Residential weekend and AGM 23-25 January 2009

Members had a very enjoyable weekend at Wedgwood Memorial College. However, through a combination of sickness, the credit crunch and lack of a specific theme, attendance was down this year. The majority of those attending voted to return for a weekend in 2010 but a change of format could be on the cards.

The weekend's theme of 'Historical Change' was adapted to embrace a wide range of subject matter. They ranged from an account of tension in the 18th century between the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy to the History of Dog Shows, via the failure of European Protestantism, Appeasement and World War 2!!! This year we endeavored to persuade members to branch out from their normal read papers to make presentations using modern technology. Morag Wilkes and Alan Carroll did sterling work, including the loan of computers, in dragging some of us out of the 1990s. They were assisted by members who were already old hands at the game and who helped to give us the confidence to consider presentations using PowerPoint. On Sunday morning we saw the fruits of their labour when our Chair gave us an illustrated talk on his local museum and Sheila Smith told us all about medieval Calligraphy.

At the AGM on Saturday Don Vincent was re-elected Chair, and Liz Chandler Treasurer/Membership Secretary. There were no nominations for Secretary but Ruth Barbour was persuaded to 'volunteer'. She will be assisted by Sheila Smith who will act as Publicity/Promotions Officer. There was some discussion on the OU Open Day 27 June 2009 and the OU's 40th Anniversary. A small Committee was formed to arrange the Society's involvement. We were all grateful to those members who are prepared to take on these tasks.