Mrs M.E. Jensen (President)
Mr Ken Hague (Acting Chairman)
Mr Basil Bryant (Treasurer)
and approximately 70 members

Guests:
  Richard Watson (Community, Learning and Volunteering Manager, Wessex Region)
  Stephanie Szakalo (Project Manager “Finding a Way Forward”) and
  Richard Higgs (NT Property Manager for South Somerset).

Minutes of the 36th Annual General Meeting held on 16th February, 2008, were presented by the Acting Chairman. Approval was proposed by Mrs Muriel Crisp, seconded by Mr John Crisp and unanimously agreed by the meeting and duly signed.

The Chairman's Annual Report had been circulated to members with the Spring Newsletter No. 87. Ken Hague asked if anybody had any comments. Acceptance of the Report was proposed by Mr Eric Franks and seconded by Mr Jim Clifford. A copy of the Report will be attached to the signed copy of these Minutes.

Mr Basil Bryant, as Treasurer, presented the examined Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2008. He pointed out that last year's Annual Accounts had been for a 13-month year due to the agreed change in accounting being moved to the calendar year. This had made things considerably easier for him and the Examiner, Mr Nigel Banks.

The Accounts showed a surplus of £10,270.44 from which donations of £10,250 had been made to National Trust properties, leaving a surplus for the year of £20.44.

The largest donation of £9,750 plus a legacy of £1,000 from Marjorie Farrant had been made to Lytes Cary for various works to be carried out to enable them to light fires in the Great Hall. It was intended that items such as fire irons would be made by the local blacksmith, baskets to be made of local willow and wood from Stourhead to be used for benches.

The Barrington Court Defined Purpose Account at the 31st December 2008 totalled £99,218.88, a drop in value due to the current economic situation.

As a result of the £100 given to A La Ronde to provide perennial plants for a rockery bed outside the kitchen, an invitation had been received for anyone interested to attend the property on the 5th March at 10 am, when the head gardener from Killerton would be there planting up the bed.

The Treasurer proposed to make no changes to the rates of subscription.

Mrs Jensen agreed to continue for another year. She thanked everyone for their hard work in keeping the Centre going, particularly the Centre Committee.

It was proposed that, under the Constitution-Clause F4, the restriction on Officers and Committee Members serving for no more than five years, be relaxed, this being supported in writing by ten members of the Quantock Centre. At this point a Quantock Centre member, Miss Judith Marchent, raised the question of whether it was right that members should continue serving after their five years was up. She felt that it would be better that they be given a rest and others should take on the responsibilities of running the centre. She emphasised that she was not criticising those concerned. Ken Hague responded that he agreed with her sentiments and would welcome new members to the Committee. However, no one had volunteered to take their places. A motion to approve that Mrs Eglinton and Mr Roger Silver are eligible for re-election was put to the vote. This was approved by a show of hands.

The President took the Chair and stated that only one nomination had been received for Chairman, namely Mr Ken Hague, who was elected by a majority show of hands. Mr Hague then took the Chair and the following elections took place:

The Officers were all elected by a majority show of hands. On behalf of the Centre, the Chairman thanked Basil Bryant and Nena Carter for all their hard work.

The following have been nominated:

They were duly re-elected by a majority show of hands.

The following having been nominated were elected by a majority show of hands:

Mr Robin Grigg, Mr Jim Clifford and Mrs Hazel Tyzack.

The election of Mr Nigel Banks of A.C. Mole & Sons, Taunton, was approved by the meeting.

Morley Sage had indicated that he wished to take a less active role in maintaining the Centre's Software, although still being available for any major problems. Originally Ian Billinge had agreed to be the co-ordinator in maintaining the Booking Secretary's programme. Due to ill health he is unable to do this. However, Basil Bryant has kindly agreed to take on this role.

After the end of the meeting, Stephanie Szakalo and Richard Watson will update us on the project.

The 38th AGM will be held on 20th March 2010 at 2.30 p.m. at West Monkton Village Hall.