ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
AGM for the year ending 30th June 2025
The AGM took place as planned on Tuesday 14th October 2025 and was very well attended; the required quorum of 20% of the membership was comfortably exceeded and so voting could take place.
The Report of the Chair (Brian Britton) included thanks to the Committee and is reproduced in full below. The Treasurer, Jill Smith, gave an upbeat report for the year. The Society's financial situation is good. Income is still covering expenditure and reserves are largely unchanged but Jill warned of rising costs in most areas and a decline in income from membership subscriptions. The main area for concern is the rising cost of demonstrations and talks at the monthly meetings. These are, however, recognised as a valued and important part of the Society's activities. No immediate action is necessary but these costs in particular will be kept under regular review.
The Financial Accounts for the year ending 30th June 2025 were approved. Three new Committee members (Rosemary Bray, Michelle Mason and Alastair Gilmour) were introduced to, and approved by, those present. One Committee member (Diana Joyce) has retired since the last AGM. The remaining Committee members have all agreed to remain in their roles. This brings the Committee back up to full strength.
The AGM concluded at approximately 2.30pm.
A Sale of Art Materials owned by a D-Day Veteran
Jane Billington said some very moving words about her long-time friend Cecil Newton [Note 2]. Cecil was an incredible man with an incredible story!
The sale, and the voting for the Oscart, took place during the break for refreshments.
Some photographs taken during the afternoon follow:
Jane Billington said some very moving words about her long-time friend Cecil Newton [Note 2]. Cecil was an incredible man with an incredible story!
The sale, and the voting for the Oscart, took place during the break for refreshments.
Some photographs taken during the afternoon follow:
Presentation of Awards
The winner of the Patron's Award 2025 (chosen by Lord Faringdon at the Annual Exhibition Private View in August) was Brian Britton with his print "Evening Farm". See Exhibition 2025
Visitors to the Annual Exhibition in the four public opening days (Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August) were asked to vote for their favourite work on display. Many found this difficult and said it was difficult to choose just one favourite picture and wanted to vote for three - as first, second and third choice.
However, the winner of the "Exhibition Favourite 2025" award was very clear - it was Rosemary Bray with her picture entitled "Kelmscott Manor". Rosemary was presented with a "mini Oscart Trophy" in silver by Chair, Brian Britton. Rosemary was also the artist who received the highest number of votes from the public during the exhibition so wins on both counts!
There were two "firsts" for the Oscart competition this year - a record high of 21 entries and two winners. Votes cast by the large number of members present at the AGM were close but there was a tie for first place between Robert Marchant and Brian Britton. Brian, who presented the Oscart Trophy to Bob, commented "We will share the Trophy with six months each". See Oscart
The winner of the Patron's Award 2025 (chosen by Lord Faringdon at the Annual Exhibition Private View in August) was Brian Britton with his print "Evening Farm". See Exhibition 2025
Visitors to the Annual Exhibition in the four public opening days (Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August) were asked to vote for their favourite work on display. Many found this difficult and said it was difficult to choose just one favourite picture and wanted to vote for three - as first, second and third choice.
However, the winner of the "Exhibition Favourite 2025" award was very clear - it was Rosemary Bray with her picture entitled "Kelmscott Manor". Rosemary was presented with a "mini Oscart Trophy" in silver by Chair, Brian Britton. Rosemary was also the artist who received the highest number of votes from the public during the exhibition so wins on both counts!
There were two "firsts" for the Oscart competition this year - a record high of 21 entries and two winners. Votes cast by the large number of members present at the AGM were close but there was a tie for first place between Robert Marchant and Brian Britton. Brian, who presented the Oscart Trophy to Bob, commented "We will share the Trophy with six months each". See Oscart
After the presentations, Zoe organised a quiz which could be done individually or in a group. There were pictures of works by (reasonably) well-known artists with a choice of four names for the artist (one was John Sirrelle). It was not easy but there was a winner (with 7/10 correct) after about 15 minutes.
The afternoon meeting closed at around 3.30pm.
Some photographs of the Oscart entries follow:
The afternoon meeting closed at around 3.30pm.
Some photographs of the Oscart entries follow:
Chairperson’s Report to the AGM
Tuesday 14th October 2025, 2.00pm - 2.30pm
Welcome everyone to the Chairperson’s report for the Lechlade Art Society’s Annual General Meeting. This annual report covers the period October 2024 to October 2025. It is a combination of my report as Chairman and, in her absence, the report of our Honorary Secretary Melanie Poole.
As you will know this is my third year as Chairperson of the Society and, as in previous years, the Society continues to thrive through delegation. I know that it would be impossible for me to work independently of the Committee which I have come to rely on. Each member of the Committee has delegated responsibilities which they carry out with due diligence and I am extremely grateful for their continued support. In addition, members of the Society continue to help when asked and it would be remiss of me not to recognise their contribution. This has resulted in both Committee and members being asked, sometimes at short notice, to take on tasks and responsibilities for the sake of the Society. I am delighted to say that members who have been asked to help have done so without reservation and consequently I feel that the Society has moved forward with new initiatives, a comprehensive programme of demonstrations and activities, and social engagements that have helped consolidate one of our aims of being a forward-looking and inclusive organisation.
A full programme for the 2025-2026 season has once again been compiled by our Honorary Secretary Melanie Poole and I would like to thank her for the hours of hard work that she has put into recruiting our demonstrators not only for the forthcoming season but also this current year. If you have not received your 2025-6 membership card please ask Zoe for your copy. I know that many of you are members of other art organisations and often attend demonstrations elsewhere. If you see a demonstration that you consider excellent, please pass on the relevant details to any member of the Committee as we are always looking for new demonstrators for our sessions.
Workshops that have followed demonstrations or are “stand alone” sessions have been very successful and I would like to thank all members of the Society who have supported these and especially Gill Cox who continues to run this hugely important aspect of the Society. Please remember that attendance at the workshops will always be offered to Society members first but often there are still some spaces available. If you have a friend who might like to come along but who is not a member, please ask them and then get in touch with Gill to reserve a place for them. Visitors who attend our workshops help to ensure that members are not disappointed when a workshop is cancelled due to lack of numbers. For this reason, friends of members and visitors do not pay a higher rate for their attendance at a workshop.
This year Diana Joyce has resigned from both the Committee and the Society. I would like to put on record my thanks to her for the support she and her husband Wilf have given to the Society over the years and especially at the Annual Exhibition where they have both given sterling service at Front of House.
The Thursday Group continues to flourish, and new members are able to join and enjoy the comradeship and artistic support that these sessions offer. Thursday Group is jointly organised by Zoe Hing and Bob Marchant who manage the weekly arrangements and are assisted by other members. My thanks to all those involved with this very important aspect of the Society.
We have also had a very pleasing visit to Nature in Art, Gloucestershire. The venue holds an extensive collection of art, craft, and design that draws on all things Natural. Members spent an hour or so viewing this collection. This was followed by an opportunity to draw and paint from a still life in their purpose-built studio. It is hoped that this successful visit will be repeated next year.
I am pleased to say that Committee members and others continue to provide opportunities for members to develop further their drawing and painting skills. We have had our annual Buscot [Painting] Day; our thanks to Lord Faringdon as always for his continued support. In addition, I hope to run another life-drawing workshop for both experienced practitioners and for those who would like to have-a-go at this most traditional of art pursuits.
Zoe has again arranged a pop-up mini-exhibition and sales opportunity here in the Pavilion for Saturday 6th December. I have been told that there are a few places still available so if you would like to take part please see Zoe today.
As usual, members have been invited to submit a single piece of work for the Oscart competition and those entries, complete with a suitable stand, should now be on display. If you have still to vote, please do so during the break for refreshments. Voting slips and pencils are by the signing-in register. The entry with the most votes will win the prize of the Oscart Trophy to be held for a year.
I am pleased to announce that the Annual Exhibition went very well again this year and that the Private View was well attended. All members of the Society and their guests are welcome at this artistic and social event; not just the exhibitors. The Annual Exhibition is held in very high regard by the community and I would urge all members to submit work to this flagship event on the Lechlade calendar next year. If you have any questions regarding exhibiting, please ask me as exhibition co-ordinator or any member of the Committee who will be only too willing to help you.
The winner of the Patron’s Award at this year’s Exhibition, chosen by Lord Faringdon, was ME! In keeping with a recent Committee decision, the £50 cash prize will not be part of this award going forward. The winning image will continue to be featured on the poster advertising next year’s Annual Exhibition.
In line with the rules of the Society’s Constitution, the Committee come up for re-election this year. I have been advised by the current Committee that they would all like to be considered for re-election. All members were invited to submit nominations for election to the Committee in writing to our Honorary Secretary Melanie Poole prior to the AGM starting. We have had a nomination to take Diana’s place on the Committee. Michelle Mason is a very active member and is willing to stand. At the end of my report there will be an official proposal and seconder for Michelle's acceptance to the Committee.
Last year I asked the membership for their support in allowing the Committee to revise the Constitution and implement changes to the running of the Society. This we have done and I feel that the revisions make the Society’s Constitution more relevant than ever and a sound basis for the values which the Society holds. Rather than give a detailed report on the changes, I would ask all members to view the revised Constitution and make any observations to any Committee member. You will find further details on our website: www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk. My thanks to Martyn for his excellent work in maintaining and updating our website. The website should be the initial “go to“ place for all current details of the Society's activities and is also a wonderful archive of past events.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all members of the Committee for their tireless dedication and hard work for the Society and for the support that individuals have given during the year.
Brian Britton, Chairperson, October 2025
The following is for reference only as the AGM has now taken place.
Notice of Annual General Meeting for the year ending 30th June 2025
The Annual General Meeting of Lechlade Art Society for the year ending 30th June 2025 will take place in the Pavilion, Oak Street, Lechlade GL7 3AY on Tuesday 14th October 2025 at 2.00pm prompt. Any member wishing to stand for the Committee should secure a nominee and then both names should be forwarded to the Secretary as soon as possible. Any member who would like to submit a question at the AGM should preferably send it to the email address below before the AGM. However, short questions can also be accepted on the day.
Contact email address: [email protected]
For the attention of the Chair, Brian Britton
The Society needs members to come to this short AGM to do their bit - give the Committee your ideas and feedback and vote on a few things. Last year the attendance at the AGM was disappointing and a quorum [Note 1] was not reached. There was no voting on important matters which keep the Society running smoothly. Please come along this year. The AGM will be short and the reports of the Chair (Brian Britton) and Treasurer (Jill Smith) are always very interesting.
AGM Agenda
- Members present
- Apologies for absence
- Minutes of the last AGM read and approved
- Matters arising
- Chairperson's report (Brian Britton)
- Treasurer's report (Jill Smith)
- Questions received from members
- Voting for the Committee Members
- Any other business
- AGM closes
Note 1 The Constitution of the Society states under AGM & EGM "4.4 The required number of members to be quorate at an AGM and EGM will be twenty per cent of the current membership plus five Committee members including a minimum of two Officers".
Note 2 Cecil Newton received the Legion D'Honneur Medal (France's highest award of merit) from President Macron at the D-Day ceremony in Normandy last year to commemorate 80 years and to unveil the new memorial. It was widely covered by the media and Cecil was interviewed on BBC TV. Pupils from the school named after him were there to meet him at the ceremony. Cecil's funeral in Aldbourne earlier this year was held with full military honours and featured videos made by the children and teachers from the school in Normandy.
AGM for the year ending 30th June 2024
The meeting took place as planned on Tuesday 8th October 2024 and was poorly attended. The required quorum of 20% of the membership was not achieved and so there was no voting on any agenda item. The Report of the Chair (Brian Britton) is reproduced below. The Treasurer, Jill Smith, gave an upbeat report for the year. The Society's financial situation is good; income is covering all expenditure and reserves are slightly higher than last year.
The existing Committee have all agreed to continue in their roles except for Sue, who has retired, and Diana who is taking temporary absence due to ill health. The Committee have invited Rosemary to join them and help with the workload. She has agreed and her appointment, as well as that of the other members of the Committee, will be ratified by the membership at a later date.
The AGM concluded at approximately 2.20pm.
Presentation of Awards
The winner of the Patron's Award 2024 (chosen by Lord and Lady Faringdon at the Annual Exhibition Preview evening in August) was John Sirrelle with his picture of the face of a lion entitled "Pride" in Acrylic and Coloured Pencil. John, who was not at the Preview evening, was presented with the Award and a cheque for £50 by Brian Britton, Chair. Congratulations to John! See the photographs: Exhibition 2024
Visitors to the Annual Exhibition in the four public opening days (24 to 27 August) were asked to vote for their favourite picture on display. Many "complained" that it was impossible to choose just one favourite picture and wanted to vote for three - as first, second and third choice. Some even did this (with accompanying comments) anyway even though the voting slip only had space for one favourite picture!
The winner of what became known as "Exhibition Favourite 2024" was very clear - it was Roger Jones. Roger was presented with a "mini Oscart Trophy" in silver, rather than gold, by Chair, Brian Britton. Roger was delighted. See the photographs: Exhibition 2024
After the break for refreshments, a 60 minute DVD was shown on the subject of Pastels Techniques; the artist was Brian Watkins. It was very well received.
The winner of the Oscart Award 2024 for the second year running is Ann March. Brian Britton, Chair of the Society, presented Ann with the Trophy and a cheque for £50 at the close of the meeting. See the photographs: Oscart Award
Chairperson’s Report to the AGM
8th October 2024, 2.00 pm – 2.30 pm
8th October 2024, 2.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Welcome everyone to the Chairperson’s report for the Lechlade Art Society’s Annual General Meeting for the year July 2023 to June 2024.
As you will know, this is my second year as Chairperson of the Society and I would like to say at the onset that I am aware that I have delegated a lot of work to other members of the Committee and to members due to personal circumstances this year. This has resulted in both Committee and members being asked, sometimes at short notice, to take on tasks and responsibilities for the sake of the Society. I am delighted to say that members who have been asked to help have done so without reservation and consequently I feel that the Society has moved forward with new initiatives, a comprehensive programme of demonstrations and activities, and social engagements that has helped consolidate one of our aims of being a forward-looking and inclusive organisation.
Although it seems like a distant bad dream now, I know that some members are still concerned that Covid is still with us and have made the decision that attendance at the Tuesday demonstrations and the Thursday gatherings are, sadly, best avoided. Despite that, I can say that attendance at both these mainstays of the Society has been good during the year with some excellent demonstrations which have been both hugely informative and delivered with comprehensive dialogue and humour; they have been well worth attending.
A full programme for the 2024-2025 season has been once again compiled by our Secretary Melanie Poole and I would like to thank her for the hours of hard work that she has put into recruiting our demonstrators not only for the forthcoming season but also for the past year.
I know that many of you are members of other art organisations and often attend demonstrations elsewhere. If you see a demonstration that you consider excellent, please pass on the relevant details to any member of the Committee as we are always looking for new demonstrators for our sessions.
Workshops that have followed demonstrations, or are “stand alone” sessions, have been very successful. I would like to thank all members of the Society who have supported these workshops and especially Gill Cox who has taken on this hugely important aspect of the Society. Please remember that attendance at the demonstrations will always be offered to Society members first but often there are spaces still available so if you have a friend who might like to come along, but who is not a Society member, please ask them and then get in touch with Gill to reserve a place for them.
During this year Sue Moir has decided that, due to ill health, she needed to hand over the running of the Thursday Group sessions. This task has been jointly undertaken by Zoe Hing and Bob Marchant who have jointly managed the weekly arrangements and have been assisted by other members. My thanks to all those involved with this very important aspect of the Society, and I wish to acknowledge Sue’s unstinting support for the Society over many years.
I am pleased to say that Committee members and others continue to provide opportunities for members to develop further their drawing and painting skills. Roger Jones has been instrumental in this. We have had our annual plein air Buscot Day and our thanks go to Lord Faringdon as always for his continued support. In addition, I have revised the life-drawing workshop for both experienced practitioners and for those who would like to have a go at this most traditional of art pursuits.
As usual, members have been invited to submit a single piece of work for the Oscart competition and those entries, complete with a suitable stand, should now be on display. If you have still to vote, please do so during the tea break. Voting slips and pencils are by the signing in register. Votes will be counted during the screening of the DVD and the winner announced at the end of today’s proceedings. The entry with the most votes will win the prize of the Oscart Trophy, to be held for a year, and a cash prize of £50.
I am pleased to announce that the Annual Art Exhibition went very well again this year. The Private View was well attended although it was a little disappointing that a number of non-exhibiting members did not attend. All Society members and their guests are welcome at this artistic and social event. The Exhibition is held in very high regard by the community and I would urge all members to submit [work] to this flagship event on the Lechlade calendar next year. If you have any questions regarding exhibiting, please ask me, as exhibition co-ordinator, or any member of the Committee who will be only too willing to help you.
The winner of the Patron’s Award at this year’s Exhibition, chosen by Lord Faringdon, was John Sirrelle with his picture “Pride”. John retains the Patron’s Award for a year and receives a cash prize of £50. John's picture will be featured on the poster advertising next year’s Annual Exhibition.
In line with the rules in the Society’s Constitution, the Committee come up for re-election this year. I have been advised by the current Committee that they would all like to be considered for re-election except for Sue (who was ex-officio Committee and therefore need not be replaced on the Committee) and Diana who is taking temporary leave from the Committee due to ill health. My sincere thanks to both Sue and Diana for their past service. All members were invited to submit nominations for election to the Committee either in writing to our Honorary Secretary Melanie prior to the AGM starting or at the AGM.
Last year I asked the membership for their support in allowing the Committee to revise the Constitution and implement changes to the running of the Society. This we have done and I feel that the revisions make the Society’s Constitution more relevant than ever and form the basis for the values that the Society holds. Rather than give a detailed report on the changes, I would ask the members to view the revised Constitution and make any observations to any member of the Committee. You will find further details on our website www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk. My thanks to Martyn for his excellent work in maintaining and updating our website. The website should be the initial "go to place" for all the current details of the Society's activities. It is also a wonderful archive of past events.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all members of the Committee for their tireless dedication and hard work for the Society.
Brian Britton, Chairperson, October 2024
Some photographs taken duing the meeting:
