Today marks the ninth year for CMCB. When the band was started in 1999, we had nothing except a bunch of enthusiastic musicians who wanted to make music. Now we have a well-equipped band with a reasonable music library but most importantly a strong group of loyal and dedicated people who are making very good music!

We have been very lucky because our local authority have been very supportive. There are not many bands that get reduced hire charges and free storage. In addition Crawley Borough Council have given us various sums of money over the years and have given us other support including the provision of official presentation gifts when we tour and use of advertising boards.

In addition to the support we get from CBC we have also been very fortunate in the support we have had from various other organisations including Gatwick Airport Community Trust, Courage Dyer Recreational Trust, English Partnerships and Awards for All. All this has meant that we are well equipped and look smart.

You may know that this year we have applied to GACT for funding to purchase new music stands and new library storage boxes.  We will not know for another two/three weeks if our application has been successful and of course it may not be as we have had lots of money from them in the past – watch this space!

I think we would all agree that 2007/8 was another successful year despite some terrible weather. Perhaps one of the most successful events was our October Concert at the Hawth. It was of course quite unique because of the unplanned interval! But the concert itself was very good with a very big and enthusiastic audience.  As you know the concert raised over £4000 for our charity, Brambles Respite Care Centre. Again, on their behalf I thank you for your efforts.

2008 will be quite an exciting year. We have some really good gigs coming up, Eastbourne which is always a favourite. Proms in Horley and Hassocks and of course the October concert, which this year is in support of Sussex Air Ambulance. The highlight will be the tour to Rome, I am sure we are going to have a fantastic time as well as playing some good music.

As always I will make a plea for recruitment. It is essential that we all pay a part in this vital process. Numbers are quite good but we will always need more so PLEASE do everything you can to enlist new members to our ranks.

I would like to thank Sally for her continued hard work and dedication to the band. Because of a certain young lady who is so prominent in her life, Sally and Andrew do not get a whole lot of spare time, despite this Sally still puts her all into the Band. I must also thank Sarah Rockcliffe who comes to the end of her sentence on the Committee, thank you Sarah enjoy your retirement until the next time!

I would also like to thank the whole Committee for their continued support. Running a band like CMCB does take a lot of time and effort. However knowing there are people carrying out the various roles, which are essential to the smooth running of the Band, helps enormously. We must also give our thanks to Peter Burtenshaw for refreshing us all every week and to Liz Steven for keeping track of all the music.

Finally to you the members thank you!  Your continued support and loyalty makes it all worthwhile. Let’s raise a glass to CMCB and all its members and patrons

John Fisher

Chairman

Minutes of the Crawley Millennium Concert Band Annual General Meeting held on the 28^th April 2008

Apologies:  Paul Kane, Paul Homewood, PollyHobbs, Janet Harris, Kevin Kimber, Stuart MacGlashan, Ann Milliams, Sue Rockliffe.

Minutes of the AGM held on the 14^th May 2007:

Proposed a true record.  Seconded Debbie Betts.  Carried.  There were no matters arising.

MD’s Report:  Sally reported that she was very pleased with the progress made over the past year.  She asked that members always bear in mind the number of players needed to support each gig.  Sally thanked Liz Steven for her support with the library.  She went on to emphasise the need to start rehearsals on time and to keep talking in rehearsals to a minimum.  Sally requested that players mark up their music and put their name on in pencil. A copy of Sally’s full report is available on the Band website. 

Chairmans Report :   John remarked that this was the 9^th AGM with the Band moving into its 10^th year.  He reminded everyone that we have been very lucky because of support from local authority.  Our running costs are cheaper e.g. the hall rental etc.  The Band will be taking part in the Hawth 20^th Anniversary Concert.  He has applied for another grant.  It was a good year last year despite dreadful weather.  The Hawth concert raised over £4000.  John emphasised the need for ongoing recruitment!  He thanked Sally for her continuing hard work and thanked Sarah Rockliffe who is standing down from committee.  John also thanked Liz for keeping the library in order and Peter for keeping the tea and coffee flowing!  He also thanked all the Band for their continued support. A Copy of John’s full report is available on the Band website.

Treasurer’s Report :  Mary said that there is enough money to keep going at present.  She has prepared a budget to make sure the income next year will match the money going out.  There has been an application to the Gatwick Airport Community Trust.  The Committee is looking to upgrade equipment, replace the photocopier and purchase a gong.  Nigel proposed a vote of thanks to Mary and this was seconded by Graeme.  Graeme proposed that the accounts should be accepted and this was seconded by Nigel and agreed by those present.  A full report is available on the website.

Members’ Secretary’s Report and Patrons’ Secretary’s Report

Copies of these are available on the Band Website.

Millennium Voices Report  :  Julie reported that the Voices comprise a small but committed group of singers but after debate they have decided to enlist help from other singers for larger events inviting them in to practise specifically for each individual concert.  Julie thanked Sally for her hard work with the Voices.  They will keep going as a small group throughout the year.  Julie emphasised that Band members are very welcome to sing with the Voices when not playing.

Election of Officers :  All existing Officers were willing to stand.  The nominations were read out.  Acceptance proposed by Nigel.  Seconded by Fiona.   Carried.

Election of Committee Members :  Stewart  proposed by Karen.  Seconded by Debbie.   Carried.   A second Committee Member is needed as Julie is standing down.  This needs to be a representative from the Millennium Voices.  No one has come forward.  This will be discussed at the next Committee meeting.

AOB: 

·        Clare asked about uniform for Rome – will be summer shirts.

·        Mary talked about the social side of the Band.  The Idea to finish rehearsal early and go to the pub perhaps once a month was suggested and to hold a Family event – Teddy Bear’s Picnic for all family.  Sally suggested that as next Monday is a Bank Holiday the Band rehearsal should finish at 9.00 and everyone go for a drink.  To kick start this social activity the Band will pay for a round

·        John – 20^th Anniversary concert at Hawth – needs good band although only playing for very short time as CBC always support band

·        October concert will be for Sussex Air Ambulance.  Joint with Horsham Borough Band – Friday 3^rd October.

·        Nigel asked about concert with Guards Band. Will still go ahead at some time in the future. 

The AGM closed at 8pm.