By: HAA Admin
MINUTES OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF HILLINGDON ARTS ASSOCIATION
17TH OCTOBER 2023
1. PRESENT
Lydia Holland, Trustee, Chair H.A.A, Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra
Jenny Thorne, Trustee, Hillingdon & Harrow Embroiderers
Sheila Scoates, Trustee, Hillingdon U3A Singers
Richard Fremantle, Treasurer
Sheena Rosser Hillingdon Artists
Lyn Kauffman, Ruislip Lions
Judy Kelly, Ruislip Dramatic Society
Michelle Needleman, Uxbridge Coral Society, Sine Nomine Singers
Ron Webb, Voices in Accord
Gloria Webb, Voices in Accord
Vicky Yeung, Encore
Tricia Kirkham, Uxbridge and Ickenham Floral Art Society
Sital Punja, Hillingdon Labour Councillor
2. APOLOGIES
Sylvia Taylor, Trustee, Acting Minute Secretary, Argosy Players
Fred Davis, Trustee, Web Master and Membership Secretary
Joyce Carpenter – Society of Ruislip Artists
Barbara Porkett – Society of Ruislip Artists –clash of meeting clash
Gaye Russell, Free and Easel
Peter Russel, Middx. Woodturners
Jan Scurr, Harefield Amateur Dramatic Society
Maggie Warren, Pastiche Musical Theatre
Gaynor Lasch, Ickenham, Art Society
Wolf Lasch, Ickenham Art Society
Lynn Jackson, Ruislip Operatic Society
Leslie Dearlove, Ruislip Operatic Society
Christine Terry, Sine Nomine
Gerri Green, Argosy
Pam Currin, Eastcote and Ruislip Choral Society
Eirwen Smith, Hillingdon Choral Society
Paul Austin , Southlands
Richard Nokes
Zoe Iggulden
3. MINUTES OF LAST QUARTERLY IN MARCH and MATTERS ARISING
The minutes of the Quarterly Meeting held on 18th July 2023 were accepted as a true record. There were two minor errors, one the spelling of “choral” and the other an incorrect name in news from Societies.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023
Sadly, David Pearson, who was present at the Quarterly meeting in July and reported for Proscenium, died suddenly during the summer while on holiday in Canada. Our deepest condolences to David’s family.
A suggestion was made that microphones can be suggested to assist HAA members attending the Quarterly meetings. This will be pursued.
5. TREASURER’ S REPORT
Richard Fremantle That he has emailed everyone who has paid subs, either as an individual or for a society. There was a misunderstanding that resulted in some societies paying twice. They have been reimbursed, but the non-payers will be chased again. For clarification, the annual subscription for a Society is £20, for an individual it is £12. There was discussion about the subs process. Michele Needleman said it would be helpful if invoices could be sent out, or an email stating exactly what the subs are for and the dates of membership covered. Richard readily agreed to make the process clearer, including sending receipts and reminders.
6. PUBLICITY OUTLETS
7. HAA WEBSITE MANAGEMENT
At this point there was quite a lot of discussion about what HAA is for and what it does. Cllr Punja was attending an HAA meeting for the first time, so we explained the history of how from its inception LBH Council had set up the HAA specifically to manage the pot of money in the council budget for grants for voluntary arts activities – at that time mainly exisiting as evening classes coming under the auspices of the 4 urban district councils that LBH replaced. About 10 years ago the council decided to take back the administration of the grants. New criteria were put in place and applications were moved online. They were scrutinised by a Grants panel consisting of the HAA Chair and Vice-Chair – Sylvia Taylor and Lydia Holland – with an Arts Officer from LBH. LBH no longer has an Arts Officer of any kind. The people formally in that role have either moved on or retired. With covid and the change of council administration it became clear that LBH no longer had an Arts policy or Strategy, and at the end of the financial year 2022-23 all arts grants were terminated, as indeed was council support for voluntary activity in all sectors. While we do appreciate the extreme financial pressures following covid and the cost of living crisis, the lack of cabinet level representation or responsibility for the Arts and the lack of Arts Policy or Strategy are very worrying. This is not to disparage the efforts of a number of very good officers in various departments who do their best and produce excellent results with slim means, but a ship without a hand on the tiller is very likely to drift aimlessly or run aground. However, publicity is very difficult and the council’s organs usually only advertise their own bookings and productions. For example, it can be very difficult to get a society event that is not is council premises into Hillingdon People. It would also be very helpful to have a full seasonal “What’s On” on the Council website. Fred Davis’ What’s On leaflet plugged this gap, but Fred has now retired from producing it as a paper leaflet. Jenny emphasised that many HAA society patrons and audience members are not online savvy and really appreciate a paper brochure.
We also discussed the HAA website invented by Fred Davis, now with help from his son Steven David. Lydia explained that she is able to change details of officers on the website, but otherwise uses a download from Fred as an email list. Her list has been updated locally, but not refreshed from the database for months.
Sital explained that she has been involved with the arts for many years and also has experience of applying for and finding money to make projects work. She kindly agreed to work with Lydia and Sylvia to start building an Arts strategy framework and cost structure.
8. SAINT ANDREWS DEVELOPMENT
Lydia said and Michele confirmed that St Modwen have agreed the redevelopment of the building, probably as a shop or supermarket.
9. NEWS FROM THE SOCIETIES
Some from attendees, some submitted by email
Voices in Accord – Ron and Gloria Webb
Is a small, self-funding society that raises money for good causes. On 9th December they will be raisinf money for Save the Children, ana a cancer charity at the Methodist Church in Long Lane at 2.45 and there will be another event at Gerards Cross.
Hillingdon Artists – Sheena Rosser
Now have a pop-up shop next to Holland & Barrett in the Pavilions. While very grateful to have this space there is limited footfall compared with previous locations. Also premises to use as a studio for classes. Hillingdon Artists will be at the St Modwen event on St Andrews Park on 21st October and will have an exhibition at the Cow Byre from 19th November to 2nd December for Mount Vernon.
Uxbridge and Ickenham Floral Art Society – Tricia Kirkham
The society has been doing zoom, but is doing alright. Was awarded one of the last grants and will have some extra workshops. Run a demo every month and on. 9th November will have a national demonstrator for the Magic of Christmas.
Uxbridge Choral Society – Michelle Needleman
Michele said that her role is now Outreach, but she is also doing the minutes. Uxchor has suffered from loss of members, but is trying successfully to build up numbers. Uxchor realises there is a need to change and are trying new styles. The next concert is at St margarets on 16th December in the afternoon. It will be a carol concert and will include Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols.
Sine Nomine – Christine Terry
Sine Nomine Singers continue to put on three concerts a year, the next one is on the 2nd December with Hayden’s Creation & Christmas Carol’s for choir and audience. The last grant we received went towards paying the soloists & orchestra. We are just about viable at present. We’ve lost people either through death; I’ll health or ULEZ restrictions!
Encore – Vicky Yeung
Will be performing The 39 Steps at the Compass on 1st-4th November and School of Rock next year.
Jenny Thorne
Jenny spoke about Townswomen’s Guilds. They are opening up to occasional husbands and the membership is climbing again. They are getting members from Women’s Institutes! There are now 6 Guilds in the Federation and all meetings are now held in daytime, with sandwiches and tea. Meetings in North Harrow and at St Lawrence’s Eastcote.
U3A Singers – Sheila Scoates
An event at Christchurch with ukulele and guitar was planned, but so many members were either off sick or on holiday it will now take place at the end of February.
Ruislip Dramatic Society – Judy Kelly
RDS did ashow in the spring, but despite good audiences it made a loss because Compass Theatre prices have gone up, so smaller shows are planned now. The next is Habeas Corpus on 15th-18th November.
Ruislip Lions – Lyne Kauffman
Ruislip Lions have been fund raising via collections at local supermarkets for the 5 pillars of Lions in particular Childhood Cancer. We also use those funds to support our two 2024 events. We plan to continue the popular hanging basket event and flower show at Ruislip Rugby Club and a summer open air theatre at the barn in Ruislip- both in process of planning.. We also cover events like the EHG Picnic with a stall, local schools with flower shows and Christmas Collections in local pubs.
We seem all about money but now hiring venues has risen so high fund raising is an important part of our work.
Eascote and Ruislip Choral Society – Pam Currin
On the 11th November we are singing Faure Requiem , the Cantique de Jean Racine and other pieces suitable for Armistice Day. This will be in St. Edmunds PInner Greenat 7.30pm.
Harefield Amateur Dramatic Society – Jan Scurr
We are currently rehearsing 1940-That Glorious Summer which has been written by HADS members. This depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Britain and the roles played by the RAF, women and Polish airmen during the conflict. The sound and special effects are awesome and it promises to be a unique performance. Proposed dates are 11- 13 January 2024. Tickets from janscurr@hotmail.com.
Argosy Players – Gerri Green
We are currently in rehearsal for Wizard of Oz, that we are doing in collaboration with WOS (Wembley Operatic Society). This is to be performed during the last week of October in Winston Churchill Hall. We have also just cast for out panto and have held a couple of rehearsals for that too, to be performed in January 2024 also in Winston Churchill Hall! Very busy!
Southlands – Paul Austin
Since the ‘Covid-Catastrophy, ‘Afternoon Leisure Painters’ suffered terminal decline and in order to satisfy the few who wished for classes to continue, I formed a Group which I name “Paul’s Art”. So currently I run a class at Southlands Art Centre on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm. The charge is £10 for two hours, which includes a refreshment. I would be able to ‘take on board’ up to four more ‘students’ to tutor and assist in their ‘artistic endeavours’ however modest OR grandiose.
Sadly, since I have COPD, (and have been hospitalised three times since May), my movements are quite restricted so I am not able to spend much time travelling, other than my visits to my Group at Southlands.
Pastiche Musical Theatre – Maggie Warren
The Company enjoyed great success with their latest production of Company at the Compass. They consider themselves lucky as they have had several new younger members join which they think is partially due to their young musical director. They will be producing Mixtape in October, which will be a mixture of songs from shows they have performed and or may do in the future.
Ickenham Art society – Gaynor Lasch
The Society would like to attract new members as the society is only half the size it used to be and was reducing in number even before Covid. As a result they will be limiting Exhibitions to two a year instead of four as previously. Their meeting place is the Village hall but Demonstrators are increasingly expensive.
Free and Easel – Gaye Russell
Free & Easel had an art and craft exhibition at the beginning of October for one week at the Cowbyre and will be taking part at the St Albans church fair, Rayners Lane, on Saturday 25th November.
Ruislip Operatic Society – Lynn Jackson and Leslie Dearlove
Founded in December 1923, ROS is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and had a Dinner & Dance in July attended by 100 current and past members and included Pam Armstrong the NODA London Regional Councillor and Tony Austin the NODA District Rep.
The next production for ROS is the musical ‘White Christmas’ from 29 Nov to 2 Dec at Winston Churchill Theatre having already done ‘ Crazy For You’ there in April.
‘ White Christmas’ will be followed by ‘Made in Dagenham’ in Spring 2024 and ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ in Autumn 2024. ROS has just launched its new Website.
Hillingdon Choral Society – Eirwen Smith
We will be singing Part 1 of Messiah plus Chilcott arranged carols on 9th December at Ickenham URC. There will also be audience carols and Christmas readings.
On 2nd December is the funeral of Sandy Symons at Greenacres Chiltern in Beaconsfield. She was a very active member of HCS for over 40 years. She was a main organiser of the European tours of singers and instrumentalists. HCS members past and present will sing at the service and support the hymn singing.
Proscenium – Marion Chamberlain
It is with great sadness Proscenium reports the sad passing of their Chair of many years, David Pearson. His association with our society went back to the 1970’s but most recently, since 2012, he had been our Chair. He will be sadly missed as an actor, director, stage manager, Chair and friend of many. He leaves behind a wife and 3 sons. A ‘Celebration of Life’ has been arranged by his family. It will be held on 26th October, 2.00pm at the Masonic Centre, Kenton.
Our 2023/24 season will start with Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington which will be performed at the Compass in November. This is the first of 3 productions we have planned. The second, which also celebrates our centenary, will be Julius Caesar, performed in March at the Harrow Art Centre. We are trying out their new performance space, the Boiler House, as an alternative, more flexible and cheaper venue. Lastly we will perform Speaking in Tongues by Andrew Bovell in June. We already have 2 out of 3 shows planned for the 2024/25 season although venues are to be decided.
Our centenary will be celebrated with an exhibition running for 7 weeks from 13th February 2024 at the Tithe Barn Museum, Headstone Manor. The exhibition will trace Proscenium’s history across various performance venues and will include props, costumes, stage designs, scripts, posters and programmes. We hope other societies will come and see what we have been upto over the last 100 years.
Social events continue to be held, including play readings. We hope the interest around our centenary, play readings and recent productions will increase our membership which has been hit by a number of losses in recent year.
Argosy Players – Sylvia Taylor
Argosy staged a Variety show in June at Ickenham Village Hall, the Compass Theatre being too expensive to hire and guarantee a full house.. It had attracted small but appreciative audiences and they were especially pleased to offer a show for dementia patients which had gone down very well.
As an experiment Argosy are joining forces with Wembley Operatic Company to stage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Winston Churchill Hall in October, reason being that both societies have small balances and cannot afford to hire Winston Church on their own.
Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra – Lydia Holland
The orchestra’s next concert will be at Northwood College on 28th November, featuring Finlandia by Sibelius, Dvorak’s Symphony n° 9 in E Minor (New World) and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
15th January 2024. If you require a parking space in the Civic Centre please send your request with registration number to Sheila at least 2 days before the meeting. scoates.sheila@yahoo.com