The fifth Annual General Meeting will be held after the concert on Sunday 21 February 2016.

STRINGS ATTACHED

Minutes of the 4th Annual General Meeting held on 22 February 2015 at 1300 in the Brighton Dome Founders Room

Present: Janet Benson, Mike Benson, David Botibol, Sandra Botibol, Mary Budleigh, Gwyneth Corum, Michael Corum, Chris Darwin, Charles Goldie, Jennifer Goldie, David Harrison, Muriel Hart, Geoffrey Hatcher, John Hird, John McKean, Mary McKean (Chair), Christine Moon, Paul Moore, Annabel Pagel, Andrew Polmear, Margaret Polmear, Guy Richardson, Helen Simpson, Ian Stephens, John Stephens, Teresa Stephens, Charlotte Tyler, Graham Tyler, Liz Waring

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome and Festival, Hannah Williams Walton, also of Brighton Dome and Festival, and James Simister were present as observers

Apologies: John Bosowski, Helen Clement, Roger Clement, Kate Darwin, Rena Feld, Arthur Oppenheimer, Maggie Stephens

1 Chair’s welcome

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the other members of the outgoing committee who were present – John McKean, Christine Moon (Treasurer), Margaret Polmear (Secretary) and Guy Richardson.

2 To receive the minutes of the third Annual General Meeting held on 23 February 2014

The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

Proposed: Geoffrey Hatcher
Seconded: Mike Benson

3 To receive the Annual Report of the Committee of Strings Attached

The report was received.

Proposed: Liz Waring
Seconded: John Hird

4 To receive the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014

The audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014 were received.

Proposed: Paul Moore
Seconded: Chris Darwin

It was noted that, despite the loss made on the Cavaleri concert, the balance at the end of 2014 was higher than that at the end of 2013. Without the generous sponsorship of the concert, the year-end balance would have been very much lower than the previous year.

5 To agree the annual subscription rate for 2015/16

It was reported that Strings Attached currently has 40 fewer members than it had last year, partly because of the change in the membership year agreed at last year’s AGM and partly, no doubt, as a result of there no longer being a discount on ticket prices for members of Strings Attached. It was noted that the current membership fee does not cover even the cost of refreshments at the AGM and that some of those who completed the annual survey (see 7 below) indicated they would be willing to pay a higher membership fee but that the committee had nevertheless thought it best not to raise it at this point.

It was therefore proposed, and unanimously agreed, that the annual subscription for the year 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2016 should remain unchanged at £10 (£5 for students).

It was suggested that more members might be retained if payment of subscriptions could be made as a direct debit but pointed out that this method is either unavailable or prohibitively costly for organisations as small as Strings Attached.

Another suggestion made was that membership forms be handed out to everyone leaving coffee concerts.

6 To appoint members to the committee

The Chair reported that all members of the outgoing committee were willing to serve for a further year with the exception of Rena Feld and John McKean. Rena, it was noted, has undertaken the task of Membership Secretary and John has been responsible for graphic design and related issues, a task he will continue to undertake outside the committee. Both were warmly thanked for their contribution.

It was noted that Christine Moon and Margaret Polmear between them would take on the duties of Membership Secretary for which they too were thanked.

Helen Simpson was nominated by Guy Richardson and seconded by John McKean as a new member of the committee.

The appointment of Helen Simpson and those committee members willing to continue to serve was unanimously agreed.

The Chair stressed that further new committee members would be welcome and urged anyone interested in joining to contact her.

She also thanked those who undertook work for Strings Attached outside the committee as follows:

• Chris Darwin for his outstanding programme notes and also for managing the calendar of events and forum for amateur musicians on the Strings Attached website
• David Botibol for managing the Strings Attached website with such efficiency
• Andrew Polmear for his concert reviews which are posted on the Strings Attached website

7 To consider the results of the January 2015 survey of Friends

The Chair reported that the main outcomes of the most recent survey, which have already been shared with Andrew Comben and his colleagues, were as follows:

• The vast majority of respondents think the length of concerts about right.
• Most are content with the current concert arrangements, including the interval and opportunity to meet the performers after the concert.
• Most feel that the current mix of string quartets and other ensembles is about right.
• 60% of respondents would like to hear pre-classical music on an occasional basis only and 11% not at all whereas 66% would like to hear one or more 20th or 21st century pieces at most concerts and only 3% would like none of this kind of music.
• There was much praise for Chris Darwin’s programme notes.
• On a less positive note, a significant number of respondents asked for more raked seating to be provided and some mentioned the temperature in the Corn Exchange on cold days, the standard of the free coffee provided to Friends and the queue to obtain the coffee.

One member present who had been unable to complete the questionnaire asked whether it was possible to prevent those attending coffee concerts from reserving seats, particularly the few raked seats, by placing scarves and the like on them and then retreating to the Foyer Bar for coffee. It was felt that this was unrealistic. It was, however, agreed to look into whether appropriate seating for wheelchair users and others with special needs and their carers could be reserved. It was also agreed that the committee would consider whether Strings Attached might ask those who arrive early to reserve seats only for themselves and not for friends they expect to arrive later.

Another member asked for confirmation that the programme notes are made available in advance to those performing. It was confirmed that they are.

The Chair thanked Andrew Comben and his colleagues for their cooperation in addressing, as far as possible, the issues raised each year by the survey. It is clear from the most recent survey, she said, that the coffee concerts are much loved.

Andrew Comben said that the advocacy role of Strings Attached was vital and that the survey results were a valuable tool in terms of both which ensembles to invite to perform at the coffee concerts and what to ask them to play. He also said that the programme notes are attracting a whole different audience and thanked Chris Darwin on behalf of Brighton Dome and Festival for this fantastic contribution.

The full survey results can be found on the Strings Attached website.

8 To reflect on the future of Strings Attached

The Chair said that the committee had recently been reflecting on the future of Strings Attached since it has achieved what it set out to do, namely ensure the future financial viability of the Sunday morning coffee concerts which had originated in the Old Market in Hove. Against this background and a shrinking membership, as noted above, the question of whether Strings Attached is still needed had been raised. The committee’s view is that it is and that it can be useful in the following areas:

• Maintaining a dialogue with Brighton Dome and Festival on behalf of the members of Strings Attached
• Attracting a younger audience to the coffee concerts through the Cavatina scheme which, with the help of Brighton Dome and Festival, it is hoped to advertise more widely prior to the 2015/16 season; in this context it was noted that the numbers taking advantage of the Cavatina scheme has increased as the 2014/15 season has progressed
• Possible collaboration with other groups on a series of summer concerts; one member suggested promoting good local amateur musicians
• Supporting Brighton Dome and Festival in its plans to make the Corn Exchange an even better venue than it already is for chamber music

With regard to this last point, Andrew Comben explained that the vision is for the Corn Exchange to revert visually largely to what it had looked like when it had been a riding school. The venue would be acoustically soundproof with proper equipment space, including a specialist storage facility for a grand piano, under the floor and better facilities for performers. As a result, a greater variety of concerts would be possible, including concerts needing a grand piano. It is hoped that work across the Dome’s estate will start in the autumn of 2016 and is likely to take approximately eighteen months with the Corn Exchange being out of action for about six months. Other venues are already being sought for events that would have taken place in the Corn Exchange during this time.

The Chair explained that a top class piano has been offered to Brighton Dome and Festival and wondered whether one role for Strings Attached would be to work with other groups in the city who might benefit from a grand piano on site, such as the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, to raise the significant funds needed to provide the specialist storage facility. There was guarded interest in this idea and the following suggestions were put forward:

• Donate a percentage of the Strings Attached membership fee towards the storage facility
• Include on the Strings Attached membership form the possibility of donating specifically towards the storage facility
• Include an item on the Strings Attached website about donating or bequeathing money towards such a project

It was pointed out that some will remember the piano fund set up at the Old Market that came to nothing and that for this reason alone it would be sensible to manage any fund set up to further the aims of Brighton Dome and Festival on a trust basis.

One member asked that consideration be given to having a fortepiano available as well as a grand piano.

Returning to the issue of collaborative concerts with other groups, it was suggested that the following could be approached:

• Nicholas Yonge Society
• Lewes Chamber Music Festival
• BREMF
• Brighton Fringe

It was noted that Strings Attached already collaborates with BREMF on a number of levels, including a joint coffee concert these past two years to coincide with the dates of the Brighton Early Music Festival. A joint concert with the Nicholas Yonge Society in the new Attenborough Centre on the University of Sussex campus has also been raised.

The Chair encouraged those with other ideas about the future of Strings Attached, whether positive or negative, to get in touch with her.

9 Any further issues for consideration

The dates for the 2015/16 season of coffee concerts were announced as follows:

25 October
29 November
20 December
24 January
21 February
27 March

MP/24.02.15

January 2015

Dear Friend of Strings Attached

Annual General Meeting 2015

The fourth Annual General Meeting of Strings Attached will be held after the coffee concert on Sunday 22 February 2015 in the Founders Room at Brighton Dome at 1300. You are warmly invited to attend. A sandwich lunch will be provided but please see AGM catering arrangements below – we need you to tell us in advance if you are coming so we can ensure that there will be enough food to go round.

The following papers accompany this letter:

Agenda for AGM 2015
Minutes of the 2014 AGM
Annual Report for 2014
Statement of Accounts for 2014

Please bring them with you to the meeting as we will not supply copies on the day.

Nomination of committee members
Strings Attached has a committee currently comprising 6 members (although a total of 8 places is available). Two of the current members, Rena Feld and John McKean, are standing down so we are looking for at least two new members. The committee meets a maximum of 6 times a year with email communication between meetings. If you would like to join us or nominate another person to do so, please make contact with me (01273 554278 or memckean@me.com).

The skills of the remaining committee members would be greatly enhanced by new members who are actively involved in music education and/or who have skills in publicity and public relations, fundraising or graphic design and/or a knowledge of or interest in social media. Please do not be put off if your skills do not relate to these areas – we’ll still be glad to hear from you.

Renewal of membership
Those of you who have not renewed your membership are welcome to attend the AGM but will not be able to vote. However, should you wish to renew, there will be applications forms available on the day.

AGM catering arrangements
If you intend to come to the AGM, please let Christine Moon know by Sunday 15 February (01323 492414 or info@stringsattachedmusic.org.uk so that the caterer can be informed of the numbers attending.

Contribution to the AGM discussion in the event of being unable to attend
If you are unable to come to the AGM but have comments on the papers or the coffee concerts or ideas for future activity, please let me know.

Yours sincerely

(signed)

Mary McKean
Chair

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The fourth Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 22 February 2015 at 1300 in the Founders’ Room at Brighton Dome

AGENDA

1 Chair’s welcome

2 To receive the minutes of the third Annual General Meeting held on 23 February 2014

3 To receive the Annual Report of the Committee of Strings Attached

4 To receive the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014

5 To agree the annual subscription rate for 2015/16

6 To appoint members to the Committee

7 To consider the results of the January 2015 survey of Friends

8 To reflect on the future of Strings Attached

9 Any further issues for consideration

Papers supporting items 2, 3 and 4 are attached. They are also available on the website at www.stringsattachedmusic.org.uk/prod02

MP/19.01.15

Minutes of the 3rd Annual General Meeting held on 23 February 2014 at 1300 in the Brighton Dome Founders Room

Present:

David Botibol, Sandra Botibol, Mary Budleigh, Gwyneth Corum, Michael Corum, Chris Darwin, Kate Darwin, Rena Feld, Charles Goldie, Jennifer Goldie, David Harrison, Muriel Hart, John Hird, Mary McCullough, John McKean, Mary McKean (Chair), Christine Moon, Paul Moore, Donald Newbold, Margaret Norman, Andrew Polmear, Margaret Polmear, Guy Richardson, Helen Simpson, Ian Stephens, John Stephens, Maggie Stephens, Teresa Stephens, Charlotte Tyler, Graham Tyler, Daphne Wall, Liz Waring, Sylvia Weir

Apologies:

John Bosowski, Ann Higgins, Martin Higgins

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome and Festival, was unable to be present as an observer.

1 Chair’s welcome

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the other members of the outgoing committee who were present – Rena Feld (Membership Secretary), John McKean, Christine Moon (Treasurer), Margaret Polmear (Secretary) and Guy Richardson.

2 To receive the minutes of the second Annual General Meeting held on 17 February 2013

The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

Proposed: Rena Feld
Seconded: Andrew Polmear

3 To receive the Annual Report of the Committee of Strings Attached

The report was received.

Proposed: Graham Tyler
Seconded: Guy Richardson

4 To receive the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013

The audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 were received.

Proposed: Paul Moore
Seconded: David Harrison

It was noted that income was in excess of expenditure and reported that the level of expenditure remained very much as in previous years.

5 To agree the annual subscription and a change in the membership year

The Treasurer explained that to date the membership year had run from 1 January to 31 December and that this had caused some confusion as it was not aligned with the coffee concert season. As a result, it was proposed that the membership year be changed to 1 August to 31 July. Those whose membership expired on 31 December 2013 would not be asked to renew until 1 August 2014, those who had already paid for 2014 would not be asked to renew until 1 August 2015 and anyone who had paid for 2015 would not be asked to renew until 1 August 2016.

It was further proposed that the annual subscription for the year 1 August 2014 to 31 July 2015 should remain unchanged at £10 (£5 for students).

These proposals were agreed.

Proposed: John Hird
Seconded: Sylvia Weir

6 To consider the coffee concert deal for Friends

The Chair reminded those present that the current deal applies only to those who buy a season ticket and, since the price for many people is very little different to that which can be obtained through various Brighton Dome and Festival concessionary rates, consists mainly of a free interval coffee. She explained that, as a result, discussions were taking place with Brighton Dome and Festival whereby Friends of Strings Attached would be issued with a membership card which would be a different colour each year and could be used for a free interval coffee, irrespective of the number of coffee concerts attended.

There were no objections to this proposed change though one member asked for reassurance that the Brighton Dome and Festival’s concessionary rates would remain.

The Chair explained that she could not guarantee this as it is beyond the power of Strings Attached but would be very surprised if they were not to continue.

7 To appoint members to the committee

The Chair reported that all members of the outgoing committee were willing to serve for a further year with the exception of John Bosowski who was standing down. John McKean, it was noted, had agreed to continue to serve, it having been reported in the invitation to the meeting that he too would be standing down.

It was further noted that there had been no interest from anyone in joining the committee though the Chair stressed that anyone interested could join at any time, and that in particular the committee needs people able to contribute to promoting the Cavatina scheme.

It was unanimously agreed that the committee members who were willing to continue to serve should do so.

Proposed: David Botibol
Seconded: Graham Tyler

8 To reflect on the activity of Strings Attached

(i) The Chair reported that there had been 41 responses to the annual survey and that the majority of respondents had taken considerable trouble in replying. She emphasised that the results were considered not only by the committee of Strings Attached but also by Andrew Comben and his colleagues at Brighton Dome and Festival who endeavoured to respond to suggestions made. As a result, concerts now included an interval and consisted of three pieces rather than two, as requested by most respondents to a previous survey.

The main outcomes of the most recent survey and the ensuing discussion at the meeting were as follows:

• 100% of respondents think the length of concerts about right.

• Most are content with the current concert arrangements, including the interval and opportunity to meet the performers after the concert, though queuing to access the venue remains an issue for some, though it was recognised that the performers need a run-through before the concert. One respondent suggested that an announcement be made, perhaps after the interval and before the performers return to the platform, that the performers will be available to talk to audience members after the concert and where this will take place. This prompted someone at the meeting to suggest that Strings Attached might provide a host for the performers after the concert and even offer to buy them a drink.

• Most feel that the current mix of string quartets and other ensembles, including solo performances, is about right. The Rachel Podger solo violin recital was generally well received as was the Mark Padmore concert the previous year.

• 55% of respondents want more 20th and 21st century music, an increase on last year. 56% want to hear the pre-classical repertoire only on an occasional basis. In response to the request for more modern music, it was pointed out by a member present at the meeting that when performers propose a programme they often assume that the potential audience will be put off by the inclusion of a contemporary piece and that Andrew Comben and his colleagues might wish to bear this in mind in scheduling the programmes. Another member present asked that not every concert include contemporary music.

• All respondents like performers to talk to the audience before the performance – about the music, the ensemble or their instruments – though a majority think this should be kept to a minute or two. Members present at the meeting variously pointed out the importance of the performers not repeating what is already in the programme notes, the rapport that speaking creates between the performers and the audience, and the need for the use of a microphone. It was agreed that performers could perhaps be better briefed on this issue and of the need to rotate where they sit between pieces. It was further suggested that Strings Attached might provide a Master of Ceremonies for each concert who would introduce the players, say something about Strings Attached and mention the free interval coffee for members and the availability of the performers to talk to audience members after the concert and where.

• 78% of respondents are content not to be able to book individual seats in advance. As one respondent put it: being able to book a specific seat sounds good, but the current arrangement eliminates the risk of being saddled with a whole season of sitting next to a concert-goer from Hell.

• Everyone agrees that the programme notes are very good. Chris Darwin was warmly thanked for providing them and for agreeing to continue to do so.

• Other comments included general appreciation of the quality of the concerts though some felt the coffee arrangements could be improved. A few disliked concerts being in the round though the majority of those present at the meeting liked the format, finding it more exciting and intimate. It was noted, however, that, when a piano is involved, having the audience in the round is not such a good idea. This led to a more general discussion about the two concerts held in October 2013 which, because of the comedy festival going on at the time, had not been in the round and had involved the use of the bleacher seating which many find uncomfortable and some are not able to use, other than the front row, because of restricted mobility. It was noted that the same issue is likely to occur in October 2014 and suggested that if possible use be made of the stage of the Concert Hall on these occasions, coffee concerts having taken place here in the past. It was agreed to discuss this suggestion with Andrew Comben although one member thought the stage was unlikely to be able to accommodate the number of people now attending concerts.

It was agreed that the full results of the annual survey would be placed on the Strings Attached website.

(ii) The Chair went on to give details of the 2014/15 season as currently known as follows:

October 2014	launch concert
26 October 2014	likely date for a joint concert with BREMF
16 November 2014	Calefax wind ensemble
14 December 2014	Apollon Musagete Quartet return by popular request
18 January 2015	likely date for another string quartet concert
22 February 2015	Britten Oboe Quartet
15 March 2015	students of the Royal College of Music

(iii) The Chair reported that Strings Attached will for the first time be promoting a concert outside the main coffee concert season and that this will take place on 12 September 2014 at the Old Market and will be given by the Cavaleri Quartet. The programme will consist of works by Frank Bridge, Vaughan Williams and Jonathan Harvey, all of whom have connections with Brighton or the immediate area. In order to minimise the financial risk, sponsorship for this event will be sought including from the Friends of Strings Attached.

(iv) Finally, it was noted that Strings Attached has been accepted into the Cavatina scheme which gives children and young people aged 8 – 25 the opportunity to attend concerts free of charge. It is hoped that the scheme will be extensively advertised to schools, colleges, music teachers and the like in the run up to the 2014/15 season. Anyone with knowledge of the local music education scene was asked to pass this on to a committee member or, better still, to join the committee.

9 Closing remark

The Chair thanked David Botibol for having managed the Strings Attached website during the past year and for his willingness to continue to do so.

A vote of thanks to the outgoing committee of Strings Attached was made by Sylvia Weir.

MP/28.02.14