Minutes of The Hedingham Singers A.G.M. held 15th October 2025 at 19:12
Location: Highwoods Farm, Russell's Road, Gosfield CO9 1SP
Location: Highwoods Farm, Russell's Road, Gosfield CO9 1SP
6. Musical Director’s Report:
Thomas said that he felt it had been a fantastic year for the choir. He advised that he is not willing to do a concert in October, as he felt it put too much pressure on the Christmas preparations and events. In addition, the time and distance between concerts needed to be considered to help audience figures.
7. Changes to Committee Roles
Alison explained the changes to the committee which are summarised below.
• Booking Co-ordinator role, will now include the Health & Safety Officer as all venues attended need to be risk assessed. This role is currently held by Glenys, whose tenure is due for renewal this year.
• The Secretary position will now include Safe-Guarding Officer, for which a short online training is required. This can be done via Making Music and will be funded by the choir. The role is currently vacant.
• With Prim stepping down, Hazel will now work with Sarah KB on all social events.
• The Member’s rep role is being renamed “Comms” – held by Glenda.
• There are various duties required that are regulatory/compliance related, which includes such things as policy reviews. These are necessary to ensure our adherence to the Charity Commission rules and this role will be undertaken by Glenda.
• The Publicity Officer role will be continued by Howard as mentioned previously and Lana has offered to assist going forward. There will be a large handover required which will include the handbook, leaflets, programmes etc as well as several other duties.
8. Election of Committee
There was one nomination for the vacant Secretary position: Julie Campbell. This was proposed by Glenda and seconded by Bev Downes; so, a welcome and thank you to Julie was given.
The Booking Co-ordinator role, held by Glenys is at the end of its tenure. Glenys advised she was happy to continue, which was proposed by Sarah KB and seconded by Prim.
Tenure continues of Chair, Treasurer, Librarian & Member’s Rep – all are willing to continue and no other nominations were received.
All posts were voted and a majority agreed.
9. Confirmation of Musical Director
Alison proposed that Thomas continues as Musical Director, seconded by Bob.
10. Social events update.
Sarah KB advised that the Christmas venue has now been confirmed and a deposit paid for 16th December 2025. A new location this year: Colne Valley Golf Club. A 2-course meal will be provided plus tea and coffee at a cost of £35 per head.
Menus will be available next week. The entertainment this year will be a silent disco.
In addition, a social night out is being arranged with seats having been booked for a trip to Chelmsford Civic Theatre, 18th January 2026 to see Beyond the barricade; a live band playing music from all the musicals. Ticket price £29. Sarah KB suggested that car-pooling was done to help those less comfortable to be driving in the dark.
Sarah KB and Hazel are proposing 1 social event per term.
11. AOB
There was no AOB.
Meeting closed at 19:42
Thomas said that he felt it had been a fantastic year for the choir. He advised that he is not willing to do a concert in October, as he felt it put too much pressure on the Christmas preparations and events. In addition, the time and distance between concerts needed to be considered to help audience figures.
7. Changes to Committee Roles
Alison explained the changes to the committee which are summarised below.
• Booking Co-ordinator role, will now include the Health & Safety Officer as all venues attended need to be risk assessed. This role is currently held by Glenys, whose tenure is due for renewal this year.
• The Secretary position will now include Safe-Guarding Officer, for which a short online training is required. This can be done via Making Music and will be funded by the choir. The role is currently vacant.
• With Prim stepping down, Hazel will now work with Sarah KB on all social events.
• The Member’s rep role is being renamed “Comms” – held by Glenda.
• There are various duties required that are regulatory/compliance related, which includes such things as policy reviews. These are necessary to ensure our adherence to the Charity Commission rules and this role will be undertaken by Glenda.
• The Publicity Officer role will be continued by Howard as mentioned previously and Lana has offered to assist going forward. There will be a large handover required which will include the handbook, leaflets, programmes etc as well as several other duties.
8. Election of Committee
There was one nomination for the vacant Secretary position: Julie Campbell. This was proposed by Glenda and seconded by Bev Downes; so, a welcome and thank you to Julie was given.
The Booking Co-ordinator role, held by Glenys is at the end of its tenure. Glenys advised she was happy to continue, which was proposed by Sarah KB and seconded by Prim.
Tenure continues of Chair, Treasurer, Librarian & Member’s Rep – all are willing to continue and no other nominations were received.
All posts were voted and a majority agreed.
9. Confirmation of Musical Director
Alison proposed that Thomas continues as Musical Director, seconded by Bob.
10. Social events update.
Sarah KB advised that the Christmas venue has now been confirmed and a deposit paid for 16th December 2025. A new location this year: Colne Valley Golf Club. A 2-course meal will be provided plus tea and coffee at a cost of £35 per head.
Menus will be available next week. The entertainment this year will be a silent disco.
In addition, a social night out is being arranged with seats having been booked for a trip to Chelmsford Civic Theatre, 18th January 2026 to see Beyond the barricade; a live band playing music from all the musicals. Ticket price £29. Sarah KB suggested that car-pooling was done to help those less comfortable to be driving in the dark.
Sarah KB and Hazel are proposing 1 social event per term.
11. AOB
There was no AOB.
Meeting closed at 19:42
1. Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from: Howard Stanley, Bill Bettley, Pam Nuttall, Susan Springford, Jan Moore, Claire Wilson, Lesley Willshire, Anne Martin, Vanessa Clarke, Ann Robertson, Becky Huxford, Emma Moore, Gill Field, Sarah Glew, Dennis Hume, Barry Young.
2. Adoption of Minutes of Meeting: 22/10/2024
Proposed by Alison Lilley Seconded by Pat Newton
3. Matters Arising:
Thomas advised that the purchase of the new keyboard would be taking place in the ½ term; that being before the end of October 2025.
All other items covered as below:
4. Chairman’s Report:
Bob opened the meeting with a summary of the concerts we have undertaken during the last year; our special 40th anniversary.
Bob thanked the committee and all members for their continued commitment with particular thanks being given to; Thomas for the introduction of the fabulous accompanist Bohdana Ravliuk who supported the choir this year and who will continue to do so.
Reflection was had on the wedding of Thomas and Amy in May and how we all enjoyed being a part of their celebrations.
It was noted that we lost three members this year: top sopranos Carol Gosden and Sue Levett, who was also a long-standing committee member. As well as Wanda Sellar who returned to us after an extensive break but regretfully found her voice to be less keen.
On the plus side we have had several new members: Becky Huxford and Kayleigh into the altos, as well as the return of Sarah Glew. Claire Wilson and Anne Martin into the sopranos, and the return of Dennis Hume into the tenors.
Acknowledgement was given to Mike for his continued assistance with both refreshments, photography and videography.
Bob advised there were several changes to the committee, which would be addressed in point 7 of the agenda. However thanks were given to Jane, who has stepped down from her role as secretary with thanks for the years of commitment to the choir in that role.
Howard has stepped down but will be providing some support until a full handover of the publicity role is completed; with much appreciation given. This will include assistance with both our Christmas concerts and the big concert in June 2026. It was noted that Prim has stood down from the social convenor role and huge thanks was given for her energy and commitment.
First aid training has now been completed by both Bob and Glenda which helps with our regulatory requirements.
Heartfelt thanks were given to Thomas for his continued support and skills which have increased our singing abilities.
Bob confirmed his willingness to continue his tenure as Chairman.
5. Treasurer’s Report:
Alison distributed copies of the accounts and the budget forecast for the financial year 2024/25 – held on file. The budget shows a healthy carried forward budget of £6,573.44. The reserve account is standing at £4,110.00, well above our Reserves Policy limit of £2000.00.
We obtained some additional income from the sale of the old piano as well as being hired for two funerals via Daniel Robinson & Sons in Halstead
Alison apologised for the small increase in subs this year and said the extra monies will go towards us being able to hire Bohdana more regularly. It was also advised that as yet no notification has been received in respect of additional hall hire fees for rehearsals.
Steve enquired as to the expected cost of the new keyboard; Thomas stated £1,500.00, so well within the current budget.
Apologies for absence were received from: Howard Stanley, Bill Bettley, Pam Nuttall, Susan Springford, Jan Moore, Claire Wilson, Lesley Willshire, Anne Martin, Vanessa Clarke, Ann Robertson, Becky Huxford, Emma Moore, Gill Field, Sarah Glew, Dennis Hume, Barry Young.
2. Adoption of Minutes of Meeting: 22/10/2024
Proposed by Alison Lilley Seconded by Pat Newton
3. Matters Arising:
Thomas advised that the purchase of the new keyboard would be taking place in the ½ term; that being before the end of October 2025.
All other items covered as below:
4. Chairman’s Report:
Bob opened the meeting with a summary of the concerts we have undertaken during the last year; our special 40th anniversary.
Bob thanked the committee and all members for their continued commitment with particular thanks being given to; Thomas for the introduction of the fabulous accompanist Bohdana Ravliuk who supported the choir this year and who will continue to do so.
Reflection was had on the wedding of Thomas and Amy in May and how we all enjoyed being a part of their celebrations.
It was noted that we lost three members this year: top sopranos Carol Gosden and Sue Levett, who was also a long-standing committee member. As well as Wanda Sellar who returned to us after an extensive break but regretfully found her voice to be less keen.
On the plus side we have had several new members: Becky Huxford and Kayleigh into the altos, as well as the return of Sarah Glew. Claire Wilson and Anne Martin into the sopranos, and the return of Dennis Hume into the tenors.
Acknowledgement was given to Mike for his continued assistance with both refreshments, photography and videography.
Bob advised there were several changes to the committee, which would be addressed in point 7 of the agenda. However thanks were given to Jane, who has stepped down from her role as secretary with thanks for the years of commitment to the choir in that role.
Howard has stepped down but will be providing some support until a full handover of the publicity role is completed; with much appreciation given. This will include assistance with both our Christmas concerts and the big concert in June 2026. It was noted that Prim has stood down from the social convenor role and huge thanks was given for her energy and commitment.
First aid training has now been completed by both Bob and Glenda which helps with our regulatory requirements.
Heartfelt thanks were given to Thomas for his continued support and skills which have increased our singing abilities.
Bob confirmed his willingness to continue his tenure as Chairman.
5. Treasurer’s Report:
Alison distributed copies of the accounts and the budget forecast for the financial year 2024/25 – held on file. The budget shows a healthy carried forward budget of £6,573.44. The reserve account is standing at £4,110.00, well above our Reserves Policy limit of £2000.00.
We obtained some additional income from the sale of the old piano as well as being hired for two funerals via Daniel Robinson & Sons in Halstead
Alison apologised for the small increase in subs this year and said the extra monies will go towards us being able to hire Bohdana more regularly. It was also advised that as yet no notification has been received in respect of additional hall hire fees for rehearsals.
Steve enquired as to the expected cost of the new keyboard; Thomas stated £1,500.00, so well within the current budget.