Swan Bank Methodist Church Hall

Saturday 13^th October 2007

The meeting opened at 2.00 pm with approx 40 members present. The Chairman welcomed everyone.

Apologies for absence: Peter Smith, Nick Redman, Rosemary Dorling, Betty Lowe, Alan Leigh, Barbara & Robin Phillips, Dr Oenone Wollaston, Richard Grieve, Reg Cheadle, Freddie Holmes, Elaine Sutton, Arnold Webb. Carol reported that Ruth was sorry she could not be with us, but sent her best wishes.

The 2006 AGM minutes were approved by John Davies and seconded by Alastair Gilchrist.

Chairman’s report: 1) Thank you to the committee members for their work and support over the past year. 2) Martin Laux is to be congratulated for the successful organisation of the Barlaston Study Weekend last October on the top “Love, Adultery & Manipulation: the essence of AB’s three novels Leonora, Whom God Hath Joined, and Helen With the High Hand. Also thank you to those who gave papers and led discussion groups. 3) A few days later on 18^th October, Katey Goodwin (Collections Officer) at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery gave a talk on Local Heroes Bennett, Havergal Brian and Stanley Matthews. During refreshments those present were able to get a close-up look – and feel 0 of some of the associated archive material. 4) The Society’s now Annual Christmas Show was “The Countess of Chell’s Christmas Celebration” at Ceramica. A cast of enthusiastic thespians brought new, and unexpected, life to Bennett’s short story “Vera’s First Christmas Adventurer”. After the supper interval the Lorna Spode Consort entertained us. 5) At this point, Elizabeth Leslie gave a report on the travelling players (members of the committee) who have spread the word on AB to various WI groups, she said they had a few bookings now into next year, including the National Women’s Register in the Westlands. 6) In February this year, Richard Talbot gave an illustrated talk on Mary Craik of John Halifax, Gentleman fame, looking in particular at her local Newcastle roots. Unfortunately these roots were somewhat obliterated by an ill timed blanked of snow, keeping attendance figures low. Those who braved the weather, however, enjoyed a thoughtfully presented lecture. 7) On the afternoon of this year’s Annual dinner in early April there was a film showing at the Film Theatre of footage connected with Bennett and Peter Cheeseman’s time as Director of the Victoria Theatre. The Annual Dinner itself moved to Haydon House Hotel, consequent upon the closure of The George Hotel. Numbers had to be restricted to 100 and to accommodate everyone we had to make use of an attached conservatory area for the meal itself. We then regrouped in the main Function Room to hear a most entertaining and beautifully crafted speech from A N Wilson. John expressed his personal gratitude to Andrew for giving of his time without wanting any fee or expenses, and for being such an agreeable guest. Thanks also to the Hotel staff who went out of their way to meet our requirements, and to Committee members for their invaluable help. (The unveiling of a planned Bennett statue took place prior to the dinner. This is an initiative organised by our Vice-President, Ray Johnson, to be completed by 2008). 8) The Annual Conference, “The Great War: Bennett and his Contemporaries”, took place at Staffordshire University on 9^th June. This has been fully reported by Martin in the latest Newsletter. It was again a hugely successful and enjoyable day. His only concern relates to the relatively low take-up of places by Society members. We also gained some new Society members, including our Keynote Speaker, Professor Paul Edwards, and the founder of The Big Issue, John Bird (John subsequently made the Conference a main feature in The Big Issue.) Our thanks to Ray Johnson and Staffordshire University for they’re organisational and financial support, the use of the Film Theatre and for catering facilities. 9) Also in June the Society organised a visit to The Dudson Museum where Alison Morgan gave an informative talk. Our thanks to Elizabeth Leslie who organised the evening and gave a lively introduction to our speaker. 10) I am particularly pleased to report the publication of two new Bennett titles during the year, both with full Critical Introductions. These were The Price of Love in November 2006 and this week A Man From The North. My personal thanks to Bruce Richardson, my publisher, who has been a model of gentlemanly co-operation. 11) The Society went into hibernation for the summer as far as public events were concerned. Beneath the surface, however, plans were afoot, of which more later.

Treasurer’s report: Unfortunately Kevin Burke, our Treasurer was unable to attend the AGM due to a prior engagements, but Carol Gorton, our Secretary, reported on his behalf. A copy of the audited accounts was passed to each attendant and it was explained that due to increased income from various events and an increase in membership, the surplus at end of year was £1,273.89. A member asked what was the £585.78 Creditors amount. It was explained that this was the total amount of cheque yet to be presented to the bank.

Membership Secretary’s report: Martin Laux circulated a report showing historical membership figures, and the geographical membership distribution. He reported that we had 15 new members in the last year and 14 so far this year. He would expect the total membership to be an optimum of 200.

Editor’s report: Alan Pedley reported that he was proud to be here and that the newsletter was now in it’s 75^th edition. He asked for volunteers to do an update on the index. He is hoping to exploit the anniversary of OWT next year with contributions from the membership, and any artists who wish to put forward a drawing for the front cover would be most appreciated. He received a nice letter from James Hepburn re the continued excellent content in the News Letters; Anne Marie Poole seconded this at the meeting. All suggestions and contributions would be most welcome. John thanked Alan for all his hard work over the year.

Archivist’s report: Linda Shapcott reported that she is still sending out DVD’s and she thanked Malcolm McMinn for all his work in producing copies of Anna and Constance and Sophia for distribution to members. Mr Peter Birt offered us copies of all 26 episodes of Clayhanger, but at £400 per episode, she declined his offer. Meantime, Mr Tim Brearley a GMTV commissioning editor was able to make use of his contacts and has contributed a master copy of all 26 episodes on DVD’s. When copies of the original masters are available, Carol will email the database.

Programme for 2007/2008

This weekend, 13/14^th October, Barlaston Seminar with the title “Leisure & Entertainment” the discussion will be The Card, The Regent and The Price of Love. 5^th December the Christmas Show at The Leopard. 23^rd February a talk at Friend’s Meeting House, Newcastle, entitled “Elizabeth Gaskell: a Woman Novelist from the North”. Annual Dinner on Saturday 5^th April at Haydon House Hotel, with guest speaker Deborah Moggach, with the unveiling of the restored plaque at Bennett’s birth place in Hope Street now a Brighter Futures Hotel. Ray Johnson pointed out that AB had in fact been inside the bottle oven at the Dudson Centre in Hope Street. Tim Brearley is proceeding with plans to erect a plaque at Villa Nefliers next spring. There is a possibility of two dramatic explorations of OWT next year by the Yellow Dog Theatre. Next year’s Annual Conference - due to the withdrawal of funding we have moved to the Forum Theatre, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. This will take place on Saturday 7^th June and it is hoped to be able to offer a full day, including lunch for £25. Peter Preston will give the Keynote Address, along with various other contributors including Tim Brearley. Margaret Drabble has already expressed a wish to participate. It is hoped to be able to plan an optional dinner in the heart of OWT territory at The Leopard.

Election of Officers and Committee: The current Committee stood for re election as follows: Chairman – John Shapcott; Vice-Chair – Maire Messenger-Davies; Treasurer – Kevin Burke; Secretary – Carol Gorton; Editor – Alan Pedley; Membership Secretary – Martin Laux; Social Secretary – Elaine Sutton; Archivist – Linda Shapcott; other members – Margaret Beard; Jean McMinn; Peter Smith; Elizabeth Leslie; Karen Burgess; and Morag Jones. All nominations were proposed en bloc by Graham Gorton and seconded by Norman Hutchinson. It was also pointed out that if anyone wished to be “co-opted” onto the committee they would be most welcome.

Any other business: Ray Johnson addresses the meeting re the withdrawal of support from Staffordshire University for the Annual Conference. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that Ray would consult within the Faculty with the intention of obtaining some money towards the expenses of the Conference. If he is successful, we will include the University’s Logo and the words “with the support of Staffordshire University” on all publicity. Mary Beardmore reported that on 11^th November on the Antiques Road Show there would be a mention of Frank Beardmore.

There being no further business, John thanked everyone for their attendance and called the meeting to a close at 3.30 p m.