FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN

As we break for the summer it is good to reflect on the past year.  

Our membership has remained at around 180 and visitors are always welcome for £8. Given many of our members have to drive some distance we strive to keep our membership fee affordable.  It will remain £45 for 10 lectures in 2026-27.

Our new season will begin at 2.30 on Wednesday 9th September when Bertie Pearce will present ‘Creating an Imaginary World – Theatre Design from Temple to Playhouse, into the Frame and out again’. 

There have been many highlights including outstanding lectures on a wide range of cultural themes and a fabulous Study Day with Andrew Prince.  We used our Arts Society Community grant to enable Egerton Pre-school to purchase new art materials and topped it up with funding to provide a wonderful and totally whacky workshop with 26 of the children, led by Egerton artist Cathy Hill.  We have also upgraded our equipment including a superb new projector and a lectern.

My thanks go to the entire Committee.  We work as a team to ensure that our meetings run smoothly and we provide a warm and friendly welcome to members and visitors alike.

Mike Allison expertly manages the sound system which was upgraded this year.

Wendy Licence is our experienced and efficient Treasurer.

Lynne Saunby’s first Study Day was a triumph and we look forward to next year’s event.

Paul Tubby maintains this website and has had quite a challenging year with a change to a new e-mail system as well as time spent sourcing new equipment.

Christine Willis is our highly skilled Membership Secretary.

Sue Wood is our excellent, efficient and reliable Secretary.

Rachel and Claire have continued to set up the Hall and served refreshments with a friendly smile;  their hard work is essential to ensuring the warm and relaxed atmosphere we strive to provide.

We were sorry to lose Rob Peaple from our Committee.  Rob was first Treasurer and then took up the Chairmanship when no one else came forward.  We will miss his leadership and wise counsel.  We are also sorry that our long-time Auditor, Ros Williamson has decided to retire.  Ros has undertaken the task with quiet efficiency for many years and we are most grateful.  We are delighted that Kevin Saunby will take over this role.

Not least we value our members who come along each month, give us feedback and help to promote our Society in their communities. 

None of this would be possible without a great team of volunteers who assist at meetings.  They are Simon Barti, Roy Entwistle, Polly Lee, Geoff Licence, Jenny Mowatt, Maggie Peaple, Shirley Pritchard, Kate Sims and Elizabeth Tweed. 

We hope all our members enjoy the summer and we look forward to welcoming them, new members and visitors back to the Millennium Hall in September.

Gill Bromley

Chairman