THE MOUNT HOUSE ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Committee meeting held at Mount House School on 29th March 2008.

The Chairman welcomed Jim Massey, ex-officio member of the Committee.

 

1. Apologies for absence were received from Chris Redman

 

2. Notification of other business: None.

 

3. The signing of the Minutes of the Meeting of 17th November 2007

The Chairman asked the Committee Members to read the Minutes. It was agreed that they were a true record and were duly signed.

 

4. Matters arising from the Minutes:

 

a. It was confirmed that Jon Banyard and Suse Hammond are the School’s representatives.

 

b. The co-option of Suse Hammond to the Committee was deferred.

 

c. Benches: The Secretary reported that the 4 benches, ordered by MHA, and the 4 additional benches, ordered by the School, had been delivered. Jim Massey confirmed this and said that they were much appreciated.

It was agreed that the names to be put on the plaques on the 4 benches on the Oval are:

J.D. Wedd, Headmaster 1938 – 1957.
H.P. Wortham, Housemaster 1954, Headmaster 1957 – 1983.
Miss L. Spencer, Senior Matron 1954 – 1984, Housekeeper 1984 – 1991.
Ken and Trudie Cload 1945 – 1992. 

 

d. The Wortham Films

The Secretary distributed a breakdown of the 16mm films that Evermedia had in their possession and the cost for undertaking the various processes for the films. It was agreed not to use the soundtracks associated with the films. It was confirmed that Peter Wortham had given permission to MHA to handle the films as the Committee thought best.
It was agreed to appoint Evermedia to undertake the digitising of the film only and to store it on DVD and hard disk.
It was suggested that past pupils be invited to view the digitised films of the years they were at the school to try to identify people and places contained in the films. This information could then be added to the cover sheets on a chapter by chapter basis.

 

 

e. Flagpoles: The Secretary had had discussions with the Headmaster with regard to the replacement of both the main flagpole and that on the Oval. Jim Massey confirmed that there were two suitable spars at Weir Quay, which could be converted into flagpoles. However, he foresaw problems in the School maintenance staff finding enough time to do the necessary work. It was agreed that the Secretary should contact a specialist firm of flagpole suppliers in Somerset, confirm a price of about £1,200 and place an order for a flagpole for the Oval. It is hoped that it will be in situ by Association Day, 28th June 2008. The MHA would also pay for the spar for the main flagpole but the work would be done by the school, as and when time allowed.
The Secretary said that he would contact Stephen White to see if he wanted to donate funds towards the pavilion flagpole, which replaces the one he presented when he left MHS.

f. Honorary Members: The Chairman confirmed that he had not yet written to those whom the Committee had identified should be invited to become Honorary Members of the Association. Having received headed notepaper and addresses, he said he would write at once.

 

5. Chairman’s Business:

The Chairman said that he had no further business to address.

 

6. Treasurer’s Business:

Statement of Accounts: In the absence of the Treasurer, a report was presented by Mel Redman.

Current Account: £24,680.39.

The Treasurer drew the Committee’s attention to the fact that this was just £59.59 less than on 31st May 2007, despite expenditure of £3471.78. It was noted that Simon Carter had made a generous unconditional contribution of £100.00. There are 10 new Life Members.

The Treasurer’s cover sheet asked how the returned £22,000.00 loan refunded by the School should be invested. It was agreed that the Treasurer should quantify the amount of moneys needed over the next year, i.e. for flagpoles, the archive and events and that as large an amount as possible be placed where it will receive the best interest. It was suggested that the Treasurer should discuss this issue with Bill Lane of Churchtown Accounts.

The subject of “Life subscription for membership of the Association built into the school fees” was discussed. Jim Massey suggested that the £60 payment for life membership of the MHA might be better added to the deposit, paid by parents at the beginning of their child’s time at the School. This would have the bonus of allowing parents to opt out of joining the Association and receive the full refund of their deposit. He said that he would have to discuss this with the school’s financial committee.

The subject of Fanfare was raised and the fact that it was still being issued to past pupils for a period of ten years after they have left. It was suggested that now that an electronic copy was being posted on the Association website this may negate having to post out the magazine for that long a period in future. Again it was decided that the school should review this matter.

 

7. Secretary’s business

a. Merchandising : The Secretary stated that he had not taken this any further.

Jim Massey said that the ties and scarves presented to leavers were not of very good quality. Ellie Malcolm offered to improve the design of the scarves for the leaving girls. Alex Stannus said that he would look into the design and manufacture of a MHA tie as well as a lapel badge with the new logo; the ties and scarves should be made of silk.
It was decided that these new Association items will replace the Leavers’ ties and scarves. For the time being it was agreed that the tie, scarf and lapel badge should be included in the £60 joining fee.

 

b. Spreading the load: The Secretary stated that he was finding it hard to issue the Newsletters on a quarterly basis, and asked if other committee members could add pieces based on the issues with which they were dealing e.g. the organisation of events or the merchandising. He would be happy to add pieces on the cricket and also the Wortham Archive. The Chairman offered to receive this copy, edit where necessary and forward it to Mel Redman.

It was agreed that Gavin Grier-Rees attend MHS functions to try to persuade more parents to sign up.

 

c. Events: Association Day

Details had been posted on the Website and Facebook. The day’s events will include:
Cricket. The Chairman’s XI versus a School XI match, starting at 2.00 pm.
Rounders, on the all-weather pitch, will be organised by Ellie Malcolm and Ella Toynton and start at 2.00 pm.
Tea will be available for the players.
Barbecue: Jim Massey said that the School will provide a BBQ for all Association Members and others after the Cricket match. The Association will provide a marquee/bar (payment by donation only). There will also be soft drinks, tea and coffee available. Mel Redman said Chris Redman would help with this.
Wortham Archive: It is hoped to be able to have a selection of the newly digitised films available for viewing on the day.

 

8. Web Site Designer’s Report:

Mel Redman reported on how the work on the website was progressing and how many ‘hits’ we were getting. She said that 61 new members had joined since November 2007, bringing the total to 127.

The Secretary said that the new format of the Newsletter had favourably commented upon and that she should be complimented on her work. The Chairman added that he was aware of the extra work that she had put in and that the Association was very grateful. It was noted that having Fanfare on the site was a major bonus.

 

9.Facebook Report:

Ellie Malcolm gave a brief report on the progress of the Association’s listing on Facebook. There are 74 members at present. The last posting on the site was to announce the details of the Association Day and the Wanderers Cricket dates. 8 people had responded that they were coming and 18 might be coming.

Ellie suggested that one past pupil per year is asked to join to encourage their particular year.

 

10. Database report:

 

Ian Kilpatrick reported that he continues to input details, supplied by Mel, as and when she sends them to him.

 

11. Date of the next Committee Meeting and the AGM:

It was confirmed that the next Committee meeting will be held on the morning of the Association Day (28th June) at 10.00 am. It will be followed by the AGM at 11.30 am.