The 31st Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 7th May 2004, at Shirley House, St Andrews Psalter Lane Church.
The election of the new General Committee saw the end of a significant era for the Group, as Joan Flett stepped down after thirty-one years of close involvement with its running, including significant stints as Chairman and a major involvement in the Luncheon Club and local history group. In recognition of Joan's enormous contribution a (very) locally manufactured and suitably inscribed silver-plate tray was presented as a token of the Group's appreciation. This was of course accompanied by the genuine thanks of all present for the significant effort that Joan has put in down the years to energise the Group and to ensure its continued vitality. Joan will no doubt continue to pursue an interest in local history projects, such as those that have led to the publication of a number of books on the history of the Nether Edge area. Aside from this, Joan will remain an important historian of the Group itself.
Earlier in the meeting confirmation of the closure of the Luncheon Club for the Housebound was sadly acknowledged — a consequence of declining numbers of eligible participants. This long-standing activity had been ably supported over many years by a number of volunteers, all of whom were thanked for their important and energetic contributions to this labour-intensive but rewarding project. Amongst those singled out for particular thanks were Sue Bolger and Joan Flett.
The AGM was pleased to hear both of the buoyancy of membership (currently 874 households) and the solid state of the Group's finances. Donations had been made to St Andrew's Hall (£500 towards new stage curtains) and to the Chelsea Park bonfire and fireworks.
One of the significant 'housekeeping' tasks of the evening was the election of the new General Committee to serve until May 2005. Despite the loss of a number of longstanding members, the AGM was pleased to welcome a blend of old, newish and new faces in the coming year. (Click on Past Officers) Amongst those stepping down were; Karen Taylor, who was warmly thanked for her contribution over the past nine years, and Peter Frost who, whilst continuing to chair the Planning Subcommittee, would be stepping down from the General Committee. His past substantial contributions as Chairman and Treasurer were noted with thanks.
A major part of the work of the Group is the distribution of 'EDGE' and the collection of annual subscriptions. This core activity is undertaken by more than thirty members. Their voluntary efforts are highly appreciated and the AGM carried a warm vote of thanks. The editors and artworkers who produce a steady flow of 'EDGE' newsletters during the year were also thanked for their important contribution.