Marion Pagett, Branch Leader, thanked
everyone for their support over the past year, especially Ann Jackson who had
been very helpful and Glena Neale who had stayed on the committee to assist.
Margaret Marshall sent her best wishes, but was unable to attend because of
illness. A letter was received from Phillip Staddon, Chapel Warden,
acknowledging the donation of £75.00 to St. Mark’s for the use of the premises
for branch meetings.
Muriel Evans, Hon. Treasurer announced
that £118.00 remains in the branch account and that she would seek advice from
the Gloucester Office of the M.U. for the best way to disseminate these funds.
As subs are due now for the coming year, all membership ceases for those who
have not chosen to pay the Diocesan Members FEE. Rev’d Janet said this was a
bad day, but without a treasurer and branch leader, the branch is forced to
close after some 120 years existence in Dursley. She suggested that the current
Communion Service at 10.15am on the second Wednesday of each month should
continue. The M.U. has in the past been responsible for refreshments at Baptism
and Wedding preparation sessions. Jennifer Kendrick offered to take this on and
will liaise with Rev’d Janet as each occasions arises and find helpers.
It was agreed that no independent M.U.
Carol Service will be arranged, as there are alternatives. After the successful
Christmas meal in 2010, Marion Pagett will organise another visit to
Jacqueline’s Restaurant at Frampton, open to all but limited to about 20
places. Eileen Boyles offered to host a garden party to celebrate Mary Sumner
Day in August. Glena Neale proposed a vote of thanks to Rev’d Janet for her
support of the M.U. in the ten years she has been in Dursley.
Flowers were presented to Muriel Evans in recognition of her marathon role as Honorary Treasurer and Marion Pagett for nobly taking on the role of Branch Leader, when as she told us in her opening remarks she would now crawl away into her shell.