EGM June 2011
Extra Ordinary Annual General Meeting of SWANLEY TWINNING ASSOCIATION. Held at 8.00 p.m. Thursday, 23rd June 2011. The Walnut Lounge, Woodlands, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, Kent.
PRESENT 19 members
1. WELCOME & INTRODUCTION OF OUR NEW PRESIDENT
Michael Crowther-Watson – the outgoing chairman welcomed Swanley Twinning Association members and visitors. A very special welcome was extended to Descusses Martine from Verrieres-le- Buisson who was on a visit to Swanley. Tony Searles, the new chairman of Swanley Council was introduced as the new president of Swanley Twinning Association by virtue of his office at the council. Tony has a long history and good relationship with Swanley Twinning. Moreover, he speaks French fluently and therefore will not need an interpreter at our meetings with the French.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from 8 members.
3. MINUTES
The minutes of the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Swanley Twinning Association were agreed as an accurate record of discussions and decisions made at the meeting held on Thursday 31st March 2011.
4. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN FOR 2011/2012
The outgoing chairman – Michael invited nominations from the floor for the position of chairman. Richard Chapman was unanimously elected as chairman of Swanley Twinning Association for 2011/2012. Michael relinquished the chairmanship to Richard, who thanked the entire membership for re-electing him into office. He expressed his passion and desire to rejuvenate Swanley Twinning as a founder member and former chairman. He also stated that he was delighted to welcome Tony Searles as President of the Association as his father had been one of the pioneers and founding members of the Association and its first chairman.
5. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2011/2012
As the positions of Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor were filled at the last annual general meeting, the new chairman, Richard, invited nominations for the election of committee members. The following were elected as committee members for 2011/2012:
Roger Bryan – Committee Member
David Marten – Committee Members
Peter Mitchell – Committee Member
Janet Mitchell – Committee Member
Christine Hudson – Committee Member + Hosting Secretary
6. DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF SWANLEY TWINNING
Richard passionately expressed that Swanley Twinning has lack luster for the past few years. It has lost its liveliness and dynamism that was once a centre of attraction even for young people. The overarching challenge for the new committee and the entire membership is to revitalize the association and get more young people to be actively involved. A number of salient proposals were put forward to be explored including:
- Engaging young people via social network i.e. face book, twitter, linkedin etc.
- Reviving participation in Swanley Gala, which used to be popular and attractive with young people.
- Taking part in the 1812 Night at Swanley Park
- Proactively engage other neighbouring twinning organizations, to name a few.
We must all endeavour to infuse new blood and energy into the activities of the association in order to regain that enviable position it used to hold in our community.
7. RECEIVE MEMBERSHIP/ RECRUITMENT IDEAS
The lack of interest in the association shown by young people is not unique to Swanley though not as acute in France and Germany. We should continue to pursue new strategies to get more young people on board and implement measures to retain them. Possibly organize activities that suit their needs.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
A concern was raised about the essence of the joint committee meeting we hold with our twinned partners in Verrieres. Michael reiterated that it has been good work done though marred by friction but worth continuing. The last biennial meeting was indeed intense yet very productive. Michael who is a member of four twinning societies invited all to the Ditton Community Day – a joint annual event between St Peter’s Church and Ditton Parish Council.
Richard acknowledged and thanked Michael for his commitment and dedication to Swanley Twinning over the last two years as chairman. It has not always been easy but a job well done. He extended his sincere thank you to all members who made the effort to attend this meeting and for their invaluable contributions.
9. DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Annual General meeting will be at the same time next year, venue to be confirmed.