Minutes of the 66th Annual General Meeting of the National Begonia Society held at the Manningford Community Hall, Bells Lane, Birmingham, B14 5TJ on Saturday 10th January 2015 commencing 13-00 hrs

1. Compilation of Minutes
These minutes were compiled by Robert Bryce, NBS Secretary. The 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 22 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 2015
   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. Apologies for Absence and Bereavements
Apologies for absence had been received for Derek Telford, Brian Simmons, Barry Walker, John Chiswell and Steve Jones prior to the meeting.
The Secretary explained that Denis Hague, Irwin Morgan, Don Dewey, Mick Sawyer and Ron Pownall who were all prominent members of the society had died towards the end of 2014.
The Secretary asked for a minutes silence so that they could be remembered. The minutes silence was observed.
3. 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.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.
5. 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 took the chair from Jeff Rhodes NBS Chairman.
6. Secretary’s Report
The Secretary Mr Robert Bryce stated that the current NBS committee had worked hard over the last year and prioritised certain activities. The Secretary reported that he thought that the most important matters addressed in 2014 were the National Show, the Bulletin and the Website. Each of these was addressed and the National Show at Shrewsbury was discussed first. Mr Bryce reported that the NBS committee, exhibitors and the Shropshire Horticultural Society all thought that it was a great success. The Secretary stated that he was in discussion with Simon Badrock the SHS full time Secretary with relation to a 5 year tenure and the sponsorship of the 12 cut bloom and 7 pot classes.
The bulletin was then discussed and Mr Bryce stated that the bulletin had now been standardised with 40 pages of text plus colour pages on the front, back covers and the centrepieces. This allowed the bulletin to be posted most economically. It was explained that the 3 x 40 pages in 2014 was more than that provide with 4 bulletins in previous years. Mr Bryce also stated that he thought that the articles were far more focused.
The website was discussed and the Secretary stated that there had been a record input in 2014. Mr Bryce thanked both Steve Jones for his diary and Mike Richardson for starting on the diary for 2015. The Secretary explained that there had been record hits in 2014. The Secretary explained that a Bulgarian grower had created a new website for Bulgaria using input on the NBS website. This was testimony to meeting the NS aims to spread the word.
The Secretary stated that his theme for 2015 would be member participation and explained that more members needed to take part in providing articles for the bulletin and website and also exhibiting at shows. He also stated that only 16 members had provided tubers for the raffle out of 320 members. This was very disappointing as this was a free raffle for the members by the members. The Secretary explained that the burden could not fall on the same members’ year on year. He went on to explain that he thought at least 40 generous members providing 2 tubers each was more feasible. He asked for members to supply tubers in 2015 when the feasibility of continuing with the raffle would be revisited. The Secretary thanked those members that provided the tubers and calendars.
The Secretary asked members to support both the National and Area Shows in 2015.
The Secretary expressed concern about the support being provided by the whole of the membership and pointed out that the success of a society depended on all of its membership
participating in its activities for a mutual benefit. He asked for more goodwill and enterprise in 2015.
He thanked all participating members of the raffle for their support.
The Chairman asked that the Secretary’s Report be accepted. Vincent Potts proposed acceptance with Ed Friend seconding. This was unanimously accepted by all members present.
7. Treasurers Report
The Treasurer Mr Derek Bonner addressed the meeting and provided balance sheets for 2014 (these will be displayed on the website). He explained that the society had again made a small profit of £482.39 through its prudence.
A number of questions relating to the accounts were asked from the floor and these were all answered to members’ satisfaction. Mr Bonner explained that the accounts had been audited and signed off. Details of the auditor N Williams were discussed.
The Treasurer explained that with committee approval he was now in the process of changing the bank to make it more accessible to both him and the Membership Secretary. He further explained all cheques were signed by first himself and then the secretary.
The Chairman asked that the Treasurer’s Report and Balance Sheet be accepted. Jeff Keer proposed that the accounts be accepted with John Winfield seconding. The accounts were unanimously accepted.
NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS

Accounts checked D Bonner and Verified N Williams.

1.       7.Resolutions
The Secretary reported that only one resolution for change to the constitution had been received. This had been proposed by Dorothy Williams and seconded by Derek Bonner.
NOW 6) The Annual Subscription, due on the 1st January, shall be determined by the Committee and ratified by the A.G.M.
   a) The Annual Subscription is for Single or Joint Membership but carries only one vote.
   b) New members joining between 1st July and 31st December to pay one half the annual subscriptions and the full subscription from 1st January following.
   c) A member whose subscription is in arrears forfeits all rights of membership.
   d) The Committee shall have the right to suspend or refuse membership to any person.
PROPOSED 6) The Annual Subscription, due on the 1st January, shall be determined by the Committee and ratified by the A.G.M.
   a) The Annual Subscription is for Single or Joint Membership but carries only one vote. Where there are two members in the same household and only one bulletin is allocated the second member will pay two thirds of the membership fee to the nearest GBP and both members will be allowed an individual vote.
   b) New members joining between 1st July and 31st December will pay full annual membership for the following year and receive the benefits of the current year free of charge. (This was changed and agreed during the meeting)
   c) A member whose subscription is in arrears forfeits all rights of membership.
   d) The Committee shall have the right to suspend or refuse membership to any person.
The resolution was unanimously accepted by all present at the AGM.
8. Appointment of Vice President
Mr Nick Langdon of Blackmore and Langdon proposed R Bryce seconded Ian R Williams. This was approved by the meeting unanimously. This was ratified at meeting.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Election of Committee
All committee members had decided to retire under the constitution but offer themselves for re-election. The members attending the meeting unanimously re-elected them.
This completed the composition of the new committee.
13. Life Members
No life members proposed.
14. Auditors
Mr Derek Bonner Treasurer stated that the accounts had been audited by N Williams a Bookeeper. It was agreed that the accounts would be audited again next year.
15. Any Other Business
   a. The committee recorded a vote of thanks for Alan Bryce who had left the society to live in Spain. Alan had been a major exhibitor and Judge during a membership of over 30 years.
   b. The Chairman reviewed the condition of Ralph Trinder who had suffered a major stroke during 2014. He explained that the recovery would be a long and tenuous journey. The meeting wished Ralph better health in 2015 and stated that he had been missed in 2014.
   c. The chairman reported that the nephew of the late member Don Dewey was donating a trophy for South West Area Show in memoriam. The exact class had yet to be decided and the Area Rep Gary Dando was asked to allocate.

MEETING CLOSED AT 13-45 HOURS.
THE ANNUAL RAFFLE DRAW WAS DRAWN ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE MEETING. ALL WINNING HOLDERS WILL RECIEVE THE PRIZES WHEN THE WEATHER IMPROVES.

MINUTES OF NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEETING SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2015 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 G Dando
Mr J Winfield
Mr M Avis National Show Manager
Mr C Nicklin
Mr J Keer
Mr V Potts
Mr R Bryce Secretary

The meeting was an open meeting with members attending the AGM listening in on all the matters discussed.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies for absence received from Barry Walker and John Chiswell.
TREASURERS REPORT AND FINANCE SHEET
Mr D Bonner provided a balance sheet showing the end of 2014 accounts. This sheet had been verified by an independent bookkeeper. Mr Bonner also provided copies of Bank statements. With the permission of the Chairman, Secretary and Vice Chairman Mr Bonner had been attempting to change our bank from RBS to make this more convenient for the treasurer and membership secretary. This was reported as currently in progress. Copies of all transaction were available to committee members.
Profit for year was £482.39 as noted on the balance sheet later presented at the AGM. Acceptance proposed by J Winfield seconded J Keer and accepted by all present. Accounts approved.
 
OUTSTANDING ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
No actions outstanding from the last meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1.0 NBS National Show 2015
   a. The Secretary explained that he was in discussion with Simon Badrock the SFS secretary about tenure of a further 5 years at Shrewsbury Flower Show. He further explained that he had asked for sponsorship for the 12 cut bloom and 7 pot classes. There had been a preliminary SHS meeting and another was taking place in 2 weeks time when more would be known. R Bryce to inform committee of progress when known
 Action: R Bryce
   b. Ian Rhys Williams tabled a sheet with the allocation of committee duties for the 2015 show. All individual committee members had been allocated roles. Changes to this were expected but committee members were asked to organise any swopping amongst themselves.
 Action: All
   c. The Society stand at the show was discussed at length and the Chairman was asked to co-ordinate activities. The committee thanked Vin Potts for his efforts last year as prior to the meeting Vincent had advise the Chairman that due to health problems in 2014 he could not do the same in 2015.
The committee decided that the stand would not provide the flowering content of the previous year and that members would be asked individually for plants to be brought to SFS for the stand. The chairman would co-ordinate this activity along with the introduction of educational content. He would liaise with the Secretary.
 Action: Ian R Williams
   d. John Winfield proposed that two new classes be introduced at the National in 2015. One for a 3 pot class for single stem pot plants with no side shoots and similarly a single pot class. Maximum pot size of 3 litres for all plants. John Winfield was asked to co-ordinate with Mike Avis who would organise this with SFS.
 Action: John Winfield / Mike Avis
2.0 Advertising and cultural information made available at shows
Vincent Potts reported that he had been working with the SBS Chairman Sam Kennedy on a leaflet with relation to species begonias. This was now being extended to address tuberous doubles as it was thought that there were not the numbers within species growers to buy the leaflet and make it economically viable. Vincent reported that work was continuing with slow progress. Vincent was asked by the secretary to work with Sam to conclusion.
Action: Vincent Potts
3.0 Annual Raffle
Derek Bonner reported that the raffle had been drawn on Friday last and that a list of prize winners was available. The secretary asked how many members donated prizes and was advised that around 20 members had donated prizes. R Bryce stated that he was disappointed with the response and advised that after the next years raffle we should examine its viability. He stated that this was meant to be a raffle for the members for the members and more participation was required. Mr Winfield stated that the he thought that the raffle was drawn too early in the year and that all members had not renewed membership at the draw date. The meeting discussed this and all agreed that the next AGM would take place in February next year hence making the raffle draw later.
The secretary stated that he would put the list of winners on the website.
 Action: R Bryce
4.0 Review of Prize Cards, Rosettes, Medals and Banners
Ian Rhys Williams advised that the distribution of prize cards, rosettes and medals had been allocated to the Area Reps for the 2015 shows. The meeting thanked Ian for his efforts.
5.0 Judges for Shows
The Secretary reported that the judging invitations for the National, Ayr Show and Southport had gone out. The Secretary advised that the judges at the National were unchanged and that he would replace Alan Bryce at the Ayr Show. Alan Bryce’s replacement at Southport was Jeff Rhodes.
He also advised that it was his intention that the judges at the Area Shows in 2015 would be unchanged from 2014. He further advised that Phil Champion would start as a trainee judge in 2015. The secretary stated that he would contact all judges in January to discuss the proposed appointments.
 Action: R. Bryce
6.0 Membership 2015
The Secretary stated that membership at the end of 2014 stood at 326. Members will again pay £20 for membership in 2015 and all being well 2016. The free raffle for members was discussed and it was agreed to run this again next year.
7.0 NBS Handbook and Information supplied to new members
The secretary advised that he was going to work on a new handbook in 2015.
 Action: R. Bryce
8.0 Bulletin and website
The Secretary reported that the bulletin had been standardised at 40 pages of text and both the cover and centre pages with colour pictures. He stated that Derek Telford would carry on as Editor with him providing support as required. The committee were advised that the number of pages in 2014 exceeded the years when 4 bulletins were produced. R Bryce stated that more articles were required from a larger cross section of the membership. The committee recorded a vote of thanks for the Editor Derek Telford.
The Secretary reported that the website had been busy throughout 2014 with a record number of articles. Steve Jones had completed an excellent diary and Mike Richardson had agreed to do the diary in 2015.The committee recorded a vote of thanks to them both. The committee agreed
that the Website Editor Brian Simmons was doing a brilliant job and recorded a vote of thanks. The secretary again asked for more member participation.
Mike Avis advised that he had still to visit Brian Simmons to get an overview of the workings of the website.
 Action Mike Avis
9.0 Supports and Panda Stix
The committee recorded a vote of thanks for Jeff Rhodes who had assembled the supports for a good number of years. Jeff had decided that due to his age and health it was time to relinquish this duty. Colin Nicklin had agreed to take over at the current time. A vote of thanks was recorded for Colin. The committee discussed and voted that area reps would not retain any percentage of the purchase price of supports when selling them.
Ian Rhys Williams gave an update on the purchase of Panda Stix and reported that quantities and prices were still to be agreed. Ian was asked to advise committee members of his proposals in due course. It was agreed that Area Reps selling the Stix would retain 5% of the customer purchase price. Action: Ian Rhys Williams
10.0 Capital Equipment – Basket Stands for National
Ian Rhys Williams reported that the order was now complete and the stands would be used at the National Show in 2015.
It was agreed by the committee that there would be an allocation of funds for any new equipment to support the society stand at Shrewsbury in 2015.
11.0 AOB
There was no other business
Date of Next Meeting:
The committee agreed that unless any urgent matter came to light the next meeting would be prior to the AGM in February 2016. Ian Rhys Williams was asked to select a date and advise committee members in due course.
 Action: IR Williams

MEETING CLOSURE FOR AGM AT 12-30 HRS.
Distribution as above plus Mr B Walker, Mr J Chiswell and NBS website.

The 66th Annual General Meeting of the National Begonia Society will be held at 1pm on Saturday 10th January 2015, at the Manningford Community Hall in Bell’s Lane near Maypole Island, Birmingham, B14 5TJ
Agenda
1. Notice of Convening Meeting appears in Autumn 2014 bulletin
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of previous meeting displayed on Members Section NBS Website
4. Matters arising from minutes
5. Election of Chairman. Nomination duly moved proposed and seconded for present incumberent Ian Rhys Williams at this stage
6. Secretaries Report – Progress in 2014
7. Treasurers Report – Receipts and Payment account
8. Resolutions – Can be accepted up to 28 days before AGM. One received
Change in Constitution Rule 6 proposed by D Williams seconded IR Williams.NOW 6) The Annual Subscription, due on the 1st January, shall be determined by the Committee and ratified by the A.G.M.
   a) The Annual Subscription is for Single or Joint Membership but carries only one vote.
   b) New members joining between 1st July and 31st December to pay one half the annual subscription and the full subscription from 1st January following.
   c) A member whose subscription is in arrears forfeits all rights of membership.
d) The Committee shall have the right to suspend or refuse membership to any person.
PROPOSED 6) The Annual Subscription, due on the 1st January, shall be determined by the Committee and ratified by the A.G.M.
   a) The Annual Subscription is for Single or Joint Membership but carries only one vote. Where there are two members in the same household and only one bulletin is allocated the second member will pay two thirds of the membership fee to the nearest GBP and both members will be allowed an individual vote.
   b) New members joining between 1st July and 31st December to pay one half the annual subscription and the full subscription from 1st January following.
   c) A member whose subscription is in arrears forfeits all rights of membership.
   d) The Committee shall have the right to suspend or refuse membership to any person.
9. Appointment of Vice Presidents Simon Langdon appointed in 2014 ratification required by members
10. Election of Vice Chairman nomination for present incumberent Peter Sourbutts duly moved seconded and accepted have been received at present
11. Election of Treasurer present incumberent Derek Bonner duly moved seconded and accepted have been received at present
12. Election of Secretary nomination for present incumberent Robert Bryce duly moved seconded and accepted have been received at present
13. Election of Committee – Colin Nicklin to be ratified following appointment in 2014. All other members stand down and wish to be reappointed.
14. No Life Members proposed
15. Auditors. Details of who has Audited the 2014 accounts
16. AOB

AGENDA FOR NATIONAL BEGONIA SOCIETY MEETING PRIOR TO AGM SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2015

PERSONS INVITED:
Mr I Rhys Williams Chairman
Mrs D Williams
Mr P Sourbutts Vice Chairman
Mr D Bonner Treasurer
Mr D Davies
Mr J Chiswell
Mr G Dando
Mr J Winfield
Mr M Avis
Mr V Potts
Mr G Keer
Mr C Nicklin
Mr R Bryce Secretary

TREASURERS REPORT AND FINANCE SHEET
Mr D Bonner will report on Finance Details and advice incomings and outgoings. Balance Sheet will be presented and following meeting will be available to all members via the members section of the NBS Website. This balance sheet will be presented at the AGM.

This sheet should have been audited. Bank statements will also be available should any member wish to see them.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
As recorded. All members should advise secretary if not attending.

OUTSTANDING ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
As at date of meeting

AGENDA ITEMS:

1.0 NBS National Show 2014

a. Report by R Bryce updating committee on discussion with SFS Simon Badrock.
b. Show arrangements – Report by Mike Avis. Roles allocated for coming 2015 show.
c. Society stand at show – Report Ian Rhys Williams. What will we provide and improvement on display stand.
2.0 Advertising and cultural information made available at shows
Vin Potts will report on his investigation and efforts. New Species handout.3.0 Annual Raffle
3.0Derek Bonner to report on this year’s raffle. Prize winners list to be available.
R Bryce to discuss viability of future years along with member participation.
4.0 Review of Prize Cards, Rosettes, Medals and Banners
Ian Rhys Williams will allocate to Area Reps.
5.0 Life Memberships or awards
Any additional proposals to those listed in AGM agenda.
6.0 Judges for Shows
The Secretary will advise any changes to the judges list. Alan Bryce retired and Phil Champion now trainee judge. Invites to judges for the National, Ayr Show and Southport Show have gone out.
Judges at other shows in 2014 will again be asked for 2015.
7.0 Membership 2015
Members will pay £20 for 2015 with a free raffle.
8.0 NBS Handbook and information supplied to new members
Information pack for new member’s discussed. The secretary will report.
9.0 Bulletin and Website
R Bryce will report on progress on both.
10.0 Supports and Panda Stix
A vote of thanks for Jeff Rhodes and a thank you to Colin Nicklin for taking over assembly of supports. New prices agreed
Report on Panda Stix progress by Ian Rhys Williams.
11.0 Capital Equipment - Basket Stands for National
New stands ordered. Report from Ian Rhys Williams on progress.
12.0 New Handbook
R Bryce to discuss.
13.0 AOB
As advised. Date of Next Meeting
14.0 Date of Next Meeting

MEETING CLOSURE FOR AGM AT 12.30 HRS.