Scottish Association of Churchill Fellows
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held on Saturday 16 April 2011
at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Present:
Committee members: Catriona Prebble (Chairperson), Annabel Irvine (Social Convenor), George
Weir, Matthew MacIver and Kitty Kilburn (Secretary).
Fellows: Sue Agnew, Nick Aitken, Dr Stuart Aitken, Peter Campbell, Vanessa Halhead, Jill
Matthews, Pete Moore, Stephanie Morrison, Fiona Newcombe, Dr Irene Paterson, James Robinson,
Liz Stewart, , Ro Scott,
Special guest: Anne Boyd, WCMT Council Member
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Apologies: Lindsay Walker (Treasurer), Mike Beale, Ronald Black, Peter J Campbell,
Maureen Campbell, Claire Chapman, Gwen Chessell, Reay Clarke, Ian Douglas, John Duff, Mary
Duffy, Dr Ian Edwards, Ann Etherington, Bruce Fraser, Sheriff Margaret Gimblett, Sandy Glass, Neal
Gwynne, Norman Haddow, Dr Elaine Haycock-Stuart, Dr Lesley Holdsworth, Joyce Kent, Dr Robert
Lindsay, Ruth Lunan, Audrey MacDougall, Carolyn MacGillivray, Keith MacGillvray, Mark
MacMillan, Lesley Manson, Andy McAlpine, Robert McCabe, Roddy McDonald, Julia Nelson, Dr
Jennifer Nisbet, Robert Ockenden, Jennifer Olly, John Philips, Helen Runciman, Jack Sanderson,
Duncan Scott, Jonny Shaw, David Smith, Father Jim Thomson, Jo Timmins, Martyn Tulloch, Les
Ward, Kenneth Wardrop, Janet Watson, Lucy Williams, Barbara Williams, Fiona Wood, Vyv WoodGee.
Welcome and Chairperson’s Report
The Chairperson welcomed all Fellows and their guests to the meeting and thanked them for
their attendance. She also thanked those absent who were good enough to note their apologies
including Sandy Glass who has organised a number of local events for Highland Fellows in the past
and Lindsay Walker, Treasurer. She said that the Committee had been considering how best the
Scottish Association can continue to move forward with such a wide geographic spread, bearing in
mind the increasing cost of travel and asked Fellows to come forward with their own ideas on the sort
of events that would attract them. Fellows were encouraged to contact the committee if they feel they
can help in any way.
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The Chairperson reported that George Weir, committee member, has set-up a web page for the
Scottish Association (www.scottishfellows.org) which is linked to the main Trust’s website. She said
that through use of the website the Association can provide information and news on upcoming events
which will be posted on the site, as well as, for example, minutes of meetings and, possibly, Fellows’
presentations. It is hoped that the Association can reach out to non-attendees in this way.
Additionally, the Chairperson noted that the site can provide blog space for new Fellows as they are
travelling and that she has contacted them individually highlighting this opportunity.
The Chairperson informed the group that the Trust is developing its own use of new media and is now
on Twitter and Facebook. The Trust reports that it is already seeing benefits and the Chairperson
indicated that the Committee would be exploring the potential for the Scottish Association to go down
the same route.
From Scotland, 13 applicants were successful in attaining a Fellowship for 2011 and the Chairperson
extended congratulations on behalf of the Association. This represents 12.5% of total Fellowships
awarded for the year; the Fellows are aged between 20 and 72 years. The Chairperson highlighted
that one of the successful applicants is Lucy Williams, herself a Highland Fellow from Dornoch, who
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will travel to India under her project of “the reintroduction of traditional skills to children and adults in
the Highlands”.
The Chairperson informed Fellows that Scotland has come second only to London for the past three
years in the number of Fellowships awarded but that this year we were pipped to the post by the North
West region to come third. She reminded Fellows of their legacy in promoting the Trust to friends and
family and those they know.
The Chairperson then reported that applications due to word of mouth were up from 45% to 55% thus
stressing the important role each Fellow has to play in promoting the Trust. The new categories will
be announced on 10 May 2011 and all Fellows will receive an email from Head Office with this
information – again the Chairperson urged everyone to pass on this information to those in their sphere
of influence.
Every year the Trust holds a meeting in London for the representatives of each Regional Association
which the Chairperson had recently attended. She said it was helpful to hear ideas from other
associations and that it is not only the Scottish Association that struggles to bring people together for
events due to Fellows’ busy lifestyles and travelling distances. The Trust Head Office is looking into
the possibility of instigating thematic groups across the country as part of their strategic review. At
present approximately 100 Fellowships are awarded annually but the aim of the Trust is to increase
this figure to 150 by the anniversary of Churchill’s death in 2015.
The Trust’s Newsletter is due out in the summer and, in addition, Head Office is planning to publish
occasional e-bulletins.
Finally, the Chairperson drew Fellows’ attention to the House of Commons Dinner, traditionally held
in December, and reported that due to the extreme weather last winter, the event suffered from a
number of cancellations. Therefore the date has been moved, and this year the dinner is to be held on
11 November 2011 with guest speaker Rory Stewart, Member of Parliament for Penrith.
The Chairperson noted the help and support which the Head Office staff have given the Scottish
Association committee.
There was then the presentation of a gift to Annabel Irvine MBE, Social Convenor, who was standing
down from the Committee, in recognition of over 18 years of tireless efforts in supporting the
Association. The Chairperson thanked Annabel for her dedication, noting her work not only in
disseminating information to all the Fellows but also in the organisation of a series of very successful
events, which would not have taken place without her. The Chairperson also thanked both Annabel
and her sister Moira for their hospitality hosting committee meetings at their home over many years. .
Annabel Irvine said that she felt that her contribution had been only what was appropriate, having
received a Fellowship and that she had been happy to do it. She remembered her Fellowship well and
had taken a great many things from it.
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Financial Report
In the absence of the Treasurer (Lindsay Walker), the Secretary referred to the accounts for
the year ending 31 December 2010, which had been tabled. It was noted that, following the decision
at last year’s AGM, the financial year has moved to the calendar year and that these accounts cover the
period October 2009 to December 2010. She reported that a balance of £514.98 had been brought
forward from the accounts ending 30 September 2009. Income received included £500 annual subsidy
from Head Office, together with a £40 donation. Expenditure comprised £380 for the 2010 AGM at
Culzean Castle, plus a £40 gratuity to the staff; committee travel expenses £31; postage, envelopes
and Secretary’s expenses £35.55; retiral gift to the ex-Chairperson £27.97; and advance deposit for
Eden Court £383.76. The balance at 31 December 2010 was £1,054.98. The accounts were approved
(proposed: George Weir; seconded: Annabel Irvine).
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4.
Election of Office-bearers
The Chairperson referred to the composition of the Scottish Association Committee listed on
the agenda and explained that there were two vacancies on the Committee and invited nominations for
new members.
Vanessa Halhead noted her interest in supporting the committee. She advised she has time to help and
would be happy to join the Committee. The proposal was approved (proposed: Peter Moore; seconded:
Ro Scott).
5.
Any Other Business
The Chairperson drew attention to the good that local press coverage can do in publicising
Fellowships, both at the time a Fellowship is awarded and on a Fellow’s return. She told the group
that the Trust reported that press coverage has increased by one third and that it is regional level
newspapers that have the greatest impact.
Dr Stuart Aitken raised the issue of Press Releases; the Chairperson advised that the Association has
plans to upload these to the website for all to view. They are currently issued to the Secretary on a
Fellow’s return.
Annabel Irvine confirmed that the main way people hear about the Trust is by word of mouth. She has
previously contacted universities and a range of other organisations to advise them of the Fellowship
categories once announced, however, despite the fact that this year it was decided not to target these
organisations, there was little effect in the number of applicants from the Scottish region.
Liz Stewart advised that she puts Fellowship information out to Moray Council. As she works in
education she is able to direct any Trust publicity to people who will act on it and disseminate further.
Stuart Aitken concurred saying that he too works in education and likewise advertises the Fellowships
and incorporates articles on the intranet, giving a personal perspective.
Liz Stewart said that she, Kitty Kilburn (and Tim Foxall) had held a stand at a teachers’ training day
and that the personal views they could give made many more people take notice and give
consideration to applying for a Fellowship. Anne Boyd agreed that when someone knows the person
they are talking to has been awarded a Fellowship they are much more likely to think they themselves
should try and have a go.
Liz Stewart then spoke about how her pupils use Facebook and that she is currently trying to link a
Facebook page in respect of her recent Fellowship, to the Trust pages. She said that ex-students have
been interested and are following the updates. The Chairperson advised that the North East
Association had held a very successful and well-attended gathering whereby they used Facebook to
advertise the event. .
On the issue of digital media, the Chairperson reminded the group that, thanks to Norman Scott, the
Scottish Association had produced a promotional PowerPoint presentation that was available for all
Fellows to use to promote the Fellowships, should they wish. The Trust Head Office is looking to
update their own presentation also over the coming months.
Ro Scott asked if Head Office have pop-up banners suitable for using at conferences. The
Chairperson advised the Committee would look into this. Liz Stewart confirmed this would indeed be
useful. Annabel Irvine put it to the group that the Association could consider manning a stall at open
days. George Weir advised that one such opportunity could be a university departmental open day.
Liz Stewart told the group that Moray has a careers festival which would also offer an ideal
opportunity for promotion, especially for targeting people looking to take a gap year. George Weir
suggesting compiling a list of recurrent events at which promotion could be targeted. Other suggested
events included graduate fairs and the Scottish Learning Festival.
Stuart Aitken asked when promotional leaflets are due out. The Chairperson advised that she
understood from Head Office that this year only A5 posters and bookmarks will be available. The
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later launch date for the new categories this year is due to the fact that 80% of all applications are still
made in the final two weeks before the closing date.
After lunch, guest speaker Anne Boyd, member of the Trust Council (and Chairperson of the Scottish
Communities Foundation) spoke on the Strategic Review which the Trust undertook last year and the
implications of this for the future direction and development of the Trust. This was followed by
presentations by two Fellows:
Liz Stewart (2009):
Sue Agnew (2008):
‘The Luchenza Living and Learning Adventure’
‘Retracing Uncle George's last expedition: Ama Dablam 1959’
Stephanie Morrison also gave a brief description of her recent Fellowship and the benefits it was
already bringing. Matthew MacIver closed the meeting offering a vote of thanks to all the speakers, to
Eden Court for their kind hospitality, to the committee for their involvement and to all the Fellows
who had attended.
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