## **Enniskillen Light Operatic Annual General Meeting 23[rd] January 2023 – 7.30pm** 

**St Michael’s Community Centre** 

## **Attending** 

John McCann, John McCrea, Danielle Gallagher, Nadia Stenson, Dave Rees, Stephanie Graydon, Eva Graydon, Gwyneth Blair, Ryan Moohan, Clare Murphy, Cara Murphy, Amy Bogue, Paul Doherty, 

## **Apologies** 

Amanda Finch, Aoibhinn Ormsby, Clodagh Sweeney, 

## **Chair’s Report** 

John spoke about the successes of the year gone by: doing the first Disney show in Fermanagh, and indeed the first amateur production of Mermaid in Ireland according to Sheila Hobart of NODA. He accounted at length the stellar work put in by everyone involved, new and old. Most importantly, he noted the atmosphere from the first rehearsal right through to the end of get-out: the friendliness, the warmth, the loving family character. This carried through family members’ involvement and donation of time towards fundraising and indeed, with Gwyneth and Stephanie joining the committee. John, on behalf of the committee, sincerely thanked everyone involved for all they have given to make this what it was. 

John went on to note that after ten years in both Director’s Chair, and the Chair itself, he needs a break – and the “society needs a break from him” – even if only for a year or so. 

## **Treasurer’s Report** 

The Treasurer’s Report for the financial year ending 30/09/2022 was presented by John McCrea. A copy of the report was distributed during the meeting. 

Those present were reminded that these accounts have little to do with Little Mermaid. 

The total in “Enniskllen Light Operatic Account” held with AIB on 01/10/21 = £4,888.05. The total in “Enniskllen Light Operatic Account” held with AIB on 30/09/22 = £8,122.59 

The profit for the year ending 30/09/2022 was £3,234.54 

This would leave the society with a relatively healthy £8,122.59 cushion for our next production. 

**Commented [JM1]:** 

The “Little Mermaid” show, while being our recent production, the costs would be reflected in the next years financial year which would be year ending 30[th] September 2023. 

The accounts were discussed and it was proposed that Treasurer’s report, be accepted. 



Proposed : John McCann Seconded : Stephanie Graydon The accounts were unanimously accepted. 

## **AOB** 

On the topic of this year’s show, Cara Murphy suggested Into the Woods, although acknowledged that the music might be difficult. She also highlighted the potential for a popular show to bring in a large audience, such as Grease. 

Ryan Moohan brought an extensive list of possibilities. His selected suggestions for consideration from within these possibilities are: Elf, Full Monty, Kinky Boots, Sweeney Todd, All Shook Up, School of Rock. Of those he particularly feels School of Rock would be most suitable…. 

John McCrea, with Treasurer hat on, raised the issue that while Addams was excellent, it made a loss of £2,000. Similarly, Mermaid was superb, but it may well have lost about £7,000. Whilst it is hugely important that we pick a show that the cast will enjoy doing, it is highly important that it is one that will put “bums on seats” and not be too expensive to produce. 

Nadia Stenson notes that All Shook Up is actually about race, and that this might not be particularly appropriate for a largely or entirely white cast as we currently have. 

There was some discussion of the above possibilities. Fame was raised as a possibility by Clare and Stephanie. Flashdance was similarly raised. 

John McCrea handed the NODA magazines round to those interested. 

Clare Murphy asked “are you sure, John?” (McCann), which was echoed by all present. In the process of answering that yes, he was indeed sure, John made clear that he is stepping down from Director, as well as Chair. He wished to provide reassurance in the form of transition information which he will pass on to the new Chair and, if separate, Director(s). He will remain a phonecall or message away, he is not abandoning the society. Costumes, props and set will continue to live at Alder House. He will be present for get-in, theatre rehearsals, and every show thereafter as a backstage helper. He is firmly of the belief that any of those in the room would be fully able for the role. 

Dave Rees queried how many registered trustees we currently have. (John McCrea: “Pass”, Danielle: “seven…?”) Do we need to remove anyone who is no longer a committee member? John McCann noted he is happy to remain a trustee.  [Edited post AGM to add, the trustees are as follows: John McCann, John McCrea, Nadia, Mandy, Danielle, Sonia Norris, Dave, Aideen McNamara, and Claire Holmes] 

## **Election of New Committee** 

The committee of 2022-2023 officially stood down. 




Expressions of interest in volunteering as Chair were sought, to a solid silence.  Various suggestions were made by some present, and some quiet discussion occurred.  John McCrea suggested bringing back the role of Vice Chair, and this was generally agreed. John McCrea nominated Ryan Moohan for Chair, Amy Bogue seconded. Stephanie Graydon nominated Dave Rees for Vice Chair, Amy Bogue seconded. 

Danielle Gallagher nominated John McCrea for Treasurer. Nadia Stenson seconded. 

John McCrea noted that he would willingly serve for another year, but very much wanted the role to be shared more than in previous years. 

Danielle indicated she was willing to stand as Asst/Vice Treasurer, John McCrea nominated her, seconded by Nadia Stenson. 

Nadia Stenson proposed Amanda Finch as Secretary, John McCrea seconded. 

Of the previous committee, the following members have agreed to stand for the incoming committee – Amanda Finch (in absentia), Danielle Gallagher, John McCrea, Clodagh Sweeney (in absentia), Nadia Stenson, Dave Rees, Stephanie Graydon, Gwyneth Blair. Of those members present in the room, Ryan Moohan, Paul Doherty, Clare Murphy, Cara Murphy, and Amy Bogue all expressed a willingness to join the incoming committee. 

Ryan proposed these be accepted. John McCrea seconded. 

**Ex officio, John McCann thanked all present, and reiterated that it was a breather from him, not a goodbye. John McCrea made a vote of thanks to John McCann for all his time and service given, and those present gave him a standing ovation.**