ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2 September 2023 5pm
Westminster College Chapel
AGENDA
1. Apologies and correspondence
2. Annual report (see below) + financial statements
3. Proposed changes to the constitution
4. Elections
Those willing to stand for the Executive and the General Committee are listed below.
No post is contested but all need to be agreed by the AGM.
The Executive: nominated & seconded by:
Chair Peter Relf Peter Steadman & Ann Darley Cook
Secretary Mary Lines Peter Relf & Peter Steadman
Treasurer David Gibbs John Hart & Ken Reid
Membership officer Peter Steadman Peter Relf & Mary Lines
The General Committee: nominated & seconded by:
Links (2 reps) Helen Lewis Mike Cooper & Peter Relf
John Wallace Sylvia Clift & David Gibbs
Reunion Liz Stock Mary Lines & Peter Relf
Communications Honor Hollis Eileen Baglin-Jones & Peter Relf
Volunteers (2 reps) Mike Cooper David Gibbs & Peter Relf
Linda Finch Will Bissett & Honor Hollis
5. Thanks
Westminster College Chapel
AGENDA
1. Apologies and correspondence
2. Annual report (see below) + financial statements
3. Proposed changes to the constitution
4. Elections
Those willing to stand for the Executive and the General Committee are listed below.
No post is contested but all need to be agreed by the AGM.
The Executive: nominated & seconded by:
Chair Peter Relf Peter Steadman & Ann Darley Cook
Secretary Mary Lines Peter Relf & Peter Steadman
Treasurer David Gibbs John Hart & Ken Reid
Membership officer Peter Steadman Peter Relf & Mary Lines
The General Committee: nominated & seconded by:
Links (2 reps) Helen Lewis Mike Cooper & Peter Relf
John Wallace Sylvia Clift & David Gibbs
Reunion Liz Stock Mary Lines & Peter Relf
Communications Honor Hollis Eileen Baglin-Jones & Peter Relf
Volunteers (2 reps) Mike Cooper David Gibbs & Peter Relf
Linda Finch Will Bissett & Honor Hollis
5. Thanks
ANNUAL REPORT
The Westminster Society Report August 2023
Finance: Three officers now have online access to the NatWest bank account, enabling efficient financial and membership overview and prompt payments. The fee-bearing HSBC account will definitely close by 31 December 2023. Society finances remain stable. However, long term, the Society's income will decrease as members die. That will inevitably affect what it can afford to do in the future. Exploration of insurance needs is proving far from straightforward.
Membership: Committee members and volunteers are putting much time and effort to a mix of email campaigns and telephone calls asking members to switch banks, and update their subscription payments. Our database, WestBase, is regularly cleaned and updated. The friendly monthly newsletters have needed careful coordination so the right messages go to Members and to lapsed or non-members. We've had special emails to specific groups such as our 1950s contacts, and people closest to Oxford. Membership this month stands at 702 (466 individual, 94 joint [i.e.188], 48 life)
Organisation: The four Executive officers meet monthly online, and the General Committee meets quarterly online and once in person in College. We thank our Chaplain Miriam, our past Chair, Sylvia, Tom from Oxford Centre for Methodism & Church History and Anne from Oxford Brookes Alumni Team for taking an active part in these meetings. We also value our close contact with the Westminster College Oxford Trust. During the year we have agreed policies to support teams and their increasing number of volunteers.
Welfare: Student numbers at Harcourt Hill are dwindling as Oxford Brookes winds down activities here. We have considered mental health support for current students and encouraged Members to take part in the OBU Alumni mentoring scheme.
Reunion: The 2022 reunion went well and helped us refine the programme for 2023 - integrating the Reunion Service, revising evening meal arrangements and creating more opportunities for conversation. Planning has been helped by OBU Venues office but negotiations still continued ‘up to the wire’.
Communications: The team: Peter, Honor and Jenny relaunched the website and prepared the magazine much earlier but had to delay publication by 2 weeks to include the latest Reunion information.
Links: We are aiming to broaden links: some based on geography, others (perhaps online) on shared interests, and to encourage informal DIY links, like the successful reunions at The Fishes which Helen Lewis organises. In East Anglia, Margaret Baldry has proved that area links can still function though she notes that health and travel concerns can limit participation. On 26 October 2023, we are trialling a small regional event in Leatherhead, Surrey, based at the Methodist Church and featuring a lunchtime professional harmonica concert and, in a lovely chapel nearby, an art show. There will be plenty of time of time for chat. We'd welcome trying other formulas in other regions - perhaps Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham.
Heritage: A new research project to record how Ws have contributed to society since 1851 was launched in this year's magazine and has been gathering volunteers since. Tom Dobson of the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History team is team leader. The aim is to produce: an online database which will be accessible from 2025, and an illustrated book to coincide with the Westminster College 175th anniversary in 2026.
The Westminster Society Report August 2023
Finance: Three officers now have online access to the NatWest bank account, enabling efficient financial and membership overview and prompt payments. The fee-bearing HSBC account will definitely close by 31 December 2023. Society finances remain stable. However, long term, the Society's income will decrease as members die. That will inevitably affect what it can afford to do in the future. Exploration of insurance needs is proving far from straightforward.
Membership: Committee members and volunteers are putting much time and effort to a mix of email campaigns and telephone calls asking members to switch banks, and update their subscription payments. Our database, WestBase, is regularly cleaned and updated. The friendly monthly newsletters have needed careful coordination so the right messages go to Members and to lapsed or non-members. We've had special emails to specific groups such as our 1950s contacts, and people closest to Oxford. Membership this month stands at 702 (466 individual, 94 joint [i.e.188], 48 life)
Organisation: The four Executive officers meet monthly online, and the General Committee meets quarterly online and once in person in College. We thank our Chaplain Miriam, our past Chair, Sylvia, Tom from Oxford Centre for Methodism & Church History and Anne from Oxford Brookes Alumni Team for taking an active part in these meetings. We also value our close contact with the Westminster College Oxford Trust. During the year we have agreed policies to support teams and their increasing number of volunteers.
Welfare: Student numbers at Harcourt Hill are dwindling as Oxford Brookes winds down activities here. We have considered mental health support for current students and encouraged Members to take part in the OBU Alumni mentoring scheme.
Reunion: The 2022 reunion went well and helped us refine the programme for 2023 - integrating the Reunion Service, revising evening meal arrangements and creating more opportunities for conversation. Planning has been helped by OBU Venues office but negotiations still continued ‘up to the wire’.
Communications: The team: Peter, Honor and Jenny relaunched the website and prepared the magazine much earlier but had to delay publication by 2 weeks to include the latest Reunion information.
Links: We are aiming to broaden links: some based on geography, others (perhaps online) on shared interests, and to encourage informal DIY links, like the successful reunions at The Fishes which Helen Lewis organises. In East Anglia, Margaret Baldry has proved that area links can still function though she notes that health and travel concerns can limit participation. On 26 October 2023, we are trialling a small regional event in Leatherhead, Surrey, based at the Methodist Church and featuring a lunchtime professional harmonica concert and, in a lovely chapel nearby, an art show. There will be plenty of time of time for chat. We'd welcome trying other formulas in other regions - perhaps Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham.
Heritage: A new research project to record how Ws have contributed to society since 1851 was launched in this year's magazine and has been gathering volunteers since. Tom Dobson of the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History team is team leader. The aim is to produce: an online database which will be accessible from 2025, and an illustrated book to coincide with the Westminster College 175th anniversary in 2026.
The Westminster Society constitution
PROPOSED CHANGES to the existing constitution (see below on this page)
The Heritage project and The Westminsterian magazine both record and value the contribution to society of Westminster College, its alumni and staff. This vital aspect of what the Society does is now added to the list of obejctives in Clause 2.
This year, (two years after the 2021 constitution) sees the entire Executive up for election. Technically that could mean an entire change in the leadership in one election, unless the AGM adopts this change. Clause 6 now makes arrangements to enable a more gradual change of Executive officers and limits the tenure of an office to three terms (6 years max). Clause 6 also removes ‘online communication’ from the role of Membership officer. Online communication becomes a responsibility for the Communications team (who already look after the website and the magazine).
The changes to Clause 6 about electing the Executive means that there is no need to deal with the Executive in Clause 7 which now deals only with other elected members of the General Committee - hence the new a), b), c), d).
To reflect a broader approach to links (members getting in touch with each other in a variety of ways), references to area links groups are removed in Clause 7 and in Clause 15 where the broader approach is clarified. Area links groups are not shut down. They remain one form of link for the Society.
Clause 8 stops making a big thing about the General Committee meeting in person and/or online. We do both, including a ‘hybrid’ meeting where most are present but some are online using software where they can be seen and heard.
In Clause 7 and in Clause 19 we now give the Westminster College Oxford Trust its proper name.
PROPOSED CHANGES to the existing constitution (see below on this page)
The Heritage project and The Westminsterian magazine both record and value the contribution to society of Westminster College, its alumni and staff. This vital aspect of what the Society does is now added to the list of obejctives in Clause 2.
This year, (two years after the 2021 constitution) sees the entire Executive up for election. Technically that could mean an entire change in the leadership in one election, unless the AGM adopts this change. Clause 6 now makes arrangements to enable a more gradual change of Executive officers and limits the tenure of an office to three terms (6 years max). Clause 6 also removes ‘online communication’ from the role of Membership officer. Online communication becomes a responsibility for the Communications team (who already look after the website and the magazine).
The changes to Clause 6 about electing the Executive means that there is no need to deal with the Executive in Clause 7 which now deals only with other elected members of the General Committee - hence the new a), b), c), d).
To reflect a broader approach to links (members getting in touch with each other in a variety of ways), references to area links groups are removed in Clause 7 and in Clause 15 where the broader approach is clarified. Area links groups are not shut down. They remain one form of link for the Society.
Clause 8 stops making a big thing about the General Committee meeting in person and/or online. We do both, including a ‘hybrid’ meeting where most are present but some are online using software where they can be seen and heard.
In Clause 7 and in Clause 19 we now give the Westminster College Oxford Trust its proper name.
The Westminster Society
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 2 September 2022 at 5pm.
Present: Peter Relf, Mary Lines, David Gibbs, Peter Steadman, Liz Stock, Will Bissett, Tom Dobson, Clive Wilkinson, Joan Wilkinson, Jennifer Day, Tom Day, Robert Jones, Hazel Green, Honor Hollis, Tom Pilkington, Carol Pilkington, John Tranter, Liz Berry, Keith Berry, Ian Rusha, Neil Grecian, Michael King, Rob Tunnicliff, Wendy Watson, Peter Powers, Miriam Moul, Mike Cooper
On Zoom: Sylvia Clift, Christine Peet, Joy Gibbs, Brian Newcombe, Gwen Garner, Wendy Brown.
Apologies: John Wallace, Frances Ann Johnson
After a 132 seconds quiz to mark the 132nd AGM of Westminster College alumni, the meeting opened.
The annual report, already available for members in the paperwork for the meeting, was received.
The financial statement, also in the paperwork and introduced by David Gibbs was approved. David reported that over 300 members had not yet adjusted their membership standing orders to the £10 rate agreed unanimously at the 2022 AGM and had not yet transferred their membership payments from the Society’s HSBC account which incurs charges to its new free-banking account with NatWest.
In his membership report, Peter Steadman outlined how the printers had failed to send copies of The Westminsterian magazine to 100 members. Thanks to Tom Dobson and Derek Gillard the Society has rectified the printers’ error. During 2022-23, the Membership team will continue to encourage members to raise new standing orders to the correct rate and to the free account. Christine Crowther (Gollins) ’65 would be phoning members about that, and another volunteer would be very welcome. Meanwhile, Ann Darley Cook (Darley) ’71 would be keeping in touch with our Horseferry Road contingent, and some of the early years leavers after College moved to Oxford.
In his closing remarks, Peter Relf highlighted how the pandemic had made many members reluctant to meet in person, adversely affecting Area Links. He was grateful that Margaret Baldry was arranging an East Anglia event on 15 October 2022. He also mentioned the possibility of a Legacy project which could record how students and staff of Westminster College had contributed to society over 150 years. He thanked Dave Haigh and Sylvia Clift (attending the meeting via Zoom) for their significant part in making BA awards and celebrations possible, and he thanked the Reunion team led by Mary Lines for organising another enjoyable reunion.
The meeting closed at 5.15pm
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 2 September 2022 at 5pm.
Present: Peter Relf, Mary Lines, David Gibbs, Peter Steadman, Liz Stock, Will Bissett, Tom Dobson, Clive Wilkinson, Joan Wilkinson, Jennifer Day, Tom Day, Robert Jones, Hazel Green, Honor Hollis, Tom Pilkington, Carol Pilkington, John Tranter, Liz Berry, Keith Berry, Ian Rusha, Neil Grecian, Michael King, Rob Tunnicliff, Wendy Watson, Peter Powers, Miriam Moul, Mike Cooper
On Zoom: Sylvia Clift, Christine Peet, Joy Gibbs, Brian Newcombe, Gwen Garner, Wendy Brown.
Apologies: John Wallace, Frances Ann Johnson
After a 132 seconds quiz to mark the 132nd AGM of Westminster College alumni, the meeting opened.
The annual report, already available for members in the paperwork for the meeting, was received.
The financial statement, also in the paperwork and introduced by David Gibbs was approved. David reported that over 300 members had not yet adjusted their membership standing orders to the £10 rate agreed unanimously at the 2022 AGM and had not yet transferred their membership payments from the Society’s HSBC account which incurs charges to its new free-banking account with NatWest.
In his membership report, Peter Steadman outlined how the printers had failed to send copies of The Westminsterian magazine to 100 members. Thanks to Tom Dobson and Derek Gillard the Society has rectified the printers’ error. During 2022-23, the Membership team will continue to encourage members to raise new standing orders to the correct rate and to the free account. Christine Crowther (Gollins) ’65 would be phoning members about that, and another volunteer would be very welcome. Meanwhile, Ann Darley Cook (Darley) ’71 would be keeping in touch with our Horseferry Road contingent, and some of the early years leavers after College moved to Oxford.
In his closing remarks, Peter Relf highlighted how the pandemic had made many members reluctant to meet in person, adversely affecting Area Links. He was grateful that Margaret Baldry was arranging an East Anglia event on 15 October 2022. He also mentioned the possibility of a Legacy project which could record how students and staff of Westminster College had contributed to society over 150 years. He thanked Dave Haigh and Sylvia Clift (attending the meeting via Zoom) for their significant part in making BA awards and celebrations possible, and he thanked the Reunion team led by Mary Lines for organising another enjoyable reunion.
The meeting closed at 5.15pm
Chair - Peter Relf writes:
I had a great time at Westminster and particularly enjoyed music-making and staging theatre productions. This was excellent preparation for teaching music in Hillingdon, Doncaster, Mexborough and Mansfield. I gained a BA degree with the Open University and then supported vocational education in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. With an MBA from the OU, I worked for the Methodist Church, first regionally and then nationally before retiring.
I had a great time at Westminster and particularly enjoyed music-making and staging theatre productions. This was excellent preparation for teaching music in Hillingdon, Doncaster, Mexborough and Mansfield. I gained a BA degree with the Open University and then supported vocational education in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. With an MBA from the OU, I worked for the Methodist Church, first regionally and then nationally before retiring.
Secretary - Mary Lines writes:
I enjoyed college life and have many happy memories. I remained teaching in Early Years in Oxfordshire, until retiring. Living in North Hinksey, I have maintained links with the College over the years. I joined the Westminster Society after becoming a trustee of the Westminster College, Oxford Trust who are appointed by the Methodist Church as the managing trustees of the Harcourt Hill site.
I enjoyed college life and have many happy memories. I remained teaching in Early Years in Oxfordshire, until retiring. Living in North Hinksey, I have maintained links with the College over the years. I joined the Westminster Society after becoming a trustee of the Westminster College, Oxford Trust who are appointed by the Methodist Church as the managing trustees of the Harcourt Hill site.
Treasurer - David Gibbs writes:
At Westminster I studied music. My teaching career began in primary schools, continued on secondary, leading to head of department posts and to the school gaining performing arts specialist status. I was involved in teacher training through the school’s links with Bath Spa University. I have performed and directed music in educational and church settings, including 30 years as Director of music for church work with Christian Radio.
At Westminster I studied music. My teaching career began in primary schools, continued on secondary, leading to head of department posts and to the school gaining performing arts specialist status. I was involved in teacher training through the school’s links with Bath Spa University. I have performed and directed music in educational and church settings, including 30 years as Director of music for church work with Christian Radio.
Membership officer - Peter Steadman writes:
A year in France, then Leicester, proved enough teaching for me. I went into magazine publishing, installed the firm’s first computer, and grew with the business, retiring early as Database and Distribution Director. Music, especially singing, has always been part of me, and nowadays I run weekly lunchtime concerts in Leatherhead Methodist Church.
A year in France, then Leicester, proved enough teaching for me. I went into magazine publishing, installed the firm’s first computer, and grew with the business, retiring early as Database and Distribution Director. Music, especially singing, has always been part of me, and nowadays I run weekly lunchtime concerts in Leatherhead Methodist Church.
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The Westminster Society was founded in 1886, at the original Westminster College premises in Horseferry Road, Westminster, SW1, under the title Westminster Club.
The Westminsterian began life as the in-college magazine, produced several times a term. The earliest copy in the archive dates from 1892.
Do you know when it became today's alumni magazine? Was it, perhaps, around 1977? Because . . .
The Westminster Bulletin was produced from 1925 to 1977, first as the alumni magazine of the Westminster Club which at some point became the Society it is today. When was that?
Incidentally, the Bulletin followed on from the War Bulletin, which The Principal edited from 1914 to 1918, for Old W's on active service or recovering from war wounds.
Please look at your own back copies or archives of these magazines. It would be good to complete the College archive, and to see in what year these changes took place. Have a sort out before those eager young recyclers move in on you!
Please contact the Society:
WestminsterOxfordAlumni@gmail.com
