On March 4th members gathered in the village hall for the AGM– a necessary event in all organisations! President Peter White thanked the Committee and helpers before Chairman Sybil Saunders began her opening remarks, perhaps the most welcome was that tea would be free this afternoon and Phyllis had provided a beautiful ‘traditional’ array of sandwiches and tiny pastries.
Sybil continued with a synopsis of the past year which included thanking the ladies who run the raffle and sales tables, Carol for her beautiful flower displays, Sheila & Phyllis for the food, Sheila again for reports in the local press and our valued mini bus drivers. She made special mention of Secretary Shirley Williams and Treasurer Joan Sims whose attention to detail keeps the club running smoothly as well as Membership Secretary Jacqui Prendiville who is taking a well earned rest for medical reasons.
The Treasurer reported that the raffle and sales table had supported the club well as had some successful sponsored events throughout the year.
Last year Sybil read a poem which attracted interest from America and Australia (presumably due to the report on the Grayshott web site) this year she had another amusing ditty about national diets and medical problems – the conclusion was that it was speaking English that kills us as other countries have equally bad eating habits.
Member Leila Walker thanked Sybil for her work in the club and village and a flower presentation was made.
Now with the business out of the way Sybil introduced our speaker Roger Saunders. Roger is a serious music ‘buff’ and his theme this afternoon was the role of classical music in the film and advertising media, it often being cheaper than commissioning new work.
Members greatly enjoyed recognising the themes from the Onedin Line, Esso and Sunpat Peanut Butter ads, the Trout quintet by Schubert which was used in Waiting For God. Perhaps most recognisable was Carmina Burana by Carl Orff used in Old Spice, Carling Lager and The Omen, Grieg’s Peer Gynt used for Nescafe, Bach’s Air On A G String (Hamlet Cigars) and Prokofiev’s Troika which is used for the BBCChristmas programme promotions.
This was a most enjoyable and unusual entertainment and quite clearly brought much pleasure and memories to the audience who displayed their considerable musical knowledge.
As usual the meeting ended with a quite splendid tea and raffle. Next month our Speaker is Fay Foster recalling ‘A Year As A Mayor’
