West, Programme Secretary, August 2026
THE ARTS SOCIETY DARTMOOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENOEO 31 DECEMBER 2025
THE ARTS SOCIETY DARTMOOR CLIEpif APPROVAL CERTIFICATE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 In accordance wilh th8 terms ol our engagement, l approve the attach8d financial statements. I acknowledge my responsibility for the financial statements and for providing W8Stcotts wsth all information and explanations n8cessary for their compilation. Th8 Arts Society Dartmoor Dale..
THE ARTS SOCIETY DARTMOOR TRADING AND PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 Incorne Subscriptions Glll Aid claim Donations Wailing list lees Day visits and discovery days 10,162 1,661 417 40 4.452 9,897 1.649 390 45 4,774 16,732 16,755 Expenses National alliliation lee Area alliliation lee Hall hire Lecturers, lees Lodurers, travel costs Lecturers, gxpens8S Printing, postage and stationery Committoe expenses Audio &xpenses Young Arts Day visits and discovery days Accountancy Catering and groceries Grants 3,077 101 3.372 95 770 3,890 796 269 533 441 3,528 619 277 434 938 1,136 3,722 306 267 900 4,200 408 210 500 115,9441 {15,4841 Net Incomel(expendlture) for the year 788 1.271 Opening balance at 1 January 32,576 30,118 Nel incom8 lor year as above Patricia Hay Fund 788 (5,0001 1.271 28.364 31,389 Closlng Assets and Llabilitles Bank Bank- savings Cash Income received last year, released this year 2026 incom8 received In advance ply Gtft aid debtor PIY Gel Changed Theatre accrued 22,899 6,000 16 10,159 19,5611 11,6491 500 32,560 16 7,823 110,1591 1,649 500 28.364 31,389 28,364 31,389
Minutes of the 14[th] Annual General Meeting Wednesday 10[th] September 2025, The Charter Hall, Okehampton
1 Apologies for absence:
Hilary Winter, Audrey Williams, Louise Winstanley, Judi Burnett, Lyn Evans, Jo and Tom Wymer, Thalia Smallwood, Rosemary Gibbs.
2 To approve the Minutes of the 13[th] AGM.
These were approved by the members present.
3 Elections of Officers
All three nominations were approved by the meeting. The new Chairman-Tim Lloyd Davies, the new Secretary-Rosie Moore and the returning Treasurer-Lynne Vowles.
4 Election of the committee
Three existing members had agreed to stand again. Jane Chapman, Caroline Shipley, Lynn West. A new recruit, Mari Baker, would join in the role of Young Arts representative. Members present voted in favour of all the nominations.
5 To receive reports for the year 2024/25
The Chairman invited questions on any of the reports. None were asked.
6 To receive the report from the Treasurer and to adopt the accounts
Q Why has the expenditure on the cost of the Charter Hall increased by so much?
A The return to the Charter Hall had meant an increased fee. There had also been some money owed from an earlier year that had to be paid.
The Chairman explained the amount for charitable giving was to allow the society to meet its charitable aims. (This is reported annually to the Charity Commission.) The Patricia Fay Fund was held by the Arts Society in London and the money from our Society had been loaned to them to receive the interest. This money is used for charitable purposes. The capital amount could be returned to the Society at any time. Some money had been spent during the year to buy a laptop and audio equipment for the Society. The adoption of the accounts was proposed by Jane Leach and seconded by Jan Goffey. Members present voted in favour of their adoption.
7 To appoint an auditor
The Treasurer recommended that the firm of Thomas Westcott should be retained. This was proposed by Pauline Hugen and seconded by Lynn Barker. Members present voted in favour of this recommendation.
8 To approve two changes to the Society’s Constitution.
These changes referred to sections 8 and 11.
The first to the timing of the renewal of membership fees and the collection of subscriptions. The second to reflect the current law about Members’ data. Members present voted in favour of these changes
9 No notice had been given for any motions from members to be discussed.
10 There was no Other Business.
11 The Chairman asked for a Special Item to be allowed. This was to thank the three people standing down from the committee.
12 The new Chairman then came forward to thank Tim Newcombe for his efforts for the society as he is retiring. He mentioned that Tim had done a great job during challenging times, especially during Covid. The meeting closed at 10.35am
Signed Chairman
Date