Chairmans Report 2025

2025 has been a very good and busy year for the Society.   I would go so far as to say we are thriving except  in one area which I will come to later.   Our membership has increased this year and the attendances at the lectures is the highest it has been since before the pandemic. So thank you.  However due to the ever increasing costs of everything it was decided to increase the membership fee to £50 this year which is the first increase for several years and we hope that will suffice for the next few years.

We have had some outstanding lectures this year, too many to pick out some favourites but I have to say that we are always complimented by the lecturers for the friendliness of the Society, and many, especially to newer lecturers are awed by the Hall.  It is reassuring to know that they enjoy coming to Haslemere.

There have been three outings this year, but the outstanding one has to be the visit to Longford Castle.   What a wonderful venue and the art was just amazing.   We had excellent guides, one of which will be coming to give us a lecture next year.  Arranging a visit to Longford is not easy as they have restricted times and dates but a huge thank you to Gail for making all the arrangements especially arranging for a pub lunch afterwards in the village pub. Our other trips to the Wallace Collection and Hatfield House were both equally wonderful but very different from Longford.   Well done Gail all your hard work is much appreciated.

We also had three Study Days or SIDs this year.  Again all were excellent but the outstanding one was the Masters of the North, Nordic Painting and Peasants to Tsars.  This was fabulous.  The lecturer was not the easiest of men to converse with but he came alive when presenting his lecture. Certainly the first lecture would be worth having again as just a lecture. I always urge you to come to these mornings because so often after the Study Day so many members say to me I heard it was an excellent morning I wish I had come to it. We have gone back to two outings and Study Days for next year to ease the cost and the work.

The evening event this year went off very well especially as the weather was kind.  Again we had an excellent lecture about the Jazz age which went down well after glasses of wine and canapes.

Sarah organised her annual overseas trip early this year in the Spring.   They went to Spain starting in Madrid and going on to Toledo and Segovia.  This apparently was a wonderful trip but a busy one.   We are now looking forward to next year visiting Provence in October. Brochures are available next month and booking will be starting in January.

We have been fortunate in one way but not so in another as Florina the lovely young Romanian lady joined the committee.  We feel very lucky to have her and many other Surrey Societies are envious of us as she has excellent IT skills and, at last thanks to her, we now have a Facebook page which is attracting a good number of views.   I don’t do social media so this doesn’t mean much to me.  However the downside is that she is presently stuck in Romania because our authorities will  not let her return to the UK.  A complicated and upsetting story but she is now joining us via zoom  for the committee meetings.

Isabelle continues with the Art at the Station but she is finding it difficult to receive new work from the schools with their heavy workloads but she will persevere.

I also have pleasure in announcing that a children’s church trail of Grayswood Church has been concluded and will be presented soon but I have to thank Jane Stopford for organising this and to say how much it is appreciated.   I also can say that the Church Recording is being taken back by The Arts Society London.  That is all I know so I don’t know how this will play out but good news.

We are always looking at ways we can help with the art in the community and this year we have given Haslemere Hall a donation to help with their refurbishment of the annex.   They plan an important role in the arts scene  in the community hosting many societies.  A base for the little theatre groups, the local theatres, choirs etc., so we felt it was well deserved.

I also had great pleasure in putting Roscelin Rees’s name forward for a Marsh Award.  This is a charity based group aligned with The Arts Society which give awards to people or groups who have been outstanding in volunteering in their community.  As Roscelin first joined The Arts Society in 1977 and has been involved in the society ever since in various roles including working for Area she seemed an ideal candidate for the award and I am delighted that she was chosen and came with us to The Arts Society AGM in London in September to collect her award and had a lovely day out.

We also hosted the Area Meeting in October here in Haslemere.  Whilst London is still sorting itself out from the shock of last year, Area now has big changes coming as it seems that East and West Surrey are going to become one again so it will be interesting to see how this affects us.   The meeting went well and I am delighted to report that the Woking Chairman is to become a new Trustee in London taking on the Treasury position.

I did refer earlier to one area of the Society which needs much more help and that is new members on the committee.   I have on many occasions this year asked for members to come forward to help but not one person has approached us.   I feel that my pleas are going over your heads and you all think someone else will do it but they are not.   Guildford closed this summer after 40 years and it is not outside the realms of possibility that that will be our fate.   None of us want that but that is what will happen.   You can’t expect existing committee members to go on and on and if they step down and  no one takes their place then closure will be the only option.   I know all the commitments you all have but these are not full time jobs, some have very little to do for weeks or  months  and can easily be fitted in with your lifestyle and you could join with a friend to share the work.  I was childminding grandchildren when I first came on the committee.  I consider that the committee work as a team but also that team involves you as members to support us so please think about it.  We are a friendly bunch and have a lot of fun in the process. We are however losing Gail Maughan, Outings. I have never had so many schedules, list and charts but SO useful,  and Ruth Carpenter Jones who are stepping down from the committee.  I wish them lots of success with what comes next but I have to thank them for all their hard work. Also Caroline Reynolds who has been our Secretary for two years has moved over the Programming and I am delighted that Margaret James as rejoined as Study Day Secretary. So we need to fill the Outings and Secretary position urgently.

As many of your know this is my last day as Chairman of  The Arts Society Haslemere.   I have been Chairman for six years and on the Committee for eleven years and so it is with great sadness that I now step down.  It has been an honour and a privilege to serve you.  The last six years have not been easy as within four months of taking over we had the lockdowns and Covid to navigate and learning how to use ZOOM so that we could bring you the lectures. Once allowed we had meetings in the garden, which we able to do and the weather was great, but it is only in the last year or so that we have returned to normal..  We also had the governance reform last year which was a lot of work and worry and all for nothing, a complete waste of time and money.  However I have loved every minute of my Chairmanship and I do feel and I hope you will agree with  me that I am leaving the Society in a good place and thriving. 

As always I have many to thank and more so this year.   Firstly I must thank my present committee who have stood by me this year but also my previous committee members, some of whom sadly are no longer with us, who have always supported and helped me to do my job. Committee members come and go and often it means that the programme we enjoy has been organised by someone no longer on the committee so I am always grateful that they leave us so much to enjoy.  As always I have to thank Howard and Ray for all their excellent help when we use the Hall.   When I hear the difficulties other Societies have with their venues I know how lucky we are to have such a wonderful Hall from which to have our lectures.  Michael Shanahan our projectionist stepped down earlier this year and as always many thanks to him for all his time and help in making sure you can actually see the lectures and to Clinton who has stepped in whilst Florina is away.   I would also like to thank Sarah Barnes, and I know she isn’t here today, for taking over the tea service with Carol Skeates who has been serving your teas for a long time, so I do thank Sarah and her ladies for their help in keeping you fed and watered.   However I also wanted to thank Sarah for always organising the tours which so many of us enjoy. A thank you must go to Cherry Williams for her cheerful help with any catering we do. I now wish the new Chairman the very best of luck in his new position and the committee going forward. I know he will do a great job.

Last and by no means least, and before I go I do have to say a huge thank you to Roscelin Rees who is stepping down today as President after  15 years.  I know Howard will say a few words but she has been a huge support to all the Chairmen over those years. We have all relied on her guidance and sensible words of encouragement which help to make our job easier.   Roscelin joined the Society in 1977 and has been involved with the Society, and at one time, Area over all those years so I think The Arts Society is in her DNA. I just want to say  how much we have appreciated having you as our President and I wish you lots of luck for the future.

I feel blessed to have had so much support especially from you our members,  but my biggest achievement has been to not trip up or fall down those steps.    Thank you all very much.

18.11.25

                                                        The Arts Society Haslemere

Chairman’s Report 2024

For the Arts Society  Haslemere, 2024 has been a good year.   Our membership has increased and we have had a good many guests at our lectures. Contrary to the previous post Covid years we have run a full programme and I feel optimistic for the coming year.  I can also confirm that our renewal fee for 2025 will remain the same at £45 and Colin will talk about it in his report

We have enjoyed some outstanding lectures this year and I will take this opportunity to thank Sue Sheridan our previous Programme Secretary for organising them and Marion Foster for carrying them out.

We have enjoyed two excellent outings.  The first to Penshurst Place in Kent was hugely enjoyed by all but with glorious weather a fascinating house and wonderful gardens it all made for a wonderful day out.  We must also mention the skill of our lady coach driver who managed to talk the men setting up a road diversion for roadworks to let us through and then she had the skill of getting the coach through the gates. It all adds to the joy of a day out.

 Our Special Interest days have been excellent.  The first in February by Susan Owens entitled Spirit of Place – Artist and the British Landscape was informative and interesting and the Second one  recently in October by Andrew Prince on Royal Jewels and Catherine the Great was an absolute joy.

 I do want to thank you all for supporting our outings and Special Interest Days.   I did plead with you previously to support us and you have done so and  hope you have enjoyed them all and will continue with your support.

Our Summer Evening Event was the one lecture we had to change but I believe those of you who attended enjoyed the replacement speaker talking about magic.   The weather couldn’t have been worse and sadly we couldn’t use the garden but it didn’t seem to matter as everyone enjoyed the evening and I had many comments saying that they spoke to more people because it was indoors.

At the end of September Sarah Barnes organised and wonderful five day trip to Vienna.  However as many of you are aware sadly Roscelin Rees our President fell at Heathrow and sustained a broken leg and it is a long road to recovery for her but I know she will get there and I know you will all join me in wishing  her a speedy recovery.   We visited a lot of the notable places of interest during our trip and a little boat trip down the Danube which wasn’t very blue but they were recovering from very heavy rain and floods.   All in all it was a most enjoyable few days away. 

In the Spring the Haslemere Museum contacted us to ask if we would be prepared to help fund the conservation of a Haslemere Society of Artists Exhibition Poster c1910. This was an unsigned oil on canvas poster undated that the Museum thinks it was used for several years running, hence no date.   It was in a poor state and we agreed to help fund the conservation in conjunction with The Arts Society Grayshott and other supporters of the Museum. Ongoing research by the Museum think that the poster could possibly be attributed to the artist and illustrator W Graham Roberston who lived at Sandhills from 1888 to 1948. The Museum now has the conserved poster returned to them and will be exhibiting it in the New Year so you can go and see it.    We also helped fund the Kalacatha dance troupe who recently appeared at the Museum.   A colourful and interesting performance.aslemee HasHa 

 We also helped fund the Kalacatha dance troupe who recently appeared at the Museum.   A colourful and interesting performance. 

In August I attended the The Art Society London AGM where we were introduced to the new Board of Trustees.   Earlier in the year I sent to all of you the Govenance Reform document which London had sent out to the Societies.   I am impressed if you read it all but after many Zoom meetings, Area meetings the vote took place in June and it was overwhelmingly rejected. There were many more questions than answers with Societies and Lecturers alike feeling very disenfranchised by London.  The top management all resigned and I attended another zoom meeting a few weeks ago led by the new Chair of the Board of Trustees who  apologised but the Governance Reform will raise its ugly head again next year as there are still many issues still to be resolved. 

Going forward we are trying to set up an online form for renewals, outings, SIDs etc so that the form can be filled in online and submitted, whereas at present you have to print it out and either send or hand the form in.   Please be patient these things do take time but Rosie is working on it.   We are also looking to getting card reading machines to help with payments. 

We have a very full programme for 2025 with three Special Interest Days and three Outings, one which is a half day so as always I urge you to support us.  Marion has prepared an excellent programme of lectures. 

Before I go on to give my thanks  would to announce that Kim Bergamaso and Marion Foster have resigned from the Committee. Therefore we are very much in need of more committee members so if anyone would like to join the committee to help please speak to one of the committee at tea. You would be made very welcome.

So  come to my thank you’s, first of all I would like to thank my committee for all their hard work over the past year especially as some of them were new to the committee, and I would also like to thank my previous committee who actually prepared the programme we have had this year.   Without all their hard work and dedication our programme would not be possible.   I would also like to thank our President Roscelin Rees for her ongoing support and as already said we wish her a speedy recovery and I am delighted she feels well enough to attend today.    I would also like to give thanks to Cherry Williams who is an enormous help with our catering.  My thanks also go to Michael and Clinton who make it possible for the Lecturer to screen their lectures.  I would also like to thank the army of volunteers who help us, with the cleaning of the Museum, teas and various other events when their help is needed and  I must thank Howard, Ray and the team here at Haslemere Hall for all the help  in making our Lectures possible.  We are so lucky to have such a wonderful venue and it doesn’t go unnoticed by our visiting Lecturers. Lastly I must thank you our members for supporting us and making our work worthwhile. Ladies and Gentlemen thank you.

Chairmans Report 2023

2023 has been a good but quiet and uneventful year, what I mean is no threat of lockdowns and therefore one could say a normal year but of course it isn’t as normal as before Covid.

Following the AGM last year when I reported that our membership secretary Sue Wright was very unwell we had the news that sadly she had passed away.   She was responding to treatment and we were all hopeful of a recovery but quite suddenly that wasn’t to be.  In early January many of us attended her funeral which was well attended, standing room only in the church, to say goodbye to her.   Celia Marshall had kindly stepped into the role of membership secretary and I am delighted that Celia without any handover has done an excellent job of maintaining the membership role and we all very grateful to her for doing so. 

On the subject of loss, we sadly lost Alison Marston in the summer after a long illness. I took over from her in 2019 and had big boots to fill and we are all very sad at her passing. Again many of us attended her funeral.

 Now is the time to be more optimistic and the good news is as Jerome has mentioned, the membership fee is staying the same this year.  We increased it last year and do not see the need for another increase this year.

 We have had an excellent variety of lectures throughout the year, some surprises when we had to change lecturers and/or lectures at the last minute but I think overall an interesting and informative lecture programme.  A thank you to Sue Sheridan for arranging the programme.  

 Also we have had two Study Mornings this year.   The first by Elizabeth Gowing which we were all looking forward to as this had been put on hold the previous year due to Elizabeth being seconded to the Kosovo Government, but finally in March she was able to give us wonderful morning about two extraordinary women in the Balkans, one British and the other from Montenegro and it was a morning well worth waiting for.  Very recently on 7th November we had a highly entertaining and amusing lecture by Barry Venning on the Serious business of being funny.   Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the morning with much hearty laughter, not something we normally hear in The Arts Society.

 Our outings this year efficiently organised by Margaret James,  were firstly to Knole House in Sevenoaks.   This was an extremely interesting house and the Conservation Centre based at Knole proved a big hit.  Together with good weather and smooth travel this was an enjoyable day out. Our second outing was to Salisbury with a guided tour of the Cathedral and a guided tour of Arundells which was Edward Heath’s home this proved to be much more interesting than we thought and I think those that went on the outing would  agree. 

I have to say that whilst our programme is well supported, for both the Study Days and the outings we struggle for members to attend.   I understand there has been some reaction to the prices.   Let me explain, as I did last year, that for the outings we are struggling with rising costs as is everyone else.   When I took over outings in  2014/15 I based all the costs on 42 members at least booking for the outing.   Today we base all the costs on 30 members and we are struggling to get 30.   Now with coach prices costing from £700 to £800 you don’t have to be an accountant to work out how much that will cost each person, plus the costs of the venues and guides, driver tips so perhaps you can appreciate why the cost of an outing is high.   We don’t want to charge high prices but if we are to continue to do outings that I am afraid it is the reality.   As an example the Salisbury outing we actually had only 17 members on the trip the rest was the committee and we did have four cancellations at the last minute due to illness.  We have reduced the number of outings to two rather than four as we used to have and overall it works out the same pricewise, two outings equates to four outings with today’s costs.    

It is the same for Study Days, Kim struggles to get 30 and then a flourish recently  in the last week before the lecture increased the attendance to 40. Study Day prices are reasonable, two lectures, coffee and biscuits on arrival and canapes and wine after.  Very good value I think. 

However I do urge all of you to support us for outings and study days.   Lots of effort goes into arranging these and it is disappointing when we struggle to get bookings.   After all if we could be certain we would get more members  the prices would then come down.

Our summer evening event at the Museum was a great success.   Again we were blessed with good weather and excellent canapes and wine.  However the highlight of the evening was a lecture about the Harp by Margaret Watson who presented us with an excellent history of the harp together with her wonderful playing which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.   We always aim for a lighter subject for the evening event.  

I have attended two Area meetings this year and it is always interesting to hear how other societies are faring.   I think it is now common for all societies to struggle to get new members and in fact several have closed this year and Camberley will close at Christmas.  The overall membership throughout the UK has dropped quite considerably and our own Area have only two people forming the committee, one doing it as favour. However at the Spring meeting Area arranged for four new lecturers to give us all a 20 minute taster of their lecture and I am pleased to say that two of those are in the programme for next year. 

At the end of September many of us joined Sarah Barnes on a tour of Northumberland arranged by herself and Tailored Travel.   It was a long journey but we had a great trip seeing many interesting venues and we were lucky with the weather and the trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Our grateful thanks go to Sarah for organising such an excellent trip.

 Unfortunately this year we have struggled to find projects for Heritage etc but one hopes for better in 2024. Isabelle still continues to have a good relationship with the Station regarding the Art.   I hope you all look at the art when travelling. We are still looking for more volunteers so if you are interested please speak to Celia Marshall or Roscelin Rees. I also want to mention that the Church Trail is on hold at present as I know many of you are already aware that Jane Stopford Russell has been unwell.   We wish her well and hope that in time she will be well enough to return to us.

However I want to end on a high.  Last year I said that if I didn’t get new committee members then we have to close this year, and I meant it.   I am delighted that six of you answered my siren call and we now have enough committee members to go forward into next year and I hope beyond.   This is my last year, if you vote for me again,  as I will be stepping down next November but I am pleased that there is a committee to go forward. Four members of the committee well be stepping down this year but six are joining the committee, provided you vote them in. 

So now to my thanks.   Firstly to my committee, without their support and encouragement my job would be doubly hard.   So it is with sadness that I say goodbye to Jerome Davidson, Margaret James, Sonia Motley and Sue Sheridan for all their hard work over the past especially difficult years helping to keep the Society going and for their unstinting support to me.  I am sorry that they are leaving but I understand they have other pursuits and I wish them all well.   I would also like to thank Roscelin Rees our President for her wise counsel and her support which I always appreciate.   Also thank you to Howard and Ray of the Hall for their help and support which is always cheerfully given and to Michael who looks after our IT support for the lectures.   I must also thank Carol Skeetes who has stepped in to ensure you all have tea and biscuits after the lecture and to Cherry Williams who helps us with all our catering needs. By the way some societies are now charging for their tea and biscuits but we don’t intend to so your membership is good value for money. 

I must lastly thank all you members for your support of our Society which makes our job easier knowing you that you appreciate and support us.  There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make everything we offer you a success but please more members for outing and Study Days.  Thank you.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2022

I stood here a year ago saying that I was optimistic for 2022, but with fingers crossed behind my back. In this I was right to be optimistic and having started the year with caution and anxiety as to what might be ahead we have ended the year being back to normal except of course we now have an economic crisis to deal with which affects us all.

Since June 2021 we have been able to hold live lectures every month and despite one or two variations we have enjoyed some amazing lectures this year and the lecturers delighted to be back in front of live audiences. Early in the year we reintroduced our tea after the lectures which is always well attended.   Our audience numbers have increased and we are almost back to pre Covid numbers and we are also attracting new members and guests.   I would therefore like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members and to say we are delighted that you have decided to join us.   We are always delighted to welcome guests.

Other than the lectures we had our first outing to Hever Castle in April.  This was an interesting trip although we all felt the guides could have been better, however we battled the bitterly cold wind to walk around the beautiful gardens. After lunch went on to a little village called Tudeley to the Church to see the Chagall windows.   Every window in the church was by Chagall and they were stunning.   I think, and I know most would agree with me, that this was the highlight of the day.

Our next outing scheduled for June to Wrest Park in Bedfordshire was cancelled due to lack of support. This was very disappointing as I believe the gardens were beautiful and a lot of work goes into organising these outings, so when we have to cancel it is always a blow.

Our final outing of the year was two weeks ago to Spencer House in London.   A beautiful house and really excellent guides so thoroughly enjoyed by all and an afternoon free before a dreadful journey home.

Whilst on the subject of Outings and bearing in mind the economic crises we have decided to limit the Outings to two for next year to ease the cost for you all.   Venues and coach companies are all increasing their prices.  A few years ago we always tried to include coffee on arrival and lunch if available as part of the price but unfortunately this is not so easy to do now.   Next year we are NOT going to London and we have one National Trust venue which is great if you are a member and the second outing not too far away. We have also planned the bookings so that Outings and Study Days do not coincide as we felt that booking for two events at the same time was becoming too much.

We have had two excellent morning only Study Days this year.  The first in March was given by the outstanding Gavin Plumley on the Cultural Revolution in the Heart of Europe.  This was a superb morning. Gavin was friendly and so, so knowledgeable of his subject. Our second Study Day was due to be by Elizabeth Gowing  on the Women of the Balkans which we were all excited about but unfortunately the Kosovon Government needed her more so their gain was our loss but I am delighted to say that she will be with us next year.  We replaced this Study Day with The Power of Photography by Roger Mendham. Whilst not as well attended as we would have liked this proved to be a very entertaining and informative lecture with some surprising facts.  Enjoyed by all who attended.

We have one more Study Day, a whole day this time, next week by Ian Gledhill on Gilbert & Sullivan and the Savoy Theatre.  We will have a sit down two course lunch with wine and it should be an interesting and sociable Day.   I know every Chairman including myself always urges you to attend one of our Study Days.   We say it each time it is not a pen and pad job but a deeper insight into the subject matter and as I have said a very sociable day.   Kim will be in the annex to take last minute bookings for what should be wonderful day.

During the heat of July we had our first evening lecture since before Covid and it was a fantastic evening   We started with drinks and canapes in the garden of the Museum followed by a lecture by David Wright entitled a Brief History of Wine. Considering many had already tasted the fruits in the garden this gallop through 7000 years of wine went down well.    We have decided to have an evening lecture every year rather than every other year and I would also like to thank the Committee and helpers who prepared and served the delicious canapes and refreshments.

Preceding the evening there was a walk organised and directed by Marion Dell in conjunction with the Museum and despite the heat was very successful and enjoyed by all. So, a thank goes to Marion for all her hard work.

I have already mentioned the costs of the Outings and the same goes for the Study Days so next year we are only having two of each. As Jerome will explain we have for the first time in eight years raised the membership fee from £40 to £45.   It is always upsetting when we have to raise fees and it is one of the reasons we have limited the above events to help with the overall costs to you.

We are still in need of volunteers for Heritage and if you are interested, please speak to Celia Marshall who is happy to talk to you and we are looking for some new projects for 2023.  Isabelle Cole is still ploughing on with Arts in the Community and in particular the Art @ the Station.   I am sure you have all read in the Arts magazine which came out last week about Art @ the Station. Whilst it focused very much on the Guildford project and mentioned in passing other local stations including ourselves perhaps some reminder was needed that it was Farnham and then ourselves who pioneered this project with Haslemere winning the award last year. Regarding Haslemere Station I believe that Isabelle is still waiting for the handyman approved by South Western Railways to put up the additional art.  Jane Stopford is aiming to get up and running a Church Trail at Grayswood Church, similar to the one we did at St. Barts.  If anyone would like to help I am sure Jane would appreciate it.

Some of us had an extremely enjoyable and interesting 5 day visit to Devon at the beginning of October. Beautifully organised by Sarah Barnes and Tailored Travel it was a busy few days but a great time was had by all.  

Having outlined all the successes of 2022. we can now look forward to 2023 in a better position than we were in this time last year.   We have a fantastic programme for next year with something for everyone.  The continuation of this Society does depend on the people that run it, namely your committee.   Myself and most of the committee intend to stand down next year so we need new committee members if we are to survive.   Without being dramatic if we do not have a new committee in place next year we will have to close and I mean close.   As you know Shalford and I believe Walton on Thames have both closed this year and we will close next year unless things change.   It is not too onerous being on the committee, it is fun and friendly and as long as everyone does their bit and pulls together it can be very rewarding, so be warned we will be approaching you to try and persuade you to consider joining us. If you are interested and I know one or two of you are you will not be put into a position immediately but to attend some meetings to get the gist of how we work so that you can consider if it is for you.   I will say it again there is the real possibility of us closing next year.  We have been in existence for over 50 years and some of the original members are still with us today and it would be real shame to let their legacy die.

At this point I would like to address the absence of Mrs Sue Wright our Membership Secretary.   She is unfortunately quite unwell and has been in hospital since the beginning of September.   In her absence Mrs Celia Marshall has stepped in to take over her position until such time that Sue will be well enough to rejoin us if she so wishes.   It goes without saying that we have sent her our very best wishes at this stressful time.

I would now like to take this opportunity to give some thank you’s.   Firstly, a big thank you to Roscelin Rees our President who is always willing to lend a hand or give advice if needed and whose support I greatly appreciate.   I must of course thank all my committee who have stuck with me throughout the past three challenging years for all their hard work and support. We are a good team and I know we all wish for the society to flourish in the years to come.  I would also like to thank Howard and Ray and their team here at the Hall for accommodating us always with a smile.  Lastly I thank Carol Skeetes who has stepped up to the plate to help with the teas and Michael Shanahan for his IT support and Cherry Williams who has joined us to help with the catering when needed.

Madeleine Boxall

Chairman

The Arts Society Haslemere

Chairman’s report 2021

After all the restrictions and disappointments of 2020 we approached 2021 in the spirit of optimism and hope for a better year.   Despite a restricted start, the year has improved and we are now in a position to forge ahead with the Autumn programme albeit very carefully.

Whilst initially the 2021 lectures went ahead by Zoom we were able to have the June lecture live in Haslemere Hall.  This was an outstanding lecture, so much so that we are repeating it later next year for all of those who missed it but heard about it.   Since September we have continued with live lectures and also the reintroduction of the after lecture teas.   As was evident throughout the lockdowns, it is the social side of the Society that was missed and I was delighted to see so many back in the Hall enjoying the lectures and seeing friends again. We are so lucky to have the wonderful venue of Haslemere Hall and its staff welcoming us back and this is not so with some other local societies who are struggling to get back into their venues.

The good news is that the membership is increasing with new members and also those of you who decided not to renew because of the pandemic and who are coming back to us. I would therefore like to take this opportunity of welcoming our new and returning members and trust you will enjoy our Society.  

We have now finalised our 2022 programme and have ensured that is packed with activities, three outings, three Study Days of which there are two mornings and one whole day, together a full programme of lectures including an evening lecture in July.  As with everything we now organise it comes with the caveat that if restrictions are placed upon us again we will have to cancel or rearrange. Outings have not been easy to organise as, whilst venues are open again, some are not willing to give guided tours as we were used to and catering arrangements are haphazard at best. We do apologise for this but it is out of our control but be assured that as soon as these change we will rearrange the day.   All these take a lot of hard work in arranging so we do appreciate it when we are well supported by our members.

As we endeavour to fulfil the above programme for 2022 we come to the subject of fees.  Last year we reduced the annual fee to £25 because of the limited programme we could offer.   We politely asked if anyone felt they could pay more it would be most appreciated and I am delighted to say many did for which we thank you very much.   As we are in a different position this year it has been decided that in order to carry out our full programme to reinstate the £40 membership fee payable at the end of the year. Sue Wright will be sending out the renewal letters shortly and we would appreciate prompt payment by 1st January 2022 as the work involved in chasing late payers is immense.  Your understanding in this will be much appreciated.

Sadly I do not have much to report regarding other activities of the Society, however I am pleased to say that Isabelle Cole, our Arts in the Community Secretary has worked very hard this year in conjunction with South Western Railways and Ken Griffiths to locate areas at the Station where more School Art can be displayed and over the coming months more art will be displayed in the waiting area beside the booking office and the Ladies Waiting Room, which hardly any of us new existed.  School art has been slightly restricted because of the schools being shut for part of the year.  South Western Railways have been very keen to work with us on this Art project and to promote Art in the Stations which resulted in the Community Rail Most Enhanced Station Award which we won back in December and this in great part is due to the work of Barbara Murray, our former Young Arts coordinator and the hard work has been carried on by Isabelle Cole and we have even been given a grant to help with the cost of the frames.  Isabelle has also worked hard as part of the team improving the bus shelter at the Station although sadly we have had no recognition but it does look much better.

Two other projects which have been postponed due to the restrictions is Heritage and Church Recording.   Both of these I would like to restart but I have been informed that we are lacking in volunteers to help with these projects.  Neither will commence immediately as for Heritage we are looking for a new project and the funding for Church Recording has changed.   These will be kept under review during the next year but if anyone who has volunteered previously and would like to do so again, or anyone who would like to get involved then we would love to hear from you.

Rosie Bird has also been very busy updating the website and I urge you all to look at it as gives a lot of information and will probably answer any queries you may have.

On a similar note anyone who would be interested in helping the Committee, either as a full time Committee member or helper we would love to hear from you.   It is a sad fact that many of the local societies are struggling to keep afloat and many have lost committee members through the pandemic and are struggling to recruit.   Some of your committee members do not want to go on forever and in order for the Society to survive then we do need new committee members.   No committee, means no Society.

Now on a more uplifting note we are intending to have the Christmas tea again this year.  Some of you were probably aware that we intended to have a dinner in July to celebrate our 50th Anniversary which of course we had to cancel.   Throughout the summer many scare stories were circulating regarding further lockdowns and therefore we didn’t want to rebook a venue only to have to cancel again

Ladies and Gentlemen let us go forward into 2022 with renewed optimism and look forward to an exciting upcoming year.