Minutes of the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Dorset Local History Group held at Dorset County Museum at 2.30pm on Saturday 3 April 2004

1. Apologies.
Hugh Jaques, James Webb
2. Minutes of the last meeting.
These had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
3. Matters Arising.
None
4. Chairman's annual report.
Dr Reeve reported an active year for the Group. Falling attendance at meetings prompted an Outreach Questionnaire to ascertain what members want the Group to provide. The responses suggest that most are happy with the present programme and if anything want more. The Chairman thanked the Friends of Dorset's Archives who funded the Questionnaire. 2003 was the 750th year of the Bridport charter, and Humphrey Dibdin spoke to the April meeting about the Reform Bill in Bridport in the 1830s. Sadly Humphrey died in July. The Field Trip in June was a guided walk round Bridport led by Cecil Amor. An audience of 40 people heard Ann Smith speak on George Wingfield Digby, a Victorian Landowner at the November meeting. The Day School in February was entitled Working Women and Wanton Wenches : Imagery and Attitudes towards Women in History. About 70 people attended and the event raised about £800 for the Museum. A database of members and Local History Groups is being compiled. Dr Reeve ended by thanking the committee for their hard work and the Dorset County Museum for their hospitality and support.
5. Election of officers.
Dr Reeve was elected as Chairman (proposed Ann Smith, seconded Merry Ross). Mrs Ann Smith was elected as Secretary (proposed David Reeve, seconded Cecil Amor). Robin Ansell, Katherine Barker, John Brown and James Webb were elected to the committee for three years (proposed David Reeve, seconded George Mortimer). Pamela Le Bas, Anne Hosford, Dr Karen Mew and Dr Judith Ford have two more years to serve, and Jane Ferentzi-Sheppard and George Mortimer have one year to serve.
6. Amendments to Constitution and Terms of Reference.
The Chairman read out the amendments to the Constitution and Terms of Reference, most of which reflect changes to job titles, and the need to comply with the Data Protection Act. Membership of Dorset Local History Group is now open to all.
7. There being no other business, the meeting closed.

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