The 2023 AGM of the London Irish LGBT Network took place as scheduled on Zoom on the evening of 25 October. Twelve members joined us for what was very much a procedural session and an interesting conversation about the future of the group.
Committee member, Daniel Carry, sent his apologies and also indicated he would not be available to stand for re-election to the committee. We thank him for his contributions over the past two years.
The chair opened the AGM by introducing all of the officers and committee members. The Treasurer’s report described how our funding from the Irish government’s Emigrant Support Programme as well as membership dues cover our modest expenses and we have finished the year with a small surplus.
The Chair’s report covered an eventful and very successful year for the Network. Highlights included our traditional participation in the St. Patrick’s day parade and the Pride reception at the Irish embassy as well as the ongoing programme on online talks and events.
Our chair then made a personal statement regarding her intention to move away from London in the coming months. Therefore she felt unable to commit to another year as Chair of the network. Additionally, she mentioned her intention to establish a new organisation for the LGBTQ+ Irish diaspora with reach across the UK.
These matters had been covered in papers circulated before the meeting. Accordingly, the secretary led a discussion about the future of the group in the light of this and the absence of any obvious replacement candidate for chair. The discussion was useful and vigorous with many useful inputs from all attendees. Accordingly we moved immediately to vote on the motion that had been pre-circulated to all members eligible to vote:
“That the term of the incumbent chair, officers and committee of the LILGBT Network be extended for 3 months from the date of this AGM to allow them to develop a comprehensive proposal on how to move forward with the Network, which will be brought before the membership for their consideration at an EGM of the network to be held before the end of this 3 month period.”
The motion was carried by acclaim.
Derek Murphy had indicated a strong interest in getting involved and was elected to the committee by acclaim.
A number of suggestions were made by members for possible events and activities for the coming session and these have been noted. The committee agreed to meet again within a week to start work on the action charged to them by the membership.
Thanks to all for a very productive and thoughtful meeting and for participating in the organisational discussion.
*Please note that as the meeting was recorded, this was not intended to be minutes, just a record of what was agreed for communication.
London Irish LGBT Network 