Minutes of Meetings

Port Isaac Chorale Minutes of the AGM held at St Endellion Hall. Tuesday, 30th January 2024 Committee Present: Janet Townsend (MD), Morwenna Vernon (Chair), Denise Pierpoint (Treasurer), Helena Arnold ( Music), Alan Sainsbury ( publicity), Liz Stuart ( uniforms), Roger Williams 31 members of the chorale 1.Apologies: Pat Pearson (secretary). David Lindsey 2.Minutes of the 2023 AGM: were adopted. 3.Treasurer’s Report: Jeremy was thanked for his time as treasurer and Denise was welcomed in that role. 4.Denise presented the financial statement, which had been checked by Carol Blewett. The meeting agreed to adopt the accounts, with Jeremy as the proposer and Liz Stuart as the seconder. The chair thanked Denise for taking on the role and Carol for checking the accounts as usual. 5.MD’s report: Janet reported on how the chorale is flourishing, with a great atmosphere and a good social element. The pub@chorale evenings had been a big success, and this has made the choir a more cohesive group, as everyone mixes after rehearsals. The Christmas programme had been successful, but too hectic. The evening at the Cornish Arms Pendoggett had been particularly successful, with many locals attending. The concert at St Minver had not been a great success and this would not be repeated in the winter months again. Janet also thanked Jo for her skill and good temper, as she is such a big part of rehearsals. Janet also thanked all the committee for their hard work in organising the Chorale. Janet then explained how her succession will have to be discussed in due course as she didn’t know how much longer she would want or be able to continue but she was still enjoying her role as MD of the Chorale. Janet ended with some sad news, that Nigel Sherratt, a previous member of the choir for many years, had died that day. She would send flowers and a card from the chorale. 6.Secretary’s report: below. In her absence, Pat Pearson was thanked for her unwavering 21 years of service to the choir. 7.Election of Officers: Chairman: Alan Sainsbury elected: Nominated by Mary Baillie, seconded by David Ward Treasurer: Denise Pierpoint Secretary: To be selected at first committee meeting Committee: David Lindsey elected: Nominated by Alan Sainsbury, seconded by Jeremy Nick Mather elected: Nominated by Morwenna Vernon, seconded by Helena Arnold Jo Norton elected: Nominated by Rachel Roach, seconded by Fran Pennington 8.AOB: Jo Norton would like the piano and general facilities considered when booking concert venues. Caroline Cleave appreciated the pub@chorale evenings and felt they had been a big success for the Chorale. Morwenna Vernon and Pat Pearson were presented with a bouquet in recognition of their service to the choir. 9.Date of next AGM: Tuesday, 28th January 2025 10.There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7.55 and the rehearsal began. Secretary’s Report. We have at present 44 names on the register Although we rarely have that many at rehearsals. A lot has been packed into my 22 years in the Chorale and 2023 was a very busy year with existing members moving from the area, former members returning and new members joining us. When I joined, we had 14 members who were mostly couples from the village we now have six, eight if we count Trewetha. I can’t believe that I became Secretary of the Chorale in May 2002. In those days the choir was much smaller with a smaller committee, and I was also Music Librarian as well as being in charge of uniforms. Music was returned to me after every concert, and I had 9 carver boxes under our Table Tennis Table! I soon change that system! Contact with members was by letter or phone - land lines, not mobiles. The Ladies uniform consisted of long black skirts, no trousers and the red blouses were based on a 1950s style and the men in their white jackets, white shirts and black bow ties looked as though they should be on a cruise liner. I remember making the red scarves with material from Trago, the men’s ties came from a gentleman’s outfitters in Truro. We had advanced into the 20th century and the look we created still looks professional today. At this time Janet and I ran a junior choir who joined the chorale when we gave concerts, unfortunately this folded after a couple of years I had the role of pianist, not sure if that had anything to do with its demise! We also celebrated the 25 years of the Chorale, and it was a wonderful evening with previous members coming back to join the celebrations. In my 21 years as secretary, members have come and left and even rejoined and looking back at the old registers there are only 5 ladies still in Choral who were there when I became secretary. Fran, Carol, Jenny, Liz Roe and Morwenna. Record keeping is a passion of mine and I even have the handwritten minute book from when the Chorale came into being. The first AGM was held on January 6th 1994with 30 members presently. With the advent of Technology, I feel that I have been left behind and it is a time to be put out to grass and for someone to take over who I know will do an excellent job. Over 21 years the Chorale has grown not only in numbers but in musical ability. I intend to keep singing as long as I can reach the top notes without a wobble!