The 100th Annual General Meeting of the Society, held at Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester, was a grand occasion marked by the honour of continued royal patronage from King Charles III. The President, Lord Inglewood, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, acknowledging the significance of the centenary milestone.
The meeting began with apologies from four absent trustees, followed by the approval of the previous year’s AGM minutes. Mr Giles Quarme, the Chairman, then took the floor to deliver his report, highlighting a year of considerable change. He welcomed the new Director, Liz Power, who had joined in January 2023, and mentioned Ross Anthony’s increased commitment to the Society (from 4 days a week to 5 days), and the relocation from St Ann’s Vestry Hall to 37 Spital Square.
After the formal proceedings, attendees were treated to two insightful talks. Eamonn Canniffe delved into Manchester’s historical landscape and the broader heritage context during the period of AMS’s inception, highlighting the necessity for the Society. Jonathan Schofield spoke on Hallé St Peter’s restoration and the Ancoats area, then examined the challenges faced by both Manchester and the nation.
Lord Inglewood, with ceremonial grace, cut a birthday cake commemorating the Society’s 100 years. Attendees then raised their glasses in a toast to the Society’s century of impact and bid farewell to retiring trustees Edward Impey, Giles Quarme, and Carole Ryan.
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism and anticipation for the Society’s future. The centenary AGM not only celebrated a rich history but also set a promising path forward.
Full AGM meeting minutes will be available on the website shortly.
