After two online AGMs due to the Covid Pandemic, we were finally able to meet in person for the 130th Annual General Meeting of the St Andrew’s Society of Mexico. It was held in the White Room of Christ Church this March 2nd, 2023.
Chaired by Chief Daniela Gutiérrez, the meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm, with a quorum of 15 members attending in person. Including Ex-chief Tania Fuentes was following the proceedings live from Halifax, Nova Scotia and Ex-Chief Ian Robertson in person.
Minutes of the previous AGM were read by acting Secretary Rafael Gutierrez. These were approved and accepted by the members present.
The Chief presented her report pointing out how we were finally having live events after two years of pandemic. Highlights were:
Two lively Pub Nights at the British Embassy Cactus Club and the Duke.
We also had new and innovative events including the Bike and Brunch at the Duke and an Afternoon Tea at the Green Park Hotel.
The British Bonfire Bash was organised jointly with the British Society and proved to be a winner with Scottish Highland Games, dancing and a display by the St Patrick’s Pipes and Drums.
And the last event was the Burns Supper held at the Centro Asturiano in Polanco which had very good attendance and was enjoyed by all, with great speakers and a delicious meal with the Haggis as the star of the evening.
The Treasurer's report was presented as well by Rafael Gutiérrez. After that, the reports on memberships and social media were pressented by Membership Secretary, Alba Zazueta.
Andres Castro shared the activities and plans the Pipe Band has for this year. And last but not least Pepe Gutiérrez gave the Dance Corps report and invited everyone to join the dance practices that are held most Sundays at Christ Church at 4 pm.
We were delighted that Dani was re-elected to be our Chieftain and the Society will continue to benefit from her strong leadership and enthusiasm.
The new committee members are: Daniela Gutiérrez as Chiftain, Rafael Gutiérrez as Treasurer, Alasdair Baverstock as Secretary, Alba Zazueta as Membership Secretary, Tania Fuentes as Cultural and Historical projects and Andrés Castro as Logistics staff.
We also talked about the plans for this year and the upcoming events.
To end the formal part of the proceedings we had a minute’s silence in remembrance of those members who sadly passed away in the last 2 years. This was followed by our duty piper Andrés playing a lament.
After the meeting was adjourned members enjoyed some delightful refreshments. A nice dinner of bangers and mash with some haggis was enjoyed and washed down with the water of life and other beverages.
Lastly, a message from our New Chieftain, Daniela Gutiérrez.
"I am honored and delighted to take on a second year as Chieftain of the St Andrew’s Society of Mexico. I and this marvelous committee are already organizing several events for this year so be on the lookout for our social media and newsletter where we will be posting details."