Tain book festival chair hails 'wonderful' support of volunteers at AGM
The chairperson of St Duthac Book and Arts Festival hailed the support of its volunteers as it prepares to hold its third annual event this September.
The group held its annual general meeting in the Duthac Centre in Tain on April 27 and was delighted to welcome a large turnout of committee and members of the public.
A total of 24 people were in attendance as chairperson Catherine Williams, on behalf of the eight management committee members, expressed their delight at having such wonderful support from the community.
The work of volunteers was a particular highlight, most notably in their efforts with the pop-up-bookshop and art gallery, at venues and when fundraising at the monthly community market.
Ms Williams said: "We are very much a team, with areas we are each interested in, but coming together in decision making. We could not do what we do without the support of our volunteers, especially throughout festival week, thank you all."
The chair also shared a message for anyone considering volunteering of – “do it, it is so much fun”.
A new committee was then elected, with Ms Williams agreeing to serve one more year as chairperson, and Frances Wood elected to the role of vice-chair.
Coral Allan was re-elected as secretary and Jackie Ross as the new treasurer, while new members Sara Gardiner-McNeill and Francoise Ollivier were also warmly welcomed onto the committee.
Retiring treasurer Mary Fleming presented a set of audited accounts to demonstrate a "stable" financial position. Catherine referred to the outgoing treasurer as “the best treasurer the group had ever had, and a treasure of a treasurer.”
Ms Fleming was then presented with a fruit bush in recognition of her hard work on behalf of the group. Dave Macrae was thanked for his excellent work as vice-chairperson and was also presented with a gift.
Before closing the meeting, the chair announced that author and journalist, Sally Magnusson, had asked to return to the festival this September to talk about her new book.
It was remarked that the festival is becoming well known. Ms Williams added: “At first we were asking authors to come, now we are being asked – 'can we come?'”
This year, the St Duthac Book and Arts Festival will take place from September 11 to September 18. Visit the Festival website at stduthacbookfest.com for details of all events.
