AGM 2014

Outgoing President’s report

It has been a busy year for us at the Perth Modern Quilt Guild. Over the two years since we formalised as a Guild, we have grown from ten people meeting in a lounge room, to having 38 financial members. The growth of the guild has meant that finding an adequate venue and arrangements for meetings has continued to be an issue. The committee has explored a number of venues over the year and trialled a meeting at the East Perth community hall however decided that South Perth remains our best option and extended the meeting time to 4 hours to enable people to come and go more flexibly.

We started the year with a stall at the Claremont Craft Fair and a charity quilt, and we have ended the year with a 3 month modern miniature quilt competition, our second destash sale, and a Christmas in July swap. In the last year, we have been able to offer a greater range of activities to members including two retreats, a Modern Block of the Month sew along, Sewing days out at Handcrafter’s House, a Christmas party, a growing library of books and a number of swaps amongst other things.

As well as the fun activities, the committee has also worked to put in place policies and guidelines on managing guild finances, retreats and charity projects. Most importantly, a Constitution has been developed based on the West Australian Department of Commerce’s Model Rules for Incorporated Associations which ensures compliance with West Australian legislation. The committee has been working on the constitution with a view to applying for incorporation as a not-for-profit community group.

After committee discussion and feedback, the constitution was circulated to all members in May and placed on the Guild website for public consultation. With the finalisation of the Constitution, we are able to apply for the Guild to be incorporated. This affords the guild a legal status, affords protection for members and executive and provides some financial benefits accorded to incorporated groups such as reduced-rate hall hire at a number of venues.

Where there has been no more than one nomination per position, the constitution allows me as President to declare as elected the new Committee members. With great thanks to all those who have served on committee over the past two years, I am delighted to announce the following as the Perth Modern Quilt Guild Committee 2014-2014.