AGM 2011

LONDON COLLEGE OF DANCE NETWORK

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Held at Saint Georges Hotel, London
On Saturday, 3^rd September 2011
At 2.00pm

Present:

President:       Phrosso Pfister

Vice-President: Jacqueline Ferguson

Chairman:       Patricia Snowdon

Treasurer:       Ann Snell

Committee:       Carole Wheatley, Lesley Bream, Susan Mitchell-Smith (Minutes)

Phrosso Pfister, Jacky Ferguson, Nicki Temple, Sophie MacDuff, Mollie Webb, Marigold Tilley, Jane Pledger, Kathy Drake, Frances Porritt, Danielle Renton, Carol Wallman, Alison Francis. Anna Walters, Jackie Smith-Autard, Diane Rogers, Anne Rooney, Margaret Brown.

The Chairman welcomed everyone, especially Phrosso, who was given a gift from the Network. Also congratulations to Jackie Ferguson who has been made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dancing and a special welcome to the speaker Jacqueline Smith-Autard.

Thanks were given to the staff of Saint Georges Hotel, mentioning Christopher Strange (Nansi Hannah’s nephew)

1.    Apologies for absence

Ann Bennoch, Claudette Caven, Sue Curry, Janice Fullman, Nicola Gaines, Nansi Hannah, Dunja Hencke, Cynthia Horan, Valerie Major, Fiona Morris-Laventidis, Penny Russell-Ross, Lesley Shearer

Ann Snell also gave the sad news that Stephen Ayres had died.

2.   Minutes of AGM held on 4^th September 2010

These had been printed in the 2011 newsletter. They were agreed to be correct.

Proposer: Alison Francis       Seconder: Jackie Ferguson

3.   Matters arising: None

1. Chairman’s Report:

There had been three committee meetings this year and all committee members were thanked.

In particular Sue Curry for doing the newsletter and Ann Snell for organising the Reunion and doing the accounts.

Attention was drawn to the new logo on the front of the newsletter and that the new website is www.londoncollegeofdance.com. Work is still in progress with it but comments and suggestions are welcomed. It is a member’s only site so non-members can view but contact details are protected.

Members felt that it needed to have a link with the name London College of Dance and Drama as many students attended College under that title. Also that clear, dark writing was essential.

College photos at the ISTD had been put on the site and the 2009 Reunion. The ISTD had also scanned each available prospectus. The latest newsletter would be on the Home Page.

Much thought had also been given this year to the re-establishment of London College which would be given in more detail by Jacqueline Smith-Autard.

Re-establishment of London College – Jacqueline Smith-Autard

Jackie explained that the closure of London College had left a large hole in the educational side as teachers were not well prepared in the range and ability of dance styles and the basic knowledge of dance tended to be very poor. However to set up a private institution again would not be easy but validation and accreditation could not be given until it was in place and functioning.

The ISTD had initially been enthusiastic about the project but for various reasons was unable to continue.   The new qualifications for the ISTD Diploma could form a good part of a degree.

Jackie was now looking at another institution which might be able to help.

The chairman felt that we need to raise money to help the financial side and a fundraiser was needed to lead this. She has access to a list of organisations who give money to the arts.

Carole Wheatley said that people would probably be more willing to support the idea when something positive was apparent.

1. Treasurer’s Report:

This was given by Ann Snell who unfortunately had not been able to provide copies for members. However, Ann said that she would send members a copy of the Treasurer’s report as required.

Subscriptions are the main source of income and with some new members this had improved. Paying by standing order is a help. The expenses had exceeded the income this year but this was because of setting up the new website and the re-establishment of London College.

The balance at July 2011 was £7,588.94.

1. Election of Officers

Carol Wallman was elected as a new committee member.

Proposer: Ann Snell         Seconder: Carole Wheatley

Carole Wheatley wished to retire for a year due to family commitments. She was presented with a gift and thanked for all her hard work.

1. Future of the Network:

It was felt that more members were needed.

Frances Porritt suggested that a strategy for developing membership was essential.

Jackie Ferguson said that during her travels she met many former students and it would help if she had details of the Network that she could hand out – like a business card.

It was also suggested that an advertisement should be put in ISTD DANCE and the Dancing Times giving appropriate contacts. Mollie Webb offered to put it in her library slot.

Also various dance advisers could be contacted.

It was suggested that names used at college should also be given, where possible and that the internet should not be the only means of contact.

1. Date of the next meeting  Saturday, 1st September 2012 at Saint Georges Hotel.

Ann Snell would confirm this with the hotel.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and introduced the speaker.

Jackie Ferguson thanked the committee and Jacqueline Smith-Autard.