[NSP] Re: NPS President
I think it's time for the NPS to stop this childish sucking-up to Patrons and Presidents. There is no need for our Patron at all. I've not seen or heard anything that he has done for the cause of our society except give our society some false illusion of Grandeur, Nobility and Eliteism and cast an erroneous cloud of what the Northumberland Smallpipes are about. The Patron has not supported our society as within dictionary terms for the word Patron So what's he there for? As for a President, there is no need for one, the Chairman can do that job. If one says that the President most be impartial, then the Chairman should be too when sitting in committee. The Chairman is not there to dictate, he there to precide. I believe the title Honarary President could be given to achievements made within the society as a gesture of thanks but he/she would have no powers whatsoever. Adrian -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President
I would like to support the views of Ann Sessoms and Francis wood as they reflect my own but are so much more eloquently put. There seems to be an orchestrated Gadarene rush towards what is essentially a vote of no confidence in the elected committee. Where will it all end if they take the hump and resign en masse? Dave Shaw Dave Shaw, Northumbrian and Scottish Smallpipes, Irish Pipes and SHAW Whistles www.daveshaw.co.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President Francis Wood's post
This posting from Francis Wood summarises my feelings on the new president affair very eloquently and comprehensively, and moreover soothingly - as is his way. I would imagine that Colin Ross in particular could take comfort with the understanding shown of his awkward position in all of this. I would add my own good wishes to Colin, as I, among the legion, have from personal contact with him benefitted from his expertise in pipe-fettling and reed-making, and he has my total respect in all things to do with pipes and piping and pipe music. I find the campaign to subvert the completely legitimate and praiseworthy presidential selection process to be ill-conceived. It does no service to the society or more importantly to Colin Ross. Who could fail to be moved by Colin's account on the 19th of this month of the reasons behind his decision to step away from the selection process? The campaign totally ignores what the effect on Colin could be of the additional stress of facing an election process when there would obviously be strong opposition. I hope that the organisers will reconsider their position, preferably sooner rather than later. Robert - Original Message - From: Francis Wood oatenp...@googlemail.com To: annsess...@yahoo.co.uk; nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 2:56 PM Subject: [NSP] NPS President Thank you, Ann, for providing further information about the President-elect and her piping interests and abilities, which is much needed. Some brief Web-based research has provided further information indicating that Joyce Quin has been very active in the House of Lords in supporting causes which, personally, I find admirable. Nobody will be surprised that they do not include issues intimately connected with smallpipes but they are worthy of respect. Other members will make their own minds up about this if they make similar enquiries. As to the election of the ex-Chairman as President, this really is a redundant issue. It seems that the Committee made their decision in accordance with the rules of the Society and giving due consideration to eligible and potentially willing candidates, neither of which categories included the Chairman at the time the decision was taken. I see no reason to distrust the processes by which this decision was reached and no doubt the Committee will wish to clarify the details if controversy continues. I understand that there is presently a campaign, so far conducted in private, to subvert the Committees efforts and decision, and to persuade the former Chairman to become President. Members have already been informed by the Secretary via this list,that the Chairman decided to resign from the chair and the Committee as a result of medical advice. I am sure we would all wish him well and I am dismayed to hear of any ill-conceived interventions which might well compromise his health. No doubt he would wish to dissociate himself from these misguided efforts. I understand Anns misgivings and I share them. The distribution of skills in any gifted individual is frequently very uneven and (forgive my frankness) this is the issue at stake here. Our Chairman has made an colossal contribution to the traditional music of this country both as an advocate and performer. His position in the development of our pipes, one of the very few traditional instruments native to England, is inestimable and of importance in the wider field of innovative woodwind development. What more could one ask? These are not necessarily the qualities enabling the effective chairing of a committee or diplomatically and inclusively presiding over an organisation. Others can do those things perfectly well and possibly better, and should be permitted to do so. I would like to express my confidence in the NPS Committee, in their observance of fair practice, and in their decision on this matter. Francis Wood -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President and more.
This seems to be getting out of hand. If I'm correct, there was a decision taken in committee to which the chair objected and, as a result, resigned. Is there nothing in place where a contentious issue may be placed before the members or that an EGM could be called for? I've been is situations where this has happened and, after a vote by the members, all has settled down with those unable to accept the ruling deciding that they would be forever at odds with the rest of the committee and have resigned their post. That's their prerogative The EGM can give an opportunity for all sides to discuss the problem in an open manner. Discussions behind closed doors often result in whisperings and suspicion. Even when it's not called for in the rules, open discussions with members is often a good idea. We do, after all, vote people into the positions and can also vote them out again (or at least not vote for them again). At the moment we are hearing bits of things which, to my mind, smacks of infighting and personal grudges ranging from I'm not playing any more to if you don't like it, tough, we don't need you. This isn't doing any good at all. Sometimes it's too late to announce that a decision has been taken and just maybe (when politics can seem to take a part, for instance) it may be appropriate to involve all the members in a vote or at least to ask their opinion first (don't governments have enough of a problem with this?). Whilst I realise that the committee is voted in to take these decisions, there may be occasions when a simple committee majority just isn't enough. A simple poll of the members would, I think, have been a good idea. We run the severe risk of alienating sections of our membership here and we need also to remember that the membership covers a rather wide area with some unable to attend meetings either through distance, cost or health reasons. Has the society considered a proxy vote for these people? If this matter isn't resolved in an open and public way, I can see a fragmenting of the society into two or more camps. We must, I think, put our own personal selves aside and think PIPES and what is best for PIPES. Innuendo and gossip isn't what we want to hear. maybe a publishing of the minutes of the meeting concerned would help? Without getting a concise record of what was said and done, we are forced to glean what we can from emails. That's not good and will totally rely on how vehement or eloquent the writer may be. Let's have it all out in the open (isn't that what minutes are for???). Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Dave Shaw d...@daveshaw.co.uk To: annsess...@yahoo.co.uk; nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu; Francis Wood oatenp...@googlemail.com Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 4:32 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: NPS President I would like to support the views of Ann Sessoms and Francis wood as they reflect my own but are so much more eloquently put. There seems to be an orchestrated Gadarene rush towards what is essentially a vote of no confidence in the elected committee. Where will it all end if they take the hump and resign en masse? Dave Shaw Dave Shaw, Northumbrian and Scottish Smallpipes, Irish Pipes and SHAW Whistles www.daveshaw.co.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President and more.
On 23 May 2009, colin wrote: If I'm correct, there was a decision taken in committee to which the chair objected and, as a result, resigned. The chairman accepted the vote of the meeting. Colin R resigned on the advice of his doctor. With a serious heart condition one does not ignore that advice lightly. there may be occasions when a simple committee majority just isn't enough. A simple poll of the members would, I think, have been a good idea. I suggested to the committee that suggestions be sought from the membership via the newsletter and I would have liked to have had a membership wide vote on a shortlist, in the interest of openness, but the committee majority thought these ideas inappropriate in view of the rules. maybe a publishing of the minutes of the meeting concerned would help? Copies of the minutes of any committee meeting are available to any member on request. This has been the case for many years and was reiterated in the newsletter a year or so ago. Julia Say NPS Hon Sec To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President and more.
Yes, I am aware that minutes are available upon request. I was suggesting that, in this particular case and for reasons of clarity, that they should be made available (say on line and maybe password protected) so that those of us who are not within the inner circle could get a clearer reflection of what actually happened - on the presumption that it was all minuted, of course and nothing pertinent was off the record. That may stem any rash urges to take the matter further as may have been suggested by questions asked. It seems odd that a simple resignation on health grounds would stir up so much kafuffle and leads to a suspicion that there was more to it - without suggesting that health grounds did not contribute, of course. I do remember some details of a bypass some time back, I think and the Colins on this list ain't getting any younger :). It was only a suggestion so that decisions can be made on facts, not hearsay and personal vendettas. After all, we want to stay a coherent and useful society, do we not? The last thing we want is any hint of a cover-up or misinformation. I personally don't really have an axe to grind over who you choose as I don't know enough about the role and who would be best to fill it. Some societies and charities have some very odd presidents and patrons anyway and most that I know or have some connection with select someone who seems important and often a very tenuous connection with the aims of the society/charity . At least we do seem to be looking at people who have some connection with piping so that's good. I do think that we should be looking at a 21C solution to communications though. Waiting for a newsletter isn't ideal in the days of instant messaging and snail mail is expensive. If nothing else, maybe this debate will open up a new communications channel. Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Julia Say julia@nspipes.co.uk To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu; colin cwh...@santa-fe.freeserve.co.uk Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 8:11 PM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: NPS President and more. On 23 May 2009, colin wrote: If I'm correct, there was a decision taken in committee to which the chair objected and, as a result, resigned. The chairman accepted the vote of the meeting. Colin R resigned on the advice of his doctor. With a serious heart condition one does not ignore that advice lightly. there may be occasions when a simple committee majority just isn't enough. A simple poll of the members would, I think, have been a good idea. I suggested to the committee that suggestions be sought from the membership via the newsletter and I would have liked to have had a membership wide vote on a shortlist, in the interest of openness, but the committee majority thought these ideas inappropriate in view of the rules. maybe a publishing of the minutes of the meeting concerned would help? Copies of the minutes of any committee meeting are available to any member on request. This has been the case for many years and was reiterated in the newsletter a year or so ago. Julia Say NPS Hon Sec To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
