The recent AGM saw a return to a pre-pandemic scale of attendance, as over 90 representatives of local firms enjoyed a convivial evening of business, networking and a celebration of examination success.
Held in the beautiful Ballroom of the Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross, the evening followed a new format. Starting with an excellent buffet dinner before a lively meeting, the new timings proved popular, in place of the traditional late meal following a meeting.
President Michael and V-p Gary, of the country’s oldest FD Association (as Michael is keen to remind us), pictured with National President Barry
The meeting re-elected Michael Tiney as President, supported by new Vice-president Gary Valentine-Fuller, with Richard van Nes continuing as Honorary Treasurer. The other members of the Executive Committee had agreed to continue to serve and all were duly re-elected. Thanking his fellow Officers and Committee members, Michael expressed his particular gratitude to Ray Barnes who had filled the vacant Vice-president role for several months, to support the President until a volunteer for nomination as president-elect was identified.
After many years of service to London members, in various capacities, the Trustees had retired: Mr Tiney offered warm thanks to Simon Truelove, John Lodge, Michael Killick and Claire Austin. The meeting appointed replacements from among current Executive members: Matthew Barber, Barry Pritchard and Ray Barnes, all of whom are London Past Presidents.
In addition to news of the Association’s recent activities, including events held by its sub-Districts, Members also were interested to hear of matters discussed at the recent National Conference.
New NAFD President Barry Pritchard was congratulated on his recent appointment and LAFD’s Immediate Past President, Adam Ginder, on his election to the National Executive.
The evening included the presentation of certificates and prizes to alumni of LAFD’s popular Certificate in Funeral Arranging and Administration. During the pandemic, several CertFAA courses were held and the AGM offered the first opportunity to hold a formal presentation. We were delighted that 38 students, from several courses, were able to attend, to celebrate their success with colleagues and peers.
Included were three winners of the President’s Award:
a prize recognizing the candidate who attains the highest mark at Distinction grade in each examination cohort
Chloe Stevenson of Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors (course 27)
Tracy Anderson of Hunnaball Family Funeral Group (course 28)
Beth Adamthwaite of Lodge Brothers (course 29)
Documents from the meeting are available to download below:
Western District Chairman’s Report