Minutes of the 65th Annual General Meeting of the National Begonia Society held at the Manningford Community Hall, Bells Lane, Birmingham,B14 5TJ held on Saturday 22nd Feb 2014 commencing 13-00 hrs

1. Compilation of Minutes
These minutes were compiled by Robert Bryce NBS Secretary. The interim NBS President Jeff Rhodes was present at the meeting and the chair was taken by the NBS Chairman Ian Rhys Williams.
2. Attendance
A total of 29 members were in attendance plus some family members. A list of members present was taken. Only current paid up members were allowed to vote at the AGM.
Meeting Agenda and Running Order 2013
1. Notice of Convening Meeting

The Secretary confirmed that the notice for convening the meeting had appeared in the bulletin and on the website.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting had been displayed on the NBS Members Section of the website for many months. They were accepted and approved. Proposed Ron Aldous and seconded Mike Avis with approval unanimous from the members.

3. Apologies for Absence and Bereavements

Apologies for absence had been received for Ken Davis, Ralph Trinder, Bill Gaskell, Terry Tasker and Tony Reynolds prior to the meeting..

The secretary explained that Les Smith and Geoff Porter who were both prominent members of the society had died towards the end of 2013. He further explained that a prominent member and hybridiser in Scottish Begonia Society Billy Stark had also died at the end of 2013.

The secretary asked for a minutes silence so that they could be remembered. The minutes silence was observed.

4. Matters arising from the minutes
There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

5. Election of President
The NBS committee recommended that Jeff Rhodes be appointed as President of the NBS. This was accepted unanimously by the members. Jeff was congratulated by all present.
6. Election of Chairman
A nomination had been received for Ian Rhys Williams proposed R Bryce and seconded Derek Bonner no other nominations received. This was unanimously approved by all present. Mr Williams continued in the chair.
7. Secretary’s Report
The Secretary Mr Robert Bryce stated that the current NBS committee had worked hard to make sure that they addressed the financial losses over the last five year. This year’s accounts were available on the NBS website and the NBS had turned in a small profit of £400 for the year.
The Secretary stated that he thought the Annual Show 2013 at Webbs was a success even though the committee had come together at short notice. He went on to explain that the National shows for 2014 and 2015 would be part of Shrewsbury Flower Show with all entries to be made direct to Shrewsbury. He further explained that all the Begonia classes at the show were by the Shrewsbury Flower Show in conjunction with the NBS with all the NBS cards and rosettes. We were expecting the SFS to provide bus with the schedule shortly whence it could be displayed on the NBS website. The NBS were providing all trophies with the presentation moved to the end of the first day in the marquee. The presentation would be by a SFS official. Members were reminded to return trophies to our show manager Mike Avis.
The Secretary explained that throughout the year he had offered the hand of friendship to all members. He explained that the last AGM had been a tumultuous affair and he thought that it would take time for some wounds to heal however he thought that there was generally a happy and respectful feel from most members. He welcomed this with mutual respect from all members for the benefit of all members.
The Secretary explained that the free NBS Raffle was a committee idea to cushion the increase in subs he explained that 68 tubers had been received with most of the rare and sought after varieties available within the draw.
He thanked all members for their support.
The Chairman asked that the Secretary’s Report be accepted. This was unanimously accepted by all members present.
8. Treasurers Report
The Treasurer Mr Derek Bonner addressed the meeting and provided balance sheets for 2013 (these had also been displayed on the website). He explained that a £6K+ loss in 2012 had been turned into a small profit of £414 profit in 2013. He further explained this was a huge turnaround achieved by the prudence of the current NBS committee.
The major savings had been on the costs and postage of the NBS Bulletins and the fact that committee business was being dealt with by e mail. He explained that committee expenses were now minimal with only two committee meeting being held. One meeting held prior to the AGM and the other at the National Show. Monies currently held by the National Begonia Society were in excess of £74K with monies continuing to be invested although interest rates were low.
The treasurer explained that with committee approval he had tried to change bank but due to excessive fees at the new bank this had been put on hold.
The treasurer explained that the accounts had been audited by Lisa Mullen a Senior Accountant at the East Wales Fire Service at a cost of £300 however it was expected to drop to £150 next year. He explained that all accounts sheets and bank statements were available to all members on request. He offered to answer any questions on the accounts. No questions were asked.
The Chairman asked that the Treasurer’s Report and Balance Sheet be accepted. This was unanimously accepted by all members present.

9. Resolutions
The Secretary reported that only one resolution for change to the constitution had been received and this was dealt with AOB.
10. Appointment of Vice Chairman
Mr Nicholas Langdon of Blackmore and Langdon proposed R Bryce seconded Ian R Williams. This was approved by the meeting unanimously. The secretary stated that he would formally write to Mr Langdon inviting him to accept the appointment.
11. Election of Vice-Chairman
The Chairman explained that a nomination had been received for present incumbent Peter Sourbutts proposed by R Bryce and secondment by D Bonner. This appointment was approved unanimously by the members at the meeting.
12. Election of Treasurer
The Chairman explained that a nomination had been received for present incumbent Derek Bonner proposal by R Bryce and seconded by P Sourbutts. This appointment was approved unanimously by the members at the meeting.
13. Election of Secretary
The Chairman explained that nomination had been received for the present interim incumbent Robert Bryce proposed IR Williams and seconded by D Bonner. This appointment was approved unanimously by the members at the meeting.
14. Election of Committee
The Chairman explained that Mr Colin & Mrs Pat Welsh retired by rotation in current year and had not renewed their membership of the NBS.
The remaining committee had decided to retire under the constitution but offer themselves for re-election. The member attending the meeting unanimously re-elected them.
Mr Vincent Potts had been co-opted on to committee to replace Tony Reynolds in 2013. Ratification was sought from members for his appointment. The members attending the meeting unanimously elected him.
Mr Geoff Keer was proposed by IR Williams and seconded D Bonner. The members attending the meeting unanimously elected him.
Mr Colin Nicklin was proposed by I R Williams and seconded by D Bonner. The members attending the meeting unanimously elected him.
This completed the composition of the new committee.
15. Life Members
The NBS committee proposed Mr Derek Telford, Mr Len Gill and Mr George Rushforth be awarded Life Membership of the NBS. The meeting unanimously awarded them all Life Membership.
16. Auditors
Mr Derek Bonner Treasurer stated that the accounts had been audited by Lisa Mullen a Senior Accountant. It was agreed that the accounts would be audited again next year.
17. Any Other Business
a. The secretary asked for a vote of thanks for Tony Reynolds who retired from committee in 2013.This was accepted by the members attending. Mr D Staines thanked all members for supporting the societies archive and history.
b. The secretary asked for a vote of thanks for Dave and Mags Staines who had not renewed their membership. They both had made a considerable contribution to the NBS over a number of years with Dave being the Archivist. The secretary aske for a vote of thanks. All members attending gave a vote of thanks.
c. The secretary explained that the previous secretary Mr Alan Harris had not currently renewed his membership. The secretary asked for a vote of thanks for all his efforts for the NBS. This was in the event he decided not to renew. All members attending gave a vote of thanks.
 

d. A change to the constitution was proposed by D Bonner and seconded by Peter Sourbutts. This would give the NBS committee to consider the state of finances prior to changing subscriptions instead of waiting for an AGM for ratification.

The proposed resolution changes rule 6.
Proposed change from: The Annual Subscription, due on the 1st January, shall be determined by the committee and ratified by the A.G.M.
To: The Annual Subscription, due on 1st January, shall be determined by the committee and all members will be advised prior to this date.

The change was accepted by the members attending the meeting.

e. This was dealt with under Life Membership. George Rushforth refers.

f. The secretary stated that Mr Barry Walker had kindly offered to be the Archivist replacing Dave Staines. Colin Nicklin had picked up all archive materials from Dave and transferred them to Barry. The secretary asked for a vote of thanks for both Colin and Barry. All members attending the meeting gave a vote of thanks.
g. The Shrewsbury Flower Show was discussed and concerns regarding entry and exit from the site were discussed. The secretary promised to liaise with SFS.
h. The secretary reported that Ken Davis had contacted him regarding updating the variety list. He had asked Mr Davis what he thought this list show be as it was inaccurate with many mistakes. It was pointed out that many begonias in different eras had been given the same name. The list also had many varieties with the wrong raisers name. Mr Bryce explained that he had written a colour classification list for the judges that was up to date with recent varieties but that he was no sure what purpose the list served. Was it historic?

The secretary asked the members to think about it and advice. He also stated that he thought one option may be to close the current list and keep it in archive with a new list being introduced with name, raiser details and picture. Further advice is sought from members.
MEETING CLOSED AT 14-00 HOURS.
THE ANNUAL RAFFLE DRAW FOLLOWED PRIZE WINNERS NOW ON WEBSITE WITH ALL TUBERS POSTED 25 FEBRUARY 2014 OR GIVEN TO AREA REPS.

These minutes are an honest account written by the secretary of the meeting as seen in his eyes. Any errors or inaccuracies are not binding on the Secretary or NBS. R.Bryce

The 65th Annual General Meeting of the National Begonia Society
 will be held at 13-00 hrs on Saturday 22nd February 2014,
 at the Manningford Community Hall in Bell’s Lane near Maypole Island,
 Birmingham, B14 5TJ

Agenda

1. Notice of Convening Meeting appears in Autumn 2013 bulletin and on NBS Website
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of previous meeting displayed on Members Section NBS Website and will be available at meeting
4. Matters arising from minutes
5. Election of President. Nomination and recommendation from NBS committee for Jeff Rhodes
6. Election of Chairman. Nomination duly moved proposed RB and seconded DB for Ian Rhys Williams only at this stage
7. Secretaries Report
8. Treasurers Report – Receipts and Payment account
9. Resolutions – Can be accepted up to 28 days before AGM. None received at present
10. Appointment of Vice Presidents
11. Election of Vice Chairman, nomination for present incumbent Peter Sourbutts proposed RB seconded DB and accepted have only been received at present.
12. Election of Treasurer present incumbent Derek Bonner has one more year to serve.
13. Election of Secretary, nomination for present interim secretary to be made official Robert Bryce duly proposed IRW seconded DB and accepted have only been received at present
14. Election of Committee – Colin and Pat Welsh retirement by rotation this year and have yet to advise if they will stand again. Vincent Potts has been co-opted in 2013 and ratification is sought from the members.
15. Life Members Derek Telford and Len Gill proposed by NBS committee
16. Auditors. Details of who has Audited the 2013 accounts
17. AOB
a. Vote of thanks for Tony Reynolds who retired from the committee in 2013
b. Other business to be advised 28 days before meeting to Secretary
Detail as of 1st October 2013 R Bryce

Committee Meeting Prior to AGM same venue at 11-30 hrs

2^nd. October 2013