Democracy in Yorkshire

blog by Carol Warham, Vice-Chair, Yorkshire Membership & Community Council.

Report of the Yorkshire Interim Members' Meeting held at The Huntsman, Holmfirth on 23rd Octoober, 2024.

Colleagues had been busy arranging all the tastings before members and guests began to arrive at 6pm. The staff at the Huntsman had also organised the room and helped with the preparations. They were very helpful, and friendly, throughout the evening, looking after us and dealing with any requests we made. 

There was lots of greeting, laughter and chatting, as the room began to fill, we had to request further chairs around tables to accommodate everyone. 

While waiting for the business meeting to begin, members enjoyed a hot and cold buffet, with a wonderful selection on snacks and wines for tasting. There was also a demonstration of armchair Zumba, which was good fun and had everyone singing along to the music. 

The room became quiet as the link to the business meeting began. We listened to Elaine’s welcoming speech, followed by Debbie’s update and the financial analysis.

It was lovely to see that the local Samaritans had joined our meeting as the Society launched them as our new charity, which was very exciting.

It was then time for Yorkshire’s own update of the activities and workshops held over the previous six months.  

A selection of photos on the screen brought back many happy memories of many of these events and especially of the very popular heritage visits, which enjoyed good weather every time! Fingers crossed for the same good luck for next year. 

Members came forward to put their names down for more information on the visits and others to thank for the support given to their groups or for the activities organised, which was very gratifying. Thanks were recorded to all those organisations and members that had helped us over the last six months, as we could not achieve all that we do without them.

After about two and a half hours the meeting came to an end and everyone began to drift out towards their cars, as Huntsman staff began to clear and tidy up. 

We look forward to an even more successful meeting next year.