President Stan Hill welcomed everyone to the 24th Annual General Meeting and Supper, suggesting that the 25th AGM in 2012 would be a milestone which could be specially celebrated.

He congratulated the chairman and committee on their success during the year, organising an attractive programme which drew in record attendances, even in the bad winter weather.

In Brian’s 4th report, he commented on an exceptional year. Monthly attendance, on one occasion, reached 150! More memberships had been taken up, and the wide variety of topics covered. But - no matter how good a speaker or subject, he said, tribute must be paid to Jim and Mary Skidmore for the excellent posters distributed around the Wordsley area; also to Marilyn Wood for preparing information for the local press.

Concerning speakers, Brian explained that the programme had been arranged without the benefit of a Speakers’ Secretary. Various committee members had helped with arrangements, but this is not an ideal situation. Despite appeals, there had been no response, and again Brian asked, from a membership of 78, is there anyone willing to join the committee and oversee this important role? New faces and ideas help to keep the society vibrant and it is hoped this appeal does not fall on deaf ears.

Thanks were then expressed to Philip Pritchard who arranged two trips – a mystery trip in June followed by refreshments at the Bowling Green, and the annual outing to Bakewell, followed by a visit to Haddon Hall. Both trips were well supported and enjoyed by all.

At the centre bazaar £82.00 was raised for centre funds - thanks to Philip, also Dave and Ros Rigby, for setting up and running the stall so successfully. In addition, £35 worth of raffle tickets were sold for the grand draw.

Sadly, during the year, we lost two valued members - Maureen Ingamells and Bernard Blakeway, and short periods of silence were held in remembrance. Bernard’s death came as a great shock, just a few days following the Christmas meal which he had so enjoyed. He had also done an excellent job as chairman and treasurer of the community association, and building on that legacy, his wife Janet has taken on these roles. This Society wishes her every success.

Ten members (previously 12) now make up the committee, and Brian expressed his thanks to them for their hard work throughout the past year. He also thanked Betty Growcott and her band of ladies who provide the welcome brew - always efficiently and with a cheery smile.

Finally, members were thanked for their support - without whom there would be no society, which has gone from strength to strength, and Brian concluded by saying a he looked forward with confidence to the coming year.

The July meeting will take place on Thursday 14th at 7.30pm in the community centre when Dr M Dixon will relate the lives and work of people in the chain and nail making industry as in the cottages on Wordsley Green.

Visitors welcome, and members at a cost of £2 including refreshments