Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Lichfield branch.

Minutes 10/11/04.

Present Mike Kinghan, Martin Thompson, Mike Lancaster, Helen Jordan, Ken Johns.

1. Apologies received from Chris' Jordan, Ian and Mo' Bradshaw.

2. Minutes of 15/9/04 read and accepted as a true record, proposed by Martin, seconded by Mike K.

3. Matters arising from 15/9/04.

The branch meal has been booked for Wednesday 26th January. There will be a three course set menu with fish and vegetarian options, costing around £12.95 each . The meal will be open to branch members and their partners and will be advertised in the pub.Members will be asked for a £5 deposit.

The Whittington ceili made a profit of £227.55 despite a poor response. Martin felt that a change of dances was needed. Mike L felt that a greater response would be had by introducing more set dancing. He also reported that the Guildhall had been provisionally booked for Saturday October 8th 2005. Members felt that we might hold another ceili earlier or possibly a set dance workshop with John Holian.

Martin reported that his work on the Comhaltas UK website meant that there had been little time to make more progress with the Lichfield site, although it was reasonably up to date. If we were to use Ian and Mo's webspace the necessary files would need to be put on disc which Liz' could then post to us.

4. Mo' had sent details of our current bank balance to Mike K. who gave out printouts.

5. There had been no more developments with workshops. The next step would be to discuss dates with Carmel and John and the format of the workshops. Martin suggested again that part of the day could be a workshop for duets and trios. Members felt that March might be a good time for the workshops, after the provincial congress in Birmingham which would also include workshops.

6. Mike K reported that the most likely venue for the youth hostel weekend was Kinnersley castle near Hereford. It had been developed more since some of us were last there and was used by alot of groups. Mike was now awaiting prices. Meals could be provided or we could do our own catering. A minimum of about 20 people would need to sign up for the weekend. Mike would e-mail members again and there was some possibility of friends coming from Ireland, but anyone interested would need to make a firm commitment.

7. There was clearly interest in an ABC music workshop but fixing a date would be left until Ian was present.

8. The Midland AGM would be on 21/11/04 at 12.00am prompt in Leamington. There would be a buffet and a session at about 3.00pm. Mike L and Mike K agreed to attend.

9. Mike L reminded members about the ceili at Birmingham Irish club on the 3rd December. This is a charity event for the St. Vincent de Paul society. The band will consist of Lichfield and South Birmingham members and is open to any musicians who can attend. The ceili will begin at 8.30pm.

10. Mike L explained the idea of running regular, eg. monthly set dance workshops using branch musicians. Roy Yarnell would be asked to do the teaching and we would need a suitable evening and venue, such as Holy Cross or Curborough community centre. Members felt this was a good idea in principle. Mike K. said that we may be eligible for a local council grant if we were seen as doing something for the local community. He offered to look into this.

11. The Echoes of Erin concert, featuring Vince Jordan, would perform in Birmingham on the 3rd March. Vince had asked if the Lichfield ceili band could perform as part of the concert but he would need a firm commitment soon. Mike L said he would check with members.

12. The suggestion of running a Christmas draw was put in abeyance as there was too little time to set it up. We have no major prizes available, or tickets, and there were official procedures to follow. The branch raffle was discussed again and members felt it could be run at alternate sessions, beginning with the next one. Mike L said he would check with Neil that he was happy for the raffle to take place in the bar. Members would need to donate prizes.

13. Mike L said he was now keeping a record of which members had received copies of Treoir etc. Mike K asked for a copy of the membership list.

14. Members discussed any points we would wish to raise at the Midland AGM, particularly with regard to insurance and finances. There was some feeling that, in the light of the substantial profit made by the Leicester fleadh, branches might have their contributions refunded. Mike K also felt that a breakdown of Comhaltas finances, the use of subscription funds etc.

Mike felt however that, as this would be his first Midland meeting as branch chairman, he did not want initially to be too controversial but would raise the points if the opportunity arose.

15. Date of next meeting, !2th January at the H&J, 8.00pm.

The meeting closed at 9.30.