Chairman’s Report 2024-2025 During the last year we have been adjusting to our new meeting venue at the Delta Marriott Hotel. Inevitably settling in has taken some time after over fifty years at The Racecourse and the Committee have listened to members’ comments and suggestions on how to address any problems. Our experiment with pre-arranged sandwich lunches received mixed reviews and so did not continue. However, there are obvious benefits from the move. The room is warm and the hotel staff are very supportive. Some members continue to have lunch in the hotel whilst others go to alternative eating places nearby. In the summer the garden area overlooking the Racecourse must be one of the best that any hotel in York can offer. There have been a few parking issues but the odd incorrect fine received has been immediately cancelled by the hotel and I do encourage members to use public transport if possible but do appreciate that this is not always appropriate. Financially the move from the Racecourse was necessary and correct. Several Societies have had to close owing to funding problems but sadly also because they were unable to recruit enough volunteers to form a committee. The prospect of joining a committee may seem a bit daunting but believe me it can be rewarding, making new friends and actually having some fun! You can meet the lecturers, have a say in what activities interest you personally but most of all to get to know fellow members. We do hope that everyone feels welcome at our meetings. Visits and Special Interest Days are excellent opportunities to socialise while learning more about subjects of particular interest. I have to mention the wonderful Special Dumfries House Tour which Joanna Finlay organised in October. It was a rare opportunity to view the Chippendale furniture, 38 clocks and interesting paintings, many selected by the King. The expert guide for each particular subject gave us so much information and lunch was served on two days in the special surroundings of Dumfries House Library. An earlier visit was to the Gardens of South Wales led by Tony Russell. The gardens were of differing styles, surrounding interesting houses and the opportunity to explore the area. Special Interest Days organised by Carole Galpin included a visit to East Yorkshire to view Burton Constable and Wassand Hall, very different houses but equally interesting. Our day in Bishop Auckland was to explore the Castle with its Zuberon paintings, the Spanish Gallery and the newly opened Faith Museum. Carole had also organised a Spanish Tapas lunch which was appreciated. May Townsend arranged to see the Tapestry Exhibition at Stamford Bridge. It really is a beautiful piece of work depicting the history of the area and we are so lucky to be able to appreciate the skill of local people creating such an attractive display. Danesgate School has again been supported by our Society this year and their current exhibition is on display in York City Council’s West Offices, Station Rise until Thursday 24th April during office hours. The theme this year is “Re-cycling” and there are some very talented and imaginative works of art, one of which is a guitar made from bicycle chains! The standard of constructed items and decorative art works is amazing. They really are very talented pupils who are imaginative and produce works of an extremely high standard. We have donated prizes which are vouchers for the winning children to choose their own art materials. May Townsend is our Community and Young Arts Committee member and is in regular contact with the staff of the art department. I think you will agree that we have had some superb lectures this year. This is the responsibility of Carolyn Haynes who has some brilliant ideas on subjects as well as ensuring that different topics produce a varied programme. Carolyn has a lot of work to do booking the speakers, negotiating the fees and looking after them on the day of the lecture. The most difficult part of which must be collecting from York Station and hoping the train is on time! Hopefully all members are now able to access our web-site www.theartssocietyyork.org.uk John Finn, who understands all modern technology, has done magnificent work setting this up. It is a great relief to the Committee. He updates the website and produces the rolling slides for each lecture for which we are very grateful. Sadly three of our Committee members are stepping down this year. Susan Dudley-Smith has worked so hard over the years for the Society. She is a qualified first aider which has been really helpful and reassuring. Not only that, Susan has dealt with reception and guest bookings. She is an incredible support to us all and we can’t thank her enough for noticing what needs doing and just doing it! Susan is always calm and provides very wise guidance which is much appreciated. Rose Xu, our Hon Treasurer, is also stepping down this year from what I think must be one of the most difficult responsibilities for anyone. Rose has worked so hard managing the finances which involve many hours of work, dealing with the banks, Charity Commission, Gift Aid, accountants, subscriptions etc. She really does deserve a rest and I hope she and Jez will be able to enjoy more holidays but still have time to attend our meetings. Carole Galpin is also retiring from the Committee having arranged some very enjoyable days out. We have explored interesting houses, seen Fashion and the fascinating Gorton Monastery in Manchester, as well as the splendid day in Bishop Auckland which surprised anyone who had not been there recently. There is a lot of work prior to any visit, booking the coach, producing the information, taking bookings etc and looking after everyone on the day so many thanks, Carole. Although I finish my three years as Chairman at the AGM, you will be in excellent hands as Jane (Ashby), our very hard working, efficient Secretary has been nominated by the Committee as my successor. I can’t stress enough how supportive Jane has been. She is so reliable and if Jane says she will do something, it is done! She will be a superb Chairman and I know the Society will thrive under her leadership. Anthony Hammersley has also been nominated by the Committee to succeed Rose as Hon Treasurer. Anthony has a very experienced financial background and we are lucky to have him. His guidance for the Society will be invaluable and our finances will be well looked after. The other good news is that Elisabeth and Alistair Haldane have jointly agreed to be nominated as Jane’s successor as Membership Secretary. Having both of them is an extra bonus and we are delighted that they have joined us. They are very supportive of the Society and also have a real interest in the art world. Already they have had several discussions with Jane about what is involved and I hope they enjoy meeting and getting to know members. Having informed you about the Committee changes, I am very happy that George Smith MBE is willing to continue as our President. We are lucky to have such a supportive President. George attends as many meetings as possible and I personally appreciate his experience and advice. He is always approachable and I am delighted that he will continue his association with us. Lastly, I should like to thank the members for the support you have given me during my three years in office. It has been a wonderful experience and although there have been challenges I appreciate the friendship of members and their understanding. My computer skills have certainly improved! Helen Gregory |