Minutes
Wednesday, 15th January 2025, 7.00pm
Monks Walk pub
1. Present: Martin, Sheila, Nicola, Toni, Christine, Jim, John, Michèle
Apologies: Brigitte, Nigel, Kate & Roger, Tricia
2. Minutes of last meeting (6 November 2024) & Matters arising (not covered in Agenda)
The Christmas Tree Festival
Thanks were expressed to those who decorated the tree.
Michèle asked that next year the AFS should be included on the Application Form as they make a
substantial contribution to the cost of the tree.
3. Reports
· Membership (Michèle) - 26
· Treasurer (Jim) – Balance stands at £807.32p
· AFS (Michèle) – The AFS Film Night will be on 19th February
4. May 2025 Visit to Nogent
We have received no further information from Nogent. It is understood that four places have been allocated to Beverley Town Councillors, including the Mayor, but no official invitation has yet been received. Sheila & Dave, Kate & Roger have places to stay. Michèle, Brigitte, John & Tricia Sharp, and possibly Martin are all interested in attending, and will need accommodation. Brigitte will be asked to send an email requesting a formal invitation for Councillors, and for Association members.
5. Autumn 2025 Visit from Fuccechio
The Association is expecting to host approximately 15 visitors from Fuccechio over the weekend of the Christmas Festival, 14/15th of December 2025.
6. News from Nogent (Brigitte)
None has been received.
7. Social Events and Fundraising
Film Night date
In view of the AFS Film Night date (19.02.25) it was felt that the Association should change the date of
the Twinning Film Night to 4th April. Martin will negotiate with Newbald Village Hall. It was suggested
that next year we might look at alternative venues in view of the drive involved to North Newbald.
Toni wiil investigate the Masonic Hall, which has a screen and projector. Jim will investigate Norwood
Hall at which films are frequently shown.
Winetasting
Thanks to Nicola for the splendid poster design, and to Fuccechio for the gift of sweet treats.
Three bottles have been sponsored. Thanks to Jim, Toni and Martin. The aim of the event is to make a
profit of £4 per head if 15 people attend, and to have a social evening.
Wind Farm Trust
Community groups can apply for grants. Martin is currently making an application.
KCOM
Not yet looked at.
Elwell’s
The next available dates are for ‘special’ evenings at £25.00 per head. This would not enable us to make a profit. Jim will contact Elwell’s to find out which date in May – 1, 15 0r 22 (all ordinary evenings) would be suitable for us to book.
Nicola suggested that we ask for an Elwell’s voucher as a potential raffle prize.
Brigitte to be asked if she will coordinate people’s menu choices again.
Jim will look after the raffle.
8. Beverley Town Council – Feedback meeting (Toni and Martin)
The application for a grant from the Council was rejected. The reason given was that the Twinning
Associations’ activities do not sufficiently benefit the people of Beverley. Toni and Martin asked for a
feedback meeting. They have been encouraged to apply for a smaller grant. Martin will do this for the
Beverley-Nogent Assoc. The Fuccechio visit should be Beverley focussed . He has asked for a meeting
with the Town Clerk to go over the application protocols. He made the point that the constant need to
raise funds makes it difficult for the group to initiate other activities which might be seen as
benefitting sections of the Beverley community.
10. Future of Exchange Programme
Nicola has made some preliminary enquiries and contacts and she will follow up these contacts
in language departments in schools. Fuccechio has offered 6 places for young people to stay and
work over the summer. Hosts in Beverley are needed in August should any young people from
Nogent or Fuccechio be persuaded to visit.
11. Other Twinning Associations
Toni reported that the Lemgo Association had manned a stall at Molescroft Primary School’s annual
Christmas Fair. A Christmas supper was held at the Golf Club which the Deputy Mayor attended.
The Grammar School is sending 2 boys to Lemgo on a visit. In September 2025 Lemgo and Stendhal will
visit Beverley.
12. AGM 2025
Revised date: March 19th 2025
Agenda item – The Future of the Twinning Association
Martin as President and Sheila as Secretary will be standing down. New officers will be needed. A
discussion is needed about the future of the Association and its viability.
13. AOB
John has completed a revamp of the web-site. The passwords have been strengthened. If anyone
needs to know them, they should contact John Sharpe. The new domain name is
www.beverleynogent.com. John will send the new passwords to Sheila. The meeting expressed their
thanks to John for his work.
14 . Date, and time of next meeting: 19 March 2025, 7pm, Monks Walk