1. Apologies for absence. Pat and Derek Broome, Vera Giles, Monte Worthington, Malcolm Wood.
2. Election of President. Christine Scott was proposed by Gill Harris and seconded by Jill Dagnall. Her re-election was carried. She then took over the chair of the meeting.
3. Minutes of the 2003 AGM. These were approved and signed after a correction to the heading of item 8.
4. Annual Report by Gill Harris, Chair of the Society. Gill was able to report another successful year for the Society. There has been no major project this year but the new edition of "The Story of Rainhill" had continued to sell, and had prompted interest from far-away parts of the globe, including America. Another interesting programme of talks had begun with Mr Wilson of Southport, a master thatcher, who gave an informative talk with examples of tools and materials. Next, Rosemary Tyler of Prescot Museum, gave us an insight into the uses of herbs through history, with a huge array of samples. In December our speaker was indisposed but John Fairclough stepped into the breach with a really interesting, superbly illustrated talk about a visit to the Falklands. In February we had another visit from Prescot Museum when Susan Hughes and a colleague showed us videos of work they had done with Prescot schoolchildren about the history of BICC. The project had been shortlisted for the prestigious Gulbenkian "Museum of the Year" Prize, but sadly it did not reach the final. David Thornton, a Society member initiated us into the art of beekeeping in March and tonight Mrs Irene Rutter would tell us the story of Lewis Carroll through the window of Daresbury church. The Millennium Centre had again proved a popular venue with our society and many others. The resulting clash of dates had meant that attendances had sometimes been lower than hoped for. Gill said that she hoped members would appreciate this and do their best to support us. Rainhill in Bloom had again had a disappointing number of entries, despite the many good gardens in Rainhill. Andy Gibson had again been the winner with Mrs M Bispham and Mrs C Wright joint second. In the next few months the Society hoped to work with the Rainhill Rotary Club and the Railway and Heritage Society on a project to help improve the look of the Village. This may include renewing the plaques erected at the anniversary of the Trials. Other ideas may follow. Gill closed by saying that new members were always welcome and we would be delighted to see more younger people in particular. Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact the Secretary. Gill thanked the committee members for their support throughout the year.
5. Treasurer's report. Keith Ashall presented the accounts, which he had circulated to those attending. He noted that the Society's funds were in a healthy state. He particularly thanked Anne Slater for her hard work in raising money via sales of the book and Elaine Wood for her efficient membership system. Derek Houghton proposed that the accounts be accepted, thanking Keith for his work as treasurer. This was seconded by Angela Wilkinson and carried.
6. Membership Secretary's report. Elaine Wood said that membership stood at 38 single members and 78 family memberships. During the year 2 new singles and 3 new families had joined while 5 had resigned and 4 had died. Membership was consequently slightly higher than last year.
7. Membership Subscription. There was no proposal to increase the subscription this year.
8. Election of Vice-Presidents. Christine Scott pointed out that Arthur Platt, one of the founders of the Society and a Vice-President had died in June. Monte Worthington had agreed to stand again. She asked whether there were any nominations for the second position. Mike Carter proposed Councillor Mike Doyle and Derek Houghton seconded this. Mike Doyle said that he was proud to have been asked and was willing to stand. The election of these two people was carried.
9. Election of Auditor. Gus Jackson was again willing to perform this role. A proposal by David Whitley, seconded by Carol Walpole was carried.
10. Election of Committee. Of the last season's committee Brian Dagnall had indicated that he wished to resign. A vote of thanks to Brian was proposed by Clare Swatridge and seconded by Gill Harris. Another member of the committee had not attended any meeting this year and had not indicated that she wished to stand again. The following members were proposed for re-election; Keith Ashall, Beth Beswick, Sigrid Brown, Helen Carns, Mike Carter, Jill Dagnall, Vera Giles, Gill Harris, Derek Houghton, Ann Veronica Howitt, Marje Massey, Anne Slater, Clare Swatridge, David Whitley, Elaine Wood. Brian Dagnall proposed that these members be elected en bloc and Mike Doyle seconded this. The motion was approved.
11. Suggestions from members. No ideas were put forward.
12. Any other business. David Whitley drew members attention to the web site which, since January had received 1800 page visits. These had come from 31 countries. By far the most visitors were from the UK with USA second. The most popular page was that showing details of the Rainhill Trials, visitors being largely from schools and colleges. He invited those members with internet access to have a look at the site at www.rainhill-civic-society.org.uk . Helen Carns proposed a vote of thanks to Gill Harris as Chair. This was seconded by Jill Dagnall.

The business meeting was followed by a talk from Mrs Irene Rutter on Lewis Carroll as told through the window of Daresbury church.