Present: HG, Steven, Nigel, Buttons, Neil

Meeting opened at 1950. Buttons was appointed chair and minute taker.

1. Apologies

Rob, Graeme, Argy, Bevo, Uncle Don, Biermeister, David A, Martin, Peter D, Bill

2. Minutes of the previous AGM

Buttons reported that he thought he had posted these to the list, but could not find them there, nor on the web site, and he was not able to find his original notes before the meeting. Hence the previous minutes are reported as lost.

3. Reports

(a) Squire (Nigel)

As the year closes I have reflected the good happenings this year that, if built on, can enhance our side. Outside of attendance and participation we:

• 'Upped' the hospitality stakes
• Improved our performance organisation (eg Kellybrook)
• Got on the 'telly'

BMM again led the way: great stuff! ... and we did this despite, I believe, being taken for granted. This disrespect is painful because BMM has given much to others: we are needed for BMM's customary virtues of tradition, hospitality, access and resources; yet we are not properly appreciated individually or as a side. Our worst enemy is often ourselves: we have incrementally lowered or not applied standards to tolerate individual 'revolutions' but in the long run this has not served BMM. Our generosity has cost us: we have bent to meet the demands of others and have overlooked even angry resignations, just to have the demands increase.

I pondered the side and the issues I think it faces. Whilst considering matters, The St Arnaud festival came and went. I was transported by members, and generally looked after in my injury. It was hot but we did the gig even though there were late 'scratchings' and non-attendees. In this gig I think I saw some of the strengths and difficulties of BMM.

On the strength side:

• BMM has a core of dedicated faithful
• Members who will weather all to make a gig work, including travelling long distances,
• supporting, helping, being cheerful,
• working hard
• made some effort to look and behave the part.
• bags of talent

On the weak side, we had a side that:

• had not practiced together,
• had no new dances
• were not all in 'kit' [badges, laces, belts, insignia]
• getting older: insufficient recruits in side
• vagarious standards

Looking forward we also face increased pressure due to OHS and insurance, licensing and busking rules. Yet we still have untapped resources and can rise above this, if we choose to. So, combined with the above BMM needs to decide if it is to exist in the future or whether it is to fade away.

I love the Morris. For me, it is not a dance, it is a lifestyle! Self depreciation might be the English thing to do or even funny, yet we have done this to the point of believing it and becoming clowns with an apparent fear of conforming to excellence. We pursue standards in our various professions: technology, teaching, brewing, etc but fail for BMM. We bend (and pay) for others and individuals but not for BMM!
I am keen to see BMM become a side of excellence. I am mindful of the reasons given to me for why we were founded: a strong, male tradition with high standards. To deliver on this we should be fiercely defensive of our identity, engage with rigour, extend our range and organise more professionally. A little sweat and pain with a quality approach, and BMM will be able to 'thrive' into the future.

MOTION: That the Squire's report be accepted. Moved HG, Seconded Steven, carried.

(b) Bagman (David P)

Due to various personal issues during the year, my record keeping went right out the window. I can report that BMM has current assets of $2,372.50 plus whatever is in the cash box (~$130, some of which will be spent on AGM refreshments), and no current liabilities. We also have a reasonable amount of future income booked in (Ted Baker - $200; Echuca Celtic Festival - ~$500; Kellybrook - ~$500).

MOTION: That the Bagman's report be accepted. Moved Steven, Seconded HG, carried.

(c) Foreman (Argy)

Practice happened fairly regularly, and was generally well attended as anytime it looked like regulars were indisposed we used the email jungle telegraph to sound out the remains. Despite this there were a few call offs where the one, two or three of us who showed couldn't summon up enough energy to keep us from the Rosstown's brews.

On the positive side we frequently had 6 or more at practice and were able to spend a lot of time consolidating dances for 6 for the newer members, even slowing the tide of Rob's questions.

For our 30th Anniversary we worked on Knuckles Akimbo and Step and Fetch her, and managed to perform both out - Knuckles with considerable and frankly surprising success at the Maldon.

After 2 years formally in the job I am not seeking reelection as foreman, and in fact am not available for this or any other executive position. I will come to practices when I can, but now have a conflicting interest on that night, and it will be taking precedence for me for now. I will still attend gigs when I can. There should be no problem with continuing to use the hall, but we will have to work out something with keys as I need to retain the set I have.

Thanks Chaps.

MOTION: That the Foreman's report be accepted. Moved Nigel, Seconded Neil, carried.

4. Elections

MOTION: To alter the agenda to defer elections until after a discussion of the roles. Moved Nigel, Seconded Steven, carried.

4.1 Discussion of Roles

• Squire - Titular head of the team, responsible for the performance on the day.
• Bagman - Treasurer and gig organiser.
• Foreman - Responsible for teaching, dance style and dance standards.

Some specific jobs were discussed and allocated to these roles:

• Membership - keeping track of who is a member of the side => Squire
• Archives - keeping track of what is in our archive and where it is located => Squire
• Calendar - maintain calendar of events, coordinate the calendar with other teams => Bagman

4. Elections

(a) Squire

HG, Nominated Nigel, Seconded Neil, elected unopposed.

(b) Bagman

Nigel, Nominated Steven, Seconded HG, elected unopposed.

(c) Foreman

Buttons, Nominated HG, Seconded Neil, elected unopposed.

BREAK: 2025 - 2035

5. Any Other Business

(a) Practice

Practice to continue on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the East Malvern Uniting Centre.

During the year, the side will consider a more central practice location given where the practising members now live - Heidelberg has been suggested.

Extra practices will be added - workshops in evenings and weekends, informal performances.

(b) Membership

MOTION: That to establish membership, commencing 1 January 2010 members must pay a $10 annual subscription due on 1 January each year, and that unfinancial members will not be permitted to practice or perform with the side. Moved Nigel, Seconded HG, carried unanimously.

ACTION: Nigel is to write to the team to explain why this is necessary.

(c) Expenditure

The meeting approved the following expenditure from the Bag:

• New stick carrying device (up to $100)
• Water carrying device (up to $50)
• Refresh/refurbish First Aid Kit (up to $30)
• Accredited training, including Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) => Nigel to research and write a proposal.

(d) Kit

Baldricks - Britannia baldricks may be warn by learners or visitors.

Belchers - the rule for belchers will be altered to make the intent clearer:

MOTION: That belchers are a part of kit and will be worn. The Squire Of The Day may direct that they are removed at any time, in which case all dancers and musos will remove them. Moved Neil, Seconded Steven, carried.

Bellpads - The standard Britannia bell pad will be 5 vertical strips of 6 bells on black leather with no ribbons. Brass bells shall be used, sized from 3/4" to 1-3/4". Members can choose what mix of bell sizes they want.

Waistcoat - Buttons shall be done up when dancing. Nigel is to source a tailor to replace the backs of all waistcoats so that they are a consistent colour (and so that buttons can be done up).

MOTION: That any financial member in 2010 who attended practice in the previous year can claim up to $30 from the Bag towards waistcoat refurbishment. Moved Nigel, Seconded Steven, carried.

Hankies - The meeting authorised the bag to obtain a set of side hankies so that we all have the same size hanky. These will be kept with the sticks.

Meeting closed at 2150.