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NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE DRAMA ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Meeting of the Executive Council held on Tuesday 21st September 2010 at Arnold,

Present: Joan Wildgust (Chairman), Christine Davison (Secretary), Linda Whitehurst, Howard Whitehurst, Madeline Lord, Mike Stewart, Jack Barrett, Mel Reynolds.

1 Apologies for absence were received from Hayley Masom, Sonya Oates, Tony Vokes, Neil Mackintosh, Roy Ainscough.

2 Minutes and matters arising. - The minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on Tuesday 13th July 2010 had been circulated and these were signed as a correct record.
It was noted that Sarah Kerry is not involved in any way with the organisation or planning of next year's Youth Festival. This was reported in error in the minutes of the June meeting.

3 Hon Treasurer's report - as at 21st September 2010 (2 months)

Balance = £4137.38
N S & I = £2268.59
Current = £1717.79
On hand = £151.00
Decrease = 62.08

SINCE LAST MEETING
Income
Operations
Subscriptions
Group membership - 8 @£25 each
TOTAL = £200
Miscellaneous
Sale of Publications = £4.50
EXPENDITURE
Annual Dinner and Award Ceremony
Paper and Printing = £17.23
Operations
Secretary's expenses = £4.95
Zurich Insurance Premium = £244.40
RESULT
Financial Year 1st September to 31st August 2009/2010

INCOME3933.42
EXPENDITURE£3381 44
PROFIT551.98

A full report on the financial year result (as presented to the AGM) will be given at the October meeting.

4 Discussion item - Play of the Year - recruitment of entries
Although the competition attracted 14 entries, only seven drama groups were represented in 2009/10. It was felt that there was a need to attract more groups to enter the competition. There was a discussion on ways in which this could be achieved. As many groups performed plays with musical content and pantos, it was suggested that altering the rules to accommodate these might attract more groups. This would need to be cleared with the adjudicator and Joan will consult with Gordon Parsons and Bob Wildgust to see if such a change in the rules is acceptable. If so, the rules would be amended to allow musical productions in this season's competition.

5 Festivals
a)Play of the Year Competition 2010/2011 and Dinner
An email had been sent out on Monday 20th September to all groups informing them of the competition as well as an application form and a copy of the rules.
Gordon Parsons has agreed to be the adjudicator.
Two entries have already been received: Nottingham Arts Theatre - 'Much Ado About Nothing' and Bonington Players -' Death of a Salesman'. This is a promising start.
Neil reported that Orchard Theatre Company fully intend to enter their production of 'Bouncers'.
Dinner
Various venues had been investigated. It was decided that the venue for the next dinner would be the Welbeck Hotel - it is centrally located, has good parking and offers good value. The dinner will be a buffet style. Linda will reserve the Hotel for the evening of Friday June 17th 2011.
b) One Act Play Festival 2011
After a brief discussion it was agreed to hold the competition at Chilwell Olympia on Friday April 1st and Saturday April 2nd 2011. Max Bromley will be the adjudicator. A minimum of five entries will be needed for the competition to run.
c) Youth Festival 2011
Joan has arranged a meeting with Jean Lebeter and Sonya Oates on 23rd October to discuss arrangements.

Neil's report on the Duchess theatre was read out. He had been asked to check it out as a possible venue for the One Act and Youth Festivals. The theatre is now fully open again apart from a few minor tasks which will be completed in the next few weeks. All the groups (9 or 10) who used the theatre before are back with productions this year. There are 4 dressing rooms, very generous wing space to the stage (useful for storing sets at Festivals) and tiered seating for about 180. Both bar and refreshment counter (to be connected by the lounge) are down one side of the auditorium. Both of these facilities are staffed by the Chatsworth centre. There is full lighting and sound equipment installed. The whole place has a cosy and compact atmosphere, and the two shows Neil had seen so far (both musicals, with the orchestra area in use) had full houses (Saturday and Monday). All this, however, is likely to cost more than previous venues. As the theatre is in great demand early booking is recommended.
After discussing Neil's report, it was decided to stay with Chilwell Olympia this year. However we should check it out for the future by attending a performance. Chris will investigate costs.

6 Theatre Luncheon
Peter Bowles had declined the invitation to the theatre luncheon, citing pressure of engagements. Jack was thanked for his continuing hard work in what is proving to be a frustrating task. There was a discussion on whether to offer a financial incentive to prospective speakers but this was ruled out. Joan will try to contact William Ivory and Jack will try Amanda Whittington as these are both local playwrights.

7 Newsletter and Website
The latest Newsletter is now available. Howard would like calendar entries emailing direct to him. Anything for the next newsletter needs to be to Howard by the end of October for the November newsletter.
As Secretary, Chris receives numerous emails from groups and individuals. She will forward only those which are local or ones likely to be useful to members.

8 Correspondence/Amendments to membership
No correspondence.
There is an incorrect email in the membership book:-
Spotlight Theatre School Contact Amanda Hall
Chris Davison (NANDA Secretary) from 4th October new email
Change of chairperson:- Burton Joyce Players' new chairman is Kathy Matthews - details to follow.
The memberships that have expired are as follows:-
Craft Theatre Company, Dukeries Theatre Group, Spotlight Theatre School, West Bridgford Dramatic Society.
Individual members:- Julia Gaunt, Joan Wildgust, Bob Wildgust.
A reminder from Neil that Group membership is £25 and individual membership is £15.

AOB - None

Date of next Council meeting Tuesday 12th October 2010 at Aspley

The meeting ended at 8.43pm.