2025 AGM Minutes And Accounts

Minutes of the 78th Annual General Meeting of the YPA.

Held at York Racecourse, Saturday 19th July 2025

Present: Robert McMillan (President), Richard Hindle (Vice-President), Philip Reynolds (Treasurer) Keith Burton (Webmaster) Daphne McMillan (Secretary) and 10 members representing a total of 9 societies.

1. none. The President welcomed the members and sought the meeting’s approval to continue despite having fewer than 20 members present. The members chose to proceed with the meeting, which was then declared quorate.

2. Minutes of the 2024 AGM. These had been circulated in advance and their acceptance was proposed by Richard Hindle (Sheffield), seconded by Richard Wheatley (Leeds). Passed nem. con.

3. Matters Arising: None.

4. President’s Report. I am now at the end of my two years term of office. Unfortunately during this time some societies have closed down, some of them previously having been amongst the strongest. Because a large proportion of members were of advancing years many of them had to give up due to illness, senility and sadly demise or loss of interest. I know that much is being done to attract new members but this is not always easy. Fortunately some of our affiliated societies are maintaining their membership and there are people joining them. Existing societies are sometimes unable to find replacements for the officers and I know this is the reason that one society had to close because of this. Another problem is that many people have no idea what philately is and people asked what their hobby is are met with blank looks when they say that they are a philatelist. I know I have experienced this on occasions and the reply is usually, ‘I’m a stamp collector but it’s not so simple as this!’ The next question is usually, ‘Have you got a Penny Black?’ This is because people think these are very scarce and valuable. They are surprised when they are told that there are many in my collection which are mainly not worth a lot of money, but of course, as we know some are! Some Societies have changed their name to ‘Stamp and Postcard Club’ so that they are more ‘user friendly.’ We all know that we make lots of friends, not only locally but often worldwide. The advent of Zoom has opened the door to many people who are geographically a great distance away. It’ s a delight to meet these people in person. Our hobby is also enhanced by specialist societies which can expand the knowledge of a specific area or topic. The Royal Philatelic Society, London works hard to promote our hobby. I can recommend anyone who is not a member to join. There are lots of people who give good advice and help anyone who is unsure of some aspect. Never be afraid to ask! There are many different ways of collecting and now picture postcards are added to the list. There are competitions covering all classes and some people find these as an incentive to improve their collection and form a focus. Sadly not so many people enter these classes but this is a very good way to gain an assessment of where you are and good advice is always given on how to improve your standard. Sadly I have not been able to visit all our member societies, my local society is few in number so I am not able to come to another society when the day and time clashes. I have been made welcome by those I have visited and I thank you for this. I am now handing over to Richard Hindle and I wish him every success and hope he enjoys his presidency as much as I have. Robert F. McMillan FRPSL

5. Treasurer’s Report: As it had not been possible to have the accounts examined before the AGM, the treasurer presented draft accounts to the meeting. These were accepted pending examination. Proposed K. Burton (Harrogate), seconded R. Hindle (Sheffield).

The examined accounts are below

5a. Proposal: (at the recommendation of the Executive Committee) “That the capitation fee for the Association be raised from 50p to 70p per annum with effect from the start of the 2026/27 financial year”. After some discussion the motion was carried on a majority vote, there being only one vote against it.

6. Competition Secretary’s Report: The Competition Secretary did not submit a separate report, but introduced and thanked Steven Harrison, who reported on behalf of the Judges from the West Midland Federation, who had done the judging again this year.

7. Webmaster’s Report: The new website is becoming more familiar to me so any changes can on the whole be effected quite quickly. The Events Page and Latest News are not as well used as possible, though Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield and York have made some use to advertise Zoom meetings, Special meetings or events and Fairs. Scarborough kindly sent a copy of their News which has ben incorporated. I do not add programmes as the link to the society websites provide that facility which otherwise needs a great deal of typing or reorganising of the details on my part. Basically, I am too lazy. It was suggested that we could include a cover per month to give something with more interest for visitors. The response to requests for suitable material produced two from Harrogate (shown in April and June). It would be preferable to have something from each society over a year or two – if the feature is to continue. If unsure what might be appropriate contact the Webmaster using my email address (ypawebmaster@gmail.com). I would still appreciate more material for inclusion from any affiliated society – please remember to give as much notice as possible, Word documents and photographs can all be transferred reasonably easily. Keith S Burton FRPSL

8. Election of Officers: Robert McMillan handed over the President’s badge to the incoming President, Richard Hindle. Vice President: Daphne McMillan. Junior Vice President: vacant. The Secretary (Daphne McMillan), Treasurer (Philip Reynolds), Webmaster (Keith Burton) and Competition Secretary (Robert McMillan), having agreed to continue, were confirmed in post.

9. Appointment of Examiner. Rodney Knight, having agreed to continue, was proposed by the President. Passed.

10. AOB: On the advice of the Executive Committee, it was agreed that future meetings other than the AGM will be conducted via Zoom. Philip Reynolds offered to host meetings. It was suggested that a permanent code be established and regular dates/times used.