The AGM for 2026 Peveril Centre 7.30pm
As president Keith opened the AGM with a welcome and introduction to the format of the evening. Having approved the minutes of last years AGM and checked that there were no matters arising, then followed the report of the Chair for 2025, Roger Moore. Roger emphasised the number of members that had given presentations(17) in 2025 as well as the quality of guest speakers such as Alex Hyde. The members exhibition also got a mention for being an appraisal of photos and not a competition. The society had various social events during the year such as the “Scavenger Hunt”, a trip to Marple Locks and the Autumn quiz and meal. These were all enjoyed by members and similar social events are planned for 2026.
In his absence Roger also delivered the Treasurers’ report (John Sampson). The statement regarding the current finances and the costings for 2026 had been emailed to members prior to the AGM. The club has a slight decline in membership but remains solvent with no urgent financial worries. Other positive news came with the committee all being content to continue in post with the only addition being David Gulland who was willingly nominated as Vice-Chair. With the AGM business concluded it was then time to present the certificates and trophies from the members exhibition in 2025.
After a short break for a cuppa and a biscuit, our chair for 2026 Ian Stanyon then entertained us with a presentation on Architecture in Northern Spain. Looking at four aspects of architecture Ian began by commenting that a lot of the area is characterised by warm coloured, limestone buildings with hilly or mountainous backdrops. However, there are some more palatial houses, some using money made in South America
Spain is also home to many more famous and ostentatious buildings such as the Cathedral of the Picos de Europa, built between 1877 and 1901.
El Capricho is shown in the third panel below and was designed for a client by Antoni Gaudi between 1883 and 1885. Unfortunately the client died before ever inhabiting the building but it stands as a forerunner to the Art Nouveau movement
Another even more famous building is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a home to contemporary art and very much reflecting that idea in the design and construction of the building(s).
The fourth and even more magnificent “construction” in northern Spain is in the final pair of images in the panels. If many of the pictures copied on this webpage fall short of the photographs that Ian took, then the Spanish mountains need viewing in all their glory. Very rugged with only the lower hills covered in pine and oak they are not the highest in Europe but they are some of the most iconic.
Many thanks to our President, Past Chair and especially to out Chair for 2026, Ian Stanyon for a very entertaining evening.