The Friends’ Chair, Dawn Beaumont, welcomed 3 Trustees, 13 members and 1 guest to the meeting.
Treasurer, Susan Booth, gave her report. Bank funds were £9237. Income for the year totalled £5182 and expenditure £3185. Main sources of income were membership renewals and donations. Three Gift Aid claims had been submitted and had raised £1498. Sale of second-hand books had raised £884 and sale of cards £49.Events generated £211. Main items of Expenditure were: £1256 on printing and postage, £200 settlement with Alamy for copyright infringement (as explained at the 2024 AGM) and £99 Insurance. At year end a sum of £286 was donated to FoPH specifically to buy garden bulbs. The committee has decided that in future we will no longer be able to accept such ring-fenced donations. It was noted that room hire, and speakers’ fees had both increased.
Secretary and Membership Secretary, Jean Hardman, reported that the membership had received Newsletters and calendars along with other documents in spring and autumn. In June, an extra letter had been sent informing members of the current situation regarding our relationship with Pendle Heritage Centre and a way forward. Members had been offered a refund of membership – an offer only one person took up. Letters of support had been received, but 14 members had not renewed. We have 99 members plus 28 Life Members.
Trustee, Peter Booth read out the letter received from the Archaeology committee:
“Further to the results of canvassing members as to their preferred future option for the archaeology group, and following a meeting held today, it has been decided with some regret, to run the group independently from 30th July 2025. We accept with many thanks the offered gifting of the archaeology equipment and would like to say how grateful we are for all the assistance received over the past forty years or so. We wish the Friends of Pendle Heritage well and much success with all their future endeavours”
The next item of business was a resolution to change the Friends of Pendle Heritage Constitution. The Existing Objects and Proposed Objectives were presented. Whilst Pendle Heritage Centre was to be removed from the present wording this did not mean that we couldn’t support PHC in the future. All the committee had agreed to this proposal which was then put to the 17 members in attendance. It received a unanimous vote of agreement. The relevant document would now be signed and sent to the Charity Commission.
In her Chair’s Report, Dawn mentioned a series of changes that had occurred during the year:
Pendle Heritage Centre’ relationship with the Friends.
Archaeology Group, who decided to set up on their own.
The Gardening Group (now classed as Volunteers of PHC).
Bobby Elliott has stood down as Patron.
The sale of second-hand books had been taken up by PHC.
Committee meetings were now held at her home, rather than incur costs for room hire.
Talks were at Higherford Methodist Church (with special thanks to Sheila Dixon for her help).
FoPH continue to offer financial support for local heritage projects.
In conclusion, Dawn offered her thanks to the committee – Jean, Susan and Peter – and many other volunteers who help. The members were also thanked for their support.
Appointment of Trustees:
Chair: Dawn Beaumont
Sec: Jean Hardman
Treasurer: Susan Booth
Website and Reports: Peter Booth
The AGM was followed by a local slideshow quiz given by Andrea Smith, with homemade cakes tea/ coffee served afterwards.