1

Present :
Chairman : Paul Hadley;   Secretary : David Bridge,Muriel Bridge, Linda Hadley, Christine MacLachlan, Chris Matthews, Tony Wood
 

1a

 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Carolyn Hewitson, Margaret Stocks-Miller, Josephine Tallon, Andrew and Jenny Woodcock.  The Treasurer was also absent
 

2

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
It was agreed that the minutes of the meeting held 30th January 2008 were a true record.
 

3

MATTERS ARISING
The Secretary stated that publicity was expected to be ready by the end of May. He also reported that Glenys Armstrong, suggested for a course at Sherston in the Autumn of 2008, is not now available on Friday mornings.

The static display for the Annual General Meeting had not been available. Tony Wood stated that he had boards which could be used for a future display.
 

4

FINANCE UP-DATE, 2007-2008
As the Treasurer was not present it was not possible to discuss this item.
 

5

LAST CALL ON 2008-2009 PROGRAMME
The Secretary circulated copies of the final programme for 2008/09. It was noted that Bernard Cooper will be at Hullavington on Thursday mornings starting 9th October2008, while John Rogan’s course ‘Crusade or Jihad’ will take place at Sherston on Friday mornings, starting on 5th February 2009. A course on modern art will take place at Sherston on Friday mornings starting 3rd October 2008. It was felt that maximum publicity should be given to this course. Richard Henderson is unable to to the proposed course at Malmesbury on Monday evenings and it is hoped to re-arrange this at a future date. The autumn course at Malmesbury will now be on Egyptology and will commence on 13th October 2008.

In response to a question from Tony Wood, the Secretary confirmed that the title ‘Crusade or Jihad’ would be expanded in the description of the course.

planning of the lecture series at Malmesbury in January 2009 is now almost complete and the Secretary has sought the agreement of all the lecturers to the details, including their title. He stated that the majority of lecturers did not plan to charge a fee. The Chairman stated and the committee agreed, that a fee should be given in order to maintain a business-like and professional relationship. After a short discussion it was agreed that the fee to students for a series of nine lectures should be £5 per single lecture and £40 for the whole course.

The Secretary then confirmed that all Malmesbury courses will take place at the United Reformed Church.

The committee confirmed that they were happy with the proposed programme and the Secretary agreed to circulate copies of the programme with the minutes of this meeting.
 

6

2008-2009 FEE LEVELS
It was agreed that fee levels should be equalised across all centres. The Secretary stated that the proposed fee for 2008/09 should be £47 per course. £44 of this amount would cover student hours fee for the first 18 students. Accommodation costs would account for the remainder. He pointed out that there had been increasing charges levied on student hours in recent years and that this was expected to increase by 9% again in the coming year.

Some members of the committee felt that £47 per course was too high, especially in the present economic climate and that this might deter some students from attending. Tony Wood felt that Branch finances were in a sufficiently healthy state to absorb some short-fall if courses did not recruit large numbers. A discussion took place and all except the Secretary and Chairman agreed that the fee level should be set at £45 for the coming year.

The Secretary then stated that Day School fees had been held at £15 for three years and it was agreed that the Day School rate should be increased to £17.50.

7

 MATTERS RAISED AT THE AGM
The Chairman circulated copies of a paper designed to generate a discussion within the group about improved communication. It was agreed that the Chairman would design a website for the Branch, giving details of future courses, committee minutes, contact points and other relevant news.

Tony Wood felt that the social aspect of courses could be developed further.

The Secretary felt that the Branch could experiment by holding a one-off meeting to advertise courses and to launch the website. After a discussion it was agreed that the Branch should hold a drop-in day, possibly with speakers, at Malmesbury during the morning of the last Market Day in September. Tony Wood agreed to ascertain the availability of Malmesbury Town Hall between 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. on that day, together with the cost. The Secretary and Muriel Bridge agreed to design a questionnaire for visitors.

It was also agreed that a further meeting be arranged to discuss this and to involve members of the committee not currently present. It was suggested that this take place on Wednesday 25th June and Tony Wood agreed to check the availability of the Village Hall at Sherston.
 

8

FIRST LOOK AT 2009-2010
It was agreed that a discussion on this matter would be deferred to the next meeting of this group.
 

9

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
9.1 County Meeting
The Secretary reported that the next meeting of Wiltshire Branches would take place at Urchfont Manor on 22nd October. He and Muriel Bridge would unfortunately not be able to attend, particularly as this would be the last meeting for Glenys Smith, the Tutor Organiser, who was retiring. Paul and Linda Hadley, Christine MacLachlan and Tony Wood stated that they would like to attend.

9.2 David Bridge and Tony Wood agreed to discuss a possible display at Sherston Village Hall in June.

9.3 Financial Matters
It was agreed that financial matters be carried forward to the next meeting of this group and to invite the Treasurer to circulate his report and seek members’ comments. The Chairman agreed to contact the Treasurer.

There being no further business, the meeting closed.

NEXT MEETING
TO DISCUSS WEA OPEN DAY AT MALMESBURY
WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE 2008