Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann

Lichfield Branch

Minutes of meeting held 12/11/03

Present. Mike Lancaster, Mike Kinghan, Martin Thompson, Chris Jordan, Helen Jordan.

Apologies received from Ian, Mo', Fiona, Barbara and Andy.

1. The minutes of the meeting held 15/10/03 were accepted as a true record of the meeting, proposed by Mike K, seconded by Martin.

2. Matters arising from minutes, 15/10/03.

Mike L reported that he would now be able to set up an e-mail group of all branch members and thanked Mike K for his assistance. In future all copies of minutes would be sent to Martin for the website, including the minutes of the most recent AGM.

Mike K asked that a correct copy of the branch accounts be provided following amendments carried out after the AGM.

Mike L reported that a cheque covering our expenses for hosting the Echoes of Erin concert had been received and passed on to Mo'.

With regard to the forthcoming set dance workshop and ceili on November 29th it appeared there had been some misunderstanding about the destination of any funds raised. Mike K agreed to contact our links with Holy Cross church to clear this up. In addition Martin offered to liase with the lady who took the church hall bookings to arrange refreshments for the workshop and ensure that the electricity supply was switched on. Mike and Julia Kinghan had very kindly offered to make their house available to the band during the period between the workshop and the ceili for washing, changing and a rest. The band would have a meal at the Horse & Jockey. Martin reported that publicity for the events was well in hand at the tourist office etc.

Martin had been in touch with Liz Keyes about the website and Liz was happy for Martin to collate information etc. Session dates, ceilis, workshops, officers etc would be added. We had received 20 e-mails, some about events that had already occured. We were now aware of these messages and could respond to future ones.

Martin reported that the branch flyer was nearly completed and ready.

Mike K reported that Alan Richardson had spoken to Vince Jordan about a meeting with the C band to set up a grupai cheol but nothing formal had as yet been arranged.

Kel' Moreton was still to be asked about making a branch display board and discussion about buying or hiring PA would be postponed to the next meeting.

Mike L agreed to write a letter to head office in Dublin suggesting that the idea of charging branches for their insurance proportionate to the size of each branch be explored.

The All Britain Fleadh would take place at Leicester University on the last weekend in June. Copies of the letter sent out by Carmel Burke asking for sponsorship would be handed out subsequently.

Mike L asked if the branch would contribute to the purchase of some wood to further improve the insulation of the stable. Members unanimously agreed to this.

The next Midland regional meeting was to be held at 12.00 am on Sunday 30th November in Leamington. Mike L would attend and would also ask Alan if he would go.

Under AOB Mike K proposed that following the Comhaltas ' ideal branch ' guidelines we might hold a general meeting about once every three months on a Monday prior to a session, when more members would be likely to attend. We could thereby get more members hopefully involved and publicise events such as the AGM more. Members decided that we should give this a trial run by having a general meeting on Monday 2nd February from 7.30 - 8.30pm. A normal branch meeting would also take place in January, ( see below ).

Mike L mentioned that we should contact Noel Sweeney in Burntwood about a float for next year's Birmingham St Patrick's Day parade.

Date of next meeting.....Wednesday 14th January, 8.00pm, Horse & Jockey.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.