## **Annual General Meeting 2024** 15 August 2024 Lower Maze Community Hall 

**Present:** P Martin, S Gracey, G Thomas, A Carlisle, R McKee, A McQuiggan, D Johnson, C Johnston, A Irvine, E Watt, A Crawford, C Smith, R Humphreys, B Humphreys, F Mitchell, A Mitchell, L Irvine, J Crockett, R Simmons, R Bell, S Irvine. 

**Apologies:** J Johnston, P Johnston. 

**2023 AGM minutes:** Agreed with no matters arising. 

• Chairman’s report 

S Gracey welcomed members and thanked all for their contribution, in particular P Martin and A McQuiggan for their hard work with organising gigs and musical director duties. 

SG also acknowledged guest players, most notably L Lawson for her contribution in percussion section. 

Referring to the number of engagements and contests at Armagh and Maldron Hotel, SG said the band was better for having competed at both, even if we did not come back with any prizes. 

Christmas time was a busy period but good financially for the band. 

SG remarked the highlight of the year was getting to share Ian and Patricia’s wedding day and thanked Patricia for her kind donation to the band. 

Members were reminded about the importance of attendance and asked to reply promptly to WhatsApp requests around availability. 

Departing the band in 2024 (pre-AGM) were G McLean, K Ramsay and A Toole – all three were all thanked for their contributions throughout the years. 



SG said it was essential to fill the gaps left by players who have moved on and encouraged members to come forward with any ideas around recruitment. • Secretary’s report 

PM thanked A McQuiggan for his leadership, direction and patience as well as D Johnson for his guidance and stepping in to lead the band when asked to do so. 

Thanks were also expressed to the following: 

- F Mitchell for arranging music and work behind the scenes 

- R and B Humphreys for continuing to look after band falls and RH for providing extra stands at engagements 

Dates for four Christmas engagements were shared with the band. 

C Johnston had raised issue of supper and asked if its regularity could be reviewed. 

A Crawford suggested a WhatsApp group specific to engagements and it was agreed that the music group will be the new location for these details. 

## • Treasurer’s report 

S Gracey detailed the year’s accounts to members, explaining that they run on the calendar year. 

The breakdown was circulated to members in advance of the meeting via WhatsApp, with a closing balance of £4,760.87 (£14,686.32 at end of 2023). This could be explained largely due to the expenditure of waistcoats and new basses. 

Thanked members for their dues, adding that the band would struggle without them. 

## • Election of ofcers 

A McQuiggan declared all positions vacant and the following members were elected: 

Chair - **S Gracey** - proposed by A Carlisle seconded by A Crawford Secretary - **P Martin** - proposed by S Gracey seconded by R Humphreys Treasurer - **A Carlisle** - proposed by A Irvine seconded by A Mitchell C Johnston indicated she wished to stand down from the committee. 

Existing committee were proposed to continue in roles on block by R Humphreys 



and seconded by A Crawford 

S Power and E Watt were also elected to the committee. SP proposed by A Carlisle seconded D Johnson and E Watt proposed by A Mitchell seconded by J Crockett. 

The existing safeguarding and librarian teams were reinstated to their roles. 

## • General business 

L Irvine proposed the idea of an annual band concert for consideration. 

## • Awards 

Conductor A McQuiggan presented awards to the following: 

Soloist Cup - D Johnson 

Endeavour & Commitment Shield - A Mitchell Most Improved Player - R Bell Bandsperson of the Year - D Johnson 

To finish, F Mitchell, D Johnson and A McQuiggan were presented with tokens of thanks for their contributions. 

With no further business, the meeting was concluded.