The AGM was held Thursday 9th February in the Toppin Memorial Hall, Skelton.
It was pleasing to see a good turn-out with many new faces, with a chance to socialise beforehand with refreshments including some excellent home baking! The meeting started on time at 7.30pm.
Apologies: Mr & Mrs A Bargh, M Squires, M Noble, J Bridges, R Bastow, J Mills, K Harding, K Sewell, S Oxley, Mrs F Wilson, N Horn
Present: Chairman C Atkinson, Show Director J Slee, Vice Chairman N Oxley, Treasurer C Armstrong, Secretary A Reid + 26 Member of the committee, Public & representatives from the Great North Air Ambulance
President D A Irving commenced the meeting by asking all to pay a silent tribute to Past President and Chairman Mr Joe Harris
Minutes of last AGM were read by the Secretary and duly signed by D A Irving and no matters arising from them
Correspondence
The Secretary read out a letter of resignation from Jane & Mick Crocker, Livestock Secretary and Head Steward respectively. The Secretary to write and thank them for all their help and support over the years.
Secretary’s Report
The secretary gave her annual report outlining the build up to the 2022 show after a 2 year absence due to the pandemic. Avian Flu had meant there was no Fur & Feather marquee but all the other sections entries were up across all levels. A bumper show was envisaged until the rain came late in the week before show day; the horse classes were cancelled on Friday to try and save the show but at 6 am Saturday morning our fate was sealed and we had to make the devastating call to cancel. A big thank you to everyone who helped with this as it took more to unravel a show than to run with it.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer stated that although we had predicted large losses, due to people’s generosity with donations of over £18,000 the total losses for the year ending 31st Oct 2022 was significantly lower than expected.
She did request though that in future years, should there be another cancellation there must be no monetary rollovers due to the workload it encounters and this was adopted.
The committee thanked her for all her hard work with what had been a very difficult time.
President’s Remarks
The President stated that we must avoid cancelling a show so late again and a contingency plan should be in place, as the late cancellation had caused huge problems. He also noted the increased help offered by the Skelton Young Farmers which was hugely appreciated; a number of the active members were asked to join the main committee.
Chairman’s Remarks
2022 was the show that never happened sadly and how extremely disappointing it was to have had to cancel; he also felt it was important to look forward rather than back and learn from the mistakes made. He too thanked the Young Farmers noting he was very grateful for their help and all those that had worked tirelessly to try and make it happen.
2023 will be a new year with new challenges but it must surely be a sunny show day to recoup some of the previous year’s losses!
Show Director’s Remarks
The Show Director echoed all that had previously been expressed. However, he reiterated that the committee must put in place a proper contingency plan so we never get in that situation again. The new volunteers enrolled in 2022 have all said they would help out again this year.
The bar on the field, which has been run for several years by Adrian Robson, was discussed and he was enquiring whether there could be another function on the Sunday following the show, after the usual clear up from 12 until 6 pm with field sports and music. The committee to think it over and discuss again at the March meeting.
Appointment of Officers for Ensuing Year:
Annual Show on Saturday 1st July 2023
Amendment of Rules
No monies rolled over in the event of a show cancellation
Catering: Susan Armstrong, Denton House
Marquees: Howard Cross Marquees
Dinner Dance will be held at the Roundthorn Hotel, Penrith in November (dtbc)
Discussed at length whether to stipulate a £10 deposit payable & online ticket sales to be actioned.
Any Other Business
Date of Next Committee Meeting
Tuesday 28th March at 7.30pm in the Toppin Memorial Hall, Skelton – all welcome
It is tradition for the Skelton Show committee to organise a dinner and dance which this year will be held at at the beautiful Roundthorn Country House. More details to [...]
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