Report on Annual General Meeting, Thursday, October 16, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Cedar Heritage Centre

John Hofman, Vice-President, provided an overview of society initiatives in 2008. These included requests for BC Parks , RDN and Friends of Morden Mine funding for a site study of Morden Historic Provincial Park and options for its development and preservation. As of October 16, , funds had been committed by BC Parks and Friends of Morden Mine.

Research into other possible grants continues, an urgent situation because of the serious state of Morden structures’ deterioration. An application for a Coastal Community Credit Union grant was submitted at the end of September, and the possibility of involving Vancouver Island University Geography students in a GIS mapping project of Morden site was explored. To date, there has been no confirmation of either proposal, although the VIU Geography instructor accepted the idea as a good one and offered it as an option tp students.

Measures to increase outreach to other community associations and individuals were considered or adopted, including increasing the number of reciprocal links on the website; enhancing its historical information; reducing member fees; exchanging or purchasing memberships with selected historical and other societies; participating in more community events including Lantzville Coaltown Music Festival, Nanaimo, Duncan and District Labour Day Festival, South Wellington Day; changing the meeting place to a more central location, sponsoring a stage play with a historical theme; promoting tours of the site by schools and visitors; selling cards, magnets and pins.

Tom Paterson’s “Black Track” tours remain one of the most successful outreach measures. This year Tom generously donated his time and historical knowledge on two tours: one in the spring and one in the fall. Revenue from the always sold-out tours goes to Morden’s preservation fund. Tracks Outdoor Adventures instituted two bus tours of cruise ship visitors in the fall, FOMM participated in South Wellington Elementary School’s History Week by providing tours for attending children, and a Victoria school class visited.

This year, instead of a guest speaker, there was an “Open Forum.” Issues brought up by members included the RDN’s Active Transportation Plan, its Regional Growth Strategy and Official Community Plan, the need to make Morden Mine site an interpretative centre for all historic coal mining on Vancouver Island, and the desirability of a bridge link across the Nanaimo River where the old PCCM railroad bridge formerly was constructed.

David Gogo, well-known blues guitarist and heritage enthusiast, was elected president, replacing Judy Burgess, Friends of Morden Mine President between its inception in 2003 until her August 2008 retirement. In recognition of her work and dedication to the society, an honourary life membership was presented to Judy in absentia. Incumbent directors, John Hofman, vice-president, Ingrid Greenwell, Treasurer, Rick Morgan, recording secretary, Charlie Christopherson, corresponding secretary, Eric Ricker , director-at-large were confirmed. Beverley Eert also agreed to join as a director-at large a few days later. More directors are always welcome!