Present:            Sandra Carlile, Ken Fry, Margaret Jowitt, Helen Rapley, Jean Reid, Chris Rickards, Clive Rickards, Jenny Robinson, Harvie Sharp, Josie Snow, Helen Whatson, Jay Whatson.

1.            Apologies

Received from:            Chris Axford, Verity Baird, Michael Ginsburg, Ray Ginsburg, Janet Harley, Peter Joyce, Arthur Rackleyeft.

2.            To Confirm and Approve Minutes of the 2010 AGM

These were read and accepted unanimously.

3.            Matters Arising from the Minutes

There were no matters arising.

4.            Chairman’s Report and Thanks

            2010 was a very mixed year for the Scottish Fiddlers. Sadly, two of our oldest and longest serving fiddlers died.

Our oldest fiddler, Pat Larrington, died on 2^nd September, aged 91. Pat was one of the first members of the Scottish Fiddlers when it began in 1986. She was loyal, and much loved, and scarcely missed a concert or rehearsal in nearly 25 years. Indeed, she played her last concert with us in July 2010 and was looking forward to the start of the new season.

It was Pat’s wish that we played some of her favourite Airs at her funeral. I was immensely proud of the fact that we not only honoured Pat’s wish, but that we played so beautifully for her. Thanks to Pat’s niece, for her donation to the Fiddlers to help with our printing costs. Volume 5 has now been dedicated to Pat’s memory

Little did I suspect that we would be called upon again so soon to play at the funeral of another of our founder members.  Although George had been battling with cancer for some time, he was so full of life that I, for one, could not bring myself to believe that he would ever die. Even three days before he died, George was on the ‘phone to me planning his and Jean’s 60^th wedding anniversary party, although I think we both knew that in reality we were saying goodbye. It was George’s way of saying that life goes on – keep looking forward.

For George, the Scottish Fiddlers became like an extended family.  So for the Fiddlers to play at his funeral was a very poignant occasion. Jean had imagined the music floating over the congregation as the Fiddlers played from up in the balcony. The effect was ethereal. George would have been delighted that so many of you were able to be there to play for him, and that three of our former members; Sr. Patricia, Rene, and Al were able to be there too.

Although he hadn’t known her for very many years George had a soft spot for Pema, and was looking forward to the birth of the Fiddlers’ first baby. Sadly George didn’t live long enough to meet Pema and Samuel’s son, Jamie Albert, born on Sunday 5^th December 2010, weighing in at 6lbs 13oz, just a week before George’s death.

With the birth of Jamie we are reminded that George believed we should embrace life and look forward to the future positively. This has not been easy to do this past year with so much illness and death surrounding the Fiddlers, but hopefully 2011 will be a year of renewal and moving forward as we celebrate IW Scottish Fiddlers 25^th anniversary.

In January we changed our rehearsal venue from Trinity Church Hall in Ventnor to Whitwell Village Hall. Although not perfect, the hire charge is well within our means, notwithstanding having to feed the electricity meter, there is a decent car park, and we are able to have our own storage cupboard. Thanks to Harvie for constructing and installing it.

Although there were one or two rocky moments in pulling off some of the concerts in 2010, we did it and raised a few thousand pounds for good causes whilst we were at it.

The year began with the Burns Supper at Ryde Methodist Church.  In February we invaded England to play at St. John’s Church, Southbourne to raise funds for FFRME. It was a pleasure to play for such a great and generous audience. The Church provided an amazing supper, and a vigorous dancing session with Reel Tyme rounded off the evening. Thanks to Pema for obtaining a grant from HIWCF to help with ferry and coach costs, to Ray for making all the travel arrangements, and to Harvie for making the initial contacts, and for bolting Reel Tyme on to the package, at no cost. Later in February we gave an afternoon concert in Bonchurch Parish Church to help raise funds for the Flower Festival.

Doing our little bit to support the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Thanks to Helen, who is our link with the charity and sets the wheels in motion for these events, to Ray for getting the support of Niton Methodist Church behind the event and providing us with the venue, to Jean for her expertise in planning and organizing the catering, and to everyone who chipped in to provide the food and refreshments.

Another Fiddler to thank is Janet.  She and her husband Brian have made the United Reformed Church, Shanklin a real hub of the community. They have made the Church available several times for events involving the Fiddlers. In June they hosted a concert and supper evening in aid of ‘Street Pastors’. In spite of Ray’s deteriorating health he pulled the stops out to help make the evening a success and get Niton Methodists involved in this event too.

We brought the concert season to a close with the Flower Festival concert in July at St. John’s Church, Wroxall. The following day was the traditional Fiddlers Lunch at Middleton House – my small way of thanking you all for your efforts.

The new concert season began on 19^th September with the Scottish Fiddlers entertaining children from the Ukraine whom the UK Border Agency in its wisdom had denied entry when the main party came in May. Thanks to a gift to me from Penny Larrington, Pat’s daughter, to spend on a project at my discretion, I decided to use the money to provide luncheon rather than call on band members’ generosity again. In view of Ray’s health, Janet arranged the use of United Reformed Church, Shankilin as the venue, rather than Niton Methodist Church. This was most thoughtful. Thank you Janet. Thanks also to Jean and Chris for preparing the ploughman’s lunches for everyone. I should also like to record a special word of thanks to Ian Watterson who not only gives his time freely to sorting out the dancing, but also throws himself wholeheartedly into making these events such fun.

October saw the Fiddlers donning Wild West outfits instead of our traditional tartans, for the Star Awards Ceremony at Cowes Yacht Haven. Janet has made herself indispensable to LACES, which couldn’t have organized the event without her input. We were all proud of Verity, who played the theme from Schindler’s List beautifully.

Sandown Methodist Meeting Point hosted out first concert in November. Unfortunately illness and members’ other commitments meant that we were greatly reduced in numbers for our next concert, at All Saint’s Church Freshwater, which was videoed by UK Entertainment Channel for broadcast in 2011. Those who were there, rose to the occasion splendidly, unfazed by cameramen crawling around their feet. Harvie, especially, seemed to really enjoy playing to the cameras!

After a couple of years of outnumbering the audience at the Holliers during the Shanklin Christmas Fayre, we seem to have hit upon a successful formula at last. This is again thanks to Janet for suggesting we make our performance a part of what happens in URC. Thanks to Brian and Janet this event is great fun and really gets us in the festive spirit.

Unfortunately the weather turned foul again in December and the traditional Bonchurch Social Club Christmas Concert had to be cancelled. However we shall, instead, be giving them a Valentine’s Day Concert. Not a bad swap for the mistletoe….

And so the year ended playing for George’s funeral on 29^th December, the day originally planned for his and Jean’s 60^th wedding anniversary celebration. He got his party. But it was a wake. Nevertheless it was a celebration; a celebration of the life of one of the founders of the Scottish Fiddlers, and a lovely man. And that brings me to Jean. Throughout a year of extreme ups and downs she has baked. She has been baking for the Fiddlers for nearly 25 years, and has no plans to cease. Thank you Jean.

 There is one man I haven’t yet thanked - Peter. Although his work has him commuting to Glasgow and has kept him at sea much of the time in 2010, he is always there helping to keep things ticking over for the Fiddlers. He is an enormous asset to us. Thank you Peter. I hope I haven’t omitted to thank anyone. If I have please forgive me it is not a snub! Last, but not least, thanks to all of you not just for your playing, but also, as it says in the blurb, ‘for the conviviality of membership’.

Clive Rickards 23/1/2011

5.            Treasurer’s Report

Following the death of George, Clive drew up the accounts and delivered the financial report.  Members unanimously agreed the adoption but the accounts need to be certified.  Helen Rapley offered to speak to a contact who may be able to help.

6.            Matters Arising from the Treasurer’s Report

It was unanimously agreed that surplus funds be spent on subsidising a future tour.

7.            Election of Committee

Peter and Clive agreed to stand for re-election and were unopposed.  Clive reiterated that the constitution allows for up to five committee members.  The distribution of formal offices is made through discussion within the committee.

Peter Joyce proposed and Chris Rickards seconded Jenny Robinson.  Harvie Sharp proposed and Chris Rickards seconded Helen Rapley.  Both were elected unanimously.

8.            Fiddlers 25^th Anniversary

Jean Reid suggested that we approach East Dene to establish availability of the venue for our 25^th celebration event.  This was agreed unanimously. Chris Rickards agreed to contact East Dean.

9.            Management and Administration

There were no matters to discuss.

 

10.            Rehearsal Venue

Although content to stay at Whitwell Village Hall for the time being, we are always ready to consider a more suitable venue.  Jenny Robinson kindly researched the Riverside Centre as a possibility.  It is too expensive for our group.  In addition to a cost of £15 per hour, kitchen facilities cost extra.

11.             AOB

The group wishes to have a tour in 2011.  Harvie agreed to check members’ availability as no plans can be made until it is clear who is free when.  Sandra Carlile expressed a wish to return to the West Country.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30pm.