WEA News Archive 2011-2018
Minutes Of Helmdon Branch AGM May 2018 - posted 16 July 2018
Date: Tuesday, 08 May 2018
Location: Helmdon Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon, NN13 5QJ
The meeting opened at: 8.00pm
1. Chair's welcome
Cec Harrold welcomed 11 branch members to the Annual General Meeting.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from: Hilary Tims, Diane Tope, Jenny Overson,
Dianne Johnson (Education Coordinator, WEA East Midlands), Denise & David Powell,
Ann & Peter Mackness, Carole & David Brookhouse.
3. Minutes of AGM, 04 April 2017
Copies of the minutes of the AGM 04 April 2017 were given to all attendees. The
minutes were not read out.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Judy Cairns and seconded by Alex Corrin.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
No matters were raised.
5. Secretary's report
The Secretary's report was given by Richard Farquharson. Copies were handed to all
attendees. The report included:
Brief overview of WEA organisation and memberships.
Review of Barry Whitehouse's course 'History of British Art from the 4th Century to
the 19th Century'.
Explanation for cancelling Andrew Mikolajski's course 'The History of Dance in
Western Europe and USA, from the Renaissance to the present day'.
Report on trip to Piddington Roman Villa museum and archaeological dig organised
by David and Gerry Mico.
Report on activity to maintain the village website Helmdon.com.
Introduction to the Helmdon Parish Council website, currently under development.
Adoption of the Secretary's Report was proposed by Jenny Saunders and seconded by Val Eyre.
6. Treasurer's report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the Annual
Accounts was handed to all attendees.
Richard Foster advised that there is general confusion due to numerous changes to
the WEA financial structure. We still await an invoice for autumn 2017 course fees.
Running just one course this year means that the amount to carry forward, once
course fees have been requested and paid, will be significantly down on last year, at
around £265. We need to run two courses per year otherwise expenses will take the
balance to nil in around four years.
Helmdon.com website is the prime history resource for the village and was created by
WEA members. Audrey Forgham advised that Helmdon Parish Council has previously
contributed towards maintenance costs but are now creating a Parish Council website.
It was agreed that the Studies Group financial balance, generated by sales of
publications produced by local WEA members, should be held for one year in case
needed for maintenance of this website.
Adoption of the Treasurer's Report was proposed by Alex Corrin and seconded by
Margaret Reardon.
7. Election of officers for 2018/19
All committee members stood down.
Cec Harrold asked if anyone wished to join the committee as Secretary, or for any
position. No new nominations were made.
Richard advised that the post of Secretary could be split into two or more positions to
cover for example: Course publicity; branch administration; other secretarial tasks.
Cec advised that he was willing to stand for re-election as Chair.
Margaret Reardon, David Mico and Judy Cairns indicated they were willing to stand
for re-election as committee members. The group was proposed by Val Eyre and
seconded by Jenny Saunders.
Richard Foster stood again for position of Treasurer. His nomination was proposed by
Judy Cairns and seconded by David Mico.
Members were in full agreement for all positions filled.
The branch committee for 2018/2019 will be:
Chair: Cec Harrold
Secretary: Position(s) to be considered.
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Judy Cairns, Margaret Reardon, David Mico
8. Courses for 2018/19
For autumn 2018, Richard Farquharson advised that tutor David Price has agreed to
return Helmdon to give his course 'Behind the Iron Curtain: Life in Eastern Europe
under Communism. This course starts 18 September 2018, 9 sessions of 1.5 hours.
We should improve course publicity, for example by putting an entry in the
Community section of Letterbox which is distributed to all households.
A list of all tutors and courses that might be available to Helmdon branch was handed
to attendees. The option of switching to a daytime course for spring 2019 onwards
was discussed. This should provide better tutor availability and might also improve
accessibility for some students.
Alex Corrin offered to speak with Judith Hodgkinson to see if any of her daytime
courses were still available.
Action: Richard Farquharson to consider Reading Room availability then email branch
participants to request their daytime preferences for future courses.
Action: Cec Harrold to review the responses from participants.
Action: Committee to include Letterbox in course publicity release.
9. Any other business
Details of the WEA Annual Conference on 12 May were made available to attendees.
Details of the 'Devolution of Adult Education Budget' were also made available.
Possibility of a trip was discussed. Alex Corrin suggested Brackley Town Hall, with
reference to Brackley History Society.
Cec Harrold thanked Richard Farquharson for his work over the years as Branch
Secretary.
Val Eyre thanked the branch committee for their efforts to keep WEA Helmdon branch
operating over the past year.
The meeting closed at 8:50pm.
Helmdon Branch AGM - posted 08 April 2018
Dear WEA Helmdon branch members / branch participants
Re: WEA Helmdon Branch AGM
Please find below, agenda for WEA Helmdon branch AGM to be held on Tuesday 08 May 2018. We look forward to meeting many members / participants, plus newcomers who may be interested in local adult education.
Meeting will start promptly at 8:00pm. The Reading Room will be open from 7:45pm.
At the AGM, branch officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee Members) will be elected for 2018/19. If you wish to nominate someone, or yourself, for any of these positions then please advise the Branch Chair or Secretary. Alternatively, please make your nomination known at agenda item 7 of the AGM.
Richard Farquharson will not be seeking re-election as Branch Secretary, so we need someone to take over this role. Alternatively, it could be that one person takes on responsibility for course publicity, while someone else acts as secretary for branch administration and other branch activities.
Regards
Cec Harrold
Chair, WEA Helmdon branch
Helmdon Branch - Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Tuesday, 08 May 2018, 8:00pm
at Helmdon Reading Room
Agenda
- Chair's welcome
- Apologies for absence
- Minutes of AGM, 04 Apr 2017
- Matters arising from the minutes
- Secretary's report
- Treasurer's report
- Election of officers for 2018/19
- Courses for 2018/19
- Any other business
Nibbles and wine will be served after the formalities.
Anyone interested in adult education in Helmdon is very welcome to attend this meeting.
You will be able to meet local WEA members and find out what is going on at your local WEA branch. For more information contact Richard Farquharson
WEA Membership: Frequently Asked Questions - posted 05 September 2017
1) Why has an annual membership fee of £15 been introduced? The WEA is an incorporated charity and an organisation that uses public money to provide many of our educational programmes. The Trustees are accountable for the use of the WEA's funding and currently membership in England is a significant cost to the Association. The new membership subscription will bring England into line with Scotland, cover the cost of administration and allow us to invest any surplus in the charitable objectives of the Association. We will also be introducing new content to make membership more appealing, including the new member area on the website and relaunching The Highway magazine as a contemporary addition to the world of adult learning.
2) What is the difference between an Association member and belonging to a WEA branch? Membership is defined in the constitution. Through their support members add credibility and real political weight to the WEA as a membership organisation. Members are also democratically involved in the Association and elect the national officers (President, two Deputy Presidents and Treasurer) and can stand for office themselves at branch, regional or national level (eg as branch committee member of regional officer). At a local level a WEA branch is made up of its Association members (including the committee and registered volunteers), its tutors and all participating students within the academic year. Anyone belonging to the branch can join in WEA democracy by making suggestions, electing representatives at the branch AGM and volunteering informally (eg organising coffee and room layout). You don't have to be an Association member to be part of a WEA branch (although we would like you to be!).
3) Who is exempt from paying the membership fee? Anyone aged 24 or under, in receipt of a means test benefit or actively volunteering for the WEA can choose to waive the membership fee if they wish.
4) Do I have to be a member to attend WEA Classes No, definitely not! Students choose to become WEA members. We positively encourage this as membership leads to fuller involvement with the WEA but it is not a requirement of studying with the WEA. Students can participate in the democracy of the WEA at a local level without being a member of the Association.
5) Does membership entitle me to any discounts on course fees? No. As explained above studying and membership of the Association are separate. Course fees are set at an economically sustainable level and as a charity we continually invest in support and educational opportunities for students.
6) How do I know if my volunteering exempts me from payment? We do not want there to be any barriers to volunteering and we recognise the valuable contribution of all our amazing volunteers. Anyone who is registered with the WEA as a volunteer can waive the membership subscription. If you are a member of a branch committee or a regular classroom or regional volunteer you should already be registered but you can easily check by emailing volunteering@wea.org.uk . There is no minimum amount of voluntary contribution required to be exempt from the subscription fee. If you are not registered you can easily become so by completing a simple application form to describe your volunteering. Tick the box on the membership renewal form to let us know that you do not wish to pay the fee.
7) What happens when I stop volunteering? You will keep your membership for the current year and then you can choose whether to pay the subscription fee the following year. Anyone who has given many years of service of voluntary activity to the WEA and "retires" can be recommended for an honorary Lifetime Membership which will continue to be free.
8) Is the membership fee eligible for Gift Aid? Any volunteer or donor who could choose to waive the membership fee but decides to pay, can ask for the fee to be treated as a donation. In this case gift aid can be added to the sum collected.
9) Can I donate more than just the membership fee? Yes. You can complete a Direct Debit mandate, send a cheque or pay by credit card through the website or by phone for any amount you choose and your membership will be automatically included.
10)Can I just donate and not become a member? Yes. You can set up a regular donation using Direct Debit or standing order, make a single payment via the WEA's Virgin Money Giving web page or send a cheque to the membership address. We also process CAF vouchers. Any further questions? Contact us today at membership@wea.org.uk
Visit to Piddington Roman Villa Museum & Excavation - posted 25 June 2017
Helmdon WEA committee have organised a trip to Piddington Roman Villa Museum and Excavation on Monday afternoon, 14 August, 2017. This trip can be considered as three sections plus three short walks across fields. The provisional itinerary is:
- Around midday, lunch at The White Hart pub and restaurant at Hackleton. Parking (for the afternoon) will be available at the pub. Their current menu can be found at http://thewhiteharthackleton.co.uk/ Leave pub by 1:45pm
- Walk to Museum at Piddington. Gerry Mico will ensure we all know where to go. This walk takes typically 10 minutes.
- At 2:00pm, we have a guided tour of Piddington Roman Villa Museum given by Liz Friendship-Taylor. More information about the museum can be found athttp://www.unas.org.uk Leave museum by 3pm
- Walk further to the excavation site. This takes typically 15 mins.
- At 3.15pm, arrive at the excavation site. Here we expect that work will be in progress (subject to operational conditions). We have a guided tour given by Roy Friendship-Taylor. Leave 4:15pm, back to car at 4:40pm
Depending on the number attending, we may split into two groups. The second group will do the excavation site tour first (after a 25-minute walk from the pub). We expect this guided site tour to start at about 2:10pm leave 3:10pm, the Museum tour to start at 3:30pm leave 4:30pm, Back to car at 4:40pm
No need to pay now, but we will ask for £4.00 from each person (on the day) to cover museum admission charges.
We need to arrange car-sharing. On the form, please let us know if you are willing to take your car and indicate how many spare seats you can offer. Travel by car from Helmdon should take no more than 40 minutes. Unfortunately, there is NO parking available at the museum or excavation site.
Please indicate on the form if you wish to join us for lunch. This will enable us to give the pub an idea of the number to cater for. We hope to confirm menu details by end of July. Depending on numbers taking lunch, we might opt for a slightly restricted menu. We hope to confirm menu details by end of July.
Regards
WEA Helmdon branch committee
Please note that this visit involves walking across fields (10 mins + 15 mins + 25 mins). Please ensure that you wear suitable footwear and that you bring any walking aids that you may need.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2017 - posted 07 May 2017
Date: Tuesday, 04 April 2017
Location: Helmdon Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon, NN13 5QJ
The meeting opened at: 8.00pm
1. Chair's welcome
Cec Harrold welcomed 17 branch members and Bridget Chapman, Northamptonshire tutor organiser, to the Annual General Meeting.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from: Alan Kebble, Cliff Netten, David Aaronson on behalf of WEA Northamptonshire Forum, Hugh Walmsley and Ann Smith.
3. Minutes of AGM, 12 April 2016
Copies of the minutes of the AGM 12 April 2016 were given to all attendees. The minutes were not read out. Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by David Mico and seconded by Judy Cairns.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
From 2016 AGM agenda item 8, the possibility of a course on 'The Silk Route' or 'Opium Wars' had not been followed up by the committee. Jenny Saunders advised that the proposed speaker did not cover the expected topic. Action: Committee to note the subject, in case an appropriate course becomes available.
5. Secretary's report
The Secretary's report was given by Richard Farquharson. Copies were handed to all attendees. The report included:
Brief overview of WEA organisation, including the current stategic review of regional and county operations.
Review of past year's courses:
David Price's 'In Tune With The Times'
David Price's 'From Les Misérables to the Belle Époque'
Report on members activities to maintain the village website.
Report on activities of the Local Studies Group:
Churchyard gravestone inscription records - an ongoing project.
Church Kneelers - fully updated information now available.
Adoption of the Secretary's Report (after correction of date on page 1) was proposed by Judy Cairns and seconded by David Mico.
6. Treasurer's report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the Annual Accounts was handed to all attendees.
Richard Foster explained that we do not handle course fees from student who enrol online or by telephone. However, the amount we send to the region means that we still retain 5% of all course fees received for Helmdon.
Reasonable attendance levels at this year's courses (16 for autumn term and 14 for spring term) means that closing balance is only slightly less than last year at £313.53.
Adoption of the Treasurer's Report was proposed by David Powell and seconded by Peter Mackness.
7. Election of officers for 2017/18
All committee members stood down.
Cec Harrold asked if anyone wished to join the committee for any position. No new nominations were made. Richard Farquharson advised that existing officers with exception of Kate Moody were willing to stand. Audrey Forgham proposed that existing members, except Kate Moody, be re-elected as one group. This was seconded by Jennifer Overson. Members were in full agreement.
The branch committee for 2017/2018 will be:
Chair: Cec Harrold
Secretary: Richard Farquharson
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Judy Cairns, Margaret Reardon, David Mico
8. Courses for 2017/18
Richard Farquharson advised that tutors had been booked for next two courses... For autumn 2017 we have tutor Barry Whitehouse with the course 'History of British Art from the 4th century to the 19th century', starting on 19 September. As each session will be 2 hours, a start time of 7:15pm is proposed. A short mid-session break was noted as a requirement.
For spring 2018 we have tutor Andrew Mikolojski with 'The History of Dance in Western Europe and USA, from the Renaissance to the present day'. Members agreed with the choice of course.
Bridget Chapman explained the potential benefit to the WEA, and to members, of using the online or telephone course enrolment. Our course flyers will list the enrolment options. Note that refund is still available if a student decides that course is not suitable after attending week one.
Alex Corrin queried the possibility of changing to daytime courses. Days and times were discussed, including consideration of accommodation availability. We agreed to review day and time options when choosing courses for autumn 2018 and beyond.
Action: Richard Farquharson to survey members, by email, for preferences.
Action: Cec Harrold to check Reading Room availability.
9. Any other business
Jenny Overson explained the work carried out on the Church Kneelers project over a two-and-a-half year period. 180 items have been reseached by Jenny Overson and Mary Nash. Items include:framed embroideries; banners; cushions; kneelers. These were produced by 41stitchers. 64 items are dedicated to the memory of individuals or families.
The documentation produced includes updated background information for many of the items. Jenny thanked: Mary Nash for her research efforts; Audrey Forgham for transferring the whole project to the website; Charles Bins and Colin Nash for photographing the items.
David Mico proposed that a trip be offered this summer. One option is a visit to Piddington Roman Villa where excavation work has been in progress for around 40 years. In addition to visiting the museum, we could also visit the site when excavation would be in progress during August. This would involve a half-mile walk.
David Mico also mentioned the possibility of a tour of local churches, including All Saints Croughton, which has medieaval wall paintings.
For both trips, members would need to arrange car-sharing and the committee would try to arrange lunch at a local pub.
Action: David Mico to gather more information, including available dates for visits
Action: David Mico to investigate which pubs can provide lunches.
Audrey Forgham thanked the committee for their efforts to keep WEA Helmdon branch operating over the past year.
As a result of the strategic review of WEA county and regional organisation, Bridget Chapman has decided to take voluntary redundancy and will be leaving her position during summer 2017. On behalf of the branch, Richard Farquharson thanked Bridget for her dedicated work to organise tutors for us over many years.
The meeting closed at 8:50pm.
Richard Farquharson
Secretary, WEA Helmdon Branch
Agenda For Annual General Meeting 2017 - posted 15 March 2017
Please find below, agenda for WEA Helmdon branch AGM to be held on Tuesday 04 April 2017. We look forward to meeting many members, plus newcomers who may be interested in local adult education.
At the AGM, branch officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee Members) will be elected for 2017/18. If you wish to nominate someone, or yourself, for any of these positions then please let the branch secretary know[..]. Alternatively, please make your nomination known at agenda item 7 of the AGM.
Thanks and Regards
Richard Farquharson
Secretary, WEA Helmdon branch
Helmdon Branch - Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Tuesday, 04 April 2017, 8:00pm
at Helmdon Reading Room
Agenda
- Chair's welcome
- Apologies for absence
- Minutes of AGM, 12 Apr 2016
- Matters arising from the minutes
- Secretary's report
- Treasurer's report
- Election of officers for 2017/18
- Courses for 2017/18
- Any other business
Nibbles and wine will be served after the formalities
Anyone interested in adult education in Helmdon is very welcome to attend this meeting.
You will be able to meet local WEA members and find out what is going on at your local WEA branch.
For more information contact Richard Farquharson
Please note: AGM will start promptly at 8:00pm.
The Reading Room will be open from 7:45pm.
Minutes Of The AGM 2016 - posted 01 May 2016
Date: Tuesday, 12 April 2016
The meeting opened at: 8.00pm
1. Chair's welcome
Cec Harrold welcomed 18 branch members to the Annual General Meeting.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from: Bridget Chapman, Teresa Mosely on
behalf of WEA East Midlands, Jane Murphy, Nicholas Murphy, Cliff Netten and
Hilary Timms.
3. Minutes of AGM, 31 March 2015
Copies of the minutes of the AGM 31 March 2015 were given to all attendees.
The minutes were not read out.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by David Powell and seconded by Val
Smith.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
The only matter arising from the 2015 minutes is covered at agenda item 9 of
this AGM.
5. Secretary's report
The Secretary's report was given by Richard Farquharson. Copies were handed
to all attendees. The report included:
Overview of WEA organisation and access to course information.
Review of past year's courses:
Elaine Rawlinson's 'Shining a light on the Dark ages';
Mike Ingram's 'Magna Carta and the Baron's War'.
Report on the visit to Ardley Energy Recovery Facility.
Report on members activities to maintain and enhance the village website.
Report on activities of the Local Studies Group:
Aspects of Helmdon booklets - remaining copies to go to new residents;
War Memorial project - update for the website;
Churchyard gravestone inscription records - for website and church
records;
Documentation of kneelers - for website and as album for the church.
Adoption of the Secretary's Report was proposed by David Mico and seconded
by David Powell.
6. Treasurer's report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the
Annual Accounts was handed to all attendees.
Richard Foster advised that East Midlands region have lost two accountancy
staff. It is understood that a new hire may have to cover both East and West
Midlands regions.
We have not yet been invoiced for the 95% course fees. However, good
attendances at this year's courses (23 for autumn term and 18 for spring term)
gives a slightly increased potential closing balance of £332.86 (£2358.26 less
95% course fees).
Studies Group expenditure this year was for a wireless microphone to be used
with the hearing loop, for example during classroom discussions.
Adoption of the Treasurer's Report was proposed by Peter Mackness and
seconded by Alex Corrin.
7. Election of officers for 2016/17
All committee members stood down.
Cec Harrold asked if anyone wished to join the committee for any position. No
new nominations were made, or previously received. Peter Mackness proposed
that previous committee members be re-elected as one group. This proposal
was seconded by Jennifer Overson. Members were in full agreement.
The committee for 2016/2017 will be:
Chair: Cec Harrold
Secretary: Richard Farquharson
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Judy Cairns, Margaret Reardon, Kate Moody, David Mico
8. Courses for 2016/17
Richard Farquharson advised that tutors had been booked for next two. Brief course
synopsis for booked and potential courses was handed to all attendees.
For autumn 2016 we have tutor David Price with 'In Tune With The Times' [starting
20 September, with no session on 08 November].
For spring 2017 we have tutor David Price with a choice of a four courses. Members
indicated agreement with the committee's choice of course themes. David Mico,
previous attendee of 'From Les Misérables to the Belle Epoque' course spoke to
recommend it and tutor David Price.
We polled members to determine which course which would have most interest. The
results were:
- In Tune With The Times 2 To follow a similar course may risk excluding some members, hence it was passed over as a choice for this term.
- From Les Misérables to the Belle Epoque received 12 votes
- Behind the Iron Curtain received 5 votes
- Brushstrokes of History received 8 votes
For autumn 2017 we have not booked any tutor, but understand that following tutors
and courses may be available:
- Elaine Rawlinson - New Viking course
- Barry Whitehouse - Art History courses
Members decided that the Viking course might overlap previous courses and that we
should enquire about Barry Whitehouse in the first instance, but not make a final
decision at this time.
A possible future course subject of 'The Silk Route' or 'Opium Wars' was discussed.
Jenny Saunders to advise tutor name.
Secretary to advise Bridget Chapman our course choice for spring 2017 and to request more information regarding Barry Whitehouse for autumn 2017.
9. Trip (record a vote of thanks to David Mico for organising the Ardley trip)
Cec Harrold thanked David Mico for the extensive background work and trip
organisation to ensure the success of our trip to the Ardley Energy Recovery Facility in November 2015. Members applauded.
10. Any other business
Alex Corrin raised the issue of future trips. Several possibilities were offered and then
discussed:
David Mico - Heritage open days in Northampton (normally in September);
David Mico - Roman Villa at Piddington, especially when excavation is in progress;
David Mico - Brackley Town Hall (as it is being remodelled) see Brackley History
Society and/or website;
Jenny Saunders - Northampton Guildhall and Museum.
Committee to follow up as appropriate.
The meeting closed at 8:40pm.
Date of Annual General Meeting - posted 16 March 2016
This will be on Tuesday 12 April in the Reading Room, 7.45pm for 8 p.m. All welcome.
Trip To Ardley Energy Facility - posted 18 October 2015
WEA Helmdon branch are pleased to advise that we have arranged a trip to the Ardley Energy Recovery Facility on Friday 20 November. The good news is that there is no admission charge and protective clothing is provided. In addition to the site tour, some time will be spent in the visitor centre which includes an interactive exhibition space.
David Mico has already been on a tour and can confirm that it is a very impressive facility and definitely worth a visit for anyone keen to see the processes behind energy recovery from household waste.
Notes
- This trip is open to adults only (different tours are available for children).
- Lunch after the visit is optional, with payment settled individually or by table if appropriate.
- Due to limited parking space, we will contact you to discuss car-sharing.
- We must be at the facility by 9:45 am. Visit will finish at approx.12:00 midday.
Site Rules
As this is an industrial plant, there are Site Rules which we must follow. Please make sure you are able to comply before booking your place - thanks.
- All visitors will be signed in and signed out.
- Stout shoes are essential as there is a certain amount of climbing stairs.
- Clothing must cover arms and legs.
- Protective clothing such as hard hat, safety goggles, ear plugs (some processes can be noisy), high-viz jacket and gloves will be provided.
- Anyone with a pacemaker will be excluded from certain areas.
- Anyone with mobility needs might be unable to access certain areas.
- Photography is permitted in the visitor centre (subject to conditions), but
- NO photography is permitted on the site tour (unless individual written permission has been received from site operator).
- Emergency contact details are required. Please provide details on the form (below), or let us know before 05 November 2015.
Trip to Ardley Energy Recovery Facility
Places on the Ardley trip will allocated on first come - first served basis (25 maximum and wehave noted names of those who replied to our previous correspondence).
Please would all attendees please complete this form [not copied here] and return it to us.
Proposed Trip To Ardley Energy Facility - posted 25 September 2015
WEA Helmdon branch are pleased to advise that we are planning a trip to the Ardley Energy Recovery Facility. The good news is that there is no admission charge, the visit can be on any day (subject to availability) and all protective clothing is provided.
David Mico has already been on a tour and can confirm that it is a very impressive facility and definitely worth a visit for anyone keen to see the processes behind energy recovery from household waste. Note that anyone with a pacemaker will be excluded from certain areas and some processes can be noisy.
We intend to offer our visit to adults only (different tours are available for children). We propose to be at the facility from 9:30 am to 12:00 midday followed by (optional) lunch at the Red Lion in Evenley.
Notes:
We hope to arrange this visit for October 2015
Times quoted above might be subject to change for operational reasons.
Lunch and travel arrangements will be made once group details are known.
The operator will request emergency contact numbers for all visitors.
We must advise our preferred day to visit and group size. Visits are currently limited to 25 persons.
We will write again when visit date is agreed with the operator.
Richard Farquharson
Secretary, WEA Helmdon Branch
Minutes Of The Annual General Meeting 2015- posted 20 August 2015
Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Location: Helmdon Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon, NN13 5QJ
Before the start of formal proceedings, Judy Cairns paid tribute to the hard work, enthusiasm and humour which the late Jan Harrold brought to Helmdon WEA during her ten years as Chair. Judy's comments were appreciated by all members.
The meeting opened at: 8.00pm
1. Acting Chair's welcome
Cec Harrold welcomed 18 branch members to the meeting.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from: Bridget Chapman, Marguerite Stephenson (Northants Forum), Andy Willis (Banbury WEA), Keith Jones, Chris Jones, Ann Smith and Kate Moody.
3. Minutes of AGM, 25 March 2014
Copies of the minutes of the AGM 25 March 2014 were given to all attendees. The minutes were not read out.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Jennifer Saunders and seconded by Margaret Reardon.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
No matters were raised.
5. Secretary's report
The Secretary's report was given by Richard Farquharson. Copies were handed to all attendees. The report included:
Overview of WEA organisation, details of WEA Northamptonshire website and access to course information.
Review of the very successful 2014/2015 courses:
Judith Hodgkinson's 'Well Turned Out: Fashion through Portraits'
Elaine Rawlinson's 'Shakespeare's England: Behind Closed Doors'.
Brief details of recent projects by the Helmdon Studies Group.
Adoption of the Secretary's Report was proposed by Peter Mackness and seconded by David Mico.
6. Treasurer's report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the Annual Accounts was handed to all attendees.
Richard Foster stated that the Regional Office take 95% of course fees. With course attendances of 12 for the autumn term and 19 for the spring term, the retained 5% gave an adequate closing balance of £304.31.
Studies Group expenditure this year was mainly related to the War Memorial project.
Adoption of the Treasurer's Report was proposed by Judy Cairns and seconded by Alex Corrin.
7. War Memorial Project "The Men Behind the Names"
Audrey Forgham spoke about the research into the history of the men named on Helmdon's War Memorial. Audrey mentioned issues found, such as names missing from the memorial. Some details about the memorial are still unknown, such as how it was funded.
Initially driven by Judy Cairns, Audrey Forgham, Cec Harrold and Danny Moody, the project expanded with Ross Vicars researching the 'Helmdon Council School Roll of Old Boys' and Charles Binns using his skills to enhance the quality of many photos and postcards.
The project was concluded, in time for the centenary of the end of WWI, with the publication of a 96-page illustrated document on www.helmdon.com (under History Resources/Articles/No 82). Copies of the publication, together with enlarged photos of some of the men and their medals, were presented by Audrey for members to examine after the AGM.
8. Election of officers for 2015/16
All committee members stood down.
Richard Farquharson asked if any members wished to join the committee for any position. No new nominations were made, or previously received. Richard then advised that Cec Harrold is willing to stand for position of Chair and that other Committee Members would be willing to stand again. If members agreed they could be elected as one group.
Members were in full agreement. As proposed by Alex Corrin and seconded by Peter Mackness, the committee for 2015/2016 will be:
Chair: Cec Harrold
Secretary: Richard Farquharson
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Judy Cairns, Margaret Reardon, Kate Moody, David Mico
9. Courses for 2015/16
Richard Farquharson advised that tutors had been booked for next three terms, but we still have a choice of course subjects for two of the terms. Information about available courses was handed to all attendees.
Autumn 2015 we have Elaine Rawlinson's course 'Shining a Light on the Dark Ages'.
Spring 2016 the tutor will be Mike Ingram with choice of six courses. A vote was taken based on a show of hands by those who had an interest in each course. Members chose 'Magna Carta and the Barons' Wars'
Autumn 2016 the tutor will be David Price with choice of six courses. By voting as before, members chose 'In Tune With The Times'
Secretary to advise Bridget Chapman of the courses selected.
10. Summer trip
David Mico provided information about a possible trip to the new Ardley Incinerator. Members were in general agreement with this. David will obtain more information on tour details and availability.
Val Eyre provided information about talks conducted by experts on scientific research projects at the Open University. Committee to investigate further.
11. Any other business
Audrey Forgham thanked the committee for their continued efforts in running this WEA branch throughout the past year.
The meeting closed at 8:43pm.
New Link For WEA Northamptonshire - posted 08 August 2015
Over recent months the website for WEA Northamptonshire has been completely redesigned: to provide information about courses and activities happening in Northamptonshire: to give details of any projects being undertaken; to publicise news from WEA Northamptonshire Forum. Richard Farquharson has more details.
Bridget Chapman, WEA organiser for Northamptonshire, has posted information about the Helmdon War Memorial project worked on by Helmdon WEA in 2014.
Richard Farquharson
Secretary, WEA Helmdon Branch
Spring 2016 Magna Carta Course- posted 26 May 2015
In Spring 2016 we (WEA Helmdon branch) are running the course "Magna Carta and the Barons' Wars" with tutor Mike Ingram.
In the meantime, you may be interested in the following National Trust information...
NT Runnymede website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede
Android or Apple app...
"The great new Runnymede Magna Carta app was created by students from Royal Holloway, University of London and is now available to download for free. Just visit the Android or Apple app store and search 'Runnymede Explored'."
Richard Farquharson
Secretary, WEA Helmdon Branch
Helmdon's War Memorial Project Exhibition At AGM- posted 18 April 2015
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the branch there was a display of photos taken from the Helmdon war memorial project. Members were interested to see photographs of village servicemen whose names are on the war memorial (with some of their medals and death pennies), and a copy of the service sheet used at its Dedication.
The Display in the Reading Room
Photos of Old Helmdon Postcards of the War Memorial and the Project Booklet
William Harold Seckington - photos of him before the war, in his uniform, and his medals (back and Front) and death penny
In addition there was a photograph of the Roll of Honour Of Old Boys Of Helmdon School Who Died In The Great War (the original is in Northampton Record Office) and also reproductions of old postcards.
The project can be seen on the website (history resources, then articles, No 82). It was produced by a group of six WEA local studies group members – Charles Binns, Judy Cairns, Audrey Forgham, Cec Harrold, Danny Moody and Ross Vicars – in time for the World War 1 commemoration in November 2014. If anyone has any other information we should be very interested.
Notice of AGM to be held on Tuesday, 31 March - posted 14 March 2015
WEA Helmdon Branch Annual General meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon on Tuesday 31 March.
Branch officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Committee Members) will be elected for 2015/16. If you wish to nominate someone, or yourself, for any of these positions then please let the branch secretary know. Alternatively, please make your nomination known at agenda item 8 of the AGM.
Richard Farquharson
Secretary
Agenda
- Acting Chair's welcome
- Apologies for absence
- Minutes of AGM, 25 Mar 2014
- Matters arising from the minutes
- Secretary's report
- Treasurer's report
- War Memorial Project "The Men Behind the Names"
- Election of officers for 2015/16
- Courses for 2015/16
- Summer trip
- Any other business
Nibbles and wine will be served after the formalities.
Anyone interested in adult education in Helmdon is very
welcome to attend this meeting. You will be able to meet local WEA members
and find out what is going on at your local WEA branch.
For more information contact Richard Farquharson
Please note: AGM will start promptly at 8:00pm.
The Reading Room will be open from 7:45pm.
Workers' Educational Association, registered charity number 1112775.
Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales number 2806910.
Registered office: 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW
Website: www.wea.org.uk
Minutes Of AGM Held On 25 March - posted 08 June 2014
The meeting opened at: 7:58pm
1. Chair's welcome
Jan Harrold welcomed 25 branch members to the meeting. Jan then extended a welcome on behalf of the branch to Bridget Chapman, WEA Tutor Organiser for Northamptonshire and Marguerite Stephenson, Chair of WEA Northants County Forum and Representative for Northants on the East Midlands Regional Committee.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from members: Carol Brookhouse, David Brookhouse, Liz Woolley, Cliff Netten, Diane Tope, Ann Samways.
3. Minutes of AGM, 16 April 2013
Copies of the minutes of the AGM 16 April 2013 were given to all attendees. The minutes were not read out.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Peter Mackness and seconded by Jennifer Saunders.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
No matters were raised.
5. Secretary's report
The Secretary's report was given by Richard Farquharson. Copies were handed to all attendees. The report included:
Overview of WEA organisation and access to course information.
Review of the very successful 2013/14 courses: Judith Hodgkinson's 'Wining & Dining' and Elaine Rawlinson's 'Shakespeare's England'.
News that website helmdon.com gained recognition from ACRE as "the best informative site in Northamptonshire".
Details of new projects by the Studies Group relating to churchyard memorial inscriptions and the history of people named on the war memorial.
Adoption of the Secretary's Report was proposed by Kate Moody and seconded by Gerry Mico.
6. Treasurer's report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the Annual Accounts was handed to all attendees.
Richard Foster commented that the Regional Office take 95% of course fees then refund accommodation costs. Closing balance is £299.63, down from previous year's closing balance of £395.85 but sufficient to continue without need for immediate fund raising.
With regard to 'Aspects of Helmdon', we are unlikely to produce further printed publications since historical information collected and produced by the Studies Group will be published on helmdon.com.
Adoption of the Treasurer's Report was proposed by Judy Cairns and seconded by Alex Corrin.
7. Election of officers and auditor for 2014/15
All committee members stood down.
Jan Harrold asked if any members wished to join the committee and then suggested that all previous committee members could be elected as one group.
Members were in full agreement and no-one else wished to join the committee.
As proposed by Audrey Forgham and seconded by Val Eyre, the committee for 2014/2015 will be:
Chair: Jan Harrold
Secretary: Richard Farquharson
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Judy Cairns, Cec Harrold, Margaret Reardon, Kate Moody, David Mico
Auditor: Not required as branch turnover is less that £10K.
8. Courses for 2014/15
As Marguerite Stephenson (Chair of WEA Northants County Forum and Representative for Northants on the East Midlands Regional Committee) had information on 2014/2015 course duration and fee structure, she was invited to speak at this point.
Marguerite covered topics:
1) Recent Ofsted inspection and report which praised the good organisation and enthusiasm within the WEA. The result of the inspection reflected very well on staff and members.
2) Fee banding structure. As the subsidy from Skills Funding Agency is now the same for 13-20 hour courses (and then 21-44 hour courses), future courses will typically be nine sessions of 1.5 hours. The fee for 2014/15 will be £3.85/hr or £52/13.5hrs.
3) Regional staff are in the process of receiving governance training.
4) All the Northamptonshire Forum summer events have sold out, which is excellent news for the Forum.
5) All branch members are invited to attend the regional meeting? on 07 June and the Northamptonshire Forum AGM on 29 November at Great Houghton Village Hall.
Jan Harrold advised that the course for autumn 2014 was defined, but for spring 2015 we have a choice of subjects. Information about courses was handed to all attendees.
For autumn 2014 we have Judith Hodgkinson's course 'Well Turned Out' which looks at the clothing of men and women from 1660-1930 through portraits and documents.
For spring 2015 the tutor will be Elaine Rawlinson. The course options are:
1) 'Heroes or Villains?' - A new look at some of our most famous or infamous early Kings and Queens.
2) 'Shakespeare's England, part 2' - What do Shakespeare's plays tell us about Elizabethan family and personal attitudes.
3) 'The Warrior' - What did society expect from its fighters, a review of the history and literature of the Anglo-Saxons and medieval writers.
A vote was taken to judge how many members had an interest in any course. Of 25 members voting, course 1 received 20 votes, course 2 received 18 votes, course 3 received only a few votes. These results will be passed to Elaine.
9. Summer trip
Alex Corrin gave details of non-WEA events, related to our recent course:
1) Lecture by Prof. Glen Black on April 24 in Kings Sutton and
2) Trip to see Henry IV pt I on May 28 with talk after.
Possible destinations for a WEA trip were discussed including Kenilworth and Warwick. Members preferred a week-day trip to Kenilworth. Being quite local, own transport might be possible. David Mico offered to investigate use of the SNVB minibus as an alternative.
10. Suggestions for winter event
Kate Moody suggested that the local studies group could make a presentation based on recent projects. Other suggestions included: Philip Hemming with a suitable WW-I talk; David Price with a 'Cancan & Courtesans' presentation; Derek Batten with 'Women of the Wild West'.
It was decided 'Cancan & Courtesans' should be first choice, with 'Women of the Wild West' as alternative.
No date was set.
11. Any other business
Audrey Forgham thanked the committee for their continued efforts in running this WEA branch throughout the past year. Jan especially thanked Cec for his continuing support.
The meeting closed at 8:50pm.
Secretary's Report 2014 AGM - posted 01 April 2014
Our branch is part of The Worker's Educational Association (WEA), the largest voluntary sector provider of adult education courses in the UK. Founded in 1903 to support the educational needs of working men and women, today's WEA now runs over 10,000 courses each year for adults of all ages and walks of life.
WEA ORGANISATION
Corporate Services
Staff based in London produce operational policies, respond to media enquiries, produce general publicity material and maintain the main WEA website.
East Midlands Region
We report to the WEA East Midlands Regional office in Nottingham for course and learner administration.
Northamptonshire
At a local level we liaise with Bridget Chapman, Northamptonshire Tutor Organiser, to select tutors and courses for each term.
Representatives from various branches make up the Northamptonshire WEA Forum. They organise very popular activities - already sold out for this year!
WEA Helmdon Branch
A small committee organise courses, events and visits. [details not copied here]
INFORMATION ABOUT WEA COURSES AND EVENTS
Details of all WEA courses in England and Wales can be found on the main WEA website (wea.org.uk) where you can search by subject and/or distance from home. You do NOT need to be a member to attend any WEA course. Helmdon courses are further publicised by direct mailings and on www.helmdon.com.
RECENT COURSES
Autumn 2013
Judith Hodgkinson returned to Helmdon to present "Wining & Dining" to 13 learners. In this fascinating course we learnt how food and drink evolved from the 15th to the 20th centuries. It was very surprising how varied the diet was in previous centuries and how many of the spices we use today were in common use long ago.
We looked in detail at developments in food preservation and preparation. We also considered the changes in customs and manners associated with wining and dining on more formal occasions.
For the final session, we brought in food and drink that we had made using recipes from previous centuries. It all went down very well.
Many thanks to Judith for presenting a very enjoyable course.
Spring 2014
Quoting from Alex Corrin's summary on helmdon.com...
This spring term a good turnout of WEA attendees were treated to Elaine Rawlinson's educational and entertaining lectures on "Shakespeare's England". We learnt how the London theatres evolved, the make up of the typical audience with a little playacting of our own, the secret allusions to Elizabeth's reign contained in plays about earlier kings, the extent of Walsingham's spy network, and the general feeling and fear in England as the official religion veered between Catholicism and Protestantism.
We also watched key scenes from several plays and learned about the hidden meanings therein.
Elaine provided us with excellent notes and extracts, as well as a hugely entertaining resume of the plot of Hamlet which should have been recorded for posterity.
EVENTS AND VISITS ORGANISED BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
As agreed at last year's AGM no summer trip was organised, the main reason being competition from trips planned by other organisations within the village.
Also, due to other commitments of our committee members, the committee decided that we would not organise a winter event in December 2013.
OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY WEA MEMBERS
Helmdon's Website
www.helmdon.com is now in its 15th year. In addition to a wealth of historical information, it provides comprehensive up-to-date information for local residents and anyone else who has an interest in Helmdon.
In a competition run by Northamptonshire ACRE last summer www.helmdon.com was deemed "the best informative site in Northamptonshire".
Thanks go to Danny Moody (webmaster) and Audrey Forgham (web editor) for their continued efforts in maintaining the website.
Local Studies Group
All the gravestones in the churchyard were listed by the WEA in 1998 but 16 years have gone by. The first part of a new project in summer 2013 was to list all the new memorial inscriptions that had been made on gravestones since 1998. This work was completed and an update can be seen on the website. Thanks go to Judy Cairns, Audrey Forgham, Ann Smith, Celia Terrey and Conrad Woolley for their help on this project.
Summer 2014 sees the second part of the project. The new transcriptions were listed randomly, and it is now time to list all the memorial transcriptions, old and new, in correct rows in the newer part of the churchyard. In time, a new plan will be made.
Another new project has just started. A group are finding out the history behind the names on the War Memorial. This is intended to be finished by 11 November 2014. If you have any information which you think may be of interest please speak to one of the local studies group, Cec Harrold, Judy Cairns, Audrey Forgham, Danny Moody or Ann Smith.
2014 Annual General Meeting - posted 13 March 2014
Worker's Educational Association
(WEA) Helmdon Branch
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Tuesday, 25 March 2014 at 8:00pm
Helmdon Reading Room
Agenda
- Chair's welcome
- Apologies for absence
- Minutes of AGM, 16 April 2013
- Matters arising from the minutes
- Secretary's report
- Treasurer's report
- Election of officers and auditor for 2014/15
- Courses for 2014/15
- Summer trip
- Suggestions for speaker at winter event
- Any other business
Nibbles and wine will be served after the formalities.
Anyone else who may be interested in adult education in Helmdon is very
welcome to attend this meeting. You will be able to meet local WEA members
and find out what is going on at your local WEA branch.
For more information contact Richard Farquharson
Please note: AGM will start promptly at 8:00pm.
The Reading Room will be open from 7:45pm.
Workers' Educational Association, registered charity number 1112775.
Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales number 2806910.
Registered office: 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW
Website: www.wea.org.uk
War Memorial Project Gets Underway - posted 12 March 2014
A group of local history enthusiasts is attempting to discover the history of the soldiers of the Great War on the Helmdon War Memorial.
As part of the World War I Centenary Commemorations it is a good time to remember those who died for our country and to record their courage and sacrifice.
The Local Studies group is led by Audrey Forgham and includes Cec Harrold, Judy Cairns, Celia Terrey, Ross Vicars, Ann Smith, Julie Godwin and Danny Moody. The aim is to finish the project by 11 November.
Some of the research has already been done (a few documents being in the historical resources section of [www.helmdon.com] but further information needs to be sought on the wider internet, and there may be further information in Northampton Record Office, the Northampton Library and possibly elsewhere.
If you think you may have any information about any of the men recorded on the War Memorial, or indeed anything Helmdon-related to do with World War I, we should be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Audrey Forgham.
War Memorial Project - posted 22 February 2014
A group is being formed to discover the history of the soldiers of the Great War on the Helmdon War Memorial. We aim to finish it by 11th November of this year and publish it on the website, perhaps in the form of an e-book. We feel that 100 years after the start of World War 1 is a good time to remember those who died for our country and to commemorate their courage and sacrifice.
If you would like to join us, please contact Audrey Forgham… and indeed, if you live in the village and have any information/photos to give us about your relative we should be delighted to hear from you.
Will Reference Mentioned By Elaine Rawlinson - posted 23 January 2014
[References to www.helmdon.com..]
Click History Resources on the front page left hand index/then click Documents/the click No.25.
Document No.25 is an article by David Bennett and gives a list of fourteen wills of the Bull and Stevens families of Helmdon and Abthorpe.
An Edward Shakespeare was a witness to the first will of 1558.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting On 16 April - posted 20 June 2013
The meeting opened at 8.00 pm
1. Chair's Welcome
Jan Harrold welcomed 22 members to the meeting, and in addition introduced Bridget Chapman, County Organiser and Marguerite Stephenson, Chair of WEA Northants County Forum and Representative for Northants on the East Midlands Regional Committee, who also attended as observers.
2. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Richard Farquharson, Joan Hadfield, Gerry Mico, Anne Samways and Mary Shears
3. Minutes of AGM, 01 May 2012
Copies of the minutes of the AGM of 1st May 2012 were given to all attendees. The minutes were not read out.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by Kate Moody and seconded by Alex Corrin.
4. Matters arising from the Minutes
No matters were raised.
5 Secretary's Report
As the Secretary, Richard Farquharson, was absent due to a family bereavement, his report was read out by the Chairman. It included:
- WEA Organisation details: Head Office in London, East Midland Region and Northamptonshire.
- Updated information on WEA courses and events and how to locate them on line.
- Review of 2012/13 Courses: The Autumn 2012 course on Egypt was cancelled after the third week as the tutor was unwilling to continue. The Spring 2013 course, by Elaine Rawlinson, about the Anglo-Saxons and Normans and the events which led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, was very much enjoyed.
- Review of other events: a planned trip to Bath had to be abandoned due to lack of support. At the winter dinner event Rosemary Jury gave a presentation on the History of Gardens. This was followed by a very enjoyable supper by candlelight as there was a partial village power cut.
- Information about Helmdon Website, with thanks to Audrey Forgham and Danny Moody for their efforts in maintaining it.
- Aspects of Helmdon. Thanks to Audrey Forgham who oversaw the production of the first six publications about Helmdon history. Suggestions for future articles and offers to get involved in the production of future editions should be made to any WEA committee member.
Jenny Saunders proposed that the Secretary's Report should be adopted and this was seconded by Alex Corrin; carried unanimously.
6. Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the Annual Accounts was handed to all attendees. The closing balance is £395.83.
Kate Moody proposed that the Report should be adopted, seconded by Peter Mackness; carried unanimously.
7. Election of Officers and Auditor for 2013/14
All committee members stood down. David Brookhouse proposed and was seconded by Ann Smith that all should be re-elected, with the addition of a new committee member, David Mico, and this was unanimously accepted.
Chair: Jan Harrold
Secretary: Richard Farquharson
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Cec Harrold, Judy Cairns, Margaret Reardon, Kate Moody, David Mico
Auditor: Members agreed that Marianne Pamment should be auditor again.
8. Future Courses
The following courses have been secured:
Autumn 2013 "Wining & Dining" by Judith Hodgkinson
Spring 2014 "Shakespeare's England" by Elaine Rawlinson
Autumn 2014 "Well Turned Out", costumes over the ages based on portraits, by Judith Hodgkinson
9. Summer Trip
Various locations were suggested for a coach trip on June15th 2013, but there was no enthusiasm amongst attendees for having a trip as there are several from other village organisations. David Brookhouse proposed that idea be abandoned, seconded by Judy Cairns, and this was carried unanimously.
10. Suggestions for Speaker at Winter Event
There were no suggestions made.
11. Any Other Business
Margaret Stephenson volunteered to tell attendees about activities in the WEA Northampton County Forum of which she is Chair and the Eastern Regional Committee on which she is a Representative. She said the Forum summer visits programme is very popular and 5 of the visits have already sold out. The visits enable WEA members to have entry to venues not normally open to the public. The Forum AGM will be on November 23rd.
The Eastern Regional Committee has a development fund to which branches can apply for financial help with equipment or projects three times a year. The next meeting would be on 22nd April and if members wanted anything raised they should approach Marguerite. Regional meetings look at staffing, finance and the direction in which the region should go.
At the end of the proceedings Judy Cairns was presented with a bouquet as thanks for her serving refreshments at meetings.
There being no more business the meeting closed at 9 pm.
Christmas Supper On Friday 30 November - posted 18 October 2012
We are pleased to announce that Helmdon Studies Group Christmas Supper will be held in the Reading Room on FRIDAY, 30 November 2012.
The doors will open at 6.45.pm.
Then, at 7:15pm our guest speaker will give a short illustrated talk entitled "The History of Gardens". Afterwards, supper will be served.
WEA members, partners and guests are welcome - cost per head is £10.00 (includes wine). Places are limited and are on a "first-come first-served" basis.
Some vegetarian food options will be available. However, please advise if there are any special dietary requirements.
It would be helpful if members could assist with the food and a list of requirements is listed below. If you feel able to supply an item, please contact Jan Harrold to avoid duplication. All expenses will be reimbursed.
Many thanks
Jan Harrold
Please print and return attached form, or a handwritten note, indicating:
Number of persons
Names
Any special dietary requirements
Amount enclosed (£10.00 per person)
Please submit no later than Friday 16 November with your money (cash or cheque payable to 'Helmdon Studies Group') to Richard Foster.
SUPPER
- Cold Meat Platter
- Salmon Pie for 15ish
- Salmon Pie for 15ish
- Salmon Pie for 15ish
- Quiche for 12
- Quiche for 12
- Veggie Quiche for 12
- Coronation Chicken
- Coronation Chicken
- New Potatoes
- Mixed Salad Platter
- Green Salad
- Cherry Tomatoes
- 6 French Sticks & Butter
- Selection of Cheese
DESSERT
- Pavlova
- Pavlova
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Sherry Trifle
- Cheesecake
- Roulade
- Apple Pie
- Lemon Mousse or similar
- Pudding of Choice
Minutes Of The 2012 AGM Held O1 May 2012- posted 30 May 2012
The meeting opened at: 7:58pm
1. Chair's welcome
Jan Harrold welcomed 21 members to the meeting. Jan extended a welcome on behalf of the branch to Bridget Chapman, WEA Northamptonshire Tutor Organiser.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from: Carol Brookhouse, Peter Mackness, Carol & Roger Lewry, Ann Smith, Jean Spendlove, Marguerite Stephenson.
3. Minutes of AGM, 05 April 2011
Copies of the minutes of the AGM 05 April 2011 were given to all attendees. The minutes were not read out.
Acceptance of the minutes was proposed by David Brookhouse and seconded by Kate Moody.
4. Matters arising from the minutes
Jenny Saunders commented that those who did not attend Andrew Mikolajski's gardening course "missed a treat". A view echoed by others.
No other matters were raised.
5. Secretary's report
The Secretary's report was given by Richard Farquharson. Copies were handed to all attendees. The report included:
Updated information sources for WEA courses and events.
Review of 2011/12 courses: 'Houses in the Landscape' and 'Famous Gardens and Gardeners'.
Review of events and visits: Trip to Greenwich; winter event with speaker Judith Hodgkinson.
Updated information about the village website 'helmdon.com' and the printed series 'Aspects of Helmdon'.
Audrey Forgham advised that articles from latest editions of 'Aspects of Helmdon' are now available on the website.
Adoption of the Secretary's Report was proposed by Jenny Saunders and seconded by Alex Corrin.
6. Treasurer's report
The Treasurer's financial report was given by Richard Foster. A copy of the Annual Accounts was handed to all attendees.
Richard Foster commented that the Regional Office take 95% of course fees then refund accommodation costs. Closing balance is £422, slightly down from previous year's closing balance of £486.
On the reverse of the printed financial summary, Richard Foster listed course attendance since autumn 2008. This shows how numbers have fallen. Richard commented that whilst £5 per person per session might not be expensive compare to other activities, having fees over the psychological £50 (£100 per couple) may influence the decision not to attend.
In response, Bridget Chapman suggested that we pass our concerns to Marguerite Stephenson, county representative on the Regional Forum Committee. Bridget also stated that fees are set to rise further toward being half of the actual cost.
Bridget Chapman advised that the WEA now offers online pre-booking of course places. This is flexible and works in conjunction with normal branch operations. Furthermore, anyone booking online only has to enter personal data once. We do need to attract more learners from outside Helmdon. Online booking might help.
Adoption of the Treasurer's Report was proposed by Kate Moody and seconded by Gill Watson.
7. Election of officers and auditor for 2012/13
All committee members stood down.
Jan requested an additional committee member to act as course publicist. There were no volunteers.
David Brookhouse asked if previous committee were willing to stand again. This was confirmed. No-one else wished to join the committee. As proposed by David Brookhouse and seconded by Audrey Forgham, the committee for 2012/2013 will be:
Chair: Jan Harrold
Secretary: Richard Farquharson
Treasurer: Richard Foster
Committee: Judy Cairns, Cec Harrold, Margaret Reardon and Kate Moody
Auditor: Members agreed that Marianne Pamment should be auditor again.
8. Courses for 2012/13
For autumn 2012 we have Mark Anderson's course 'The Gift of the Nile: An introduction to ancient Egypt'. Mark is an archaeologist who has worked extensively in UK and Africa. He has just moved to Oxfordshire and is teaching a different course at Farthinghoe.
Posters were handed to all attendees. It was requested that members display posters wherever they may attract new learners. Secretary to forward posters to other branches.
In response to a question by Alex Corrin, Bridget Chapman confirmed that we do have access to tutors from adjoining counties.
For autumn 2013 we have booked Judith Hodgkinson's course 'Wining and Dining'. Bridget gave a brief description of the course, having previously attended it.
Nothing is currently booked for spring 2013 but a new tutor is being hired. Details of new courses were handed out. Attendees were asked to vote for none, one or both courses, whichever they felt they might attend. By a show of hands: 12 votes received for 'So what did Shakespeare do for us'; 14 votes received for 'What really happened in 1066'.
We will await confirmation that tutor is hired and then Secretary will place course request.
9. Summer trip
Jan Harrold asked if attendees wished to have a trip this year, in consideration of the many Jubilee events. Val Eyre and others indicated a definite yes.
Jan gave details of possible trips to Kings Lynn or Bath. Alex Corrin suggested Peterborough, but many from Helmdon had recently been to Peterborough with other organisations.
Several dates were discussed and 16 June 2012 was chosen.
Attendees were asked to vote for none, one or both trips, whichever they felt they might attend. By a show of hands: 9 votes received for Kings Lynn; 10 votes received for Bath.
10. Suggestions for winter event
Jan Harrold requested that any ideas for a speaker be forwarded to her, after the meeting. A date of Friday 30 November 2012 was agreed.
11. Any other business
Richard Farquharson asked that Audrey Forgham summarise the Helmdon Snapshot project. 150 photographs appear in the final book and a selection will be shown as a video projection at close of this meeting.
Val Eyre thanked all of the committee for their continued efforts in running this WEA branch throughout the past year.
Helmdon WEA wish to record a very grateful note of thanks for Judy Butler's cheerful, regular assistance at our Christmas suppers which always ensured the functions ran smoothly.
The meeting closed at 8:56pm.
Annual General Meeting 2012 - posted 16 April 2012
To: WEA Helmdon Branch Members and those interested in adult education in Helmdon
You are invited to attend our AGM on May 1st in the Reading Room at 8 pm (doors open 7.45 pm) to be involved with, or to learn more about, adult education in Helmdon.
At item 7 of the agenda we will be looking to find a committee member to act as Course Publicist.
This will primarily involve promotion of our courses (two per year), via local media, to residents in Helmdon or within a reasonable travelling distance.
If you are interested in this position but unable to attend the AGM then please contact me (or other committee member) before 01 May.
Richard Farquharson
Secretary, WEA Helmdon Branch
Douglas Hadfield tallks to Judith Hodgkinson
Privies And Water Closets At The Christmas Supper - posted 05 December 2011
You cannot say that the WEA is not all encompassing in its choice of subjects since for their WEA Christmas supper, the subject of the fascinating talk was "Are You Sitting Comfortably?(A Short History of Privies and Water Closets).
Judith Hodgkinson, no stranger to the branch, traced, with a light touch befitting the occasion, the history of the loo, latrine, privie, toilet, urinal, lavatory, water closet – among the many names for this most necessary function, mentioning, for instance, the close stools of the middle ages, Georgian 'potties' in sideboards, the outhouse latrines, and indeed evolvement right up to the beginning of modern flush sanitation. What was not a happy fact for us in this day and age is to know is that at first the act was a public one, a social occasion, and it was only comparatively recently it was the custom to go to the lavatory in private. Of particular interest were the references Judith made to the early primitive arrangements at Northamptonshire locations, such as Kelmarsh Hall and neaby Canons Ashby
Audrey Forgham
After the talk, the usual WEA good supper followed, and with food and wine flowing, a good time was had by all.
Christmas Supper plus Guest Speaker - posted 07 November 2011
We are pleased to announce that Helmdon Studies Group Christmas Supper will be held in the Reading Room on FRIDAY, 02 December 2011. The doors will open at 6.45pm. Then, at 7:15pm our guest speaker Judith Hodgkinson will give a talk entitled "Are you sitting comfortably?"A short history of Privies and Water Closets). Afterwards, supper will be served.
WEA members, partners and guests are welcome - cost per head is £7.50. Places are limited and are on a "first-come first-served" basis.
Some vegetarian food options will be available. However, please advise if there are any special dietary requirements.
It would be helpful if members could assist with the food and a list of requirements is on the reverse. If you feel able to supply an item, please contact Jan Harrold to avoid duplication. All expenses will be reimbursed.
Many thanks
Jan Harrold
Summer Trip To Greenwich Announced - posted 8 April 2011
To: WEA Helmdon Branch Members
We are pleased to announce that the WEA / Studies Group summer trip will be on Saturday 11 June 2011 - please note this date in your diary!!
Greenwhich was chosen at the AGM, and Jeff's Coaches have advised that they will drop us off where only a short level walk is required.
After spending 1½ hours at the observatory we will be picked up and taken to Greenwich village from where you can visit the National Maritime Museum, Old Naval College, the Saturday market, shops, etc. This whole area has recently been designated a World Heritage Site.
More details to follow in due course.
