Page 43 - Simply Veg Issue 3 2019

Scottish Branch Members 30000 to 39999
Chairman’s
Thoughts
I’ve often thought that sometimes the “Chairman’s Thoughts” should be just that. Well my thoughts just now are that
it is great to be part of such a wonderful Society. However, the Society doesn’t just run like magic. Lots of people put their heart and soul, and a huge amount of time into the running of the NVS from DA to Trustee level. At the present time there is
a bit of malaise in having people fill all the roles we need. What`s causing it? Well if we had the answer we wouldn’t have the problem. So, to continue having a Society we all love and can rightly be proud of have had wee think on what you can do. We do need people to step up and take on the roles that are needed to keep maintaining
and improving the Society. If you have
an idea or want to have more info why
not contact myself, Sandra or any of the Trustees. Believe it or not we are here to listen to you so drop us an email or phone. Like a lot of you I’m a member of quite a few Societies and I can say hand on heart the NVS is the best of them all. So, from me a big thank you to everyone involved in the running of the Society and a bigger plea for some more people to take up some of the vacant roles.
Whilst on the subject of thoughts I am also a bit concerned on what we see on social media. It’s one of the most powerful and positive things in this modern-day world – used properly. However there are some sites where it seems to be a free for all with the keyboard warriors who feel they can say what they want about the Society. Personally, I have no problem with criticism
of myself and the NVS if it is done properly and constructively. Loads of positive stuff
is on social media so it`s not all doom and gloom. So to all those members that use social media – have a think before you commit to letting loose – if you have a problem or have any issues why not drop us an email or message and you should get the answer instead of getting lots of wrong ones. Let’s try and keep it polite and sensible.
So, enough thinking. I hope everyone’s veg is growing well and that what you are aiming for is in sight! Now its off to do more watering and weeding before the first major show, the National Championships at the New Forest. I appreciate that it`s a bit early for some of us further away but that’s the challenge of exhibiting. So I hope to see lots of you at the show and look forward to a great weekend.
Scottish Branch AGM
The Scottish Branch held its A.G.M.
on Saturday, 9th March in the Aytoun
Hall, Auchterarder. Ian Stocks opened
the meeting, welcoming everyone and gave a warm welcome to Peter Guthrie’s Daughter, Bet. Ian firstly asked for a minute’s silence to remember & reflect on the loss of our good friends throughout the NVS. Ian paid tribute to our Vice President, Peter Guthrie who passed away in 2018 and the recent sudden loss of Peter Clark who was a good supporter and friend of the Scottish Branch.
I’m happy to report that we continue to maintain a stable well supported Branch.
I’m delighted to advise that Ian Stocks continues as Chairman, with Fiona Shenfield as Secretary and Linda Stocks as Treasurer. Ian says that having Linda and Fiona keeping him right is a great help.
Linda Stocks reported on the Scottish branch accounts, confirming all had been submitted on time and thanked the hard- working DA’s for their timely submissions. Fred Stewart has also continued with the busy role of Membership Secretary and he reported that the Scottish Branch is currently sitting with a membership of 279 (versus 263 in 2018). Fiona Shenfield gave the committee a summary of the year’s activities both at Branch and National level and thanked
them for their support. Ian Stocks gave his appreciation to Linda, Fred and Fiona for their hard work.
Ian Stocks advised that the role of Vice President has been agreed that it be left vacant just now out of our respect for Peter Guthrie.
David Nelson, our Show Manager, had decided to stand down due to extreme work commitments which, he felt, did not allow him the time to carry out to role as much as he would have liked. Ian Stocks thanked David for having taken on the role and also for his honesty in highlighting that he felt he had insufficient time to support
it. To that end, Frank Taylor has agreed, once again, to take on board the role for a couple of years. This will cover our Scottish
Branch Championships in 2019 @ Dalkeith and 2020 @Gourock plus the 2020 National Championships at Dundee. Thankyou Frank.
Neil Muirhead has continued to work hard as our Show Secretary and helped ensure that we had a very well-run Scottish branch Championships again in 2018. Neil has been working to put together the schedule which our Scottish Branch members will have received with this edition of the SV magazine.
Gareth Cameron confirmed that he will also be maintaining the role of Sponsorship Manager and was working hard with our potential sponsors for this year. Thanks.
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