Editor’s Comment: We are in the fortunate position of having two reports of last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting.  Thank you very much to everyone, who supplied material.  We are lucky to have these stalwart supporters of our website!

The Annual General Meeting of the New South Wales Branch of the Richard III Society was held on Saturday, 13 June 2012, at the Harry Jensen Centre in the charming, historical Millers Point area of Sydney, our new venue.  Being directly at a bus stop makes it very convenient, and being on the ground level means it is easily accessible for everyone, too.  The good turn-out of members attests to its being a good choice by the committee.

Opening remarks were made by Chairperson Judith Hughes, with a review of recent branch activities including the St Mary’s Anglican church service to remember the Battle of Bosworth and the death of Richard, the evening with the Heraldry Society with their talk on depictions of medieval garb, and pizza shared for Richard’s 2 October birthday.

Apologies were related by Lynne Foley, and included Julia Redlich who sadly was ill, and Dorothea Preis, our webmaster who was on a well-deserved holiday.  We were also informed that Julia intends to move from Sydney in the next year and will be unable to continue working for the branch in all the capacities she currently does.  That was very unhappy news, indeed, as she has been the heart, as well as the public face, of the branch for so many years.

Judy Howard delivered her report as Treasurer, handing out supporting materials.  All appeared to be in order.  She also read out the Webmaster’s report.  Lynne reported on the Sales role she handles so well.

Kevin read out Julia’s report which included a look-back at the highlights of the branch activities over the past year.  For a small group this branch achieves a great deal of excellent publicity for Richard III, with talks to various community groups, and interviews with the media when Ricardian topics are in the headlines, as they have been recently with the Leicester carpark dig excitement.  Elections were then held for all of the offices of the branch, and everyone currently in an office was re-elected, with the addition of Rosemary as Social Secretary.  Margie adeptly facilitated the election business.

Our Guest Speaker for the meeting was our own Kevin Herbert, who delivered an in-depth look at the centuries of the family intrigues, marriages, and circuitous trails of the titles of Earl and Duke of Norfolk, and the Earls of Arundel.  His research has been ongoing for many decades, and his grasp of the intricacies of the interactions of the succeeding generations is staggering. We were a lucky audience to hear his grand synopsis.

Our next gathering will be at our Christmas meeting scheduled for 8 December 2012.  This is always a festive, light-hearted meeting and a highlight of the year, so would provide an excellent opportunity for a first visit to the Branch, if you have been contemplating it. We look forward to welcoming you!

Tags: NSW Branch, Richard III