2025 AGM Minutes, Reports and Constitution

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON 7th MAY 2025

Details to follow.

TREASURER'S REPORT for year ended 31st March 2025

Before reviewing the Annual Accounts, I should like to thank David Branson for examining them for us once again, and for his painstaking work and helpful advice. Sadly, after fifteen years carrying out this role, David has decided that it’s time for him to retire. We are indebted to him for the dedicated support he has given us over all these years.

Turning to the Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st March 2025, our income totalled £3,168 and our expenditure totalled £2,843, meaning we made a profit of £325.

There were two main factors that contributed to this. One was a compensation payment of £250 from NatWest because of the poor service we had received when setting up online banking and the other was the very successful concert held in December. Around 80 people attended, a record as far as we know. Although our costs for the event were substantial, the decision to charge £5 for members and £10 for visitors meant that we made a modest profit overall.

Comparing the results with the previous year, subscriptions were marginally down reflecting slightly lower membership numbers, whereas there was an increase in speakers’ fees and church hire costs. These are our two most significant items of expenditure.

Having reviewed our current financial position and the likely increase in costs this coming year, your committee are recommending an increase in the annual subscription from £25 to £28 subject to endorsement by members at the AGM. 

Other than for exceptional events, visitors’ fees will remain at £5 per person.

Subscriptions are now payable for the forthcoming year and bank transfers are the preferred method of payment, though you may pay by cheque if you wish. Importantly, if you are paying by bank transfer, please use as a reference ‘sub’ followed by your surname.

Finally, I should like to remind you to advise us if your contact details have changed, and it’s also a good idea to provide us with details of the person you would like us to contact in the event of an emergency, if you have not already done so. Thank you.

Annual accounts were approved by a show of hands.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31st March 2025

The AGM is always a time for reflection on the past year, but also a time to look forward to the year ahead.

This AGM for me is very significant, as it completes my 2 year period as Chairman. It has been a pleasure and an honour for me.

I have to express my sincere thanks to a very strong committee, who “make things happen” I hope that you will agree that we have had a very good year in 24/25. The speaker programme has been very well received. The balance between French and English, after our new guidelines for speakers had a positive effect.

We had a great Christmas concert, and a successful Late Christmas lunch. We started a new activity of playing Pétanque and will continue this year. The “Secret Garden” Lunch was a big success and is soon to be repeated (don’t miss it!). We had an enjoyable musical presentation also that was a success.

So now we look forward to the new year with optimism. I am particularly happy that you will have a strong Committee to keep The CAFC vibrant!

Jill Wilson has been a very important and hard-working member of the Committee for a long period. It is particularly fitting that Jill now stands as the proposed new Chairman of the Circle, subject to the AGM’s approval. I strongly endorse Jill for this position.

Jane Davidson has made a huge difference to our website, and our public image. This is critically important to attract new members. We are grateful to Jane for continuing this effort.

Derrick Russell has agreed to become treasurer, thank you Derrick.

Pauline Bonser has agreed to come back to the Committee, Pauline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Myself and Ray Howard will remain members.

Peter Stickland will step down from The Committee, but has kindly agreed to continue his practical support of the Circle. 

I thank you all for your enthusiastic participation and support.

Jim Duffy

The proposed Committee was approved by a show of hands.

COLCHESTER ANGLO-FRENCH CIRCLE CONSTITUTION wef May 2023

1. The name of the organisation is the Colchester Anglo-French Circle.

2. The object of the Circle is to promote and enjoy all things French.

3. Membership is open to all who are interested in France and the French way of life.

4. The Circle is managed by a committee of members consisting of the following officers:
chairman and treasurer, as well as elected members of the Circle. Committee members will
be elected, or for those already on the committee re-elected, at the AGM, and will normally
serve for three years.

5. An annual subscription is charged, as agreed by the full committee, and endorsed at the
AGM. The subscription shall be paid for one year and payment is due at the AGM.

6. Visitors are charged a nominal fee, as agreed by the committee.

7. A General Meeting of the Circle is held every year not later than eight weeks after the end of
the financial year on 31 st March, to transact the following business:

    a) Receive and, if approved, adopt the Circle’s chairman’s report.

    b) Receive and, if approved, adopt the Circle’s accounts for the year ending 31 st
    March.

    c) Appoint someone to examine the accounts.

    d) Appoint officers and other members of the committee.

    e) Deal with any special matters the committee wishes to discuss with members.

    f) Amend the Constitution if necessary.

8. The chairman will preside at the AGM and will have a casting vote in the event of votes
being equal.

9. At committee meetings the chairman will preside and will have a casting or additional vote
in the event of votes being equal. In the absence of the chairman, a committee member
will be chosen from those present to act on the chairman’s behalf.

10. Three members will form a quorum at committee meetings and ten at general meetings.

11. A majority of two thirds of those present at general meetings is needed to agree an
amendment to the constitution.

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