Thursday evening saw around 40 Friends of Dimbola Museums and Galleries assemble for the Annual General Meeting of the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust (JMCT).
There was a definite feeling of unrest, as Friends gathered in the cafe area for the meeting, ready to ask questions of the Trustees.
Chairman, Brian Hinton started the meeting by introducing the Trustees, Brian Snellgrove, Linda and Chris Heasman, David White, Karen Coxon and Mary Clemenson. John Holsburt, the administrator, was also introduced along with accountant, Kevin Cooper who was representing Moore Stephens (South) LLP.
“Let’s see an end to the closed shop”
Questions from the public were thick and fast with the general concern being that Friends were unable to vote for who should sit on the board of Trustees.
Many felt it was a ‘closed shop’, as the Trustees were able to agree amongst themselves who could join the board and continue to vote each other back on the board each year.
“Friends not members”
Administrator, John Holsburt read a letter from solicitor, Colin Clarke, which explained that according to the constitution of the JMCT, only ‘Members’ could vote.
Friends were not considered ‘Members’, therefore had no rights to vote.
The letter went on to say that neither did they have the same obligations ‘Members’ had, such as providing a guarantee that in the event of the Trust being wound up, each Member will make a contribution to the debts and liabilities of the Trust (including the cost of winding it up).
Changes to constitution
It was mentioned many times that the board of Trustees have the authority to change the constitution and some of the suggestions under consideration between now and September would be for a couple of representatives from the Friends to join the board of Trustees, representing and voting on behalf of the Friends.
Another was that the term ‘Friends’ be scrapped, with all becoming Members with voting rights. It was suggested that there would still be a management team who would make day-to-day decisions, but that the Members (aka former Friends) could vote at the AGM.
After much discussion with several suggestions from the Friends, it was agreed that advice would be taken from the Charities Commission on changing the constitution and a meeting be held on 1st September to report back to the Friends.
Election of Trustees
Brian Hinton was elected Chairman once again, after being nominated by Mary Clemenson and Brian Snellgrove. BH explained that he was planning to move on in the near future and hoped to pass the Chairmanship to someone else, adding that he was looking forward to “less stress in my life”.
Linda Heasman was voted back in as vice chairman. Brian Snellgrove, at 85 years old had resigned from the post of treasurer, but as no others were nominated, he agreed to continue in the role in the short term.
Chris Heasman had also resigned as Company Secretary, but voted back into the role as there were no other nominations. It was thought that one of the new Trustees, whose applications were currently being considered, may take on the role.
New Trust Members
Brian Hinton explained that Anthony Churchill, Martin Beasley and Chris Jarman had all agreed to join the Trust.
Addressing the public, John Holsburt explained that anyone wishing to join the board of Trustees should send a written application including a CV and what they’d bring to the board. Applications would be considered at open evening.
Brian Hinton finished the meeting by expressing the need to re-invigorate the board and to do it fast.
His parting words were, “We are all friends.”
