The annual general meeting of Chipperfield News was held on 7 December 2004, to which the Chairman welcomed all concerned. The editors reported a good year, but they still would appreciate further contributions of interesting news from local organisations and individuals with a story to tell.
The Committee extended their sympathy to Julian Evans, on the sudden death of his wife, Claire, who had recently taken over from Ann Wyburd as Unity Editor. The Chairman recorded his thanks to Ann for her many years of dedicated work.
Tony Pearlman, in his first year as manager, reported good progress and congratulated Jeff Beck, the advertising manager for his work. Meantime new computer equipment had been purchased and installed by Tony Briselden in February 2004, and he and the joint editors were thanked for their hard work. The old equipment had been donated to Watford New Hope Trust.
The treasurer, Graham McMellin, presented the annual accounts for the year ended 31 October 2004, which showed a small profit of £179 on income of £6,825, compared to £276 in the previous year. This was very satisfactory, bearing in mind we had absorbed a full year’s depreciation on new equipment of £567 in the current year.
Jeff Beck, the advertising manager, confirmed he was pleased with the progress made in his first full year, and he wished to thank all the advertisers for their support. He emphasised the importance of having a reasonable balance of advertising to editorial matter. The Committee extended their thanks to Russ Evans for his voluntary contribution and service as web master to the village.
Popsi Stokes thanked all her team of distributors, which was endorsed by the committee. They distributed 1,300 copies ten times a year to our readers.
On behalf of all readers and advertisers, the chairman thanked the committee for their dedication and hard work during the year.
This is a fitting moment to remind readers that the financial backers who set up Chipperfield News in 1988 were the Village Hall, the Parish Church and the Parish Council. The aim was to produce, free of charge, and deliver where possible, ten issues of the News, each year, breaking even of operating costs by offering advertising space to local businesses. The initial launch was based on the Parish Church magazine, Unity, being passed over to provide a base for the Chipperfield News publication. The objectives having been attained, the current committee are to be congratulated on continuing with the good work. R.A.E.