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Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 4.22 p.m. on 14th October 2007 at Harborough Bank
Present: Rachel Greenwood in the chair, Margaret Campbell, Hazel Davis, Sue Gregory, Monica Hermolle, Angela Richey, Bob Thomas, Janet Thomas
Apologies: Ruth Herbert, Pat Hibbs
Minutes: The minutes of the AGM held on 14th October 2006 at Harborough Bank were agreed and signed as a true record.
Matters Arising: On the outstanding problem of clarifying what personal contact was appropriate between a student and a teacher for purposes of practical explanation and demonstration of skill issues, the official guidance remained imprecise. Practical teaching was neither forbidden nor discouraged, but teachers still had little protection against malicious allegations. The key was to be certain that the contact was in a context of respect, that the pedagogic objective was clear and that the gesture could not be misinterpreted. As Rachel Greenwood expressed it, the heart was the best guide.
Chairperson's Report:
Rachel Greenwood reported on events and activities since the last AGM with special reference to the ESTAWM events.
- The 13th May Small Ensembles Workshop had failed to attract enough participants. This was attributed to fact that for various reasons the notice given to members had been too short. It was agreed to mount a similar event in 2008, giving more notice to teachers.
- The house meeting hosted by Hazel Davis on 8th July had attracted an unprecedented number of members and had been very enjoyable. In this case too, it was agreed to mount a similar event in 2008.
- In view of the very successful talk on The Great Violinists which we had just enjoyed, Margaret Campbell was immediately invited to give her parallel talk on The Great Cellists at the 2008 AGM.
Treasurer's Report:
Janet Thomas tabled the accounts, which were proposed by Sue Gregory, seconded by Angela Richey and adopted unanimously.
Election of Officers:
The only nominations received were for the existing postholders. These were proposed by Monica Hermolle, seconded by Sue Gregory and agreed unanimously.
- Chairperson: Rachel Greenwood.
- Secretary: Bob Thomas.
- Treasurer: Janet Thomas.
- Committee members: Hazel Davis and Angela Richey.
- National Forum Representative: Bob Thomas would represent the Region at the 13th April forum.
Other Business:
- Hazel promoted Paul Harris's "Improve Your Teaching".
- Janet drew attention to the
2008 ESTA International Conference in
Date of Next AGM: Sunday 12th October 2008 was the most likely date. Margaret would be invited to talk on The Great Cellists.
The meeting closed at 5.06 p.m.
END