SLIMBRIDGE DOWSING GROUP REPORTS

Well, I expect you’re wondering what happened at the AGM, aren’t you? After the initial boring bits (most interesting: no matters arising!) Peter Golding gave his Chairman’s Report, reviewing the past year at Slimbridge Dowsing Group (SDG). He mentioned several highlights, popular talks and visits, and nobly referred to one lowlight that he had organised himself which bombed rather. Well, we did say it was Boring, but that was as in drilling boreholes, not as in tedium. Perhaps we should’ve re-phrased that.

Barry Goldring’s Treasurer's Report didn’t make quite such edifying listening as we have been cheerfully overspending on good speakers and a newsletter in glorious breath-taking Technicolour, and consequently now have a £399.54 deficit.

It was therefore proposed we cut costs by using more speakers from our own Group and possibly printing the Newsletter in black and white, not colour. Barry also proposed that we increase the annual subscription from £5 to £10. While an increase is never welcome, it was seen as an appropriate solution and carried unanimously. £10 is still pretty reasonable, after all!

Barry ended by saying he is happy to continue as Treasurer for another year but would like to retire in November 2011 so asked if any member would be prepared to take on the role and assist this coming year to learn the ropes. He has not yet been knocked down in the rush.

The Secretary's Report and Membership Secretary's Report from Barbara Davis were read out in her absence. We currently have 39 members which is excellent. Barbara does a lot for this Group in many ways, notably the beautiful flower display she did for us at the Slimbridge Church Flower Festival, and maintaining the display boards we use at various events.

Trish Mills gave a Publicity Report, saying the local Gazette is very good to us and has published 19 of our reports so far this year. We’re getting known locally and several people say they enjoy reading them even though they don’t believe in dowsing!

Because our Gazette reports have become something of an institution, Trish is considering publishing them in book form. We have four year’s worth, hope to get permission from the Gazette to use their logo on the back, and already have a title. You may remember Ann Lodygowski’s talk recently on animal healing. One member brought along some fur from his ailing rabbit, Ann dowsed it and announced in ringing tones, “This rabbit is constipated!” That would make a great title for the book.

Election of Officers

Having received no nominations, it was established that all existing Committee Members were prepared to stand again. Arthur Marrow therefore proposed the Committee voted in en bloc. Carried unanimously.

Peter then introduced the ‘new’ committee, which looked suspiciously like the old one, and Jim Greatrix took the opportunity to say he had been able to obtain sponsorship from Aldridge & Son, builders from Berkeley, and the Berkeley Buffaloes, to pay for the next edition of the Newsletter which could now be printed in colour after all. Chairman said this was most acceptable and thanked Jim profusely. So Jim has paid for 100 copies as usual, plus a further 100 copies which he will circulate on our behalf. This is most generous.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 2.40 and Peter introduced the speaker, Dr Fiona Firth, who gave an excellent talk on Acupuncture.