AGM visit to Sixties Sheffield

In the President’s address to the C20 AGM, held at the Site Gallery on 26th May 2012, Fiona MacCarthy recalled the excitement and optimism of the fifties and sixties in Sheffield, when she first moved there with her husband David Mellor. The city was building new and revolutionary social housing, and its steel and cutlery industry was thriving. Over the AGM weekend, members visited many buildings from this era, from the dramatic cliff of Park Hill, part of which is currently being refurbished by Urban Splash, to two fine Basil Spence churches in the large estates of Woodthorpe and the Gleadless Valley. A tour of Michael Hopkins’ Round Building for David Mellor, and a reception at the beautiful house he has recently built for MacCarthy in Hathersage, were a highlight of the weekend.

The AGM saw Alan Powers step down after five years as Chairman, and his review of the 33 years he has been involved with the Society, from founder member and caseworker to trustee and Chairman, was enthusiastically applauded. Peter Ruback becomes Chair of the group of eleven directors (trustees), including newly-elected directors Michelle Banks, Timothy Brittain-Catlin, Eva Ling and Nicola Rutt. Daren Briggs was re-elected , and will become Vice-Chair, in addition to his existing role as Membership Secretary, while Robert Drake takes over from Simon Wartnaby as Honorary Secretary.  David Davidson was warmly thanked for his long and effective service as Casework Convenor. He is succeeded by Ian McInnes, who also continues to act as Honorary Treasurer. Nevil Hopkins remains Events Secretary.