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Programme for the months ahead Papers delivered at recent meetings |
Address to A.G.M. '02 Address to A.G.M. '03 Address to A.G.M. '04 |
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Address to the A.G.M. Oct. '02, by Chairperson, Stephanie Bourke. |
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Ladies and gentlemen,
The annual general meeting is really the only occasion that the greater group i.e. the general membership comes together to take stock and to show solidarity. For the remainder of the year, the Committee is on its own. Over the past year, and indeed three years, we have tried to do our best to pursue the aims of the Society as established in our Constitution. We amaze ourselves at the volume of business that requires to be done at each monthly meeting and the work that has to be done behind the scenes to produce for example a publication of papers from the archive; to set up a programme of speakers or to create an event or exhibition for the annual Heritage Week. From my own experience, this seems to be the fate of voluntary committees. In the course of our activities however, I would like to assure you that a lot of soul searching takes place to establish if we are on the right track; to adjust if we are not; to avoid becoming elitist or self-centred. |
The AGM is therefore vital in that it confers a mandate on a new committee, a mandate that brings with it reassurance and encouragement. The latter should not be overlooked as oftentimes it can be tempting to say why bother. Stepping down as chairperson, may I emphasise therefore my personal belief that the work of this Society is important and deserves to be supported. Our Society is about community endeavour; people coming together to create a certain type of community; to share ideas; to offer mutual friendship; to provide a support system and a set of standards. Our shared beliefs revolve around a respect for the past and for the place - the space we have inherited - at local level and beyond. That respect brings with it a wish to hand something on and that is the true role of an historical society. My sincere thanks to my fellow committee members. Stephanie Bourke, 8th. October 2002 . Page updated 22 / 11 / 2004 |