Welcome:
The Chairman, Bill Rich, opened the meeting, welcoming members and thanked our host Charles Burnett III for the use of his magnificent house for our meeting and also for allowing us to visit his workshops where the car for the steam land-speed record is being built. It is with regret that he announces the passing of Curtis Bourdon, Dennis Wedgewood, Christopher Hunter and John Newbutt.

Apologies:
Les Nelson, Tony Doyle, Jim King, Mike Clarke, John Hill, Alun Griffiths, Antony Bever Nick Howells.

Minutes 2005:
Minutes were circulated among members, and agreed as a correct record. Proposed David Goddard, 2nd Haydn Davies.

Matters arising:
There were no matters arising.

Election of Officers:
No nominations for officers were received therefore it was Proposed by Richard Hounslow and Seconded John Goold to carry on with official officers.

Chairman's Report:
Bill Rich informed the club of the very successful year and gave us very descriptive tales of his time over the channel in Paris and Great TV coverage on the USA Barry McGuier Show and various steaming events which our members have participated in; these included Germany, Brittany and many events in the United Kingdom. He also reported on Peter Stevenson's Midlands Meander tour held between June 19th and 24th 2005 and thanked Peter and Susanna for a wonderful tour. Well done everyone involved.
The membership has sadly declined, but on a good note the steam cars coming into the country shows that there is good interest within the club. He also mentioned we are hoping to encourage younger members to have an interest in the cars and club by looking at a possibility of providing copies of the Magazine to University Engineering Library archives.
The Magazine is truly amazing with a variety of interesting articles so ably put together by Jeff Theobald in his third year as Editor. We are truly indebted to Jeff for his diligence in producing such a wonderful magazine well done Jeff.
He then thanked Joy Davies for all her hard work and support during her second year as Club secretary.

Secretary/Treasurer's Report:
Joy Davies asked if there are any questions about the accounts. There were no questions. Accounts were Proposed by Diana Goddard and 2nd Richard Hounslow.
Membership to date is 339 with last year total 356 we have had numerous correspondences on our good work in producing the magazine so again congratulations to Jeff.
Due to high cost of postage Joy asked if it was possible to remind members that subscriptions were due via e-mail please note to allow this to happen members need to arrange for a message to be received from joysteamcar@yahoo.co.uk. Any members who have not given me their current e-mail address please sent your address.
Joy mentioned that she had bought some polo shirts and jackets with the club logo on. Jackets are £25 each and Polo shirts are £12 each. These are available in the foyer for those that would like to see or place orders, she also informed the floor that the Windscreen stickers were proving quite expensive to set up but she would carry on looking for cheaper options so members could buy Steam Club Merchandise in future.
Joy also attended the Federation of British Historical Vehicle Seminar (FBHVC) on Computerised MOT in the past year this was very interesting talk and would not affect us in the club because it is more a paper trail rather than the actual MOT test at present but it was very nice to see other motoring clubs participation.

Auditors:
For 2006 James Holyoak & Parker Charted Accountants, Proposed by Derrick Mills and 2nd by Arthur Thomson.

Editor/Archivist Officer's Report:
Jeff Theobald said that he had enjoyed editing the magazine and asked members to continue providing photo's even if only accompanied with small article. He would also like pictures of workshop projects, annual running repairs, etc. This will enable other members to see the workings and not only our prestigious cars beautifully gleaming in show conditions. The Web Site has provided the club with extra medium and has many hits in the last year. He has also provided the extra archive details so members can see who now own vehicles in alphabetical order.

Authentication Officer's Report:
Arthur Thomson informed us he had successfully competed his second year and pointed out that he endeavour to help members with favourable import duty rates for genuine historic steam cars and also support members applications for either obtaining their original registration number, or suitable age related one. This year has seen an influx of cars coming in from America, nine in total, including a very rare example of Lane Steam car, where only two are known to exist. Also providing twelve supporting letters to the DVLA for registrations one for an original registration number for a 1913 Pearson-Cox and made a point that he would not support applications if details do not add up.
He also could not answer why some cars were asked to obtain MOT and others were not but in time felt that it will become obligatory for all. He pointed out the necessity to replace your old V5 Reg form for the Current V5C on any vehicle that was in storage or rescue project even if you do not intend to place on the road. It has also been pointed out by the FBHVC and Veteran Car Club that "No Child under three can be carried in any Vintage or Veteran Car unless in a suitably restrained and approved child seat".
Arthur informed us that the FBHVC have nominated a "Drive it Day" on 23 April every year this is to commemorate the 23 April 1900, 1000 mile Trial, where 64 cars took part. He also informed the meeting he would continue in office for another year.

Tours 2006:
Tommy Dreelan tour of Southern Ireland giving a date 6th-15th July 2006.
Bill Rich Tour of the New Forest Steam Car Tour 2nd Sept to 7th Sept 2006.

Tour 2007:
John Tilly proposed that we try and do another Progressive tour. David Goddard who did the last tour did note that progressive tours do have additional work to organise e.g. carrying luggage and back up vehicles. Therefore Bill asked if John would still like to organise one with help he will look at this.

Club Insurance at events proposed by Gerry Stoneman:
Gerry asked how our insurance worked especially on tours. Bill informed the floor that he had contacted our Insurances Footman and James, the club at the moment hold a club Static insurance policy which covers Public liability £5000000 any one occurrence, to include our and stall at shows. Employers Liability, which allows us to protect the officers. Libel & Slander for the magazine and web pages and because of our status of Limited company by Guarantee allows any claim against the club to be limited to £1.00 per member. Our Tours are organised by members, who are advised to obtain their own insurance regarding the tour, plus all Cars attending have their own Road traffic Insurance plus abide by Road Traffic Act and have boiler insurance applicable to their car. We also have adopted the Code of Practice of National Traction Engine Club. We as a club must show due diligence.

Discussion on honorariums proposed by Gerry Stoneman:
Gerry asked if it was possible to pay an honorarium to Secretary and Magazine Editor. It was amended by Bill Rich to be limited to £500 and seconded by Gerry Stoneman. David Goddard proposed it should be addressed annually to reflect the work that had been carried out by both officers.

Club Banner:
It was proposed by Bob Dyke to thank Peter Williams for his kind donation to purchase the Club Banner, which has provided a profile for our stand at shows.

Antique Road Show:
Humphrey Hamlin informed the club that his 1901 Locomobile will be on the show to be broadcasted on the BBC1 on the 5th March 2006.
The meeting was then closed at 3.55 pm and followed by the discussion on Best Practice. Information will be provided by Bill Rich in a later edition of the Magazine.