BBM&L AGM 28th October 2007

The AGM was held at the Elcot Park Hotel near Newbury. Following apologies for absence the minutes of the previous AGM were accepted and adopted. Dr. David Bareford, Andrew and Caroline Gibson were re-elected by rotation to serve on the Council of the BBM&L.

Richard d’Alton who was elected to the Council in 2006, took on the mantle of Chairman and was duly welcomed by the rest of the meeting. Richard had been approached by Council about becoming our chairman after the last council meeting, and has agreed to take the task on and lead the BBM&L into the next chapter. Tim was extremely pleased, as other members of the council were also, that Richard agreed to take on the position. Richard became a council member last year and has, in conjunction with Jenni, taken on two major tasks during the last year on behalf of the BBM&L both giving up their spare time for the benefit of the Museum. In the past both had helped out considerably, with for example, the design and printing of the museum leaflets. Richard responded to the announcement by saying he was honoured to be asked to take the post and had little hesitation in accepting the position, his main aspiration being to progress the museum into a higher profile within the ballooning fraternity. Tim said he, and the Council, welcomed Richard to the position of Chairman and wish him luck with his ideas and plans for the future.

The finances of the Museum remained healthy and the Museum had purchased banners for two envelopes, which would act as publicity flagships for the museum. In discussion, many Council members felt that we needed to raise the profile of the Museum and a selection of ideas were put forward for further investigation.

Dave Kinsey was formerly welcomed to Council as the new Press and Publicity Officer for the BBM&L and was raring to go. It was suggested that Trailrope, the website and all publicity should be coordinated to get the most from it. Roger Brown was also welcomed. He has spent time compiling lists of Books and other printed matter that we have in various exhibits and libraries.

Reports on the various sections of the museum followed showing that we maintain a healthy state, but a few new Friends, and younger ones, would be welcome. Numbers are slightly down on last year, but non-returning members were being followed up in case they had changed details and not informed us.

Acquisition of important envelopes remains the Museums priority. The last year had seen little activity on the envelope front, but some loans had become donations to the Museum. The Museum had received many small donations of balloon related material and we thank all who donated.

Trailrope and the website continue to keep the Friends and Public informed of what the Museum is up to. The editor of Trailrope, Ian Comley, said that he still would welcome articles from those with a particular interest in all things connected with ballooning. The website is to go through an extensive overhaul. Technology developments in screens and presentation were making the site look a little dated but still relevant. Support in achieving this will be needed from other sources as many of the pictures are low resolution and will have to be rescanned or replaced with digital images. Ideas of including a membership only area, were talked about and possibly a forum for discussion.

The BBM&L continue to have links with other lighter than air groups, especially the Airship Heritage Trust.

The subject of an Inflation Day was raised and possible ideas were left for the next council meeting.