Minutes for Annual Members Meeting on 6th December 2010

Present

Jennifer McKinlay, Alix Birks, Alice George, Mark McKinlay, Louise Langham, Barry Langham, Rachel Barron, Sharon Pease, Elaine Knight, Nicola Mackinnon, Helen Cazot, Carla Lansdell

Apologies

Claire Bunton, Geraldine Edgington (Area), Sally Marden and Paula Butcher

ITEM / ACTION
Introduction
A contribution from Geraldine (in her absence) was read out by Jennifer. In it she apologised for being unable to attend but thanked all of the team profusely for their hard work this year. She requested that our minutes, newsletter, branch plan, budget calculator be sent to the appropriate interested parties – eg Regional office. She also stated that she wishes to encourage the branch team to read and discuss the quarterly mailing.
Introduction by Jennifer - Overall this year has been very successful for the branch, especially the fundraising that Claire has done for us. The groups we run are going very well and increasing in popularity. We have raised our profile locally but we still have some way to go to raise it further. We have lots of training going on too within the branch.
2009 Minutes
Our 2009 minutes have unfortunately been misplaced.
Branch Performance
Treasurer’s report
Elaine read out her treasurer’s report (see the annual report document). Also made us aware that we were charged £140 for not using our Golden Ticket for this year’s conference, so next year we must ensure we have representation.
Training
Helen read out her report (see the annual report document). Commented that she is very much enjoying her training. Elaine spoke about the training she has done so far, but has only just begun. She is looking forward to a day course she has booked in January. Sally Marden will be joining Elaine’s tutorial group shortly.
Antenatal
Louise read her report (see the annual report document). Discussed the possibility of employing someone from out of our area to teach more antenatal courses if demand were to increase beyond the current level.
Fundraising
Jennifer read out Claire’s report (see the annual report document). It was noted that we are all very grateful to Claire for her efforts in fundraising this year and making such vast improvements to the branch’s financial situation.
Events and Groups
Tums to Tots report was read out by Alice (see the annual report document). It was discussed that special events like having a photographer in seem to boost numbers in attendance (particularly first time attendees) and it was resolved that we should have more of these in the coming year.
Bumps to Babes report was read out by Nicola. The group has become more and more successful and more people want to join than Nicola has space for in her home. The atmosphere in a hall would not be the same, so it was resolved that Nicola will help new coffee groups evolve as antenatal courses end in order to help classes stay in touch with each other. They will have an escorted visit to T2T and this may also give them the confidence to attend T2T as well as their own small coffee group. The issue of contributing financially at these groups was discussed and it was resolved that as cost is minimal, no charge or suggested donation is necessary. Coffee and tea costs can be funded by the income generated by T2T.
Ecotech report was read out by Sharon (see the annual report document). All is going well there.
The report on other regular activities was read out by Rachel and the minimal attendance at the Sandringham walk and the Norfolk Lavender meets were discussed. It was resolved that we would keep going with these anyway as they are enjoyed by those who do attend and they also cater for anyone in the north of our region and new members might join us in the future for these events. It was also resolved that we would do more to publicise these events.
Newsletter
Alice read out her Newsletter report (see the annual report document). The issue of assistance was discussed and Alice would ideally like someone to take over the advertising side or the little bits and pieces like the news section . This would need to be a self supported role as otherwise it defeats the object of having help.
Branch Charter
Roles and responsibilities required for branch
Jennifer - Page 10 of the annual report graphically explains the structure of the branch’s core team and support network. We need more occasional volunteers to help with one off events and special occasions but who do not want the commitment of a committee role.
Branch team size and composition
It was agreed that we are currently happy with the branch committee set up and size at the moment, but following Alice’s resignation as secretary at the last committee meeting, a replacement is needed. Alix has volunteered and she was duly elected as the new secretary. The need for a replacement for Sharon in March/April when she moves away was discussed and consideration was given to potential candidates.
Jennifer also aspires to us having a health liaison person next year to promote NCT services in a non intrusive way to midwives in the local area.
We also need an existing committee member to attend Maternity Services Liaison Committee meetings. The location varies and could be covered by several of us. Resolved to monitor and arrange attendance on a 3 month rolling plan.
Banking arrangements
Need altering in order to name Jennifer and remove lapsed committee member.
AOB
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter Training
We need 10 people to attend
8 week’s training of 2 hours per week
There is a session included with local midwives
Are there 10 interested people to attend?
Resolved to discuss at next committee meeting.
Donation using some of our grant money to local Midwifery services
Louise suggested a donation of the Suzanne Coulson DVD (approx £120). It is a cutting edge and new approach to breastfeeding that would be very interesting for our local midwives to be able to access information on. Donation could link to MSLC. Resolved to discuss at next committee meeting.
Inclusivity
Very important and to become our theme for 2011!
January committee meeting
Date changed to 17th January 2011.