Report: Sue Watkinson

Held in the new and splendid pavilion overlooking Ormskirk Cricket Club, Brook Lane, the hot pot lunch and AGM of Ormskirk and District Association of National Trust Members on Thursday were well attended.

After an excellent meal and lots of chatter, President Alan Patterson welcomed members to the meeting, the 29th AGM with a warning of impending retirements over the next 12 months and the need for more volunteers; this message was repeated by both the Secretary, Sam Brighouse and Chairman, Norman Williamson, who said that the lack of key officials would lead to the closure of our association.

This has happened in other NT supporter groups, it must not be the case with ODAMTM...

There were many thanks to everyone who had contributed towards meetings and events, particularly John Appleton who will shortly retire as Speaker Secretary (with a programme organised until April 2018).

Secretary Sam advised that 2017 had been a busy year and that £2,800 had been raised and awarded to NT properties: Hardman House, Gawthorpe Hall and Rufford Old Hall.

Treasurer Janice Appleton presented accounts, examined and certified by Myersons of Ormskirk free of charge, showing a reduced surplus of £325.31. She recommended that subscriptions be retained at £15 (couple) and £10
(individual) in the hope that the change in Constitution will attract more members.

Myersons were re-appointed as account examiners for 2018.

Membership Secretary, Stan Bryan, explained the circumstances of the reduction in numbers - mostly personal reasons but hoped also that the change in Constitution to allow non-NT members to join ODANTM would encourage membership.

In answer to a question he said that the annual subscription would be the same for NT members and non-NT members and that the visitor fee at lectures was £2.

The formal business of the meeting continued with nominations for the Committee, with new volunteer, Lorna Hughes, taking on the role of Publicity Officer. All other officers remain as last year.

Our speaker was a volunteer guide/conservator and outreach speaker from Hardman House in Rodney Street, Liverpool, the NT property that recognises the life and work of Edward Chambre Hardman, photographer. He told us the fascinating story of the man and his life’s work, a story that continues today.

*For more, click here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardmans-house