Promoting Yorkshire Authors

 

Notes from PYA's AGM of 22nd March 2023 (Updated)

Chairman's and Finance Report

Paul Smith, Chair of PYA, outlined his Chairman's and Finance report (available from this blog) and added recent additions to report, plus the following actions were agreed:

• PYA has been asked to perform at the Knaresborough Arts Festival (FEVA) on Wednesday 16th August at 7pm in the library. We'll do a smaller version of what we did at the Ilkley Literature Festival in 2022 (see our YouTube channel - opens in a new window).
• The loans outstanding to committee members will be paid - John Jackson £59, Jane Clack £166.94 and Paul Smith £206.26. PYA will then have current assets of £536 and no debtors.
• John Jackson resigned as Vice Chair but will remain on the committee. John has been a stalwart of PYA since its formation and the committee thanked him for his invaluable support. His role will be shared between Linda Jones and Jane Clack.
• Paul Smith was re-elected as Chair.
  
• Donations are always welcome to PYA and it was agreed that no membership fees will be charged for the foreseeable future and that events proposed will need to be self financing. To donate please use this link (opens in a new window).
• The committee and its advisors comprise - new committee members and advisors to the committee always welcome.
  
• Appointed Committee Members
  
• Jane Clack (Vice Chair)
• Ros Kind
• Linda Jones (Vice Chair)
  
• Paul Smith (Chair, Treasurer)
  
• Kate Swann
• Advisors to the Committee
  
• Phill Featherstone
• Pam Golden
• Gabriella Gordon (contributing again during 2023)
• John Jackson
• Helen Johnson
• Stuart Larner
• Susanna Lewis
• Heike Phelan
• We should aim for a few more face-to-face events during 2023.
   

 South Yorkshire Group

The creation of a South Yorkshire group was discussed and Phill Featherstone will progress this with contacts he's made in the area. We discussed that PYA is not an exclusive organisation and will work with established groups to promote Yorkshire writers - like we have with Thirsk Write Now.

West Yorkshire Group

The creation of a West Yorkshire Group is in its early stages and Darren Walker and Linda Jones will progress its formation. We were reminded that Bradford and Holmfirth have a strong writer presence and that Bradford has been nominated as the City of Culture.

East Yorkshire Group

Stuart Larner agreed to examine the feasibility of creating an East Yorkshire PYA Group.