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Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Drama Association
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at The Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, Nottingham on January 14th 2007.

1. Introduction and apologies
Present: Gordon Parsons, Maggie Andrew (Sec), Ania Roberts (Elaps), Madeline Lord (Elaps), Mike Stewart (VP), Mike Dowdeswell (KDS), Meg Dowdeswell (KDS), John Banks (WBDS), Jerome Foley (WBDS), Alison Murray (WBDS), Irene Gardner (All Hallows DS), Tony Wykes (All Hallows DS), Douglas MacDonald (Lace Market), Roy Ainscough (President), Neil Mackintosh{Treasurer}, MargotAnderson (Robin Hood).
Apologies for absence were received from: Valerie Christian, Joan Wildgust, Tony Vokes, Arcade Players,
Christine Harbidge (R.O. T), Jon Jones (R.O. T), Hayley Masom (Elaps), Jill Widdowson (KDS). None from the Chairman.
The President welcomed Gordon Parsons to the meeting to speak as adjudicator later in the evening with the intention of it being an open discussion. It was felt that Sunday meetings/events were proving popular i.e. Theatre Luncheon.

2. Minutes of the AGM held on 25th January 2006
These were agreed correct and duly signed.
Matters arising: Training Schools - members groups had asked for these - WBDS had held one, Elaps were looking into holding one. It was felt that member groups should advertise these amongst other groups and invite each others members to attend. Stanford Hall - this had been sold again, and RBC were involved in this project.
SHUG continues to be involved in all aspects of this.

3. Chairman's remarks - Due to the absence of the Chairman - no report was available. It was reported that:
Play of the Year - The adjudicator Jill Gautrey had adjudicated 12 plays from 9 different groups. This present year had so far had 9 entries in this competition, adjudicator - Geoff Readman. Thanks were given in her absence to Joan Wildgust for organising this
One Act Play Festival had suffered form lack of entries and organisation. Is there a future and support for this event?
Youth Festival- continues to thrive with 10 entries under the excellent leadership of Jean Lebeter. Jean had tendered her resignation and Sarah Kerry from the Lace Market Theatre is taking this on with an event being held in April 2007. The Council wished to thank Jean for her sterling efforts during the past years organising this Festival
Newsletter - thanks were given to Hayley Masom for this publication which had received excellent comments.
Theatre Luncheon - The luncheon with Colin Tarrant had been intimate but successful. The event in October with Timothy West and Prunella Scales was well attended. Future guests hopeful to secure - Robert Lindsey and Julie Walters. Thanks to Douglas for his continued hard work.
Dinner & Awards - Thanks to Madeline Lord for organising this at Cotgrave Golf Club which was very well attended. All groups that enter the POY must send a representative to this event as Rule 10 even if this group come after the meal.
Membership - new members - Nottingham Arts Theatre and Dukeries Theatre, resignation from Storytellers.
The Council had met several times at different homes over the past 12 months.
Mike Stewart is still responsible for the website and many thanks to him.
Calendar dates for entries on web and in newsletter - could all groups please let the Sec know these for wider publicity for groups.
A publication on Nanda is out soon and all groups will get copies of these.
The Council had received two new trophies which had been awarded this season The replacement for Actress of the Year from Solo and Set Design from Huthwaite (who have since disbanded).
Playwriting Competition - now halfway through its preparation which Maggie was organising. Barry Heath is the adjudicator. Performances on 7 July 2007 to coincide with Nanda's 60th Anniversary 07.07.1947.
One Act - Elaps taking part and WBDS agreed to think about entering.

4. Annual Report 2005-06 - copies of accounts had been sent out with the AGM notices

5. Hon Treasurers Report
Thanks were given to Neil Mackintosh for his detailed accounts. He reported a healthy balance and reported we were not suffering losses. The sum of £40 was queried under Youth Festival and he reported that this was paid to Robin Hood Theatre staff
It was decided not to increase subs this year.
Adoption of the accounts were proposed by Roy Ainscough and seconded by Margot Anderson.

6. Appointment of Honorary Officers 2007
a. The Hon Secretary: Maggie Andrew proposed by Mike Stewart and seconded by Margot Anderson. There being no other candidate Maggie Andrew was duly elected.
b. The Hon Treasurer: Neil Mackintosh proposed by Margot Anderson and seconded by Douglas MacDonald. There being no other candidate Neil Mackintosh was duly elected.
c. The Hon Auditor - Due to other commitments, the Auditor, Jean Anthony had tendered her resignation.
Neil to look into possibility of replacement. The Council thanked Jean for her involvement over the past 12 years.

7. To appoint members of the Executive Council for 2007 No changes - as list supplied.

8. Adjudication
Issues had been raised regarding adjudication of the Play of the Year Competition. Does this require changing to panel of experts (this was done originally when first set up). The adjudicator is given briefing by organiser - due to Joan's absence, Margot Anderson confirmed this. It may be difficult to get all people from the panel to see the show - which would defeat the object. Could adjudicator advise on what levels in the productions needs working on - could then set up workshops.
Why do groups enter the competition - suggestions were: to get accolade, training/learning tool, challenge. It was stated that the most important aspect of performing was to please the audience.
Could adjudicator visit premises just before the production to evaluate play - felt wouldn't work and the adjudicator couldn't be expected not to make a charge. It was strongly felt that all groups have different needs.
A point was raised that some member groups were surprised that the Council do not see the crits before they are sent out to groups - only the organiser sees these. The Council stated that these crits belong to the group. It was felt that some sort of evaluation on the adjudication was needed (not on the adjudicator). It has always been possible to have a verbal adjudication, where you could speak to the adjudicator and sort out problems that arise.
It was noted that few societies go and support each others productions and there are many reasons for this.
Of the 30 plus member groups only 30% enter this competition. It was stated that the adjudicator does make allowances for the hall/venue the group are using.
Gordon invited groups to ring him and supply tickets and he would give them evaluations of their productions. It was agreed to look at the way the marking is done in the categories, to make these more consistent.

9. Any Other Business
Web site - all groups are encouraged to use this site and add their links, only a few groups currently have this link to us.
Speedy recovery and best wishes were sent to Doreen Sheard and Alan Berridge following their recent spells in hospital.

The meeting closed at 8.55 p.m.