Exeter Branch Annual Report 2007-8 and AGM Minutes

The Exeter Branch had another good year.  The program of lectures began with an interesting talk in October by the branch's former president Dr Bruce Coleman, who gave a lively and beautifully illustrated talk about the early nineteenth century literary duo Tom and Jerry, who lived a rakish gentleman's life in London.  This was well received and attended by around 26 people.  In November Prof. Jeremy Noakes, an Emeritus Professor at Exeter University, spoke to about 65 people on changing historical views of Nazi Germany.  This talk was felt to be a particular success in attracting local A-Level students and their teachers.  This was helped by the relevance to A-Level syllabuses and a deliberate policy of ‘selling' the talk and the HA program to local schools.  This was also the first talk of the branch to be held at Exeter School, who kindly also provided refreshments.  And as such it was decided that a later talk (given some problems booking rooms at Exeter University) would also be held at the school. 

On the 29^th November Dr Julia Crick spoke to 20 people about medieval attitudes towards the past.  This was then followed a week later by a collaborative talk held in association with Black History Month, an annual program of events run at Exeter University.  Unfortunately the speaker seemed to be slightly unwell and it was probably lucky that only 16 people made it to her talk, at what was the end of a busy period for many.  

The branch's new year program began with Dr Matthias Reiss who gave a delightful illustrated talk to 32 people.  This was followed a month later by Dr Helen Doe who gave an insightful talk on Cornish smuggling which was then followed by the branch AGM (see separate report).  The final meeting of the year was again held at Exeter School when we were very pleased to welcome from Bristol University the very well regarded Prof William Doyle who gave an exciting talk on Napoleon's women. 

At the AGM, I myself stood down after 4 years as Secretary to be replaced by a bright young doctoral student Britt Zerbe to whom I wish every success for the future.  Due to unforeseen circumstances after the AGM the Branch President, Prof Nicholas Rodger was forced to stand down since he has been awarded a fellowship at All Souls College, Oxford.  Luckily Prof Jeremy Black from Exeter University has been good enough to stand in and hopefully will be ratified in this position next year.

Tom Blaen

Former Secretary Exeter Branch

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

EXETER BRANCH A.G.M.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 6.30pm on Thursday 21^st February in Lecture Theatre C, Streatham Court, University of Exeter.

AGENDA

1.         Apologies and  Minutes of AGM 2006-7

2.         President's Report

3.         Secretary's Report

4.         Treasurer's Report and Accounts for the year 2006-7

5.         Elections

6.         Any Other Business

The Secretary Mr Tom Blaen presented last years minutes.  There were no other apologies.

The President, Prof Nicholas Rodger declared that it had been another interesting and successful year.  He particularly singled out the change in venue for some talks, away from the University to Exeter School as a success and suggested that it continued and possibly became a permanent move.

The Secretary, Mr Tom Blaen reported that membership levels were approximately stable and announced his resignation.  He commented that it had been a pleasure to serve and he was thanked by the members present for help and work he had put into running the Branch.

The Treasurer, Mr Andrew Kirkby, reported that the Branch remained solvent and that expenditure had matched income.  He thanked Mr John Hulley for acting as auditor for the accounts.  The Accounts were adopted.

Elections were then held.  Prof Nicholas Rodger was nominated and elected as Branch President.  Mr Andrew Kirkby was nominated and elected as Branch Treasurer.  Mr Britt Zerbe was also nominated and elected as Branch Secretary.  Miss Anne Blinkworth and Mr John Hulley were both also nominated and elected as committee members.

Anne Blinkworth raised the issue of parking at Exeter School if more meetings where to be held there but it was decided that there would be enough parking nearby if its location was communicated to members.  It was agreed that the efforts to get schools involved had been a great success and that it should be continued for next year.