COMMITTEE MEETING SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2014
AT MANNINGFORD COMMUNITY HALL, BIRMINGHAM    PRIOR TO NBS AGM

PERSONS PRESENT:
Mr I Rhys Williams Chairman
Mrs D Williams
Mr D Davies
Mr P Sourbutts Vice Chairman
Mr D Bonner Treasurer
Mr J Chiswell
Mr G Dando
Mr J Winfield
Mr M Avis Show Manager
Mr B Walker
Mr V Potts
Mr J Rhodes President NBS invite RB
Mr R Bryce Secretary

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
No apologies for absence received
TREASURERS REPORT AND FINANCE SHEET
Mr D Bonner provided a balance sheet showing the end of 2013 accounts plus an audit report. Mr Bonner explained that the audited accounts had cost ££300 but he expected future years to be £150. Mr Bonner also provided copies of Bank statements. With permission of the Chairman, Secretary and Vice Chairman Mr Bonner had been attempting to change our bank from RBS to Lloyds to make this more convenient to the treasurer and membership secretary. However the costs for transactions from Lloyds had been prohibitive and it had been decided to stay with RBS at present. Copies of all transaction were available to committee members,
Profit for year was £414.75 as noted on balance sheet later presented at the AGM. Acceptance proposed by J Winfield seconded B Walker and accepted by all present. Accounts approved.
It was explained that our accounts this year were confounded by the previous Treasurer getting the account audited prior to the last AGM (£300) and purchasing a PC projector at a cost of over £500.
The treasurer stated that the secretary was looking into the insurance quote by the RHS.
Action: R Bryce

OUTSTANDING ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
No actions outstanding from last meeting.

AGENDA ITEMS:
1.0 Appointment of Vice President
Mr R Bryce proposed that we invite Mr Nicholas Langdon as Vice President. Mr IR Williams seconded this and acceptance was unanimous by all committee members. The secretary stated he would write formally to Mr Langdon. Action: R Bryce complete
The committee thought that they could form closer ties with B&L as they were the major commercial raiser of begonias in Britain. Mr J Chiswell and Mr G Dando offered to discuss this with Mr Langdon. Action: J Chiswell & G Dando
2.0 NBS National Show 2014

The secretary reported that he had had two meeting with Shrewsbury Flower Show one on 16 October 2013 and one at the end of January 2014. Mike Avis had also attended the meeting in January. It was now confirmed that we would be at Shrewsbury for the next 2 years. This was a rolling contract renewable each year. We had agreed to take their begonia classes under our umbrella with all classes open. Mike reported that he was in liaison with The SFS secretary but it had gone quiet. The secretary stated that he would contact Gordon Parry to get things moving.
Action: R Bryce complete

3.0 Advertising and Cultural Information made available at shows
Vincent Potts reported that he had put together a small leaflet from information written initially by Andrew Mc Dougall. A copy was tabled and the secretary suggested that this book along with a letter composed by the Membership Secretary should be provided to all new members in future. The meeting agreed that this was a good idea. Action: R Bryce

The secretary reported that he had bought a stand to display information on at the NBS National Show however he pointed out that a lot of work was needed to compile the information.
Action: R Bryce, V Potts, I Williams
Gary Dando and John Chiswell stated that they thought a handout flyer was required. J Rhodes stated that he had a soft copy of a previous one. The secretary asked for a copy.Action: J Rhodes
It was agreed that we would purchase a quantity of flyers. Action R Bryce

4.0 Annual Raffle
The secretary explained that tubers had been received for 34 prizes of 2 tubers each and that the raffle tickets were ready for the draw at the AGM. The secretary thanked all members that provided tubers.

5.0 Review of Prize Cards, Rosettes, Medals and Banners
Ian Williams reported that he had purchased all items for the next 4 years. Due to quantity breaks he had saved 20% on rosettes, medals and banners. The saving on cards was much greater. Ian also explained that rosettes had been bought for the best cut blooms in each colour at the National. It was explained that this would enhance the SFS. The meeting thanked Ian for his efforts.

6.0 Life Memberships
The secretary reported that the committee had previously proposed Len Gill and Derek Telford. He stated that he had received a request from the Central Area members for George Rushforth to be honoured. Unfortunately the proposer and second not renewed their membership. However R Bryce proposed and Peter Sourbutts seconded that George Rushforth be added to the others recommended by the committee. This was debated by the committee at length and voted on. It was agreed that George Rushforth be recommended for Life Membership.

7.0 Judges for Shows
The secretary reported that all Judging appointments for the 2014 shows were now on the website.

8.0 Membership 2015
The secretary reported that an amendment had been proposed to the AGM to allow the NBS committee to set the annual membership fee based on the financial state of the society. The free raffle for members was discussed and it was agreed to run this again next year.
The membership numbers were discussed at it was noted that 70+ members had not renewed even though a reminder had been sent.
A member from the floor stated that a former member had told him that there were not enough articles in the bulletin about the multifloras and species. The secretary accepted the criticism but explained that any member can write a letter for the bulletin and generate interest in a particular area. It was pointed out that the bulletin depends on input from all members not just a few.

9.0 NBS Handbook and Information supplied to new members
Also discussed in 3.0 above. The secretary reported that there had been no progress with the handbook and that he had provided judges with a colour classification list.

10. AOB

10.1 Change of Bank
The treasurer reported that further investigation was required before any recommendation could be made. He also reported that he was looking at Direct Debit for members and investment for society capital. Action: D Bonner
10.2 Flower Supports
The cost of flower supports was discussed and due to material costs it was agreed that a price increase was probably required. It was agreed that further investigation was required to ascertain the unit costs before agreeing the scale of increase.
Action: J Rhodes, R Bryce and D Bonner
10.3 Variety List on Website
The secretary reported that a member had contacted him asking about the accuracy of the variety list and its correction. He explained that he had looked at the list and was not sure what its purpose was. He further stated that the same name had been used for some begonias 3 or 4 times since begonias were first named in the late 1890’s. The raisers list was indeterminate and again inaccurate.
With modern technology and digital photography the secretary suggested that all new varieties could be photographed for the website but pointed out that most new varieties were amateur raised. The meeting agreed that further investigation was required.

MEETING CLOSURE FOR AGM AT 12-30 HRS.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING TO BE ON DAY OF NATIONAL SHOW AUGUST 8TH 2014.
Distribution as above plus Mr G Keer and Mr C Nicklin and NBS website