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Established in 1765. Reg. Charity SC005224
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2021 256th AGM
After a short meeting to update and finalise some Society matters the Managers invited those members wishing to attend into the hall. Mr S. Tennant, Preses, welcomed all those present and called the meeting to order. The minute of the 255th AGM was read by the Clerk and adopted without change on the proposal of M. Kerr. The Society stood for a minutes silence to remember all those members who had passed on in 2021, David Dickie and Jimmy Redmond were both Past Preses and had worked tirelessly for the Society. The Treasurer reported that we were in good health considering we had had very restricted opportunities to raise funds but that we had disbursed monies to St Vincents and Renfrewshire Food Bank and Renfrewshire Guide Dogs. The auditor reported that the books were a true reflection of the Societies finances. Mr Tennant then proposed that Gavin Bell be elected Preses for the following twelve months, this was seconded by D. Blair and affirmed by the meeting. Mr Tennant then presented the chain of office to Mr Bell who gave a short speech of thanks and setting out some of his challenges and ideas for the coming year. Mr Bell, Preses, had not given any thought to his Vice Preses and this has been delayed until the next Managers meeting. Managers; I. Richie and J. Wallace were re-elected to the team and S. Tennant reverted to his post as a manager. The Office Bearers were re-elected unopposed, the assembly voting unanimously. Mr Officer had intimated he would like to retire and thought will have to be given to his replacement over the next twelve months should he so decide. The last item was the changes to the articles of association before there being reprinted. The Officer objected on grounds of tradition and Mr Preses called a vote, the articles of association are to be perused by the managers and any constructive changes to be brought to the group. The meeting ended in speech and...
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2020 AGM
The 2020 AGM was held via the Zoom platform with a turn out of Managers and no members. Mr Scott Tennant, Preses, welcomed those attending. After a minutes silence Mr Tennant thanked the managers for their support in what had turned out to be a terrible year for our type of fund raising. Mr Blair reported a change to our disbursement policy in that we would henceforth be offering to sponsor fundraising events for our main beneficiaries rather than a cheque to be lost in general funds, this would help them raise greater amounts and raise the profile of the Society. The Preses was returned to serve a second term due to the unprecedented nature of the lockdown and his having had no chance to preside over anything. The Treasurer, Clerk and Officer were returned unanimously and four managers were returned with Mr Tennant to check that those who were not present were happy to serve again. The Clerk proposed changes to the Articles of Association and in line with said Articles the proposal shall remain live for six months to be debated by the Managers and a vote taken. The night ended in a blank screen as Mr Tennant cut the...
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2020 Burns Supper
Our Burns Supper is always the second Saturday in January, unless it’s the third. Had we had it the weekend earlier people would have still been combing the New Year steak pie gravy out of their beards. When I arrived at 6pm there was a fair gathering of the great and good of the village. The caterers had done a fantastic job of dressing the tables and Mr Treasurer was doing a fantastic job of parting our guests from their cash. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year after all. Mr Jones called for silence and the company stood to receive their top table; Piper Kerr led Mr D Dunlop, Mr Ross McLelland, Mr S Tennant – Preses, Mr Jim Kerr and Mr D Blair to their seats before piping in the haggis and whisky for the toasts. Mr I Richie carried the haggis this year and Mr D Dunlop the whisky. Mr A Gordon addressed the haggis which really doesn’t do justice to his performance and the piper led off the creature. The Preses welcomed our guests and introduced the top table before Mr Dunlop said Grace and the Supper was served. The background hum gradually tailed off as our guests got stuck in to soup, haggis, steak pie and trimmings and the cheese board. There was no repeat of cheesegate and the caterers had provided enough to keep us nibbling well into the night. One guest was seen opening a nice bottle of Port during the pie course. To let it breath. Preses – S Tennent As the last empty fork hit the empty plate Piper Kerr heezed up his pipes and gave us a stirring medley of tunes ranging from plaintive airs to rollicking jigs. The Preses then introduced our first speaker Mr Ross McLelland from Paisley Burns Club. Ross gave a heartfelt and personal Immortal Memory, funny and poignant. His mis-timing of a barded gag at the expense of the catering staff left him red faced and having a finger wagged at him to huge hilarity. We think this young man may have a future at this Burns malarkey. Mr S Vaughan then arose on shaky legs to perform Tam O Shanter for the company, this was Mr...
Read MoreOur History
The Kilbarchan General Society was founded in 1765 and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, charitable institution of its type in Scotland. It was formed from several other institutions which operated in the village. The following pages give some of the history of the General Society, details of the current activities of the General Society along with contact details if you would wish to learn more of our work or even become a member. We hope you enjoy your visit and hope to see you at one of our events or Lilias Day, where the General Society Preses leads the historical pageant to the village park.
Read more2022 Events
As Preses for this year Mr Gavin Bell has proposed that now restrictions have been mostly removed we get on with organising events and raising funds. Our first event is on May 28th in Kilbarchan Bowling Club, a quiz evening with Disco Dave in the chair. Pies will be served. To keep abreast of what is happening please follow us on FaceBook or Twitter.
Read moreRunning the Society
The General Society is managed by its office bearers, The Preses, Vice Preses, Secretary (or Clerk) and Treasurer along with eleven Managers. The Managers are elected for 3 years and are available for re-election if so desired. The Preses and Vice Preses hold office for 1 year. These officials meet on a regular, usually bi-monthly, basis. They plan the General Society’s events and fundraising ventures as well as considering new applications for membership and requests for funds. The A.G.M. of the Society is held on St.Barchan’s Day, the first Tuesday in December each year.
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