The first few sentences of these reports are always the hardest. What am I going to include? It mustn't be too long - or too short! I mustn't forget anything vital and try and make it reasonably interesting, so here goes.
Firstly, I must say that it has been an honour and a privilege to be the SSAE Chairman for the past three years. As is often the case with these positions, it was rather thrust upon me! I accepted, not without some trepidation on my part I can assure you but in the event it's turned out to be an enjoyable experience, and has certainly given me an insight into the running of a successful society.
As always, I must mention our committee, who have always given me great support. They give freely of their time and energy to enable us to have a well-run and flourishing organization. Thank you so much to Angie, Anne, Dylan, Jill, Keith, Paul, Rhoda and Shirley.
AE has broadened its outlook and moved along with the changing requirements of its members. We all have a passion for Egypt and are thirsty for the knowledge and information our excellent speakers always bring us, but we don't take ourselves too seriously and there is always much laughter and merriment wherever we are.
Our in-house magazine "The Scribe" now contains colour pages in each issue, something we could only dream about a few years ago, and the standard of the magazine never falters. You all give generously each meeting to our raffle or bazaars and we are never short of donations for prizes. You have raised the magnificent sum of £206.85 this year, thank you.
I am pleased to report that the total membership of the Society has increased again this year. At the end of the year there are:
99 Individual Members
25 Family Members
2 Associate Members
1 Honorary Member
Total: 127 Memberships (152 Individual Members)
Our website (www.ssae.org.uk) still managed and designed by member Steve Marshall, is always right up to date with Society matters, and has good links to many sites. The professionalism of our magazine and website give us great credibility with other societies.
One of the biggest successes of the past few years has been the Society holidays to Egypt. Although through circumstance I have not been able to go on them myself, I know that those of you that have, had the most fantastic times and are always asking our holiday sub-committee for more! I don't think they will be out of a job yet.
It was decided that we would hold a Day School in 2006, something which had not been attempted for some time. After much deliberation a date, venue and subject for the day was agreed upon. I can assure you that many committee and personal hours were taken up arranging the day, and in the event, we were extremely pleased with the outcome. Our lecture team of Professor Alan Lloyd, Dr Aidan Dodson and Dylan Bickerstaffe proved a strong draw and they certainly did not let us down with the quality of their talks. All our tickets sold out in record time, our speakers turned up on the day (always a worry!), and when it was all over we realised we had enjoyed it all so much we should do it again and perhaps make it bigger next time - so wait and see.
The Day School and the holidays have been organized as a result of the questionnaire that was sent out a couple of years ago. We continue to act on this information and a good social programme is in line for this year. I believe we all enjoy the "getting to know you side" of our society and it's good to see all the chattering and catching up with each other at our meetings.
We have once again had a strong lecture programme. Our lecturers this year have included:
Colin Reader - "Building a Pyramid"
Martin Davies - "The Rescue of the Monuments of Nubia"
Chris Naunton - "Watercolourists at the EES"
Dr Penny Wilson - "Hearts, Birds and Ba's: A Flight of Fancy" and
Dylan Bickerstaffe - "The Egyptian Labyrinth"
I'm sure you agree, they were a varied and very interesting series of talks.
The weather seems to have played its part in our programme too this year. In June when Martin Davies came to Derby, it was probably the hottest day of the year and also the day of England's first World Cup match. Apparently not a good mix! Unfortunately, this resulted in a poor attendance, but believe me, everyone else missed a treat. Martin gave a wonderfully entertaining lecture with great photos of the monuments before their removal to new sites and photos of the actual moves.
In February, the two days before our lecture were extremely snowy, especially in Wales where Professor Alan Lloyd, our booked speaker lives. He very reluctantly but very sensibly made the decision not to travel to Chesterfield on the Saturday. Mild panic obviously ensued! Should we cancel the day altogether, should each of the committee do a turn? (A very hasty no on that one I can assure you). Following a few anxious phone calls from me, Dylan Bickerstaffe very kindly agreed to step in and talk to us about the Egyptian Labyrinth. When we arrived at Chesterfield on the Saturday, it was with great trepidation. Would there be anyone else there besides the committee? Well, I have to say your support and loyalty knew no bounds that day, we had one of the best attendances of the year. So I guess it just goes to show that snow will win over sun and football for Egyptologists any day. Perhaps you just thought the mention of Egypt would warm you up!
I must also thank: Chris Potter, Andrew Fulton, Joan Wright, Alan Speed and Peter Cope for giving the vote of thanks at these lectures.
2007/08 promises to be another good year for the SSAE, so please continue to give your encouragement and support to Rhoda Payton; which I know you will and thank you so much for making my chairmanship a happy one.
Gill Speed
Chairman
