farnham HUMANISTS

covering W. Surrey and N.E. Hampshire.

www.farnham-humanists.org.uk

__________________________________________________________

Contact: Dr David Savage 01252 794021

Little Craigy Barns, 37 Frensham Vale, Farnham GU10 3HS

E mail: david.savage44@btinternet.com

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 18/2/07.

The third annual general meeting of Farnham Humanists was held on 20^th February 2006 (at the kind invitation of the Society of Friends) at the Quakers Meeting House, 36, Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DL

Present were: David Savage (Chairman), Eric Smith, Jane Cullen, Christina Good, Anne Tynegate, Megan Howson, Philip Wardle, Janet Wardle, Patricia McClure, Crispin Allard, Tony Green, Richard Wilkerson, Shelagh Stephenson, Richard Prier, Darmond Lock, Jean Fawbert, Greta Thomas, Jennie Johnson, Barbara Reed, Alec Leggatt, Jim Herrick, Averil Marks, Vincent Marks, Elizabeth Hillman, Harold Hillman, Mike Adams, David McReynolds, Douglas Gilby.

Apologies: Pamela Woodroffe, Simon Johnson [insert Barbara Burfoot]

Approval of the minutes of the last meeting: These were approved.

Matters Arising: None.

Chairman's report: David Savage provided a report for the year highlighting various events including:

the discussion on the "Age of Enlightenment, Jeremy Stangroom's talk on "Do we have free will?", Vincent Marks' talk on "Science or religion?", the talk on Islam by Mufti Liaquat Ali Amod of Woking Mosque, the visit to Darwin’s House, the boat trip, the Summer ramble.

Other more campaigning events included

continuing work with the SACRE, talks to local schools and colleges, talk to a housewives group, display at Farnham Library and a stall at the charities fair highlighting Humanist Ceremonies, attendance at the Remembrance day ceremony, initial meeting with Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice about a Humanist pastoral role.

There were also several debates:

the Public debate on Voluntary Euthansia involving The Rt Revd Kieren Conry RC Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, Dr Margaret Branthwaite, Dr Kathryn Myers, Dr Peter Cave ,
Alec Leggatt proposed "Is religion the enemy of rationalism" for the U3A which was carried,
a recent re-run of the Euthanasia debate at Alton Convent again involving Bishop Conry, Dr Peter Cave and David Savage.

For the coming year:

an interesting programme has been put together starting off with a talk by a Buddhist. The annual debate will be about a Just War. Speakers include Bruce Kent and Richard Norman Professor of Moral Philosophy and hopefully a Field Marshal. Other issues include a stall in the Lion and Lamb and possible support to a school in Africa run on Humanist lines.

David thanked the committee and the group for all their support.

Treasurer's report: Mike Adam reported that he had drawn up the account subject to audit which will be carried out by Simon Johnson as auditor when he is back from Africa. The current fund stands at £271.17.

Subscription rate: The subscription will continue to be set at £10 for a year per individual member. Any guest speakers will be offered reimbursement of their expenses. Donations collected at meetings will be used to contribute to the costs of hiring the hall. It was agreed that the subscription is now due and should be made payable to Farnham Humanists and sent to Mike Adams at 10 New House Farm Lane, Wood Street Village, Guildford, Surrey GU3 3DD.

Election of officers and committee: The current officers and committee were re-elected. David Savage highlighted that the constitution states that the Chairman shall not serve for more than three consecutive years.

Chairman: David Savage

Vice-chairman/secretary: Jennie Johnson

Treasurer: Mike Adams.

Committee members: Alec Leggatt

Pamela Woodruffe (also Press Officer)

Jim Herrick

Appointment of auditor: In his absence Simon Johnson was re-appointed as auditor

Any other business:

Shelagh Stephenson took the opportunity to clap the efforts of the chair and the committee which was generally supported. David Savage responded with thanks on behalf of the committee.
Patricia McClure suggested that future events could include a talk by the Biblical Creation Society. It was agreed that this could be a possibility for next years' agenda.