Lichfield C.C.E

Minutes, 12/9/04.

Present. Mike Lancaster, Martin Thompson, Mike Kinghan, Ian Bradshaw, Mo' Bradshaw, Chris' Jordan, Graham Taylor.

1. Apologies; no apologies were received.

2. The first item was the issue of Chris' and Helen's decision to move on from the Horse & Jockey to run the catering at Whittington Golf club. They had however decided to retain ownership of the pub lease and from November 1st Neil Monroe, currently assistant manager, would become manager with Maria Jordan as assistant manager. As a result very little would change at the pub and Neil had confirmed that he was happy for the sessions to continue, although he had requested that they finish earlier, except for the odd special occasion, eg. visits from notable musicians etc. All members present welcomed this news and agreed that finishing at around 11.30 was perfectly reasonable.

3. The minutes of the 30.6.04 were accepted as a true record, proposed by Mike K., seconded by Martin.

4. Matters arising from the minutes, 30.6.04.

Mike L. suggested that any reports, etc for the AGM could be e-mailed to members in advance so as to save time at the meeting which was scheduled for Monday 11th October at 7.30, immediately before the session. Members agreed this was a good idea.

Members felt the idea of a branch meal at the H&J was a good one and could be followed hopefully by a session. Chris suggested Wednesday as a good night as it was generally quiet. Wednesday 26th January was decided on and we would liase with Chris and Neil about it. It would be open to members only and they would need to pay in advance.

Ian said he would produce more copies of the branch flyers ASAP as well as a poster based on the flyer design.

Mo' Ian and Mike L. said they would fix a date to produce the branch display boards.

All present agreed that good advertising for the Whittington ceili was vital. Martin offered to contact the local press to find out the cost of a proper advert. Mike K. added that it would be preferable to get it in the Mercury the week before the ceili as the same week might be too late. Local radio stations had also been contacted. Martin also said he would check with the LDAA about running the bar and we would use our contacts with local dance groups for further advertising. A number of posters were already in place around Lichfield, such as council notice boards, the Library, tourist office, Lichfield college, as well as in Whittington and Burntwood. Mike L requested that members could donate raffle prizes. Chris kindly offered a bottle of whiskey and a meal voucher for the pub. Mike L. confirmed that Vince would call at the ceili as Anthony was unavailable. Chris felt we should try to book the Guildhall for at least one ceili next year, running one specifically as a set dance event, perhaps with a workshop with the help of John Holian. Mike L said he would contact the City Council about this. Mo' suggested we might even promote ourselves as a set dance ceili band for workshops at events like Warwick folk festival.

Mike K. said he had received some items for the newsletter. Chris suggested contacting Paul Jordan about anecdotes and photos of previous adventures in Ireland. Other potential items would be congratulations for UK successes at the All Ireland Fleadh and details of local sessions.

Martin reported that Liz had posted details of the ceili on our website but other items were still to be added. He suggested that we buy webspace at a cost of about £30 so that other people as well as Liz could add to it. Ian and Mo' volunteered to host the site on their own webspace which would only cost £8 for a new address. All present thanked them for this.

Mo' reported that the branch bank balance stood at £208.26.

Mo' and Ian reported that Mary McNamara had agreed in principle to run a workshop in Lichfield but they would still need to find out exact cost and when she would be available. Mike L. had spoken to Catherine McEvoy who said she accept a fee relative to the level of support we were likely to get. To save on transport costs members felt we should try to link any workshops with tutors from Ireland to events when they would be here anyway, as in the case of Paddy Ryan and Ned Kelly. Mike L. had also been in touch with Carmel and John Burke who had again in principle agreed to run workshops on fiddle and box in return for travelling expenses etc. Martin suggested that we also ask Siobhan Ni Chonerain to run a flute and whistle workshop so that all three might give guidance on competing for trio competitions afterwards. Members felt this was a very good idea. Mo' also suggested that a piper, Jarleth they had met from Armagh would be another possible workshop tutor.

Martin confirmed that he would be attending the next Midland regional meeting on Sunday 19th September.

Mike L. again suggested that we might try to get to sessions in other parts of the Midlands. A list of these and their details would be put in the next newsletter.

Mike L. confirmed that a get well card had been sent to Kathleen Boyle from the branch which had been very gratefully received.

Mike K. reported that 4 youth hostels in the Peak district were available to hire during the Winter. He offered to notify people by e-mail. A minimum number and a deposit would be needed. Members felt that fairly early in the year, eg. end of February would be a good time for a weekend away.

Martin reported that he had attended an interesting provincial meeting in London and he had been put in charge of the provincial CCE website. Martin had not received expenses unlike official delegates for this meeting and the next one was due to take place in Glasgow. Mike L. said Martin should claim expenses from the branch.

5. Mike K. kindly offered part of his barn as an alternative to the stable at the pub, both for B band and ceili band practices. Mike L. offered to give Mike K. a hand cleaning the barn. Graham offered the use of a calor gas heater if required, while Ian said he had a spare electric heater.

6. Mike L. confirmed that the next All Ireland Fleadh would take place in Letterkenny.

7. Ian agreed to run an ABC music workshop at his house for anyone who was interested. Once numbers were ascertained a date would be fixed.

8. Martin referred to the fact that Comhaltas needed to fall in line with data protection regulations, as had been discussed at the provincial meeting. He produced copies of the Data Protection Act 1998. He also had a form from Anthony to be filled in giving branch details to be included in the Irish World newspaper. This was passed on to Mike L.

9. Mike L mentioned that he had attended the Midlands Artfest in Birmingham and performed with members of the South Birmingham branch as part of a major annual event encompassing many types of music. This might be something to get more involved with as a branch in the future.

10. Members minuted their congratulations to John, Carmel and Siobhan on winning the All Ireland senior trio competition.

11. Mike L. informed the meeting that a new website was available which covered all the tunes in O'Neill's 1001 tune book. He also advertised the annual sponsored walk for charity from the Horse & Jockey taking place on Saturday 16th October.

12 .The date of the next branch meeting, Wednesday 10th November, 8.00pm, Horse & Jockey.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.