Time & Location
The Cross Keys, 7-9pm Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Present
- Simon Cope
- Nicola Wheeler
- Paul Mason
- Jeni Tythrall
- Hilary Cowley Greer
- Colin Hargis
- Gary Northeast
- Lesley Sweet
- John Dady
- Maggie Holmes
- Alison Alexander
- Jackie Langston
- Sian Mayor
- Fiona Slater
- Alan Bridger
Apologies
- Diana Allen
- Sue Dolman
Chair’s Report
Full copies provided, and summary given. Accepted by all present. Available here.
Accounts
Independently inspected by Mick Clifton before the meeting. Copies provided. Accepted by all present.
Elections
The chair, treasurer, secretary and the rest of the steering committee stood down and were thanked for their work over the last year. The following positions were elected unanimously.
- Chair: Lesley Sweet
- Treasurer: Diana Allen
- Secretary: Alan Bridger
- Steering committee:
- Gary Northeast
- Maggie Holmes
- Jackie Langston
- Nicola Wheeler
- Paul Mason
- Colin Hargis
- Fiona Slater
- Sue Dolman
Constitutional Change
The following addition to the constitution was approved unanimously:
“If it is agreed to dissolve the group, all remaining money and other assets, once outstanding debts have been paid will be donated to a local charitable organisation with similar purpose or aims. The organisation will be agreed at the meeting which agrees the dissolution.”
Discussion
- There was discussion about the role of chair, and a general suggestion that the steering committee could help with the the chair’s responsibilities.
- There was discussion about low attendance at meetings, and how to reach more of the local community:
- There was a suggestion to survey members for what they would like to see at general meetings.
- There were also suggestions that we should have more speakers at meetings, and that there could be more of a social element to these, rather than just a business-like meeting.
- People were keen on promoting BRACE at other BRACE and affiliated events, particularly the Repair Cafe, including having BRACE flyers and information board at the Repair Cafe (specifically listing all the various BRACE initiatives), and adding BRACE details to the email footer of the Repair Cafe.
- There was a suggestion that we should do more outreach to other local organisations to help recruit members.
- People were also keen that representatives from each of the BRACE groups give short updates at each meeting about the progress of the various groups to maintain visibility of these, and make any new members aware.
- There was discussion around press and publicity, and a consensus that each of the BRACE groups should have a rep to provide a short update each month for publicity. Alison offered to create a WhatsApp group for coordinating this, and there were the following volunteers to find press reps to join it:
- Jeni for the community garden
- Gary for Dol Bron y Gaer
- Hilary for Y Pantri
- Fi for the Library of Things
- Alison for the Repair Cafe
- It was decided to move the next meeting to coincide with the Wassailing around 6th January.
- There was an agreement to apply for Section 137 funding from Llanfyllin council to cover meeting costs. This is due by 6th December.
Film screening
Postponed until the next general meeting due to lack of time.