BECF AGM Report

Rothersthorpe Village Hall, 17/04/2010

Present: Marion Randles, Marian Rickerby, Amanda Massara, Paul Dunning, Sue Beard, Fran Griffin

Apologies: Kelly Savage, Claire Ashworth, Ann Sheppard, Suna Akiah, Mel Baldwin, Jackie Radwanski, Beccy Fielding, Lauren Islip

This was a very positive meeting, with a number of useful decisions being made. The main points discussed were as follows:

BECF/MECS split
It has been apparent that BECF and MECs should split, given the different interests/priorities of the current BECF committee and associated members. This was welcomed by all present.
MECs will no longer be a BECF entity. MECs will now be organised by a dedicated MECs show team and we are sure they will be releasing an announcement of their plans.
BECF will fulfil the function of an information service, liaison between different groups and newcomers first point of contact. It will continue to run the Newcomers show and organise/attend hobby and model horse events.

BECF Personnel
Posts need to be discussed, defined and nominations taken. All are welcome to apply to join the committeee. One person has expressed an interest and will be contacted.

Finance
For ease of administration and hand over, the funds in the BECF account will be split in half, with half being handed to MECs. The MECs show should be self-financing, so it was agreed that the income from benefit shows will continue to belong to the BECF (subsequently there has been discussion on this point).

Communication
Communication with hobby members has been poor over the last year, and needs to improve. The blog is valued and should continue. The website should be overhauled and regularly updated as a priority. Kelly's idea of a 'four-click' site to be investigated further. Facebook, twitter accounts etc should be started and regularly updated.

Code of Conduct
..... at live shows, especially around photography. This was partly produced, but needs updating and disseminating.

Questionnaire
The results were huge, another meeting was suggested to discuss. Potential for another questionnaire to garner ideas for a hobby day etc.

Logo
BECF logo will remain as it is for the time being for continuity. It was intended to run a competition to revamp the MECs logo.

Regional Groups
Some groups are flourishing, with Yahoo groups and regular activities. Others are not. It is intended to leave the groups as they are at the moment, more can be done later, or if people come forward with suggestions/wanting to help.

BECF AGM this weekend!

There will be a BECF meeting at Rothersthorpe in Northamptonshireon the 17th of April, this will to all intents and purposes be an AGM!

Positions vacant are:
BECF Co-ordinator
BECF Secretary
MECS Show Team (South and East 2 people required)
BECF Newsletter Editor/Producer
Others may be needed and all volunteers are very welcome.

All people are welcome to attend. If you want a say in your hobby, then please try to get there. Doors will open at 9am and we have to be out by 1pm. Hopefully there will be a fund-raising raffle.

For more information please contact the current 'stand-in' Co-ordinator Marion Randles.