12th April 2006

Present

Martin Willey (Chairman)
David Jones (Treasurer)
Doreen Gladman (Secretary)
Councillor Eileen Derrick (President),Councillor P. McVay
Judi King, Mary Guppy, Trevor Wood, Anne Willey, Malcolm Richardson, Katie Scott, Shelia Jones and Paula Crompton

Apologies

Howard Scott

The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming previous members of the committee, and new committee members Katie, Shelia and Paula.

1. MINUTES
   
   RESOLVED that the minutes of the Committee meeting held on the 9th February be signed by the Chairman as a true record.
   
   
2. MATTERS ARISING
   
   Business Exchange
   Martin reported that unfortunately the apprentice Mr Flack would have liked to take part in the exchange placement had left his employment.  He has another young man that may be interested in taking part in an exchange.  Martin will follow this up with Mr Flack.
   
   A.G.M.
   
   Martin expressed his pleasure that the AGM recruited new members to the committee.  The evening had been very successful and thanks were extended to Malcolm Richardson for arranging the chocolate making demonstration, which was very informative.
   
   Chambourcy – restructure of their Twinning Association
   
   Martin updated members on the new structure and advised that hosting details for the forthcoming visit had been received.
   
   
3. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
   
   Martin reported that 20 members were attending the next Chambourcy visit, some who had visited previously and he was very pleased that four golf representatives would be attending, plus hosts from the summer youth visit.
   
   Concern was expressed that we had been unable to take up Chambourcy’s Youth visit invitation. It was agreed that a questionnaire be drawn up to ascertain the possible reasons for low response for this years invitation, interest to attend future visits, best time for a visit to be arranged.  It was felt that perhaps we should now aim for a visit in 2008.
   
   It was suggested that a “Twinning Certificate” linked perhaps to the High School Record of Achievement, be investigated.
   
   
4. TREASURER’S REPORT
   
   David reported:
   

   Income since the last meeting	Membership fee	10.00
   	AGM raffle	42.00
   Expenditure	AGM	70.00
   	Insurance (LRJTA)	102.00

   Taking the above figures into consideration the Current Account stands at £416.28 and the Deposit Account at £1,000.
   
   David raised his concerns should the committee wish to undertake a youth visit in the same year as Lutterworth were hosts to the biennial visit by Chambourcy.
   
   It was noted that the Town Council had made an estimate provision of £500 to assist with the proposed Youth visit for this current financial year.  It was felt that as the youth trip would not be taking part, that the Town Council be advised that Twinning would not be requesting financial assistance during this financial year, but would very much appreciate assistance in 2008, with hosting visitors and youth exchange.
   
   
5. MEMBERSHIP
   
   Judi advised that membership was up-to-date, with two new members Wilson/Horsefall who will be visiting Chambourcy.
   
   It was pointed out that all attending the Chambourcy visit must be a member to be covered by the Associations insurance.
   
   Martin agreed to chase up any who are not members.
   
   Judi agreed to chase those people involved in the youth exchange and were given free membership last year.
   
   
6. CHAMBOURCY VISIT
   
   Martin thanked Councillor Derrick for the gift she had provided to be taken to Chambourcy and expressed his sadness that Eileen would not be able to attend.  Martin felt that this forthcoming visit should be good, especially as the duration of the visit had been extended.
   
   Trevor requested that members attending the visit be asked to forward photographs to him for inclusion on the Associations website.
   
   
7. SOCIAL EVENTS
   
   Indian Meal at Exotic Spice
   
   It was agreed to book Exotic Spice for Wednesday 24th May.  The upstairs room will hold 35 and it was agreed a cost of £15.00 per head would be made. Martin would ask for a buffet style meal plus an English option to be provided.
   
   The evening to be for fund raising and as a “thank you” to Doreen & Chris, on Doreen’s retirement at the end of  May.
   
   Doreen to send out details of the evening to all members, advising numbers are limited and bookings and payment must be received by the 19th May at the latest. Eileen advised that the Town Council would have a new Town Mayor, Councillor Geraldine Robinson from the 16th May.   Shelia Jones agreed to receive bookings and payment for the evening.
   

   BBQ	at Trevor & Mary Wood's	9th July
   Carnival Stall	Bottle Game	12th August
   	Shelia requested members to save empty wine bottles with no stains on labels – please!
   	Photo Quiz – Pat agreed to ask Don if he would take the photographs to make up the quiz.
   Cheese & Wine Evening	Sheila agreed to look into this

   It was agreed that a raffle will be run at all fund raising events to try and increase funds in readiness for 2008 hosting costs.
   
   
8. DEVELOPMENT
   
   Some ideas for possible development links or joint activities were put forward:
   
   • Archery Clubs
     
   • Photographic Clubs
     
   • Recipe exchanges
     
   
   
9. A.O.B.
   
   LTC Administration Support
   
   Doreen advised that Hannah Gupwell had been appointed as Town Clerk from the 1st June, which meant that until such time as the Town Council appointed either another Deputy Town Clerk or additional administration support, it would be difficult to provide clerical support to the Association.  The matter would be raised with the Town Council at the May meeting, as temporary staff would have to be engaged in the interim period.
   
   Vote of Thanks
   
   Martin sincerely thanked Councillor Derrick for all her help and support during her year as President of the Association.
   
   Martin also thanked Doreen for her work for the Association.
   
   Date and Time of Next Meeting
   
   The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 21st June, at the Swiftway Centre, commencing at 7.45 p.m.