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Minutes of the General Meeting held on 1st February, 2012 at Potten End Village Hall

1. The Chairman; Nigel Craddock, welcomed everyone to the meeting which he opened at 10:30. Nigel introduced guests Bob Avann and Jack Bungard and MIWs Robert Burgess, Ross Taylor, Jack Lawrence, David Brown, Angus Mackenzie, Geoff Ingleby, Derek Wilding, Brian Tucker and Jim McLachlan. It was the Chairman’s sad duty to report the death of a past member; John Greener. Members stood in silent tribute.
2. The Speaker; John Baldwin introduced the speaker, Judy Faraday who gave a talk entitled “Partnership In The Past”, the story of the John Lewis Partnership. Mr John Lewis, from Shepton Mallet, started his working life as an apprentice draper in Wells. He later became a silk buyer for Peter Robinson in London and in 1864 took a lease on 132 Oxford Street and opened his own shop. In 1905 Mr John Lewis purchased the Peter Jones shop near Sloane Square for £21,000.00 which, in 1914, came under the control of John Lewis’ eldest son John Spedan Lewis. Spedan Lewis’ views on the welfare and involvement of staff in the business were totally different to those of his father. When John Lewis died in 1928 Spedan Lewis took total control of the whole business and created a Trust to settle the distribution of profits to his employees. The Waitrose business, which also had a high customer service ethic, was purchased in 1937. As the company expanded a formal system of employee councils was established and this evolved into the current John Lewis Partnership which owns a number of hotels and facilities for the use of the employees, now known as the partners. The Constitution of the Partnership states that the ultimate purpose of the Partnership is the happiness of its members, recognising that such happiness depends on having a satisfying job in a successful business. Following questions John gave our thanks to the speaker.
3. The Chairman thanked all those concerned with the organisation of the Quiz for providing an excellent evening’s entertainment.
4. Members: present 84, apologies 14.
5. The Minutes of the meeting of 4th January, 2012 were read and approved; no matters arising.
6. Secretary; Mike Beavington advised that copies of the latest membership list had been placed on all the chairs and that we had only learned of the death of John Greener since this list had been printed.
7. Care Secretary; Doug Biddle reported on the progress of those not well and reminded members to let him know if they hear of any member who is unwell. John Greeners’ funeral will be held on Thursday, 2nd February at Watford Crematorium, Garston at 16:00.
8. Social Secretary; Dave outlined forthcoming events; “Aida” at the Albert Hall on 29th February which leaves from Camelot at 17:15. “Legal London” on 27th March for which there is one place available and a waiting list. “A Taste of Suffolk” on 25th April, cost £37.00 including fish and chip lunch. The Spring Break in Shrewsbury from 23rd to 26th May is full with waiting list. On 21st June there will be an evening visit to the Houses of parliament with Mike Penning. The Theatre Group has “Crazy For You” on 15th March and “Singin’ In The Rain” on 8th May. In answer to a question from the floor Dave advised that there were no plans to organise a trip to Thursford this year.
9. Treasurer; John Penfold reported an opening balance of £2,804.00, receipts nil, payments £140.00, leaving a balance of £2,664.00 plus £3,564.00 held for future events giving total funds of £6,228.00.
10. Speaker Secretary; John Baldwin advised that in March the speaker will be Michael Welling who will give a talk on “Border Control Problems”.
11. Any Other Business; none.
12. Meeting closed at 12:05                 Next Meeting: 7th March, 2012 at Potten End Village Hall.

 

The Committee - 2011/2012

Chairman Nigel Craddock	Secretary Mike Beavington	Treasurer John Penfold	Social Secretary David Norris
Vice Chairman Derek Tarling	Care Secretary Doug Biddle	Speaker Secretary John Baldwin	Asst. Social Secretary Ian Burton
Past Chairman Richard Smellie	Member 2ndYr Chris Gower	Member 1stYr Mike Stanyon	Asst. Treasurer Geoff Kirk
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