Annual General Meeting 2018

Annual Report to Members (September 2018)

Three talks by members followed the AGM Chairman's address: on nursing, the Royal Flight, and metal detecting. You can find them by clicking on the titles. All the previous talks can be found here.

The Chair reported on a busy year. Reference was made to the new website and to the introduction of Archive Afternoons. Thanks to the Committee, to all who helped in a range of ways and to the still large body of members whose support and encouragement keep us going.

The Treasurer reported a still healthy bank balance, about which there was some discussion. Future plans for spending included a possible village walk leaflet, some possible local history signage, and a second possible blue plaque (suggestions please).

Membership fee is still £10.00 and most events remain free to members.

Janet took over from Nicola as Vice Chair, Pat was re-elected as Secretary. Other Officers remain in post for one more year. Two co-opted members stood down and a new volunteer was received.

The 2019 Programme is completed and was described by the president. After details are fixed, it will shortly be available.

Annual Report to Martham Parish Council (May 2018)

We have had another very successful year since I last reported to you. Our membership stands at 86 – we are obviously doing something right. Our programme usually contains suggestions from our members - whether it be a speaker or a visit.

Our annual subscription remains at £10. We still meet in the warm, comfortable Methodist Church on the third Tuesday of the month during the winter and we are extremely grateful to the Methodist Church for allowing us to use their Church at a very reasonable rate.

Since I last reported we have had six very interesting talks ranging from A Wander along the M&GN Railway – the railways are always a favourite and bring in a particularly good audience - to Edith Cavell - and Water, Mills and Marshes. At our AGM we are fortunate enough to have members willing to give a talk after the business part of the meeting. At last year’s we had a costumed talk by Janet Edwards on the History of the Great Yarmouth Workhouse – we are lucky to have a lot of historical knowledge amongst our members.

Our outdoor events during the summer included a coach trip to Lavenham and Long Melford - and nearer to home a guided walk around Thurne and a walk along the North Walsham and Dilham Canal. For these local walks we car share.

Once again we had a very enjoyable meal at the Filby Bridge Restaurant for our Annual Dinner in February.

A new venture this winter was a series of afternoon Archive Study Groups run by our President Ann Meakin - studying maps of Martham’s past - Tithe Maps, Enclosure Maps - and documents such as old wills. Concluding the series was a visit by a metal-detecting lady from Somerton who brought along her many treasures she has found in and around Martham.

Lastly I would like to thank the parish clerk and local businesses who display our posters. So look out for them and come along to any of our meetings. You will always find a warm welcome.