Minutes of the meeting of the Suffolk Concert Band

held on Thursday 5th October 2006 at Acton Lodge, Needham Market

 

Those present were: Simon Pulham, Toby Pratt, Mark Cheadle, Roger Jones, Sarah Scott, Gordon Scopes, Trevor Daldry, Ray Wilson

 

82.    Apologies for absence
These were received from Angela Bates

83.    Adoption of minutes from meeting held on Thursday 7th September 2006
The minutes were adopted

84.    Matters arising from meeting held on Thursday 7th September 2006
i) (70iv) A jacket has been returned from Jo King.  A plan for the future development of the uniform should be discussed in due course.
Action: Toby to compile list people requiring a jacket.

ii) (72iv) Matt Simons has been invited to attend rehearsals from October 4th. 

85.    Chairman
It was reported that the Corn Exchange concert was a success, with both bands playing together well.  The audience and musicians enjoyed the evening.  All those involved with the organisation for the successful Corn Exchange Concert were thanked, in particular Trevor Daldry. 
It was reported that the collapsing of stands by musicians worked well.  However, it was noted that loading the van after the concert was a struggle.  In future, more help will be expected from members of the band in clearing up.
Action: Toby to talk to the band before concerts to ask for their help
Action: Toby & Trevor to discuss the formation of a concert management plan.

85.1 Charity Commission Model Constitution
This agenda item to be moved forward to the next meeting

86.    Musical Director
Nothing to report

87.    Secretary
this report submitted via email.

i) Email from Peter Nash RAFA Stowmarket Branch chairman:

”I am in the early stages of seeing whether a Battle of Britain concert could take place on Saturday 15th September 2007.  We are looking at having it in the Regal cinema in Stowmarket, in aid of the Stowmarket branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) annual ‘Wings Appeal’.”
Angela has written confirming this item would be discussed at October committee meeting.

ii) Potential new members: Claire Abbot (Clarinet), Denise Cotterell (Flute) and Andrew Toomey (Clarinet).  All of which I suggested that they come along to a rehearsal from 4th October onwards.
It was noted that Denise and Andrew attended the 4th October rehearsal.

88.    Treasurer
i.)  Corn Exchange Concert
The figures from the Corn Exchange concert are not yet available due to staff absence.  Ray was thanked for all his efforts in dealing with this matter.

ii) The band’s reserve capital of £3000 matures this year.  It will be reinvested at a good interest rate.  Temporarily, the capital will be moved from Halifax to the Nat West account while investigations into the available options are made.
Action: Ray to move the capital to Nat West
Action: Ray & Mark to investigate potential investment options


iii)  Trevor noted that Ian Bickers has been contacted and agrees to audit the band’s accounts.
Action: Ray to make contact with Ian.

89.    Membership Secretary
i)  Lisa Taber will have a temporary absence from the band while she pursues other interests.  The remaining Horn players will continue to play their current parts, with Deps being organised for the first pad as necessary.

ii)  Matt Gardiner has formally joined the band.

iii)  Rebecca Darlow has been given a membership form

iv)  Tony Warren is well and truly on the mend.

v)  It was reported that there is still poor discipline when arranging deps for the band.  The correct procedure for requesting deputies is via the Membership Secretary, in consultation with the Musical Director.
Action: Toby to re-iterate the deputy request procedure at a future meeting.

vi)  Denis Kensitt will be absent for 6 weeks.

90.    Librarian
i) In light of the upcoming Christmas season, some new music would be welcome.
Action: Sarah to investigate potential new Christmas music

90.1 Library Move – to be rescheduled for next month’s meeting

91.    Concert Manager
i) Trevor reported that he will be unable to transport the percussion to the recording sessions. 
Action: Sarah to arrange transport of percussion to recording sessions.

92.    The Year Ahead 2007
It was noted that comments were received from Vince to produce a Family concert next year.  Sue stated that we should definitely visit Nottingham for a second joint concert.
Concert dates were discussed, several concerts were suggested throughout the year.  Final dates to be dependent on discussions with Nottingham.  The following to be included in the schedule
a.  Spa Pavilion concert.
b.  Northgate School joint concert.
c.  Return visit to Nottingham.
d.  Spring concert series at Holy Trinity Church.

Schedule (unadopted & unconfirmed)
March 21st Holy Trinity Concert 8.00pm start

April 25th Holy Trinity Concert 8.00pm start

May 4th Mistley Church

June 10th Bandstand Concert Christchurch park (afternoon concert)
June 24th Barham Hall

July 21st Return visit to Nottingham
July 29th OCA Church Service, possible lunchtime concert

September 15th Battle of Britain Concert, Stowmarket

October 14th Sunday afternoon concert at Spa Pavilion

November 11th Remembrance Sunday – Shotley Church
November 17th/23rd St. John’s Church – Northgate Family Concert

December 10th Needham Market Community Carol Service
December 12th Holy Trinity Christmas Concert.

Action: Angela to contact Christchurch park with the suggested date.
Action: Sarah to investigate possibility of Northgate joint concert.
Action: Trevor/Roger to talk to Gary about return visit to Nottingham.

Action: Toby to present this schedule to the band on 11th.

93.    Publicity
Simon was thanked for his efforts in publicising the Corn Exchange Concert.  Roger suggested we keep up the pressure for future concerts.
The costs to be added to the Corn Exchange concert report at November meeting.

94.    Recording
The committee has been disappointed with late notice of unavailability of band members for the recording sessions, despite an early announcement.
The church hall has been offered free of charge.  It was suggested that we could offer a concert in 2008.
Action: Toby to complete availability sheet
Action: Toby to produce session details for Wednesday’s rehearsal


Next meeting:

2nd November 2006

47 Offord Close

Grange Farm

Kesgrave

IP5 2DD