The 89th Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday 6th November from 8:30 pm at Chester Road Sports and Social Club, hosted by President Pete Guy.
Peter Guy, the retiring President, welcomed members to the meeting, and said that he felt as if the outlook for the Association was brighter than for some time past, with membership up by 15% or so in the past couple of years. He had really enjoyed his Presidency, although there had been some problems with the element of succession. A highlight of the year for him had been the fact that 21 of his schoolmates had come together again for his Annual Dinner, which had turned out very well. The social events had all been enjoyable with the barbecue, in particular, being successful. He thanked the Committee for their support, being particularly grateful to Norman Broadfield and Martin Humphries, for their work on the magazine, and general duties and website, respectively.
Before presenting the annual accounts, Treasurer Peter Picken said that he felt as if Peter Guy had been an exceptional President, had shown great commitment to the Association, and had really put himself out to make things happen. The accounts showed another successful year, with all four social events showing a profit, and the Association had invested funds in another Government bond, which would generate further income.
Martin Easton reported on activities with the Harry Train Fund and the Old Carolians Leaving Scholarship Fund. The combination of all these elements would continue to generate further grants to former pupils.
The accounts were approved, as was the motion to increase subs to £5 per year, after many years at £2.
John Atkinson, about to retire after many years as Deputy Head at the School, was unanimously elected President for the coming year. He remarked that he felt very honoured by the appointment, and would do his best to continue the good works of recent times. The position of Vice-President remained unfilled, but all other positions remained unchanged, with Peter Guy joining the Committee as retiring President.
The concept of email voting on Association matters, on trial during the previous year, had now been dropped as being impractical, but email would be retained and developed as a very useful communication medium in general.
The meeting closed in an atmosphere of progress, with the membership continuing to expand, and positive thoughts abounding.