Report on the Annual General Meeting
The AGM attracted the strongest turnout of members to date
The Guild held its highly successful second Annual General Meeting at the Whittlebury Hall Hotel on Thursday 23rd November 2017, generating an enthusiastic discussion from its strongest turnout of members to date. Our Chairman, Eddie Hoare, kicked off proceedings by reporting on business from the earlier Board meeting, namely on the state of the accounts and an update on our growing membership.
Apprenticeships were high on the agenda
There followed a lively and engaging discussion on the highly current topic of Apprenticeships with several members sharing their experiences of apprenticeships to date. Members were very much in support of apprenticeships but were keen that training institutions should take on their concerns as employers.
Some of those concerns were helpfully responded to by Kevin Haggarthy representing our new apprenticeship training partners Barnet & Southgate College, attending his first General meeting of the Guild. Kevin will be meeting up with several members to discuss apprenticeship and training issues further, and we look forward to this continuing debate.
Michael Scott reported on planned events for 2018
Founder Michael Scott went on to set out a busy 2018 calendar of works visits and events! With activities set for virtually every month of the year, Michael still referred to the calendar as ‘work in progress’ suggesting Guild members will suffer anything but boredom in 2018! That said, the busy events schedule was well received and testimony to the success of previous events. Michael will certainly be busy.
An enhanced presence at the London Classic Car Show
Especially so with the Guild’s enhanced presence at the London Classic Car Show next year, from 15th – 18th February, 2018. Last year we put on a great show, but next year our stand will be even bigger (and better) . Michael set out the rather grand TIGOSE exhibition floor plan encouraging members to book exhibition slots while they can. (asap please!). This will be our big Show of the Year! Michael also pointed out that on Friday 16th February at 5.30 pm the Colin Pool Memorial Trophy ‘the spirit of Oasarthe’, will be presented on the stand to the highest placed British team at LeMans. Be there!
Our Chairman announced his plan to retire next year
The meeting concluded with Chairman Eddie Hoare’s announcement that, sadly, he plans to retire as Chairman next year; his premise being that he’d like the Guild to be Chaired ideally by an Engineer, thus inviting interested members to consider putting themselves forward. Eddie will remain an enthusiastic supporter of the Guild, and is looking to continue his contribution in an Ambassadorial role.
Bring on 2018
The evening concluded with an excellent evening dinner, with Michael Scott proving the consummate host as usual. Lively humour and discussion dominated the evening whilst the customary ‘musical chairs’ tradition allowed members to speak with those they hadn’t quite got around to speaking with earlier. Indeed a wonderful time was had by all…bring on 2018!
