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"Mr Vice President,
Mr Chairman and fellow members of the Festival.
Once again I am pleased
to present the Secretary's report for another successful Festival.
The performers and adjudicators all did well and their efforts
were appreciated by stewards and audiences throughout the classes.
The standard of performance
was high and the championship classes reflected this. The
atmosphere of the schools classes on Friday afternoon was particularly
refreshing, both vocal Saturdays were a pleasure to listen to.
Long standing performer, Gillian Teague won 7 individual classes
and was a worthy winner of the Vena McLean Trophy.
The adult piano was
disappointing in the number of entries but it did provide a platform
for the young pianist, Thomas Kelly. The following Saturday was
very well attended and produced two new champions in Ella Ronson
and Sam Hampson.
Despite the awful weather
there were many performers and supporters who made it to Rossall
School for the Speech classes. The championship classes in the
Museum Theatre provided special performances, the Hardingham sisters
Elly and Holly winning their respective championships. It was
also pleasing to see the new class of Own Composition earned a
mark of 90 in the 16+ class
I noticed that last
year I reported that too much work was done by too few people
and this is still the case. Recruiting new Committee members must
be a high priority for us all during the coming year. There were
clearly not enough stewards for the classes at Rossall School,
and trophies arriving on the day, in some cases after the class
had finished, makes no-one's job any easier. Using Rossall School
for the first time was obviously difficult, especially as the
weather meant a difficult walk from the car-park to the classes
extremely difficult. It was a learning curve for all of us there
but the hospitality and help given to us by Nicola Mason and her
helpers was very much appreciated.
During the course of
this year we have been able to respond to new legislation with
regard to children and vulnerable adults. Accordingly most of
us have completed a CRB check, the rest of the committee will
soon follow.
Over the two full days,
plus Friday afternoon of the Festival we held 133 classes, 20
more than last year, 12 championships, 2 more than last year,
employed 14 adjudicators(1), 4 accompanists and prepared 16 rooms
in 4 different venues.
55 Princes Way continued
as the Festival Restaurant well up to the usual standard thanks
to Jean and Florence and her team, which this year included Judith
Brown. I would also like to mention those who provide refreshment
at the various venues, particularly at Rossall, who opened their
brand new cafe earlier than scheduled in order that audience and
performers could have access.
It was good to hear
positive comments from adjudicators and stewards for they appreciate
the mammoth task that organising the Festival involves. I would
like to thank all of the committee for their support and commitment
to the Festival.
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