Miscellaneous – Page 16

More food, more variety, more goodness! The annual meeting got off to the traditional start with a great meal produced by member volunteers.

After the meal, president Colleen Green addressed the 40+ members present. The first order of the AGM’s business was to solicit approval for the minutes (provided to members beforehand) for the 2013 AGM. On a motion duly moved and seconded, the minutes were adopted.

Colleen then gave the President’s Report in the form of a recap of the year’s significant events: the January and February meetings cancelled due to weather; the Garden Show which attracted over 600 people; the volunteer appreciation picnic hosted by Dave and Norma Crichton; the fund-raising efforts of Hedy Campbell’s workshops; and the social media team’s efforts (website by Andy Bowers and Twitter/Facebook by Connie Graham).

Howard Hunter presented the Financial Report, noting that there had been a slight drop in revenues caused by a decline in paid memberships and that expenditures had marginally exceeded income. The Society maintains a strong financial position. On a motion duly moved and seconded, and following several clarification requests from the floor, the Financial Statement was accepted.

On a motion duly moved and seconded, the Auditors were confirmed (same auditors as last year).

Howard continued with a brief presentation on the revised Constitution and Bylaws and explained the rationale for the changes (principally housekeeping and bringing the organization into line with OHA requirements). He advised the members that if they had any suggestions or concerns they should contact him with details.

Penny Stewart announced the members standing for the executive and invited further nominations. There being none, the 2015 executive was elected.

Your 2015 Executive [L to R]: Howard Hunter, Sheila Simmons, John Garside, Anne Reeves, Liz Bowers, Darlene Johnston, Gayla Campney, Mary Jenkins. Connie Graham, and Colleen Green

Penny Stewart brought greetings to the group and discussed some of the OHA future programs: an upcoming “Gardening Week” in June which would go much ‘deeper’ than just the Horticultural Societies bu would extend too encompass society member friends, neighbours, seniors, etc. and also a program designed for youth engagement in gardening and horticulture.

Colleen thanked the members of the 2013 Board for their work.

Marianne Malachowski brought greetings to the members with thanks for all their work with the Hospital Gardens.

Mary Jenkins concluded the meeting by announcing the recipients of various society trophies, and presenting the winners present with their trophies. This year’s winners were:

Pat Stuckey: Red Rose Tea Trophy (Best Rose)
Pat Stuckey: Mayor’s Award for Floral Arrangement (Best Design)
Pat Stuckey: Bankers of Picton Special Award (Most points in 2014 mini-shows)
Sandra Dowds: Phyllis Turpin Trophy (Floral Excellence)
Logan Harrington: Society special award (Novice Exhibitor)
Shannon Langridge: Best Vegetable Plaque
Maggie Lindsay: Junior Gardener Award