All Aboard for the 2010 AGM
From our Midland's Stringer
Yet again, IGKT members gathered at TS Weston, the Sea Cadet HQ at Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset. It has been seven years since our last meeting there, and once again it soon proved to be as enjoyable as before.
Some of those who came on the Friday evening gave of their time to teach the Cadets ropework skills, this being there drill night, while others caught up with the latest news. A number of members took advantage of the hospitality provided on board TS Weston, and after a social gathering in the wardroom soon got their heads down as it would be an early start in the morning.
The following morning, a team from the West Country Knotters, greeted attendees and carried out the necessary administration. Nearly 100 members attended from ten different countries. It is hard to believe that some of us have not met for a year or more, but we pick up just where we left off. That's the friendliness of the IGKT!
More displays of knotwork were added to those that had been set up the night before, and were soon scrutinised and questions asked of their owners. All too soon it was time to start the business part of the meeting.
IGKT President, Dan Machowski opened the meeting with a roll call and silence for those members we had lost during the previous year. The main topic for discussion was the proposed amendments to our Constitution. None of the amendments affected our role as a charity, but were more in the way of tidying up the rules. After some discussion, these were unanimously passed.
Two new members to Council, Colin Byfleet and Ian Rogers were elected to fill vacancies, and Lindsey Philpott (Knotting Matters Editor) was re-elected for a further term of office.
Barry Mault announced a competition to design a banner for use at shows, and Dan Machowski reminded everyone to enter for the "Ditty Bag Award".
Immediately following the close of the business meeting, two members of the Coker Rope and Sail Trust gave a very informative illustrated presentation on the work of the Trust to restore a historic twine works based near Bridport in Dorset. The Dawes Twine Works once played an important role in supplying flax twine to make sails for Britain's Royal Navy.
Following a splendid lunch, it was chance to take part in workshops, buy supplies from Footrope Knots or Bruce Turley or obtain Guild supplies from our new Supplies Secretary, Colin Byfleet. Gordon Perry was on hand to assist members with the Guild Library, or you could just sit and chat. Sheila Pearson and Pauline Bentley did their best to relieve members of their money for the ever-popular raffle. It's the only way I know of being mugged with a smile by two very charming ladies!
Dick Clements gave a very interesting talk on the "Handedness of Knots". The afternoon was rounded off as usual with David Pearson calling the raffle. After a short interval, while the room was rearranged, we all gathered in the evening for the Knot Tyer's Supper. Before eating, Dan announced the sudden and untimely death in a motorcycle accident of Guild and former Council member Andy Dart. A few moments silence was held in his memory.
Soon, everyone was enjoying a splendid meal prepared and served by the Sea Cadets that did the unit proud. Following the usual toasts, our President made a couple of presentations. The President's Cup (in memory of Brian Field), which had been held for the past year by Linda and Bruce Turley, was presented in his absence to Tony Fisher, President of the New Zealand Chapter. Linda and Bruce received a smaller cup to keep in perpetuity. Colin Grundy was presented with an engraved shot glass in token of his term as Council Chairman. The evening was rounded off with music and song by our very own 'Frayed Knots' (anyone can join in).
Sunday morning saw many members gathering again to hold a few impromptu workshops, or merely to gather their displays and say their goodbyes. Many thanks must go to Richard Hopkins and the West Country Knotters for organising a splendid weekend, and the officers and crew of TS Weston for hosting the event.
See you at the next meeting.