CHEPSTOW CHORAL SOCIETY

Minutes of a meeting of the Committee held at Pendle on Wednesday 27^th August  2008 

Present: Eric Taylor (in the Chair)

Graham Bull (GB)

Doug Lawrence (DL)

Roger Martin (RM)

Marjorie Duerden  (MD)

Jean Parkes (JP)

Angela Templar (AT)

Janet Ellard (JE)

Sarah Whitehead (SW)

Introductory Matters

The Chairman being present took the Chair and welcomed members to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Wilma Bremner.

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of last meeting were approved as a true record.

Matters arising

The following matters arose:

choir uniform: needs to be progressed;

     SEW to speak to Chepstow Hospital re Voices for Healthy Sounds scheme.

Concert July 12^th  2008 

DL reported that the financial outturn was likely to be a loss of £514, which was within the amount budgeted for. Total attendance was circa 200.

The pianists were praised.  Good feedback had been received from patrons. The venue was easier for disabled people to access and there was plenty of parking.  The venue worked well for the choice of music.  The percussion provider had been reliable and provided a good, cost effective service.  The catering arrangements and posters were praised.

The choice of the Brahms had not been universally popular with choir members, although GB was pleased with the performance.

The following could be improved.  A decision had been taken not to use staging without reference to the committee or without full assessment.  Staging would have improved visibility and sound.  Posters may not have been placed around Chepstow in sufficient numbers and a volunteer is needed to take responsibility for placing posters for future concerts.  Lining up and processing on was as ever not as professional as it could be.  A  long afternoon rehearsal may have affected the performance.

The timing of the concert was thought not ideal,  in view of clashes with other events and absences of both members and audience on holiday.  The idea of an additional concert in November each year was rejected.

13^th December 2008 

Lindsay Kidd has been booked for the concert.  She may do one item with the choir in addition to her solo items.   No progress has been made in having a contribution from Wyedean School.  Subject to that the programme is in draft. There will probably be a Tuesday and a Wednesday rehearsal during the week before the concert. The ticket price will be £7, no concessions other than no charge for children.

Following concerts

Dates need to be confirmed so that DL can make the appropriate return to WAMF by the end of September.

GB confirmed that the programme would be the Karl Jenkins Armed Man suite, Stainer's Crucifixion and Purcell Funeral Sentences,  for the Spring concert;  and Handel's Coronation Anthem and Te Deum in the Summer.  The summer concert can be performed without soloists and just a small orchestra. It might be possible to add one more short work or chorus. 

Staging Hire

Adrian Evans who provided the percussion in July, may also be able to supply staging.  It was agreed that MD should pursue this, to see if it is viable for the Spring and Summer concerts at a reasonable cost.

AGM and SGM

Subscriptions are likely to be held at the same level as last year.  The draft accounts will be sent out in as close to their final form as possible.  Both notices and the papers to be circulated were approved.  8^th October was approved as the date for both meetings.

Treasurer's report

DL reported cash balances as follows as at 27^th August:

cash in hand £3.51;  

cash at bank £588.54;  

cash on deposit £6,000.

JP is working with DL on a new form for those paying by standing order.

There will be a small subsidy for this season's music purchases. 

Secretary's report

A leaflet has been received from S4C for a carol writing competition, which SW will place on the notice board.

Any other business

WB has indicated that she wishes to step down as social secretary. 

The best dates for singing outside Tesco's are 16^th  and/or 17^th December.

Consideration must be given to how orchestras are procured and paid for.  The Society needs to pay for quality players. There are agents who will be able to provide players.  It was agreed that MD as requested would give up responsibility for this,  appreciation was expressed for all her work to date.

The trifold and web site are both out of date.

It has been agreed that the choir should participate in the Mayor's Civic Service on Sunday 14^th September at 3.00 p.m.  Two short works will be performed.

There was discussion as to how to attract new members and make them feel welcome. Interval drinks will be resumed with rehearsals starting at 7.20 p.m. to compensate for lost time.

A short meeting will be WEDNESDAY 8^TH OCTOBER after the AGM and SGM.  The next full meeting will be TUESDAY 18^TH NOVEMBER at 7.30.

There being no further business the meeting was concluded.  MD was thanked for her hospitality.