Present:
Natalie Adzic
Al Broom (FoB Committee)
Rachel Chapman (FoB Committee)
Chris Cooke (FoB Committee)
Joanne Deponio (FoB Committee)
Paul Foxcroft
Steve Fryatt
Matt Gray (EUTC President)
Angela Hughes
David Isley
Richard Lace (FoB Committee)
Richard Shelton
Bex Stackhouse
Graeme Timms (FoB Committee)
Liz "Cafe"
Quorate
It was noted that the provision of clause 4.8 of the Constitution had been fulfilled, and that the meeting was quorate.
Minutes approved
The minutes of the previous AGM, held on 24th Aug 2003, were approved.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
FoB Chairman's report
- AB welcomed the Friends of Bedlam to the Annual General Meeting and thanked everyone for their efforts throughout the year
- There are 170 people signed up to the website, and the archive continues to grow, with 304 shows showing details (ie more than just title and author) with 3,200 unique names attached to the shows.
- Grants - Various grants had been given to EUTC in the past year including: contribution to a scaffolding crucifix used in the Mystery Plays; contribution to production workshops entitled "Theatre Without Actors". It was noted that FoB also needs a war-chest of sorts in case the building issue suddenly comes to a head.
- Newsletter - The May newsletter was posted out to members, with some extra copies left over possibly for alumni mailing. Some were left in the Bedlam during the Fringe for any bedlamites passing by.
- London Gathering - May 8th 2004 went well. Smaller attendance than last year. Look to improve the attendance (see discussion later)
- Generally, it's been a year of good steady growth
FoB Treasurers Report
- Summary of finances - procedures
- Steady income of approx. £150 per month with influx around May with renewals.
- Dev & Alumni account balance approx. £3000
EUTC President's Report
- Save the Bedlam - it's all gone quiet. Graham Boyack (EUSA permanent secretary) delegated dealing with EUTC about the building to his assistant Alison. EUTC will be meeting Alison in the new semester to find out any movements on the University or Esk positions.
- As Esk properties appear to be trying to sell the buildings behind the theatre, it was discussed whether it would be worth FoB making contact with Esk to try and get information about the situation. It was agreed that FoB should not speak direct to Esk properties as it may upset the relationship between EUTC & EUSA.
- There was some discussion regarding the current physical state of the building. It was suggested FoB could fund a building survey if requested by EUTC.
- FoB Grants - There was discussion on what sort of projects that FoB should be funding. The guidance wording of the FoB Grant Application was altered to say: "FoB will only fund official EUTC projects that have been approved by the EUTC committee. In most cases, FoB will only fund future projects - ie projects that are yet to happen".
Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that grants had to have a long term benefit to the company as a whole. They were not to supplement ordinary shows or where money was available through other means (eg. EUSA, sponsorship, EUTC). Funding should be agreed in advance, not retrospect. Two deadlines for applications were set, 30 September 2004 & 31 March 2005.
Election of new committee members
- As the number of people attending the AGM was small and quarate, the meeting agreed to suspend section 5.2 of the constitution - relating to using single transferable voting for the election of committee members.
- Rachel Chapman (FoB Secretary) resigned from her position within the committee. AB, and the assembled ranks, thanked her for all her dedicated work in getting FoB where it is today.
- Richard Shelton was proposed and elected to the committee.
- Al Broom, Chris Cooke and Chris Fleming stood down from their positions as had been agreed at the initial constitution meeting. All were re-elected to the committee. As per section 5.4 of the constitution, they will serve for a maximum of two years.
- It was noted that the following committee members will be standing down at the AGM next year - Graeme Timms, Joanne Deponio, Chris Hoban & Richard Lace.
AOCB
- With Richard Shelton being elected to the committee, there was discussion regarding the London weighting - ie five members of the FoB committee will be based near London and three in Edinburgh. This ought to help recruitment as many Bedlamites are based in London. More regular meetings of the London committee members was agreed, the first to be held at the beginning of October to coincide with the closing date for grant applications. The FoB website will give advance notice of London and Edinburgh committee meetings so anyone can join in.
- The Edinburgh FoB committee will mainly handle Dev & Alumni relations, EUTC relations and the website.
- The London FoB committee will mainly handle the publishing of the newsletter, and the organisation of the May party.
- London May 2005 Party - the London FoB committee will aim to co-opt key well-connected Bedlamites in the London area to boost attendance of the May party and recruitment in general. It was discussed using the party as forum to present annual report on EUTC activities. As EUTC moved into Bedlam in 1980, there is the possibility of incorporating a report on the last 25 years.
- Steve Fryatt suggested more regular updates. It was agreed the best format for this was regular (monthly) e-mail bulletins and updating the website. Joanne Deponio agreed to be main contact for gathering information for monthly e-mails.