Author: Diane Davies

RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION - CARDIFF GROUP 

Minutes of meeting held Monday 4^th December 2006

Present:, Arthur James, Gwyn Lewis, Mike Kohnstamm, Gillian Masters, Jeff Hobden, John Henn, Richard Garman

Apologies:  Diane Davies, Roma Whiteley

GL agreed to chair the meeting.

1.    Minutes of the last meeting were accepted. 

2.  Matters arising
Item 2(3):  agreed to buy domain name at £28 (MK to action).
Item 4(b) (First Aid course) it was reported that DD had ten names (four not regular walkers) so far; JohnH stated he and Margaret Wallace would be interested in attending.
Item 8(a):  reported that all deposits for Aberystwyth had been secured.
Item 8(b):  thanks were expressed to Jan Hill-Tout for holding a very successful Christmas social.
 
3. Tenerife
The risk to the group through the bank account being used for moneys paid by those going on the Tenerife holiday was discussed.  Proposals based on JeffH’s paper were put forward and it was proposed that everyone sign a letter saying they had no claims against the Group and that they had their own insurance. (Motion carried: nem con).  There was a need to ascertain if RA Insurance covered trips abroad.  It was thought past practice where a travel agent was used who would be responsible for collecting the money was the preferred solution.  It was agreed that further discussion was needed on how trips abroad should be organised in future.

4.  Leaders’ evening:  need for it to be publicised on walks.

5.   Summer Programme
JohnH felt Village Hotel car park was not full and offered to find out if they were willing to have us back.  GL stated that he hoped to organise Stepping Stones walks on the theme of tea-shops to encourage the social side of walking.  GL also thought the 2^nd weekend walk would benefit from having a theme and suggested one based on Radyr. AJ stated he thought it possible to arrange 5 Wednesday coach trips and 1 for the weekend.   A “curry” theme for Thursday walks was suggested.  Agreed to continue with Tuesday socials and keep mileage contribution at present level.  RG willing to host summer barbecue.

6. Celebrating 25 years
One suggestion: a book of walks for Cardiff – RG suggested we ask Cardiff Council to produce it.

6.   ROWIP: 
PathWatcher leaflet: approved with removal of John’s address and insertion of correct telephone number.  Idea of having an incentive for people to join the scheme discussed.

7. AGM Report
Thanks expressed to John Newton for chairing it and to Val Hamilton for organising the refreshments.  Thanks also to Linda Bakker, Michael Belton & John Newton for their work on the Committee.  In regard to question raised at the AGM: (i) DD had contacted Cardiff Bay Authority regarding access and had received a reply that stated no route was likely in the next few years due to problems with an area designated as development land; (iii) Wales Office now usable for meetings; (iii) new bridge at St Fagans was now in place and was not vandalised.

8. Glamorgan Area Report:  motion t regarding payments for recces  from Area funds was rejected

9. Officers’ Reports
(i) Treasurer: present balance £2673; treasurer’s report approved.
(ii) Footpaths:  JohnH raised issue of electronic footpath forms and was assured that paper ones would still be valid.

10. AOB
(i) JohnH raised issue of the group having a protective tent (GM to investigate) and the matter of safety equipment in general to be on next agenda.
(ii) Dates for next meetings agreed:
Thursday 1^st February;	Thursday 19^th April;	Monday 18^th June;	Tuesday 7^th August;	
Thursday 11^th October.