On Stage Manawatu

                                         NOTICE   “ONSTAGE”  Manawatu

THE A.G.M. FOR  “0NSTAGE” Manawatu  WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY 8^TH MARCH COMMENCING AT 6.30.P.M FOLLOWED BY OUR  FIRST CONCERT  FOR YEAR.

ALL THE PRESENT COUNCIL ARE SEEKING RE-ELECTION. 

DON FULTON HAS COMPLETED HIS 2 YEARS AS PRESIDENT. SO  VICE PRESIDENT, ALAN HORSFALL WILL TAKE THE REINS THIS YEAR.

PRESIDENT:      ALAN HORSFALL

VICE PRESIDENTS:   DON FULTON    JOHN GUY

SECRETARY:   NANCY TAWHARU

TREASURER:     PETER ELLIOTT

COUNCILLORS:    NGAIRE FINKLE  - STEVE ALLAN - BRIAN O’FLAHERTY

PROPERTY SUPERVISOR:    KEITH JACOB

CHIEF STEWARD:   CHRISTINE GUY

CONCERT CONVENOR:     DON FULTON

ANYONE WISHING TO STAND FOR COUNCIL MAY PUT THERE NAME FORWARD. 

WE ARE LOOKING FOR THESE  NON COUNCIL POSITIONS:                      STAGE MANAGER /     ALMONERS.  

President’s Report, January 2021

    Welcome everyone to 2021. We can only hope that what lies ahead has to be better than the one just gone. We look forward to bigger and better things with ‘OnStage Manawatu’ this year.

    Some of you will have seen the new signage on the outside of the building in Campbell Street, and I have to say it looks great. I would like to thank Ngaire for the time and effort she put in to get a good design to present to the signwriters (are they still called that when everything is now done by computers?)

Also we now have two Covid tracing signs up by the doors  where people can scan in for concerts etc. In addition, the building warrant of fitness required by the City Council, has been done and approved, and Alan Horsfall and Keith Jacob have been checking some wear and tear around the areas under the roof above the main entrance, and some low cost repairs are under way.

       Early in December, the President’s Dinner was held at the Masonic Hotel, and was attended by about forty members, a very enjoyable night was had. As well as a lovely meal, we were entertained by Dave Cohen with a collection of vocal numbers from previous decades which brought back some old memories. 

The final event for the year was the Christmas concert in a very relaxed atmosphere, with tables set out instead of the usual more formal seating. The concert itself was great with many numbers reflecting the Christmas atmosphere, and the feedback was so positive, the committee has decided that we should repeat it next year, and probably add it to our concert programme.

       Because the provisional date for the February concert coincided with Waitangi Day, it was decided that our first concert of the year, will be on the 8^th March, with monthly concerts going through to December. We will also hold the AGM  before the first concert, so please note the the AGM will start at 6.30pm, with the concert itself beginning at 7.30.pm.

        One thing that needs to be discussed at the AGM will be whether the members want to continue with concerts on Monday nights. It has been suggested that Monday nights do not suit everyone. one factor is that some older members find they prefer not to have to drive after dark, and may have to rely on other members for transport. It was noted that a lot of other musical clubs and groups  have weekend concerts. Some of the options suggested are (a) the 3^rd Sunday of the month from 3-5.p.m . (b) Moving from Monday night to Thursday night, or simply leaving things as they are.   Please give some thought, and if you want to give some feedback, you could email either me at d.fulton@inspire.net.nz   or    Nancy at nanterry@xtra.co.nz             One other suggestion was that we set the hall for each

concert with tables,similar to the Christmas concert.  It is unlikely that there will be a solution that will suit absolutely everyone, but it is healthy for a club like ours to look at these issues from time to time.

          This also a reminder that annual subs will be due shortly, and the council has decided to keep the current sub at the same level ie. $40 per person, as well as the same door fees $7 members, visitors $10.

I would remind members that we have ongoing expenses such as rates and insurance, which continue to rise year by year, so it is important that all members contributed by payment of subs. In addition however, because we would like to attract some younger members who may be students or on a very limited income, we have decided to have a new category for a member under 25yrs , of $40,  with NO door charge for concerts.

Reminder of upcoming dates:

          (1)  The Jazz club is holding a picnic at the Rangiotu School on Sunday February 14^th starting at 11.a.m.   

All members of OnStage Manawatu and friends are invited to attend – with instruments if appropriate, to share in the music. Bring picnic lunch etc.

(2)  The annual concert by the Swing Band will be held at Summerset Village on Sunday 28^th February starting at 1.30.pm.   The programme includes, Vocals by Kathy Buurman, Aleyda Mina, Mahnoor Hussain, plus the Harmonettes, a trio coached by Erna Ferry.  Entry is by gold coin donation to Alzheimers Manawatu

    (3)    First concert of the year – Monday March 8^th, preceded by the AGM at 6.30.pm

Let’s make this a cracking year and blow away the mad/bad memories of 2020.

Don Fulton   President.