At the end of this my third, and last, year as Chair, these are not the times I expected. However, I am proud of the way that we have tried to keep Sutton Writers alive and serving its members. We owe particular thanks to Lauren and Kirsteen for bringing their digital skills.
We do, though, have the small matter of our AGM to consider. It would usually take place at the July monthly meeting, but we will need to host it on Zoom for this year as the Hall is likely to still be closed. An agenda will be distributed nearer the time, and you will receive the usual papers, by email, in advance of the meeting.
The AGM is an opportunity for your committee to update you on the past year, for a new committee to be elected, and to look at the year ahead – which we already know will see great change. To send you out papers is easy; to vote for a new committee, less so.
This is the situation: the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are not standing again for these posts. Barbara Saunders has been a loyal and efficient Secretary for many years, and it’s time for a well-earned rest. Linda Sadler has been Treasurer for a year and will be difficult to replace, but we respect that other responsibilities have to take priority. Ann Pattison is standing down after many years of service as past-Chair and committee member, and deserves huge thanks, and Paul Lawson is also standing down after three years on the committee – thanks Paul.
Going forward to 2020/2021:
- Lauren and Kirsteen are nominated as Joint Chair and Secretary.
- We need candidates for the office of Treasurer; anybody interested please email me for an outline of what is involved.
- Paul Blewitt is willing to stand again as Membership Secretary.
- Kat Parsons and Jonathan Evans are welcomed as new committee member candidates.
- Although not standing as Chair, I am willing to stand as a committee member.
- John Reynolds, who runs the Monday workshop, is willing to stand as a committee member.
Nominations are not yet closed: if you wish to be nominated you need any member to propose you for the role. If you wish to propose another person please do check with them first that they are willing to stand!
How can you vote? Well, by attending the Zoom AGM. Voting has always been by a show of hands so there is no problem with confidentiality, so emailing your votes should not pose any problems. Please contact me up to seven days before the meeting and make clear if you are voting for all candidates or only specific ones, and email me here. Because of the exceptional circumstances the committee has approved these voting options.
Please do attend the meeting and do use your vote.