John Dixon asked Janet Martin to thank Margaret Day for agreeing to help with refreshments. Sue Norman has also agreed to help out at meetings.

John Dixon reminded the Committee Members that it would be the 20^th Anniversary of the THS next year. The members discussed how we might celebrate that event and John Dixon asked members to think of things that we could do. In the meantime, John Dixon said that he would investigate holding a private function at Maddresfield Court.

A celebration was held when the THS had been in existence for 10 years. Bulletin 10 sets out the history of the THS up until that date. The first constitutional meeting was held on 14^th February 1991, the first public meeting was held on 21^st March 1991 and the first AGM was held on 25^th April 1991.

John Dixon reported that sales were going really well and he was quite happy with that.

John Dixon said that he had a few articles already and he would stick to the same timetable as last year. He would like all articles to be submitted by 31^st December 2009. David Willavoys is planning to write an article and Cliff Burd is writing an article on Tewkesbury pubs. Ian Boskett is rumoured to be planning to do a follow up article on railways; John to check.

John Dixon said that he had written to Tony Skelsey and told him that he would go with whatever he wanted to do.

The Committee members discussed whether or not we kept future Bulletins in the same style and format. It was agreed that we would keep the same artwork on the front cover and put more thought into the photos used. It was agreed that the next Bulletin would be red and a colour photograph would be used if possible.

John presented the statement of accounts from 31^st March 2009 to 24^th July 2009. The balance at the present time is £4,856.99. Interest on investments had been negligible.

Leckhampton Hospice is holding a history event on Saturday, 5^th September 2009 and had invited committee members to attend. Unfortunately no one could attend.

Derek Round had requested that the THS Committee apologise for attributing a photograph to him. It was acknowledged that the photograph in Bulletin 18 page 14 was not his; a correction would be placed on website and next bulletin. As far as THS is concerned, that would be the end of the matter.

Testimony Films are making a television series charting "A Century of Fatherhood" in Britain over the past 100 years, to be shown on the BBC 4 next year. A researcher is looking for lively characters with a great story to tell either about their own experience of being a dad or their memories of their father. She wondered whether any of THS members might be interested in sharing their story or perhaps they could recommend people who she should contact. It was agreed to publicise this on the website.

David Evans one of the Bob Woodward Award judges had written to say that it was always an honour and pleasure to be asked to judge the entries for the Award and he would be delighted to do so in 2010. He looked forward to seeing everyone again next year.

The membership cards were ready for the September THS meeting.

John Dixon reported that he had a full programme planned for 2009/2010. The hosts for each meeting were agreed as follows:

• 17^th September – Richard Sermon "A Sweet Country Life" the folk songs of Tewkesburians Elizabeth Smithers and William Henry Watts.

• 21^st January – Social Evening.

• 18^th February – Members Research Evening plus Dave Harvey – Songs and Poems of a Forest of Dean Freeminer.

• 18^th March – Alex and Judy Bailey – Chartist Colony at Snig’s End, Staunton.

• 22^nd April – Annual General Meeting.

• 20^th May – John Dixon and fellow "Boomers" – "Baby Boomer" Tewkesburians enjoying themselves.

Unfortunately nobody would be able to attend this year from the Committee. It was hoped that Audrey Pound would represent the THS if necessary.

John Dixon said that he was going to approach Gordon Baker about his life and his coming to Tewkesbury.