Present: Thirty two representatives from following community councils:
Addiewell, Armadale, Bathgate, Bellsquarry, Blackburn, Craigshill, Dedridge, Ecclesmachan and Threemiletown, Ladywell, Linlithgow, Mid Calder, Philpstoun, Stoneyburn, Torphichen, Uphall and Whitburn (see attached list)
Guests: Mrs Mhairi Laughlin (West Lothian College), Mr Ron Skirving (Delta Design Ltd),
Mrs Karen Cawte and Mrs Lorraine McGrorty (West Lothian Council)
Apologies: Mr C Steele (Blackridge) and Mrs Halina Hinton (Uphall)
Mr Ronnie Macleod welcomed all to the Annual General Meeting of the West Lothian Association of Community Councils.
Minutes of last AGM – 20th November 2008
Minutes of the AGM held on 20 November 2008 were distributed and read as a true record.
Proposed by Mr John Richardson (Uphall) and seconded by Mr Ian Beck (Torphichen).
Mr Ronnie Macleod gave a verbal report, highlighting work of the Association over the last twelve months. He covered topics such as the new planning legislation which has come into force in Scotland, the relaunch of the Association website and the work Mr Ron Skirving of Delta Design is undertaking to help promote the Association. Additionally, he thanked Mr John Richardson (Vice Chair) and Miss Debbie Holloran (Secretary) for their contribution and support to the Association over the past twelve months.
Treasurer’s Report
Mrs Halina Hinton (Treasurer) was unable to attend the Annual General Meeting. However, she did submit an audited report of account for the period 16th September 2008 to 15th September 2009.
Issues arising from the last minutes
No issues were arising from the last minutes.
Election
Mr Ronnie Macleod (Chairman) handed over the meeting to Mrs Lorraine McGrorty of West Lothian Council to facilitate the election of office bearers and executive committee:
Election of Office Bearers
One written nomination was submitted prior to the meeting by Mr Jack Thompson (Linlithgow) for Mr John Richardson.
Post Nominee Proposed by Seconded by
Chairman Mr J Richardson Mr J Thompson (Linlithgow) Mr J Clarkson (Stoneyburn)
Vice Chair Mr I Beck Mr R Macleod (Bathgate) Mr J Richardson (Uphall)
Treasurer Mr J Moore Mr J Thompson (Linlithgow) Mr J Wilkie (Bellsquarry)
Secretary Miss D Holloran Mr R Macleod (Bathgate) Mr J Richardson (Uphall)
(employed)
Election of Executive Committee Officers
Mr R Lever (Dedridge), Mr J Clarkson (Stoneyburn), Mr J Wilkie (Bellsquarry), Mr T Davidson (Bathgate), Mr J Thompson (Linlithgow), Mr R Macleod (Bathgate), Mr I Buchanan (Craigshill), Mr N Killane (Blackburn), Mr A Heggie (Craigshill) and Mrs E Hands (Armadale). This leaves four executive committee officer vacancies. These vacancies can be filled by the executive committee, subject to the maximum of two members from each community council.
Following the election process, Mrs Lorraine McGrorty handed over to the new Chairman, Mr John Richardson to continue with the rest of the proceedings.
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Mr John Richardson introduced Mrs Mhairi Laughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College, to the attendees.
Mrs Mhairi Laughlin spoke about her professional background and her role within the wider West Lothian community. She discussed the links and common themes that community councils and her own organisation share, emphasizing the willingness of West Lothian College, as a community facility, to work in partnership with the Association by providing college facilities for the benefit of all community councils plus training support as required.
She highlighted the number of students who attend the college – there are over 1600 full-time students and over 5000 part-time students from various parts of the community. A role that the Association may support in the future.
Mr John Richardson thanked Mrs Mhairi Laughlin for her presentation and expressed his desire for the two organisations to continue working in partnership for the benefit of all.
Introduction to second Speaker
Mr John Richardson introduced Mr Ron Skirving, of Delta Design Ltd, to the attendees.
Mr Ron Skirving introduced himself and outlined what his company can do for the Association. He highlighted its involvement in the wider West Lothian community (e.g. Livingston FC, Donaldson’s School, etc).
Delta Design, as a goodwill gesture, is offering their design services to the Association free of charge. Mr Ron Skirving circulated example posters and merchandise which could help promote the Association. Opinions will be sought at our next general meeting.
Mr John Richardson thanked Mr Ron Skirving for his presentation and expressed a willingness to meet to further discuss the future involvement of Delta Design with the Association.
Thanks and Closing Statement
Mr John Richardson thanked all community councilors for attending the Annual General Meeting. In particular he thanked our invited guests, Mrs Mhairi Laughlin and Mr Ron Skirving, for their excellent and informative presentations. Additionally, he thanked Mrs Lorraine McGrorty and Mrs Karen Cawte (West Lothian Council) for their support and assistance.
He continued to speak about the role of the Association within the wider West Lothian community:-
Without you the association is nothing, so I ask you to please consider sending representatives to our general meetings (as per the leaflet distributed at the AGM).
Mr John Richardson then invited attendees to a buffet, kindly provided by our host West Lothian Council, where further discussion and questions could take place.
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