(These notes do not represent an official record of the meeting. They have been distilled from a transcript taken by Janice Uphill. The editors are deeply indebted to Janice for her help.)

The meeting commenced at 14.35h in the Quainton Memorial Hall; present at the start were 60 shareholders, including the Executive Committee. The Chairman started by paying tribute to Alan Newstead who had died while in office, and to Bruce Murray who had earlier resigned. He explained that this AGM was different because of the new management structure. The day-to-day running had been delegated to the Board of Directors who were answerable to the Executive and not to the members; members should go to the Executive if unhappy with anything. The Executive was responsible for relics and fund raising, for long-term strategy and control of the purse strings. The Board had a one year time horizon. The AGM was therefore principally concerned with the Executive.

The Minutes of the 23rd AGM (11/4/92), having been previously distributed to individual members, were taken as read. Anthea Hanscomb raised a point about emergency telephones; the Chairman reported that the issue had been discussed in Executive that morning.

In his Chairman's Report, Andrew Bratton wondered if 1992 had been a turning point for the Society. Steam had returned to Quainton Road on BR after many hurdles. Bruce Murray had resigned for personal reasons; a successor was badly needed. Phil Marsh recently appointed to Board as Director of Marketing. Andrew detailed other Board members (see end sheets of this issue, Ed.). He regretted our inability to have a general manager, and pointed out that the Board has been hampered by a lack of members willing to take responsibility. We should take advantage of opportunity to work to Aylesbury but the point connection still eluded us and we needed at least one more carriage, preferably a Mk1 open. 1992 had been financially disappointing with 6000 visitors fewer than our 40,000 target. But we had put most of our money into land and buildings; other societies had not and were suffering as a result. Driver training rides had been thought of many years ago and were now happening. The Report of the Executive Committee, already distributed, was taken as read, apart from minor typographical amendments.

The Hon. Treasurer spoke on Adoption of the Accounts. Last year had been slightly disappointing, but not in comparison to other railways. Attendances marginally down and small operating profit on open days. Shop profits had been very poor but might be attributed to error in numbers of Stock Books and Guides. There had been a 60% increase in profits from S/hand bookshop, but Catering down 16%. Small increase in staff costs but restoration and maintenance 15% less despite work on L99. Site overheads were up 13%. Then followed a discussion on the 66 fund which was £1,195 negative.

The Auditors Walker, Green & Co. were re-appointed. A session on Written Questions sent in by Members followed. In response to Anthea Hanscomb the Chairman stated that overhaul of Beattie was next in line; not enough sponsorship had yet been secured for Coventry. Anthea raised the question of scrapping some "beyond hope" engines and rolling stock. Bob Randall argued forcibly for the sale of 7200. A lively debate ensued, resulting in a vote: the proposal to sell this relic was overwhelmingly rejected. The debate on the 66 fund was rejoined. There was a general feeling that people had not matched promises with money. On the subject of tidying up and painting relics, there was encouragement from the Executive and paint available, for people to set to work. Private owners would be spoken to diplomatically. Finally, on the subject of drinking and driving, it was pointed out that this is not only against Society Operating Rules but is also a criminal offence, and applied to all operators.

The Exec. had proposed new subscription rates: Adult £10; Juniors and OAP £5; Family £6 extra; Life £150;- this needed Ratification. After some discussion, the motion was carried.

Under Election of Members of the Exec. Committee A Bratton, D J Potter, D W Simcox offered themselves for re-election (under Rule 32), and there were two additional members offering themselves for election: David Matthews (nominated by M Hazell); John Hatton (nominated by Eric Miller). Although there were enough places for all nominees, a secret ballot was held since under new Rule 31(d) each had to attain over 50% of the votes of those members present at the meeting. In the event, all the above were either elected or re-elected.

In Any Other Business in recognition of Roy Miller's year of service as Hon. Secretary, the Chairman announced that the Executive had made Roy an honorary member. Roy was presented with the membership form and a Director's Pass; in return he made a speech in which he thanked the membership.

The Vice Chairman said that it had been a hard year for fund raising. More help was needed with outside events. A fund was being started for the new building.

This meeting closed 16.32h.

Immediately, an Extraordinary General Meeting followed, to amend the Rules, to reduce the maximum number of elected Executive Committee members from 11 to 9, and to prohibit the Executive from co-opting further members except to fill a casual vacancy. These changes were designed to limit the Committee size: a large one was no longer needed now that the Board of Directors of BRC was in operation. The resolution was carried by a large majority.

A General Meeting was then held to look at the future, the members of the Board of Management taking the platform. Chris Tayler spoke first, thanking everyone on the commercial team. He reported that he had handed refreshments over to Mike Hazell, and also thanked Colin Ashman and Michael Tayler for organizing the Working Week. Driving courses very successful; a new venture. He apologized for the delay with the leaflets. Several Santa trips had been sold to a large organization this was the way of the future, for block bookings cut down work and increase profits. A discussion followed on several aspects of commercial activities, during which Phil Marsh reiterated his plea for stories about what is happening. He detailed what he was doing about publicity, pointing out that the railway press was giving us excellent support.

John Carter, Director of Engineering, spoke next. He talked about the state-of play regarding L99, and what was to happen on the LUL event. The next loco project was to be 0314, expected to cost £20-30K in contrast to the £60K needed for Coventry. A wagon gang had been started (see elsewhere in this issue: Ed.) to paint all wagons. On track, Mike Bird had taken over Bruce Murray's work. The main thrust was to finish the up yard, then proceed to repair the down yard with Northfield track and point.

The Curator Roy Miller welcomed Chris Tayler as his successor, noting that Margaret Nichols was to be promoted to admin. secretary, reporting to Dave Potter (Hon. Sec.). He emphasized the importance of documenting our Collection properly, and of the registration with the Museum and Galleries Commission in order to get grants. We needed £1200 worth of facilities for registration purposes. There was a pressing need for a catalogue.

The small relics museum had been taken over by Richard and Veronica Fitzgeorge-Parker. We had been demoted because of the Charities Act to an exempt charity. Janice Uphill had written an update of the Stock Book.

David Potter then spoke on Membership. We had broken even on costs and had kept a level number of members.

Finally, a discussion on telephones resumed. It was pointed out that there is a telephone in the mess room for emergency calls and that anyone working on site may apply for a key to the down yard building for access to this 'phone.

The meeting closed at 18.29h.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1993 and so does not reflect events in the 20+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
The Twenty-Fourth AGM Of Quainton Railway Society Ltd, 27 March 1993 - Quainton News No. 73 - September 1993