Page 7 - SV 3 2024

News from the Trustees
MICHELLE NIXON
The Trustees’ second meeting of 2024 was held on the 23rd of April via Zoom. We were pleased to welcome two new Branch Representatives, Mick Shipley for the Northern Branch and Andrew Jones for the Welsh Branch. Both are long-standing members of the NVS who will be known to many of you as growers, judges and exhibitors with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They take the places of Geoff Wilson and Lesley Stone, both of whom remain actively involved elsewhere in the Society.
In another change, Sean James Cameron has stepped down as Social Media Officer due to increased work commitments.
Sean has done an amazing job in updating the Society’s public communications.
His experience in journalism, branding
include new rules for backboards and new quantities for Class 22. We’re also pleased to report that following the successful introduction of the new 15 point and under collection in 2023, the Irish DA have kindly donated a new award for Class 27, the NVS Ireland Trophy.
On the subject of the Judges’ Directory, there has recently been discussion about whether judges should be asked to resit their exam, if their NVS membership lapses, and they then rejoin the Society and want to continue judging. Any change in the rules around this subject would
need ratification at the AGM. The National Secretary will agree the wording of any amendment with the Judging Panel, prior to publication of the AGM Agenda.
Regarding Simply Vegetables
without permission. In time we plan to index the content, to make information easier to find.
Finally, members will be aware that
there is a vast amount of administration involved in running the NVS, all covered by volunteers. Additionally, because the NVS is a charity, its administration is subject
to regulation by the Charity Commission. In view of this, it has been recommended that the Trustees undertake training
on their legal and financial obligations. Options for training free-of-charge have been identified, which are available for
the Trustees to pursue in their own time. If the free training highlights any knowledge gaps or inadequacies, it is suggested that a nominated Trustee should attend detailed training, funded, if necessary, which can then be cascaded to the others.
The aim is to ensure that for minimum cost to the Society, the Trustees are able to prove that its administration complies with applicable law on tax, data protection, safeguarding, health and safety etc.
To make this task easier, Andy Wall
has been busy improving the Society’s record-keeping and filing systems. Most importantly, he has set up a secure digital workspace and document storage. This will be a huge help in the day-to-day running of the Society and will reduce the pressure on key committee members. It will also aid in succession planning and help us meet data protection requirements.
Thankfully the associated costs will be minimal, and in some areas may even be reduced.
and public relations has been extremely valuable.
If anyone is interested
in taking over from him, please contact the Trustees. You’ll be pleased to hear that where possible, Sean has offered to continue producing some of his very popular event’s videos!
Sean has offered to continue producing some of his very popular event’s videos!
magazine, the Trustees are investigating ongoing delays in delivery to members in Ireland. We understand the problem is with the printer rather than the publisher. Vice Chair Raymond Higgins and SV Editor Kelvin Mason are determined to resolve the issue, as the delay is unacceptable to members.
As better news, Webmaster Andy Wall has identified the best method
Planning of the 2024
National Championships
is now almost complete.
The sponsors are finalised
and we are very grateful to them – staging the National Championships would be impossible without their support. Changes to the usual Nationals schedule were published in March and are detailed on the News section of the website. They
of making Simply Vegetables magazine available via the website. Further old digital copies can now be securely uploaded
to expand this member benefit, without the risk of unauthorised download, or of reproduction of articles or photographs
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