Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society

Minutes of AGM: September 14, 2004

The AGM was held at the Scott Polar Research Institute, after a talk by Kieran McCarthy of the London-based firm, Wartskis, on the history of Fabergé objets d’art.

1. Apologies were sent by Anne Ashby, Alison Wilson, Richard Cook, Nina Pavlovskaya and Sally Green.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Marion McCleod presented a report on the society’s finances to the AGM and distributed the Balance Sheet at 31 August 2004 to members present.
3. Marion, Tanya and others suggested that a larger surplus is needed to fund talks and events. It was proposed to increase the annual subscription from £5 to £7 with effect from September 2005. Those present were in agreement. If any members not present have a strong objection to this, the proposed increase can be reconsidered.
4. The committee proposed to donate the sum of £200 to the Russian Red Cross to aid the victims of the attack on the primary school in Beslan. A motion to this effect was passed by those attending the AGM. Marion and Marina will make the necessary arrangements to forward the money to Russia.
5. Marion confirmed that the society accounts are audited by the Fitzwilliam College accountant. This should be done each year before the AGM.
6. Tanya noted that we need more feedback and more ideas for talks & events. The following suggestions were made:

- poetry and play readings

- a book club to read and discuss Russian literature

- a Pushkin Night to be held on June 6 each year

- social events for older Russians, eg. a morning tea party in a church hall

- video nights, quiz nights, a talk & demo on Russian cuisine

- group visits to Russian films & exhibitions

- a workshop on Russian folk craft

- a talk on Siberian shamans

- talks on Russian history by Orlando Figes and Chris Andrews

- a talk by Chandler, the translator of Platonov

- specific times for speaking Russian, to encourage non-native speakers

7. Events in the near future are:

- an exhibition of local Russian artists from October 4-15 at The Michaelhouse on Trinity Street with a reception and talk at 7pm on Thursday, October 7.

- a presentation by Gerard McBurney on Soviet Music-hall at Fitzwilliam College on Tuesday, November 23. Misha suggested it might be fun to come in 1920s-30s style fancy dress to add atmosphere to the proceedings. Anyone game?

8. Election of committee. Lizzie Owen will be standing down from the committee. Other members remain as before, with the following members continuing as office-bearers: Tanya Yurasova as Chairman, Marion McCleod as Treasurer, Barbara Laughlin as Secretary..