THE GOWER SOCIETY

Guarding Gower for all its worth!

THE GOWER SOCIETY NEWS

Annual General Meeting 2011

The A.G.M. this year, held in Sketty Parish Centre, was well attended. As usual, our President, Edwina Hart M.B.E., A.M. cantered through business with her usual efficiency in record time.

This year was the final one when Prof. John Beardmore presented the Accounts before his retirement as Treasurer. The Accounts and Balance Sheet for 2010 were approved by the meeting and Prof. Beardmore was warmly thanked for his thoroughness and efficiency in handling the Society’s financial resources. Jeremy Bowen was appointed to succeed him. The committee was pleased to report that Prof. Beardmore would remain as a committee member and would share his expertise as a continuing member of the Finance sub-committee.

The meeting also approved constitutional changes which would allow for Life Members to be aged less than 60 years of age. A further change increased the fee for Life Membership (aged 60+ years) slightly. There was a unanimous decision not to increase other annual membership fees for 2011.

The meeting saw the launch of the Society’s cards, a set of which was presented to our President by Liz Roblin who had done much to organise their printing. There are cards of 8 designs, each with its own silver-coloured envelope. The designs of the cards are faithful reproductions of the beautiful woodcuts & linocuts of Edward and Iris Martin, which originally appeared in the Society’s earlier Journals. The cards have been enthusiastically welcomed – with no words inside them, they are suitable for all occasions.

Gary Gregor has handed over the organisation of the winter series of Talks to Don Strawbridge, who was a hard-working past committee member. Tribute was paid to Gary’s huge dedication for many years; he and his wife continue as editors of our Newsletter.

The Officers (apart from the new Treasurer) were re-elected en bloc and we are delighted to welcome a new committee member – Guto ap Gwent who is the son of the Society’s founder, Dr Gwent Jones. Retiring as a solicitor, Guto thought it was time that he put back something into Gower. He is a most welcome addition to the committee. He has already been interviewed on behalf of the Society on T.V. in Welsh concerning the Mumbles headland planning application.

Our President for 2011-12 will be Edwina Hart, who made Society history in being unanimously re-elected for a 4th year. Despite her very busy Ministerial political life, she has always made time to help the committee, especially in organising meetings for us at W.A.G. with relevant bodies.

Following the business of the meeting, Gordon Howe gave an illustrated account of the Gower Society Design Awards 2010, featuring those who were to receive awards, and those who had missed out. Members found this enlightening as good and bad features were described. Awards this year were presented by the President to the owners of Betty’s Meadow, Slade; they also accepted the award on behalf of Fairyhill Hotel, whose owners were unable to attend. The other award went to Gower Cottage at Reynoldston - it was gratifying to have both the owners and the builders present.

All members were exhorted to keep their eyes open while they were journeying around Gower, and to let any of our committee members know of any potential candidates for a future design award.

The evening ended most convivially with nibbles and wine or fruit juice. There was a chance for conversation and to view a display of some past design award winners.