Present: John Mason, Joyce,David Webb, Lewis & Sharon Barnfield, Jo Wykes-Sneyd, Christine Coe, Kevin Major, Abigail Wrycroft, Nell & Turleigh O, Conor. Apologies: lan & Maggie Todd, Chris Penrice, Viki Mills, David New, David & Maureen Shaw,Hector Wykes- Sneyd, Paul Allen.
 

The meeting started at approximately 11 a.m. with the minutes of the last AGM. being read and accepted. Proposed by Sharon Barnfield seconded by Jo Wykes-Sneyd.There were no matters arising.
 

Chairman,s Report: John Mason thanked the other members of the Committee for their hard work since our last AGM, particularly Jo for the Breed Survey and our web-site and Sharon and Lewis for the Club Stand. A special thanks to Christine and Joyce for preparing the excellent lunch.
 

Secretary,s Report: David Webb thanked Christine and Kevin for the use of their house as our venue for the meeting and thanked John and Viki for their hard work and support promoting the Breed as well as those mentioned by John. He congratulated Sharon and Lewis, Christine and Kevin and Jo and Hector on their success in the Show ring where Berkshires had an outstanding year in competition with the other Breeds. The popularity of the Berkshire appears to still be steadily rising and rightly so.
 

Treasurers Report: David Webb presented the Balance Sheet for the year ended December 2004. However please note this is subject to approval by our appointed Accountant. This shows a steady improvement even allowing for setting up our web-site which was our main expense this year .David also expressed his thanks on behalf of the Committee to Philip Morris and family for their sterling work selling raffle tickets.
 

Web Site: Jo reported that there had been 1801 visits to our site since 24th August 2004 .A chat room had been suggested and Jo will make enquiries with Richard Carter (who set up, updates and makes changes as required to our website). Turleigh O'Conor enquired as to whether there might be a facility to record births and their details for prospective purchasers. Jo will make enquiries. Those present logged into our web-site for general discussion and all agreed it is impressive and user friendly.lt was agreed to continue to employ Richard at a very reasonable cost. There are still further developments that could earn the Club some money.
 

Gillhouse Trophy 2004: The cheque and rosettes for all three places was handed to Sharon. This has not been achieved before. Congratulations to Sharon. All members are reminded to keep records this year of their Show placings and send to David.
 

Any Other Business: The P.G. Wodehouse Society are concerned regarding the numbers of their Empress of Blanding,s breed and would like to sponsor an event(s) to help promote the Breed.

Sponsorship of the Champion of Champions Final was suggested with names on sashes and Show Schedules and possibly to present the awards on the day. There could be a link to respective websites. Nell O'Conor suggested a competition in Berkshire schools for an essay on pigs/poem/drawing to be judged by that society .This is to be followed up with them.

Lambourn Valley Cider are also concerned following the Daily Telegraph article last year which reported that the Breed was in danger due to falling numbers. It aims to promote the breed and offer a small proportion of its sales to Club funds.

It was agreed to make the Cheshire support group of the R.B.S.T a Qualifier for the Champion of Champions if it has Berkshire classes under B.P.A. rules at its Show this year.

Brian Eeles is to be asked to judge the Champion of Champions this year.

Jo reported that we now have 152 Berkshire Breeders from the Survey. There are only 4
Nama Abel boars. lt was decided to endeavour to purchase a young boar to be kept at
Christine's in order to boost numbers.