Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Darlington & District Talking Newspaper (DDTN)
on 22 April 2023 at Park Place, Darlington.

PRESENT:

Trustees: Ged Callaghan, Lynne Goodes, David Green, Kate Grogan (Minutes), Margaret Harrison Richie Hawkins, David Smith (Chair), Michael Taylor, Volunteers: Fran Bradley, Andy Brown, Stuart Connell, Stefan Gleisner, Maureen Gorman, Ciaran Grogan, John Dunn, Kay Lang, Alison Mannion, Margaret Reay, David Roberts, Richard & Sylvia Western,

APOLOGIES:

Trustees: Paul Knight, Pat Walker; Volunteers: Pauline Beecham, Roly Lang, Stan Renwick.

David Smith welcomed everyone to the 2022 AGM of the DDTN. Voting is by a show of hands if present at this meeting or by prior return of the proxy voting form. One proxy form has been received.

The Trustees Annual Report was explained by David Smith.

The Statement of Accounts was explained by David Green. The £2000 donation from our landlord, A.G.Burts and the £500 from Asda Green Token Scheme have helped our financial situation. We are hopeful A.G.Burts will continue to support us.

The Talking Newspaper is in a good financial position and we are in a better financial position than most talking newspapers.

Last year Paul from Taxation Advisory Services suggested the trustees look for new, free or cheaper, offices. A working group was formed and they explored the idea while speaking to local organisations. We had to find an office which was secure to leave personal data and recording equipment and easily accessible at various time of the day/ evening. Nothing was found and it was agreed (after Burts generous donation) to stay where we were for now as it suits the organisation in every way except cost. Members suggested speaking to Darlington Borough Council with their new emphasis on supporting local organisation.

Members voted on the resolution to accept the Previous AGM minutes dated 11 April 2022 an accurate record. RH proposed and it was seconded by GC. There were no votes against or abstentions. Agreed.

Members voted on the resolution to accept the Trustees Annual Report. There were no votes against or abstentions. Agreed.

Members voted on the resolution to accept the Statement of Accounts. There were no votes against or abstentions. Agreed.

Members voted on the resolution to accept the Appointment of Taxation Advisory Services as 2023 auditors. There were no votes against or abstentions. Agreed.

Election of Charity Trustees

All current trustees were re-elected by vote; namely Ged Callaghan, Lynn Goodes David Green, Kate Grogan, Margaret Harrison, Richie Hawkins, Paul Knight, David Smith, Michael Taylor and Pat Walker. All trustees received a minimum of 21 votes.

Election of Officers

Officers were elected by vote as follows: David Smith as Chair, David Green as Treasurer and Kate Grogan as Secretary. All officers received a minimum of 22 votes.

Any Other Business

KG asked all volunteers who has not yet received a new ID badge to let her take a photograph so they can be issued.

David Roberts expressed the thanks of volunteers to the Committee for their work over the last year.

The meeting closed with David S thanking everyone for attending and continuing to support our Talking Newspaper.