Meeting minutes 22nd November 2016

Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 22nd November 2016

At the Buccaneer

Present: Frank Goodman (Chair), Phil Green (Vice Chair), Jackie Coombs, Sue Goodman, Lesley Smith, Carol Banks, Michelle Berrie, Jean Day, Richard Baker Colin Cocking, Helen Day- Cocking, Ross Hanley

1. Approval of minutes of Committee Meeting of Monday 26th October 2016.

These were approved with a couple of minor amendments made by Frank. (Helen, please place minutes on website)

2. Matters arising:

Rising Sun Quiz hosted by Hilary on Wednesday 18 January. Advertise on FB sites and posters. Confirmed holding raffle; Lesley to take in prizes and will post on FB to that effect.

3. CACF Funding Bid Update.

Frank had not heard anything regarding our bid. Ross said the meeting had been postponed until 23rd November and there would then be a further 5 working days after that before we heard. Noted by all.

4. Youth Theatre Project

Sue explained that nothing further could be done until the Chaperone licences had been obtained. Jean and Phil had sent theirs off and Sue was just about to get her photos done. Once these had come through, they would be able to visit the schools, which realistically would not now be until the New Year.

5. The Trial of Annie Hearn.

Frank had completed his first working script of “The Trial of Annie Hearn” and had e-mailed it to Michele for comment. She had not yet had an opportunity to read it, having been away, but would do so and send any comments and feedback direct to Frank in the first instance.

At Michele’s request, Frank gave a further outline of the play. He had reduced the psychological impact and made it more of a straight rendition, with scope for plenty of characterisation and a twist at the end. There were parts for 6 women (1 doubled) and 4 men. There were no huge parts, although some dominated more than others. The total running time (minus interval) was currently one hour, but he was open to Michele adding texture and interpretation to make it a bit longer. All were happy with this scenario.

There was then some discussion about amended dates, given that rehearsals could not start before Monday 6th February, owing to Michele being away for January. It was agreed to move the production forward to the week beginning Monday 3rd April. This would allow for the previous weekend for set up, Monday tech rehearsal, Tuesday dress rehearsal and performances on Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April. (It would also allow for two of the Committee to get married on 1st April!!) A number of people involved would have been unavailable for the week commencing Monday 27th March owing to this event. Frank was uncertain about the working title and asked the Committee for suggestions, but most were happy with the current one “The Trial of Annie Hearn”. Lesley would email Pam Cox and tell her the plans, although as it was all in the public domain, it was not thought there would be a problem. Pam Cox and Margaret Bailey would be credited in the programme/publicity and a reference made to the Gunnislake Gateway in any press articles.

Colin suggested some early, general local press publicity, featuring GLAD, our own playwright, our interest in dramatizing local events, etc. and referring back to Rule and Bant.

6. Passport to Gunnislake

Frank reported the first draft was complete and he was now going to leave it for a while before making any further revisions. There was some discussion as to when to perform this, bearing in mind the Annie Hearn performance in early April and the possible Children’s Workshop/Performance as well. It was agreed we could afford to be flexible with this and could perhaps start auditions/rehearsals in May for performance during the Festival Week in July (Buccaneer Venue tbc).

The Committee thanked Frank for all his efforts in writing this as well as Annie Hearn to a tight deadline.

7. Finance Report: Jean reported that the bank balance was now £3,493.00 (which included the £500.00 from Dorothy Kirk’s County Councillor’s Chest). Lesley had received the reminder notice for the NODA Insurance which was £221.25, due by 5th December. She outlined the benefits (including the essential Employer’s Liability Certificate) and it was agreed that it should be renewed.

8. AOB:

• Proposed trip to see Mark Reynolds’ “Cinderella” in the Watermart, Ivybridge in February. The run was 16 – 19th February. Ticket price £8. Sue/Frank would check ticket availability with Mark for say 16 seats, with a preference for Friday 17th February 2017. Once established that tickets were available for that date, it would be advertised on FB/by email to Committee and other GLAD members. It was proposed to take the Community Bus (Sue/Phil can drive). This holds a maximum of 15 passengers plus the driver. If there were more takers (money up front before tickets purchased) they would have to make their own way. With a full bus, the cost per passenger would be £3-£4 (at £1 per mile). Lesley would confirm availability after the Tamar Valley Bus Committee Meeting on Thursday 24 November 2016.

• Purchase of a data projector

There had been informal discussions about buying our own data projector to aid sound/visual effects. Frank and Colin had both done some research and believed a suitable machine could be acquired for about £250.00. Whilst some very effective and attractive effects could be achieved, it was down to the designer, rather than the machine, as to how successful the result would be. A further operator might also be required. While the Committee felt this was a useful addition to our equipment, it was a want rather than a need, and it was agreed to wait until the actual opportunity or requirement arose, rather than purchase one in advance, given that we were trying to accumulate funds in order to put on a big show in early 2018.

* Tavistock Edge

Frank mentioned this organisation, which had advertised on our Facebook Site, and was keen to encourage interested parties to attend their AGM on 30th November. Frank outlined their aims, which broadly speaking were a bit like an Arts based Gunnislake Community Matters. It was felt that we had already done a number of similar things in Gunnislake and there was no enthusiasm for being particularly involved in the Tavistock version.

9. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 10th January 2017 at 19.30 at the Buccaneer