Monday, February 2, 2015

We had our A.G.M. in December.  Before we got down to business we had a wonderful demonstration from Charlie Ryan who travelled all the way from Dublin to be with us.  With great banter and conviviality Charley did and inside/out candlestick in mahogany with a contrasting finial in the centre.  It was a most enjoyable presentation and Charlie was bombarded with questions, which he answered fully.  
Charley at the lathe


Charley Ryans inside/outside candlestick

In recent years we have indulged ourselves with a little party at our last meeting before Christmas and this year was no exception.  I thought about doing a little survey on the possible relationship between the waist measurements of our male members and the quality of the food supplied by their wives/girlfriends.  I was too busy, however, sampling the cakes, pies, sandwiches and other goodies on offer and it was too late when I thought about my survey.  Everything was gone.  Needless to say the contributions from our lady members were mouth-watering.

The competition for December was open and there was a great display of excellent items. 

Some of the entries for the December competition (from "Advanced")


Jim O’Donovan won the trophy for the Turner of the Year, which was presented to him by Chairman, John Ahern.

Jim O'Donovan receives his "Turner of the Year" trophy from Chairman, John Ahern


Following the reading and adoption of the usual reports we got onto the elections.  John Ahern was persuaded to remain on as Chairman.  Michael Pattwell fills a newly created post of Vice-Chairman.  Michael also retains his position as P.R.O.  Mick Bouchier retains hos position of Hon Secretary and John O’Shea continues as Treasurer.  Ger Hennessy is the Health & Safety Officer/Coordinator.  Christy Fitzpatrick is the new Competitions secretary and Joe Kennedy is the Librarian.  The Committee remains largely as it was with Pat Dromey coming on board for the first time.

The meeting discussed the representation of the Chapter on the I.W.G. Executive and it was decided that we should explore the possibility of placing a motion for the next Guild A.G.M. to the effect that each Chapter should have a representative on the Executive instead of the current position whereby each Chapter can send an observer who would not be entitled to vote on issues.


The meeting also heard a preliminary report from Ger Hennessy on the Health and Safety issue and there is ongoing work to be done in the coming year, aimed at producing a comprehensive Safety Statement for the Chapter.