back to the homepage

Related links

BNCS AGM Report 2007

The 58th Annual General Meeting of the British National Carnation Society was held at Peterborough on 24th of February 2007. All who attended had a most enjoyable day as the attached photographs indicate. Peterborough is fairly central for a National society and members came from all over the country from Lancashire to the South Coast.

Doug Cottam chaired the meeting for the last time.

The meeting as usual started with a minutes silence for members who had passed away in the last twelve months; a time of mixed emotions, sadness for their loss but a time to reflect on their contributions and achievements in the society.

Under matters arising, it was reported that The Heritage Plant Scheme had received expressions of interest from a number of members and it was hoped to set up the practical aspects of the scheme during the forthcoming year so that it can be rolled out more widely.

Then officials of the society gave their reports on the past year. The treasurer gave a report on the buoyant state of our finances which was most encouraging. This was Hylton Obersts’ final report as he is standing down from this position. Members expressed their gratitude for his contribution in recent years. The new treasurer Graham Davies was welcomed.

Our Secretary Betty Linnell then gave an account of the successes of 2006 including a very enjoyable and informative visit to Whetman’s Pinks and increasing numbers of exhibitors at the shows. She was optimistic for the year ahead and mentioned the planned visit to Allwoods on Tuesday 29th May. (More details will be available nearer the time and of course will be on this website).

For the first time the Editor gave a report to the AGM and as usual entertained us.

Neville Smith, Show Secretary, as usual gave a comprehensive account of our shows and it was pleasing to hear that particularly at the Summer Show he had to struggle to find enough space for all the exhibits!

Another first, was a report from the Web Editor indicating the increasing importance of the website to the society. James Dennison explained the (brief) history of the site together with recent developments including the spin off “The Dianthus Times”. In particular he emphasised the value of the Discussion Forum which allowed members from all around the country (and indeed the world), to chat and exchange ideas and views at no cost whatsoever. The website contains over 200 pages with nearly 500 photographs.

The final report was from our Press Officer Mick Walters. Again this is a new appointment. One of his big achievements last year was the report by Anglia TV on their local news of the Summer Show at Towcester. Although only seen in the region, a copy of the broadcast was available for members to see at the AGM.

Council members were elected and trophies presented.

Then the highlight of the day, the installation of our new President Eileen Galbally. This is the second time Eileen has held this office, (the first some 25 years ago). It is not unprecedented to be President twice but is a clear indication of the high esteem in which Eileen is held, and recognition of her major and continued contribution to the society. We all wish her a very successful and enjoyable year as our figurehead.

After the formal proceedings members enjoyed tea, with cakes provided by Alexandra Dennison. (Donations raised over £15 for the restoration of Westgate Church, Peterborough where the meeting was held). At the request of many, the cake recipes are shown on this site. Click here.

Before and after the meeting a selection of photographs from last years shows were screened and members were able to purchase a CD of them to raise funds for the society. In addition the first twenty years of the societies yearbooks were screened and available again electronically in CD format.

One of the issues discussed was the venue for future AGMs. Any suggestions from members will be considered by Council.

All in all, this was a very successful meeting.