WEA Conference votes on incorporation

October 2005's WEA Conference at the University of Manchester was an opportunity for Branch members to meet others from all over England and Scotland to share views and join up with old friends.

Left: A unanimous vote on incorporation signals a change of status for the WEA.

This year's Conference will be remembered in the WEA's history for its unanimous decision on incorporation which will result in the WEA becoming a company limited by guarantee. This will come fully into effect following the transfer of the assets of the Association in January 2006 and will place the WEA on the same legal footing as many of the UK's other major charities.

Four new Trustees were elected:

David Lanch, President, Peter Cooper, Treasurer and two Deputy Presidents, Eddie Conway and Chris Morton. Presentations were made to retiring Officers: Janet Racklyeft and Colin Barnes who will continue to serve on their regional committees.

Four new Trustees will be elected from WEA Regions - three from the English Regions and one from Scotland, following which four further Trustees from outside the WEA will be appointed to make up the twelve to form the Associations new Board of Trustees.

Future conferences will be advised on actions taken in relation to resolutions agreed at previous conferences and discussions continue in relation to the regulations which, alongside the Memorandum and Articles of Association, replace the Constitution agreed in 2001.

Those attending Conference enjoyed a lively debate and heard from General Secretary Richard Bolsin how the Association now needs to be taken forward to lead the way in adult education.

Right: The Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester entertains gusres at this year's Conference.

The Conference dinner was a very happy occasion where the Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester managed to visit each table to greet delegates, and an ntertaining speaker, in the from of former WEA student and author, Robert Douglas read snippets from his book about his colourful Scottish childhood which had the audience alternating between tears and laughter. The following day's workshops were well attended, demonstrating there is something for everyone in the WEA.