Please accept this as my report for the Annual General Meeting. As part of my report at the close of the year, I’d like to thank those who took part or assisted, reported on our Roadshows and our recent visit to Harrogate Society of Magicians, you know who you are, thank you. It is hoped that the one in Altofts will become as well established as the one that has been held in Pudsey for close to twenty years. I’m still hopeful of a show in Clayton coming to fruition. In their reports you’ll hear about what most of the committee members have been up to in their official capacities. There are some things that would not be mentioned and so they are mentioned with apologies for anything forgotten. While it is clear that Peter Wright has continued to take the Library forward, following on from Paul, he has also produced a wonderful DVD from our Altofts Roadshow and continues to work on the PA system, recently at Pudsey and previously at the Dinner. Paul Sunderland has transferred some video of BMC archive footage from as far back as 1993 onto DVD for the Library, including new members show performances, competition performances and other bits that should be of interest. Steve Gore continues to make himself available at meetings, as the first in and last out as well as bringing along the refreshments. Jon Harris resigned from the committee due to other commitments and Melvyn Shalks has indicated that he will not be looking to be elected to committee following his three years as ex-officio. Thanks are extended to them both for their input. The committee have enjoyed productive meetings that are sociable and have recently been hosted collectively by several meeting to share the burden and thanks are recorded for their hospitality. Would you be interested in serving on the committee? Is there anything you’d like to see changed with regard to the syllabus each year? Are there any social events you’d like to see or see return? If we hear nothing from the members we can only assume that the Circle is being run the way you would like it to be run. Last year at the AGM there was comment structure of the syllabus for the year with a lot of lectures taking place at the beginning of the year but with a weak second half. This was taken on board and I’m sure you’ll agree that Ivan has arranged a well-balanced year of meetings. The Dinner this year will be on 9th November at the Ramada Jarvis ‘Bankfield’ and it is hoped that Colin and Angela Gough will receive the same tremendous support extended to Henry and Sarah. The meal was, for too many, a let down and this was immediately taken up with the hotel, as the venue itself was very good. There will be more on this as it is included on the agenda of this AGM. The Hey Presto looms closer and it is hoped that you will all support this and mention it to friends and family whenever possible. Remember it is our main fund-raising event and a great means to keeping costs down. It was a shame the competition night didn’t receive the support it deserves. This is a concern of the committee’s and as will be explained elsewhere in the meeting will hopefully be addressed. I was sorry to see the New Members Show fall by the wayside and hopefully the December show served as a less stressful first step as there was a ‘supporting cast’ from established members. It was certainly well received. There have been a few new faces join and some auditions in the pipeline. The New Members Pack should be of tremendous benefit to them. Finally, my thanks to those who have continued to support me in this office and my congratulations to Henry and Sarah on a very successful year and a wish of the same to Colin and Angela. | 
