Welcome

Jo Richardson (JR), Acting Chair, welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the AGM.  This meeting was of particular note due to the fact that the HGA was proposing the adoption of a new Constitution as well as to report on fundraising activity and the election of new Committee Members.

Previous Minutes

JR recorded that the Minutes of the last AGM dated 6^th October 2010 were approved at the HGA Committee Meeting held on 11^th October 2010.

Adoption of New Constitution

JR proposed the adoption of the NCPTA’s Model Constitution which was emailed to all current members of the HGA on Monday 19^th September.  AM seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously by a show of hands by the 54 members present.

Chairman’s Report

JR reported on the various fundraising events which had taken place during the year:

‘Hilden Grange Swims the Channel’ – the whole school (including Nursery) swam/paddled over 11,000 lengths.

The Christmas Fair had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions however, most of the stalls did run in one form or another namely the Children’s Own Stall, Christmas Raffle, Chocolate Tombola, HGA Home Produce including ‘dolphin’ mugs as well as the children designing their own Christmas cards.  This raised a very credible sum of money which the Treasurer, Kendra Felisky (KF) will report on.

JR reported on the sad loss of Lisa Simmonds and commended her for the work she had done on behalf of the HGA.

JR also reported on the continued fundraising efforts including the Summer Ball and the Summer Fair.  Other events that had taken place were the Pre-Prep/Prep discos and the Pre-Prep Christmas entertainment afternoon.

A cheque for £20,000 has been handed over to the Alpha Group and is to be set aside and matched by the Alpha Group to provide a cover for the pool.  JR thanked Mr. Withers for negotiating with the Alpha Group on the HGA’s behalf.

JR also thanked the Forms Reps, Second Hand Uniform Reps and Committee members for their enthusiastic and committed support to the HGA.

Treasurer’s Report

KF reported that the HGA accounting year runs from 1^st August to 31^st July on a cash flow basis.  KF thanked Andy Myers of ABMV Ltd for being the independent reviewer for the accounts for the Year to 31^st July 2011 and reported that many profitable events had taken place:

KF reported £29,066 total receipts for the year, £15,212 expenditure and cash and bank balances of £35,867.  £20,000 of which has been given to Alpha Group.

Appointment of Independent Examiner for 2011/2012

KF proposed the appointment of ABMV Ltd as our independent reviewer for the HGA accounts, which was agreed by those present.

Resignation and Election of Officers

JR reported the resignations of KF, AM, Tanya Olson and Sue Bradley and thanked them for their efforts and a presentation of flowers was made.

Existing and new Committee Members were proposed, seconded and elected as per the attachment. All those present agreed to the changes.

Forthcoming Fundraising and Social Events

JR reported that due to the building works taking place that alternative efforts would be needed for fundraising.  A new fundraising initiative has been put in place: www.easyfundraising.org.uk.  This is a FREE website and acts as an intermediary for all major high street stores.  An e-mail will be sent explaining how this service works.

HGA produce will go on sale which will include memo pads, mugs, plates, mincemeat and chutneys.  JR thanked Allie Froggatt for the sketch of Hilden Grange School which is being used on the memo pads. Phoenix Cards (Anne Smith) has kindly offered to donate 10% of any sales to the HGA.  The successful Chocolate Tombola will run for the Prep and Pre-Prep after the Nativity play.  The Children’s Shopping Bag Stall will run following the Pre-Prep Christmas lunch.  The Prep school disco will not run in November but an alternative will be sought at the next Committee meeting.  Contributions Day for the Chocolate Tombola and the Children’s Shopping Bag Stall will now be Thursday 24^th November.  (Note a change of date).  A quiz night will be held on 3^rd February 2012.  The School Ball will be held every other year so a low key social event will run for 2012.

JR reported that Mrs. Hewson is looking into a living willow structure in the grounds of the school.

JR also reported that future fundraising will concentrate on providing play equipment for the new MUGA.  The Pre-Prep outdoor play area is hugely popular and it has been suggested that similar equipment be considered for Years 3 and 4.

Any Other Business

Lizzie Sinclair suggested using a different venue for the Prep Disco so that the children do not miss out on this very popular event whilst the building works continue.  The Tonbridge Centre and De La Rue Hall were suggested as possible venues.  JR agreed that this could be looked into for next term.

Other suggestions were raised including a special celebration to mark the Olympic and Diamond Jubilee Year and the expected completion of the building works.  Mr. Withers said something would be put in place.

Mr. Withers thanked the Committee, old and new, for all their efforts with special thanks to JR.

Date of Next Committee Meeting

Tuesday 1^st November.

Close of Meeting

The AGM closed at 8.20 p.m.