27 July 2026 at 7.30pm

 So, this is my first report as Chair of the Society. I am honoured to be involved and trusted by our members to take the Society forward. I do pay respects to our retired Chair, Kath, who after many years of service is enjoying her well-earned retirement.

This year has seen us continue to grow, so much so, that the Friday Art Group is now so well-attended that we use all the tables available to us. The Committee have re-arranged the layout slightly to make it easier to move around the room and leave the room safely in case of an emergency.

The Craft Group continues to be a haven for like-minded crafters to have space to enjoy their particular craft. Our goal for this year was to ‘Blow the dust of a craft project’. We all have half-finished craft projects at home gathering dust, this is the year to finish them. Some of us in the group embarked on a latch hook cushion cover… loved by some… hated by others… no names! Some are complete now, one member completed her own and someone else's as well. Don't worry, I have plenty of ideas for the next challenge!

This year we have tried to develop our Social Media presence and update our Website. We now have a Facebook Page and a new Website - I must thank our Webmaster, Anne Nichols, for all her help and guidance in setting this up and continuing to update and develop the site. I have been attempting to administer the Facebook Page, and anyone who wants to take this over from me will be very welcome to do so. We have also made good use of our local community news, Burton News. Another development for this year was to set up a Card Payment system linked directly to the Society Bank Account. This was a bonus during the Exhibition, more of which I’m sure our Treasurer will allude to later in the meeting.

One of the highlights of this year was our annual Art and Craft Exhibition, held in May. This was my first as Chair and I was overwhelmed by the support of our hard-working Committee, family, friends and the local community. Setting up and organising this event is no mean feat. For the first time in a while we did our own catering this year, keeping it simple and affordable. We did set up an account with a wholesaler and this helped in sourcing some items. We also were indebted to our members and friends for donating home-made cakes, which were absolutely yummy. A big thanks go to them.

We also had demonstrations at the Exhibition. One member brought his easel and painted, and we had a wet felting demo from the members of the local Felting Group. We also had a spinning demo by a member of Lancs and Lakes Spinners and Weavers Association. This is an area I would like to develop more next year. Having something interactive helped with the atmosphere within the hall, also providing another point of interest to draw in the visitors. As I sat or stood just watching everyone, the buzz of conversation, the greeting of friends and family, the community support we experienced made this event so worthwhile. I felt really proud to be involved. The hard work of our Committee and members was rewarded, so much so that we are ready to do it again next year… well, in a few months we will be ready!

We still have our Exhibition at The Heron Theatre to undertake. Members' art work will be displayed for about 4 weeks during October and November. I am also planning an Open Afternoon with the Craft Group in the New Year. This will be an opportunity to welcome visitors and host a craft demonstration. Also have tea and cake! Any excuse….

After much deliberation we have decided to request an increase in our existing membership fee and a new individual contribution to attend day Workshops. Our fees have not been increased for a few years now and the cost of the Programme has risen. I am sure this will also be mentioned by our Treasurer. Members will be given the opportunity to vote on this proposal during this meeting.

Rosie