Minutes of the first Annual General
Meeting
of the South East Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society
at Cissbury Farm, Findon, W Sussex on 13 November 2005.
Members present: C. Flanagan, C. Kniestedt, Miss D. Lindon, I.
Pallister, K. Manning, Mrs. K. Manning, B. Heath,
M. Skillen, D. Phillimore, P. Rycraft, S. Cobden.
1 Apologies for absence were received from M. Stevens, P. Margham, and P. Heath
2 Minutes of previous AGM. As this is our first AGM there are no previous AGM minutes to read. However, the minutes of the inaugural meeting held at The Inn on The Pond, Nutfield, Surrey on 4 April 2004 were agreed as correct.
3 Secretary's/Treasurer's Report. Simon Cobden reported that our
first Flock Competition judged in the autumn of 2004 by Charles Harding had
gone well, with 14 Flocks entered. Matthew Osmond (Champion Flock) had hosted
an enjoyable Open Day, at which our judge presented the prizes. Our thanks to
Matthew and his family.
Simon Cobden presented Accounts for the extended year running from 01/04/04 -
30/09/05. We have a healthy £2054.94 in the bank as at 30/09/05. However
the bulk of these funds (£1500) were introduced from the disbanded
Southern Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club. We had actually made a loss in this
period, not surprising as our subscription of £2 is not enough. Subs for
2004/5 came to only £98. Currently the setting of subscriptions is out of
our control. It was agreed that the expenses for the year were fair.
Simon Cobden highlighted the problem of getting people together over such a
large area. Brian Heath made comparisons to the South East Charolais Cattle
Society and hoped we could learn from some of their experiences.
4 Chairman's/Council Member's Report. Colm Flanagan gave a report of
attendance of Council Meetings. He highlighted that the main Society income is
down £10,000 on the year - mainly due to fewer members and fewer sheep.
Keith Manning questioned some of the Society's expenses, especially the
expenses of employing Robyn Hulme and Joy Fox. Colm replied that these
questions should be brought up at the Society AGM. Colm reported on the
difficulties re National Sale and that its future is in doubt as the Society
has to underwrite any potential financial loss at the Sales. The next Council
meeting will discuss and decide. He reported that 50% of the Five Year Plan had
been implemented and it is hoped it is taking breeding in the right direction.
The problems of dagginess and lack of vigour at birth are to be looked into.
The Society is looking for 'guinea pigs' to help with research into this, which
will be co-ordinated through the Scottish Agricultural Colleges. When finished
the information should be tied into the BASCO system. This had received a
£500,000 grant from Defra - the largest single sum awarded by Defra. For
BASCO to work well the whole Society needs to take it on board, and it will
help reduce admin costs significantly.
Re Sales. The vet inspection is thought to be completely necessary. Peter
Rycraft pointed out the decline in income for the Society is only in line with
the rest of British Agriculture.
5 Election of Committee. The following put themselves forward for election: C. Flanagan, P. Rycraft, B. Heath, K. Manning, M. Stevens, J. Long, M. Skillen and S. Cobden. These were proposed by C. Kniestedt and seconded by Miss D. Lindon. It was decided that the Committee will select its Chairman at its first meeting.
6 Future Events. Promotion and Sponsorship should be increased next year, especially at Markets as we have a very strong competitor in the Texel breed. Difficulties with the style of auctioneering at Ashford Market were voiced. We should have a Flock Competition next year and encourage more entries. It was suggested a summer social event would be a good idea. Perhaps at the Kent Show - a barbecue? More entries at Shows needed to ensure Shows still run Suffolk classes.
7 Any other business. There was none, so the meeting was closed.