26th AGM on April 5

That's it at the top of the page, minus Joe Landers, who took the photo. Left to right Colleen, Dave, Deirdre, Chris, Dot, Liz, Mike, Marian, Kerry, Bronwyn, Meredith, Mark, Mary-Anne, Graham. Read Joe's minutes

New webmaster

Mark Robinson from Trinity College Lismore has volunteered to take over responsibility for this association's website. It will be a gradual transition. He will be creating a new site, and initially a link will be provided here. When the bugs are ironed out the new site will replace this one. Meredith Burton has offered to assist him.

Meanwhile, as of now, if you contact the association through the website's Contact us page your message will be directed to the new secretary Colleen Bowles

A few words from Margaret Hatch, recently retired from Mullumbimby High

As I finish up I would like to pay tribute to all the fantastic music colleagues with whom I have worked on the north coast in all manner of shows, camps extravaganzas etc over the years. I feel very privileged to have worked with such a talented bunch of people. You have been a wonderful group of friends and colleagues and it has been a great ride, although slightly rocky at times for all of us. For those younger ones, keep the flag flying because you do make a difference. All the studies say so even if the governments don't.

I would also like to personally thank Graham for his outstanding service to the NCRMTA and for his incredible wit which used to keep me going when I read the ICTOASA and gave me a good belly laugh for the day. Graham I will never forget as long as I live, the funniest bit of writing I ever saw, which you did in a dept meeting all about acronyms. We were all in stitches for days after, even though you got into trouble for it. I'm sure you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm sure more will be said at the meeting about your contribution, and I wish I could be present. Thanks so much for everything you did.

Also to the executive Dave, Joe and Colleen particularly, thanks for your great service and for keeping the organisation going. Nothing stays the same for a long period of time and now it's my time to move on as well, but it was great while we were all there doing our best for the kids and networking when we could to keep us all sane and reinforce that we were all travelling the same road. Now I intend to find some new roads to travel both literally and figuratively. I can't be funny like Graham so I have to be more sincere in my thoughts.

Bye and good luck

Margaret

Chimes dates

Thursday May 8, dinner at Barrels, Sawtell, 7:30 pm

Thursday June 12 at John Paul College

Thursday July 3 at the usual place, the return of the traveller

Minister's response

The Minister for Everything, Julia Gillard, has responded to our letter regarding funding for music education. See our letter and her response

Bank account details

North Coast Region Music Teachers Association, BSB 032-576, account 69-3002