Chairman’s Report 2024-2025
Presented to the AGM on 18 March 2025
I write at the conclusion of another very successful year for the society. This is also my last report as your chairman as my three-year term comes to an end; three years that have passed very quickly although Zoom only programmes during the pandemic now seem quite a long way back.
The strength of the society depends upon its programme. We have had some excellent talks in 2024/25 both of content and of accessible style and have maintained the standard of talk that was intended when the programme was set. A few words on programme setting may be appropriate. The programme is set to be suited for a general history society and to cover a variety of events (home or abroad), people and eras so there should be a wide appeal to members. Constructing a coherent programme of suitable topics and speakers (including returning speakers and new speakers) has its challenges and I appreciate the work of all those involved in programme setting and especially Peter Shipley as the person co-ordinating the programme construction.
Membership of the society has topped 100 for a second successive season. Attendances at our talks at the United Reformed Church have averaged 70. This season we only had a single zoom talk which was an excellent talk and speaker but attracted 50 on Zoom (plus an unknown number on Zoom with “video off’) and it is perhaps appropriate to rest Zoom talks for the time being given the lower attendance.
The Summer Outing in 2024 to Rochester and Chatham was an excellent day full of interest from ropemaking demonstrations, the dockyard and its varied exhibits to the town tour of Rochester. Another “good day out” is in promise for the 2025 Summer Outing to Arundel.
My sincere thanks go to all the committee for their invaluable contribution, ideas and support. My thanks extend to Russell Guthrie and to John Fogg Elliott who run the audiovisual equipment for our talks.
The society is in my view very successful but it cannot rest upon its laurels. Fresh ideas and new members willing to help plan and run matters are indeed welcome to help to ensure the society continues to thrive.
Finally, it has been a pleasure to be the chairman of the society and I wish Roger Cornish as my nominated successor every success and of course my full support.
Stuart Dennison
6 March, 2025.