Author: Diane Davies

RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION - CARDIFF GROUP 

Minutes of meeting held Tuesday 11^th April 2006

Present: Diane Davies, Arthur James, Gwyn Lewis, Richard Garman, Mike Kohnstamm, Gillian Masters, Linda Bakker, Roma Whiteley

Apologies:  John Newton, Michael Belton, John Henn, Jeff Hobden

GL agreed to chair the meeting.

1.    Minutes of the last meeting were accepted.  A letter from Jen Richards to the chair of the meeting, thanking people in the Cardiff Group and particularly DD for their support during her ill health, was read out.
 
2.  Matters arising
Item 2 (laminated maps):  Agreed to purchase a set of maps covering areas generally walked by Cardiff Group (GL to note).  Also agreed that JH should have one of Cardiff area and he was advised that, as this was a legitimate Footpath Officer’s expense, the Area would pay for it.
Item 3 (first aid):  DD reported on progress with the First Aid course – seven people had volunteered and it was likely that we would only be charged for these seven.  Arrangements for the day were in hand and DD said she would collect the £10s from people on the day.
Item 4 (Navigation course):  LB report that seven people had attended a very successful course.  She reported that there was little response to the article in WalkTalk asking for those interested in a beginners’course but that she and Mike Walsh would consider holding another advanced course.
Item 5 (Walk Leaders evening):  DD to note for agenda around end 2006.
Item 6 (Summer programme):  LB thanked for organising the successful distribution of the programme and WalkTalk. MK reported that the short walks leaflet had been distributed to libraries and shops and copies provided to AJ for further distribution by volunteers.  Agreed to further printing of the short walks leaflet as and when necessary (MK to note).  GL to prepare another article on RA grading system for next WalkTalk.  

3.  Jeff Hobden unanimously co-opted onto the Committee.

4.  Dealing with large numbers
This growing problem was discussed.  The main emphasis was on the need for leaders to understand that they had a number of options for dealing with this if they though it might cause problems on a walk – these included appointing back markers, changing the route to something more suitable for the size of the group and the conditions they were likely to face and, ultimately, asking anyone thought not able to do the walk not to participate.  GL to remind potential leaders of such points when contacting them for the next programme.  Agreed essential to have three walks on Wednesdays for the Winter programme.

5. ROWIP
DD gave a report on progress of the sub-committee on this, including that a response to the outline draft had been sent to Cardiff Council.  She also reported that a further draft had been presented by Cardiff Council to the LAF and that the Council had refused to provide copies to the Group.  RG had arranged photocoping of this document and provided copies at the meeting.  A further meeting of the sub-committee was arranged for Monday 24^th April to consider the next step.

6.  Glamorgan area meeting:  GL gave feedback – little of importance was discussed except that Budget for groups was coming nearer  (DD to put on agenda for next meeting);  also Cotswold at Llantrisant would give discounts to RA members if they quoted the area account which had been set up with them. 

7.  Officers Reports
(a)  Footpath Officer:  JH reported that a footpath in Lisvane had been blocked by electronic gates and that the matter had been taken up by the Council and by Lisvane/Graig Preservation Society.  He also reported that widening of the M4 to three lanes north of Cardiff would cuase a number of FP diversion orders.  Committee was remined by GL that problems outside the Cardiff area should routinely be reported to RA London since they would automatically forward them to whichever group was responsible for investigating and monitoring the problem.
(b) Membership: now 724 members
(c) Secretary:  letter of thanks from Tom Langridge for help by members of Cardiff Rambler explained – agree to send it to RA London (DD to note). 
(d) Publicity:  MK raised question of changes to website which would be required with broadband. Agreed to rent our own domain site (MK to investigate).  MK urged to update photos on website with more recent ones.
(e) Treasurer:  Treasurer’s report approved.  

8. AOB:  
(a) question of donation to Air Ambulance Wales raised (DD to put on next agenda);
(b) agreed to renew YHA membership (MB to note).
(c) Masonic Hall mentioned as potential venue for Monday meetings (DD to note).