Chair’s Speech
BACC AGM Chair’s Speech - my last speech
Thank you all for coming along to the AGM and indeed to our summer concert season. We hope we have an exciting year ahead.
We are delighted to have won the Arts organisation Award in the Pride of Stratford District run by Touch fm. This award celebrates our achievement in bringing a range of people from different backgrounds and of different ages together and being totally inclusive – particularly for supporting and developing our young people through their musical journey and offering opportunities to them at a time when schools’ arts opportunities are reducing.
We were invited to attend a working group - Better together for Bidford. It was also noted that we retain our teenagers - something other organisations fail to do. The spread of ages was also remarked upon and the community feel that this gives us. Therefore, it is vital that we continue to grow if possible, our children’s choir and teen group.
The choir continues to flourish with two amazing concerts last year and participation in a range of community events. We do sound better year on year The vocal coaching workshop really seemed to make a difference.
It is a great testament to Amanda Oliver’s original vision, that we now have a waiting list for people wishing to join us in the main choir for the first time, though there is still some space in the teen harmony group and in the children’s choir - so please tell your friends and neighbours.
For a number of reasons, not least the number of people we can safely accommodate on stage, the main choir is closed with 80 members. We have looked into ways to increase this – including hiring tiered seating, changing venues and increasing our stage capacity none of which have proved to be viable propositions though we thank Graham , Steve and Adam for their time, effort and expertise in trying to help and support us.
The constitution will be amended to say the membership number is 75. As a community choir we are loathe to turn people away and hope the 75 target can be achieved through natural wastage. Going forward, we will be asking that if you are intending to take a break that you tell us in advance. With people wishing to join us, we do need to know if you are hoping to return. While a waiting list exists, priority will be given firstly to children reaching year 7 and wishing to move up to the main choir, returning members and then people new to us.
It is wonderful that over the last choir year, we have also been able to support many other village and local events including The Bidford Lights, The Jolly Teapot, Barton River Festival and The Dementia Café and thanks to Sue , our own social events proved to be really popular.
Louise our Treasurer will talk more about our financial position, but we have been able to buy more music this year, and also to invest in the choir, which we also hope to do again this year and give donations to local charities which we hope to continue to do going forward. At the summer concert we will be making a donation to the Salford Priors Guides.
Subscriptions have remained at £37.50 which we feel is great value for money. Knowing who is coming back and having the money in in advance, has really helped us with planning so please, for the next season, all fees must be received by 1st September.
We are exploring the option of a second performance opportunity after all the hard work we put in, but this is not yet finalised. Please see the website for updates.
As you know our librarian, Steve is taking a break from rehearsals and Hannah has kindly volunteered to support us on a weekly basis.
In conclusion, I must say a huge thank you to you all for all your hard work and to our musical directors for their commitment, skills and patience, our outstanding Masters of Ceremonies and particularly a massive thank you to everyone who helps behind the scenes for the many hours of work they put in.
Officers standing for re election
Chair Angela Hurd
Treasurer Louise Green
Secretary Judy Smith
Librarian Steve Jackson
Membership Secretary Judith Harrison
Constitutional amendment - members 75
Chair Angela Hurd
Treasurer Louise Green
Secretary Judy Smith
Librarian Steve Jackson
Membership Secretary Judith Harrison
Constitutional amendment - members 75