Thanks to everyone who attended our 2024 Annual General Meeting and for their contributions, both during the formal business and in our members’ consultation event afterwards. This is a brief summary of the event.

Dumfries High Street Limited (t/a Midsteeple Quarter)

Summary of the 2024 AGM, The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries

The AGM was opened by the Chair at 7.00 pm.

2023 minutes

The minutes of last year’s AGM were shared and accepted.

Our ongoing work

The Chair, Peter Kormylo, and Interim Executive Director, Kathryn Hill, each delivered reports sharing highlights, achievements and key issues from the past 12 months - as well as briefly highlighting the Society’s hopes for the year ahead.

Among the updates to members was confirmation that construction work at The Standard is nearing completion, with the first tenants in the flats that Midsteeple Quarter has created there due to move in from next month (October).

Peter Kormylo announced that this would be his final meeting as Chair, with the Board having selected Robert Richmond as his successor. Robert will chair his first Board meeting in October. John Dowson later expressed a vote of thanks to Peter on behalf of the membership.

Members, funders and other supporters were thanked for their critical ongoing interest and contributions to Midsteeple Quarter’s work.

Accounts

The independently verified accounts were presented and accepted.

Board of Directors membership

In line with Midsteeple Quarter’s rules, the following directors had to stand down and be reelected to the Board of Directors:

• Joe McGurk

• Robert Richmond

Their continued membership of the Board was approved by the meeting.

Following Midsteeple Quarter’s Board application process, the meeting was asked - and agreed - to approve the appointment of two new members to the Board:

• Audrey Clowe

• Bill Simon

Members were advised that expressions of interest to join the Board could be made at any time. Details about how to do so can be found in the Governance section of the Midsteeple Quarter website.

Members’ consultation

Board members enjoyed some interesting conversations with members as they were consulted on two areas of the community benefit society’s work - the establishment of an MSQ Members’ Forum and strategic planning for the future as directors begin work on the organisation’s business and strategic plan following the completion of The Standard, looking towards future phases of work.  Feedback provided will be built into that work. MSQ members - and the wider community - will be consulted fully as this process continues.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

• The full AGM minutes will be available once they are approved at the next AGM

• Anyone with any questions can email info@midsteeplequarter.org