President: Claude Grealy opened the meeting by welcoming members and pointing out that, at the same time last year we met at the Casa de Cultura, and with the Denia Rock Choir as special guests then too. That was the morning after the terrible Dana in Valencia, from which people are still even now slowly recovering. He then called on the Committee to present their reports.
Vice President: Margaret March reported that she still had oversight of IT matters for the organisation with the website being ably maintained by Peter Bayliss and updated regularly by Tom Stevenson, who had taken a lot of work off her.
Greater use of forms and card payments had streamlined a number of our processes and helped Travel Leaders collect bookings for trips and all necessary information in an orderly manner.
Now that we are more experienced with the card payment system we find that it is a much easier way to manage our finances and as a result we plan to use it more to become our preferred method of receiving payments. The system can automatically notify any group leader or organiser of payments received with much more detail and avoiding the need to search through bank statements which did not always contain enough information to allocate a payment. This is especially useful now that we have so many members.
Treasurer: Henrik Rasmussen informed members that while funds in the bank were more than ample, our expenditure was more than the fees collected so far this year. Good management of the organisation would mandate that the fees should be increased next year – this will be discussed both prior to, and during the AGM next January. Members will be briefed in good time.
Groups Coordinator: Mike Frost explained that, sadly the Birdwatching Group had closed down after 20 years, as had the Jewellery Group. Although the Wine Appreciation Group Leaders had retired, they had been able to recruit two new Group Leaders – one for each of the two Groups.
Membership Secretary: Jim Short could not be present, but supplied a report which our Secretary read for the members. In brief we have 1,158 members, of which 196 are New Members in 2025. He explained that a new renewal system has been developed for next years renewals in February (after changes to fees are agreed at January’s AGM). The new system should improve the renewal process for both members and Committee members. The system will be explained in January at the AGM and via email.
Secretary: Gillian Flaxman briefed members on how she has been supporting the Committee during this, our 20th anniversary year. As a fluent Spanish speaker (having worked in Spain for many years) she has been able to become involved in our efforts to develop better integration with the Ayuntamiento (following their visit to our Fair in the Parador). The Councillor for the Elderly had attended, and we had received direct invitations to events endeavouring to promote awareness of Mental and Social Services for residents – more on this very soon.
After Questions & Answers we proceeded to welcome the Denia Rock Choir back to the stage for a wonderful, fun, enjoyable concert (see photos below and a video).
Afterwards, the choir leader Aileen Lightfoot was presented with flowers and a token of our appreciation by Margaret March.
Our next meeting – THURSDAY 27 November at Salones Carrasco, (event moved from Wednesday to Thursday as Carrasco closed Wednesday). This will be our pre-Christmas Bash and involve food and drink and an entertainer. More details soon.
