1. Apologies
Lez Watson had presented his apologies.
2. Minutes of 60th AGM of 6 December 2019
John Hunt (JH) explained the background to the minutes of the last meeting and the current circumstances whereby the 2020 AGM had been deferred to this point in June 2021. After a proposal from JH, the minutes of the 60th AGM were approved nem con.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
4. Officers Report
Reports from officers had been electronically circulated to members along with the agenda.
JH summarised his report emphasising the main points. He noted that the key point was the decision to re-introduce lectures for members via Zoom in January 2021. He congratulated the editor of Transactions, Nigel Tringham, on the award of the MBE and Lez Watson on becoming a Practitioner of the Institute of Field Archaeologists. JH confirmed the open access policy adopted by the Society. Finally JH noted the recent death of Tony Habberley, and that a forthcoming volume of Transactions would contain the report of the Acton Trussell Roman villa excavations and be dedicated to his memory.
After a report from the Secretary, Keith Billington as Treasurer and membership secretary reported that the accounts were satisfactory and that membership numbers had stayed level over the previous 18 months. He noted that the annual audit remains outstanding.
Nigel Tringham reported on the most recent volume of Transactions. He noted the quality of illustrations and printing and the pleased comments from article authors.
Richard Totty reported on the production of Society newsletters, noting that the next was due on 1 September and reminded members that they could contribute articles. He noted that it was intended to resume excursions in Spring 2022.
All officer reports were accepted nem con.
5. Election of Officers
JH noted that the committee was offering itself for re-election en bloc. No other nominations had been received. John proposed that the existing committee be re-elected – this was agreed nem con, and as a consequence all committee members were re-elected and returned accordingly.
6. Vacancy for Publicity Secretary
JH explained the background to the need for this role and reminded members that this vacancy remained open, and any interested members should contact any Committee member for information.
7. Any Other Business
Betty Fox reminded members that SA&HS is an institutional member of the Friends of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archives (FoSSA) who were organising an excursion to St Laurence’s church in Gnosall on 23 August.
There being no further questions the meeting closed at 7.56pm.
Steve Lewitt
Honorary General Secretary
June 2021
