The A.G.M. of the Bury St Edmunds Society CIO

The Chairman’s Report covered many aspects at the A.G.M. – from Martyn Taylor.

Welcome to you all in this wonderful building, The Guildhall, the management here is very helpful.

Firstly I would like to thank all of the members of the executive committee who throughout the past year have contributed to the smooth running of the society, our minutes secretary Melanie Mills indispensable! My thanks also to those Bury Society members that help out at our regular events throughout the year, especially the popular coffee and cake mornings, Stephen Moody’s cakes much appreciated!

Speaking of events, as per usual the Winter Lunch was very successful with a full house, excellent food and an amusing talk by Catherine Buchanan on table manners. A well-attended quiz at the St Edmunds church crypt was enjoyed by all, many thanks to B S member John Saunders for organising it. The Society supported an exhibition, Our Town-Our Stories in the Guildhall involving several groups and societies relating to the heritage and history of the town. We also supported grants to Moyse’s Hall & other worthy causes, Patrick Chung a good conduit to the Town Council. We have also supported the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership.

An excursion to St Albans and the De Haviland Aircraft museum though not as full as we would like it to have been, was still an interesting visit. Recently an excursion to Blickling Hall as expected was an enjoyable day with a fascinating visit to the textile studio where restoration of tapestries etc. are carried out. A useful generous grant obtained by Jess Hughes Bury Society trustee is being utilised to good effect to reduce costs whilst Sam Saloway-Cooke our programme secretary continues to explore avenues of entertainment for the Bury Society.

Regarding Planning – The recent announcement that Greene King will move out of the Town centre to the Suffolk Business Park will mean changes to the town centre not only for the lack of lorries using it but what the future holds for the sites and properties many of which are listed. We wait and see what their management plan for these will be. The subject of the Cornhill Walk development is once again in the limelight the Bury Society has in the past already commented on the various plans put forward as we have also done regarding the former St James School site overlooking the Abbey Gardens which is also waiting to be developed. Many of the other sites designated under vision 31 are now progressing as we are now seeing further major developments around the town, the town masterplan taking shape. As you know only too well the Bury Society was born out of opposing the wholesale destruction of St Johns Street, our two planning officers Ed Thuell and Peter Riddington keep abreast of any new proposed developments advising the executive committee accordingly. Tonight a certificate of excellence for the restoration of 11, High Baxter Street will be given to Paul Rinsard on behalf of the Bury Town Trust, Paul the man behind this worthy scheme.

Bury In Bloom under the stewardship of Chris Wiley and Robin Burnett has been doing very well winning the Anglia Gold Medal last year as well as ensuring the town enjoys its position as one of this country’s major floral towns. The exceptional work by Chris has not been easy with having to deal with un-necessary bureaucracy. Unfortunately with the excellent Front Garden Certificate coordinator, Lynne Wright, standing down we do need another for next year. Any takers?

Sadly, we have lost recently former Society chairmen and stalwarts Dr David Rees 2001-2005 and Peter Plumridge chairman 1991-93 and prominent members Shirley Chrispin widow of former chairman David Chrispin 1976-77 and Roger Charlesworth, Margaret Charlesworth’s husband.

Support from the Bury Free Press has seen a regular monthly article on the Bury Society by Bury Society secretary Terry O’Donoghue and Alan Baxter our media guru detailing how it is well worth joining the society, so could you members out there try and encourage your neighbours, friends and families to become members. The more we have, the stronger our voice. Don’t forget your opinions can be voiced in the excellent Society Review, appreciatively put together by Russell Cook.

This has been put to good use this year opposing the sad, disgraceful decision by Suffolk County Council to close Bury Records Office. Our heritage going to the Hold in Ipswich. All is not lost as the Bury Society, in co-operation with the Bury Town Trust, is still fighting to keep the archives of Bury and West Suffolk here in the town, it is an uphill struggle.

Because of the proposed closure of the Records Office the Bury Society approached Civic Voice for assistance in opposing the closure. Despite numerous e-mails and phone calls to Ian Harvey director of Civic Voice no replies were forthcoming. Therefore it has been decided by the B S Trustees that the £500 membership fee we pay to Civic Voice P A is not worth paying as we are not receiving any benefit from it. This along with the fact that a few years ago Civic Voice were issued a warning about their administration which went unheeded. Then a volunteer there misappropriated the majority of their funds in 2022. A regrettable end for the Bury Society as we had been members of Civic Voice for years ago from when it was Civic Trust.

Our treasurers Ben Booth and Sarah Nunn have ensured that the finances of the Bury Society and Bury in Bloom are kept healthy though at times somewhat challenging whilst Sue Savage our membership secretary continues having to juggle with members coming and going.
It has been discussed at the Bury Society committee meetings regrettably having to increase membership subscriptions due to increased costs of everything. So next year joint membership will be £25, single £20. However to attract younger members those under 30 years old would pay just £10 per year, so please encourage your grandchildren to become members!

In conclusion I would like to thank all you members who support the Bury Society in its efforts in looking after our wonderful town.

Martyn Taylor
Chairman of the Bury Society CIO