The AGM was at Astley and Dunley Village Hall on January 15.Vic Powell chaired the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. The election of officers took place for 2014. Derek Walker was proposed and seconded as chairman and everyone voted unanimously that he return to that post which he finds enjoya - ble and rewarding. He said that he was pleased that old Committee members of 2013 were willing to stand again en bloc.

This was proposed, seconded and unani - mously agreed. Secretary and social secretary Chris Russell, treasurer Mike Hughes, show secretary Robin Saunders, press secretary Brenda Knott and the other members willing to continue were Nina Saunders, Ian McCrea, Jean McCrea, Lyn Hughes, Chris Parker, David Ward, George Smart, Marina Pugh, John Guest. New member Hazel Rogers proposed ,seconded and agreed.

In the chairman’s Report Derek thanked all committee members for their untiring effort and support. He was pleased to say that the number of members contin - ues to be steady. Looking back at 2013 he thanked Chris for arranging three varied but very successful visits and holiday including Burghley house with one of the highlights meeting our old friend Michael Ecob again who now lives at Peterborough. The second visit was to The Bannut Tree, Bromyard and thirdly to The Dorothy Clive Gardens and Hodnet Hall.

The Holiday in Northumberland had been a huge success and we had excellent service at The Best Western Hotel in Hexham. Derek thanked Robin for organising three superb shows with excellent number of entries. The social evenings including the summer social,and harvest supper had been fantastic.

He thanked Roger and Chris who organ - ised The NGS Open Gardens raising £2610.

Mike Hughes, treasurer said that the accounts are sound. A marquee and gazebo has been purchased and £500 was presented to Acorns in 2013. Mike also showed us the society website on the internet and encouraged people to look at the changing details.

Slide show presented by Roger and Chris Russell with photos of the holiday around Hexham. The evening ended by relaxing with a cup of tea /coffee then raf - fle was drawn before going home.

Programme and show schedules now ready for 2014. Membership only £3 Talks include West Midlands Safari Park, Country lanes of Cornwall and many others Three shows and two evenings are planned with a summer social Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band and Harvest Supper with popular comedian Barry North. Planne Coach trips to Shugborough and Chatsworth. The next meeting is on March 19 when David Tideswell will talk on “The life of the blue tit”.