Minutes of Mount House Association Committee Meeting held 6th February 2010 at 11.00am.

 

1. The meeting was attended by Patrick Cashell, Chris Redman, Jon Elworthy, Nicky Toynton, Melanie Redman, Jim Massey, Jonathan Banyard and Pat Tear.

 

2.Apologies for absence were received from Ella Toynton.

 

3. The Minutes of the last Committee Meeting held on the 4th July were signed as a true record by Patrick Cashell. Jon Elworthy was reminded to bring the minute book to the next meeting. PC thanked PST for producing the minutes for the last meeting.

 

4. Matters arising from the Minutes.

a. Sally da Rocha was pleased with her leaving present from the MHA which was a garden reclining seat.

b. b) John and Yolande Symons were also pleased with their leaving presents from the MHA, namely, the tie, scarf, lapel pin and DVDs in the box.

 

5. Treasurer's Business

Chris Redman updated everyone on the Mount House Association Account and handed out a copy of the Treasurer’s Report to all members. The date on the report was amended to reflect this year’s date of 2010.

a. It was noted that the Mount House Association Account holds over £2,000 more than last year due to new life members, a significant number of leavers from last year and sale of 70-plus DVDs.

b. It was also noted that the website was expensive but a large proportion of the costs was due to the initial structure of the site.

c. The account is held on deposit which currently generates 0.1%.

d. Approval was given for Churchtown Accounts, Peter Tavy, to continue to carry out the annual audit before the AGM.

 

6. Secretary’s business:

a. Jon Elworthy will attend Phillip Moore’s memorial service on the 16th February.

b. Jon Elworthy will arrange the cricket for the Association Day and Elworthy XI two weeks later: action JE.

c. Jon Elworthy has kindly agreed to stay on the MHA Committee as Secretary, although suggestions for future committee members will be put on the agenda so that members of the Committee can review and nominate suitable members: action PC.

d. Later in the meeting it was agreed that Gavin Grier-Rees will be taken off the Committee; JROM will talk to Suse Hammond with regard to her involvement in the MH Association. Graham Bartleet will be considered as a possible member: action JROM.

 

7. Website Manager’s report:

Melanie Redman gave a copy of the web manager’s report to all members. Melanie Redman will add this year’s events including the Mount House Association Day, and AGM. Funds will be allocated to improve the membership data base: action MR. Jim Massey thanked Melanie Redman for all the work done on the MHA website.

 

8. Facebook report:

Ella Toynton was not available to give an up-to-date report.

 

9. Events and dates for 2010/2011:

AGM/supper: Friday 2nd July at the Elephant’s Nest: action JE Mount House Association Day: Saturday 3rd July. Rental or purchase of marquee is currently being investigated. If purchased by the MHA, the marquee can be used for other events: action CR Elworthy XI Cricket on Saturday 17th July (date to be finalised): action JE. Mount House walk Saturday 11th September (date tbc by Jo Massey). MHA has kindly agreed to be available at a stop-off point to offer beer from a barrel to all participants.

 

• Key figures in Mount House history:

Jim Massey felt that The School should recognise the key figures in its history more than it currently does and everyone agreed that this would suit the ethos of the MHA. The following ideas were discussed:

 

a. Headmaster’s board which would list all Mount House Headmasters since The School started. Jim Massey will discuss the possibilities with the company which supplies the scholars’ board.

b. A sculpture/bust and/or copse of trees/arboretum/maze. The copse would take 50 years to mature. Jim Massey will decide site and contact Nicky Dollard regarding the sculpture. Requests for suggestions of someone to produce, or who is involved in the production of, a sculpture will be made to old boys via the website. It was understood that we should aim for the sculpture to be completed by Summer 2011.

c. A picture of Tony Wortham in the Wortham Hall with a potted history on a plaque underneath. The photograph will be agreed with Jim Massey.

d. A fund-raising event/competition for children will be devised to support the sculpture and will be promulgated via the MHA website.

e. It was suggested that the nephew of Tony Wortham (Peter Wortham) would unveil the sculpture.

f. Sundials (David Harber who exhibits at Chelsea Flower Show) was suggested by Nicky Toynton.

g. Bench for Phillip Moore.

 

Patrick Cashell gave the go ahead for the Mount House Association to support the idea and asked everyone to put some thoughts together and make recommendations to all members via email within the next four weeks. The Mount House Association account will not be allowed to go below £5,000.

 

10. AOB:

It was agreed that there will be a sub-committee including Melanie and Chris Redman for the Association Day. Nicky Toynton will supply soft drinks. MHA will liaise with Les Mitchell and Maureen Hall with regard to the school barbecue. A bar will be available. MR will supply names and addresses of old boys and girls who have requested a copy of Fanfare. The magazine was also distributed to the Committee Members. There will be a recharge to MHA for the postage of Fanfare sent to last year’s leavers and old boys.

 

11. Date and venue of next meeting

The next Committee and AGM Meeting will take place at the Elephant’s Nest on Friday 2nd July 2010.

The date of the next meeting will be 18th July 2009 at the School.