Secretary 2022/23: Michael Archer

 

 

 

Present: , Stephen Bovett  Murray Gillespie, Geoff Harding, Des Friedrich, Michael Archer,    Wally Garrett, David Gibson, Judy Hanline, Jan Dempsey,  Gary Brown,  Sally Morch, Owen McCluggage, David Brownson

 

Apologies:Tony Bird, Simon Northrop, Mike Makein, Richard Handley, Harry Duynhoven, Gary Brown

 

Guests: John Pitman, John Middleton, Ian Smiley

 

 

 

Fines: Stephen Bovett

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Raffle: Sally Morch

 

3 Minute Speaker: David Brownson Part 2

 

 This was the second part of David's talk about where he's at  today how he got there and 

how to encourage those that may not be successful from an academic viewpoint.

 

He felt he was a failure at school. Primary got held back a year, went to Scots College in Wellington not happy with his experience there and left at the age of 16 at end of fthe Fourth Form. He was always interested in watchmaking and was fortunate through family connections to do a 5 year apprenticeship in 2.5 years.

 

He's since trained as a CAD Designer, Computerised Milling Machine expert, expert in Excel Spreadsheet. Noting that business had taken him on a path.

 

He questions what are we doing for those not so well off, often through lack of opportunity and contacts.

 

What makes you are the people around you particularly family he says.

 

Things changed for his business when Michael Hill came to town. Ironically he may be inheriting a top sales person from them enabling him to be less involved in his business.

 

Another excellent talk from David.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduced by Michael Archer ,    

 

Ann's husband is a first cousin of Stephen Bovett

 

Graduated from Victoria University and did a Masters degree in bilingual education at Toronto University. Current Secretary of Spotswood College School Board .

 

Interestingly there were no women in Symphony Orchestra's prior to the 20th Century.

 

Ann is a percussionist. She mentioned that her parents met and married as members of the Orchestra and that she had met her husband Gary through the Orchestra too.

 

The Vision statement for The Taranaki Symphony Orchestra is:

 

1.0 Play together

2.0 Present Concerts for the public

3.0 Public Education

 

They have employed a professional Conductor since 1998. This has helped to improve standards and provide opportunities for tutoring aspiring local musicians in the community.

 

They on average, have 3 major performances a year at a variety of venues mainly in the Theatre Royal.

 

There are currently about 30 members in the orchestra and they have reciprocal arrangements with 10 other North Island Orchestra's as their concerts require.

 

A number of members have gone on to Professional careers.

 

They have had 70 professional soloists join them since 1998.

 

There is very close cooperation with other musical groups in Taranaki to ensure no double bookings.

 

Ann mentioned that they have a Musical Education Trust that principally supports disadvantaged children to learn the violin. It has been proven that there are significant cognitive benefits in learning to play a musical instrument.

 

They still rely on funding from The Toi foundation ( generally receive half of their needs), George Mason Trust (Through New Plymouth West Rotary), concerts and other donors to  meet their annual financial needs.

 

The Orchestra's next concert(Reformation composers) is on Saturday November 26th, 7.30pm in the Theatre Royal, the conductor is Christopher Luke. 

An interesting address.  She proved to be a great advocate for the Orchestra.

 

Thanked by Sally Morch.

 

                   

 

 

 

 

Annual Charity Golf Tournament:Friday 11th November, New Plymouth Golf Course.

 

Unfortunately the weather prevented the Tournament from going ahead.

The tournament has been postponed to a 9.00am Mass start on Friday 18th November.

We will be operating one BBQ at the 12th Hole maybe with some additional trimmings Bacon etc.

 

Michael archer has collated information on who is available and their roles on the day.

 

There is already an indication that some teams won't be available on that day.

 

 

 

Please advise Judy what you will be bringing and numbers to ensure no double ups.

 

 

 

 

 

You cannot suffer the past or future because they do not exist.

What you are suffering is your memory and your imagination.