Notes from the 2009 Annual Meeting

Yet another change of venue from the previous year, saw the 2009 AGM being held at the Friends' Meeting House in St. Helens on 26th March.

Proceedings were formally opened by the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor John Beirne, who kindly gave the introduction, and remained for the rest of the meeting, chatting with members and offering his support for the Society in future activities. (Right)

The formal part of the meeting consisted of the appointment of the Society's Officers for the coming year.

Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, the Chairman, Andy Screen, was unable to offer himself for re-election to the post. There being no nominations to replace him, and no provision within the Society's Constitution to deal with the situation, an Acting Chairman was voted in for the remainder of the evening and the Constitution was amended to allow the Committee to appoint a suitable person to the position of Chairmen as and when such a person became available.

The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer were reappointed, as were two Committee members, Mrs M. Presland and Mr. D. Smallshaw. This left two vacancies on Committee, one for three years and a one year replacement for Mr. R. Chester-Browne who has had to resign prematurely for health reasons. Sadly neither position was filled at the meeting - so if any absent members would like to try their hands at running the Society they should contact any member of Committee.

Following a break or refreshments, funded by a donation from a member, the meeting was addressed by Mr. Paul Wright, the Landscape Services Manager for Halton. A resume of his presentation is printed here - a very positive message.

Halton aims to restore that section of the Sankey Canal which lies within its boundary, as far as Johnsons Crossing, and hopes that this will be a catalyst to kick-start the restoration of the rest of the canal.

The Society is most grateful to The Mayor, Councillor Beirne and to Paul Wright for their time and support. They helped to give the meeting an encouraging and positive start to 2009 and it is hoped that SCARS' activities will be equally as constructive in the coming year.

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