Author: Diane Davies

RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION - CARDIFF GROUP 

Minutes of meeting held Tuesday 8^th August 2006

Present: Diane Davies, Arthur James, Gwyn Lewis, Richard Garman, Mike Kohnstamm, Gillian Masters, Linda Bakker, John Newton, Michael Belton, John Henn,

Apologies:  Jeff Hobden, Roma Whiteley

JH agreed to chair the meeting.

1.    Item 8: Footpaths: “objecting to” amended to “commenting on”.  Minutes of the last meeting were then accepted. 

2.  Matters arising
Item 3:  MK still to investigate purchase of a domain name.
Item 4:  JH to find out Air Ambulance details in order for and covering letter to be sent (MB & DD to action following this).

3. Footpaths matters
The way footpath orders should be dealt with was discussed.  Two views were expressed: firstly, that all matters should come before the committee for approval; secondly that the FO should deal with the issues by following the guidance on extinguishment and diversion orders set out by the RA and only bring problems to the Committee.  No decision was reached though it agreed that any procedure needed to avoid the Committee being overwhelmed with discussions on individual orders.  An extinguishment order in Whitchurch was discussed which highlighted the difficulties and complexities of this issue.  The order was for stopping-up a cut-through between houses, requested because of vandalism problems.  The Committee was unhappy to accept this one since it was a genuine short-cut with evidence of use.  The Committee was concerned about Cardiff Council’s willingness to use such orders without apparently investigating more acceptable ways of tackling problems of vandalism (such as improvements to street lighting and other security measures).  However, it recognised that we did not have the resources or clear evidence of a community desire for the cut-through that would make it imperative that we pursue a full objection.  It was agreed that JH should write to Cardiff Council making representations on the order expressing our belief that stopping-up orders should be used as a last resort and requesting information as to whether the Council had investigated other methods of alleviating the problem.

4.  Winter programme and WalkTalk
(a) Programme: GL gave a progress report and noted that the Wednesday programme was likely to have only two walks.  GL asked to take up the matter with Brian, given that there was evidence that some leaders had expressed a willingness to put extra walks in if asked.  The proposed Leaders’ Evening was discussed – agreed that a budget of £100 should be provided and GL to find venue.  Items for programme need to be with MK by 14^th August.
(b) WalkTalk: GM stated that there was a need for copy but that she needed items by 22^nd August.  DD promised an article on First Aid courses.

5.   2006/7 Budget:  Written budget approved with the addition of £400 for individuals to go on BigFoot one-day first aid courses and £100 for Leaders’ Evening

6. ROWIP
JN had received an e-mail from John Donovan asking whether we would co-operate on two initiatives of the Council that will be part of the ROWIP:  an “adopt-a-path” scheme and identification of historic routes.   Agreed to hold a sub-committee meeting to discuss (DD to action).

7.  Officers Reports
(a)  Treasurer: Treasurer’s written report was approved; MB stated that deadline for expenses to be submitted was 30^th September.  He also wished to make it clear he would be standing down from the Committee as well as Treasurer at the AGM. 

8. AOB:  
(a) Agreed to have a group membership of the Elynedd trust; DD to be named representative.
(b)  Speaker for the AGM was discussed: agreed to invite the new Chief Executive (DD to action).