Title: RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION - CARDIFF GROUP
Author: User
Last saved by: Diane

RAMBLERS CYMRU CARDIFF GROUP 
Minutes of meeting held 6^th August 2013 at Wales Office

Present:, Diane Davies (DD), Rob Wilkinson (RWi), Mike Kohnstamm (MK), , Kathryn Bennett (KB), Jeff Hobden (JH), Gwyn Lewis (GL), John Newton (JN), Roma Whiteley (RWh), Gillian Masters (GM).
Apologies:  Jane Willock (JW), Dave Willock (DW).
Chair for meeting: meeting chaired by JN.

2.  Minutes of meeting held 17^th June 2013 were accepted as accurate and there were no matters arising.

3. Budget 2013/14
JN introduced a discussion on the budget for 2013 expressing concern that his request for £2292 had been cut to £2200.  He was also concerned that the coach trips always produced excess income over expenditure and that we would underspend by some £400 this year.  There was a general feeling that if we continue to make surpluses then consideration should be given to making a donation to one of Ramblers projects. It was agreed that in the light of what has happened over the 2013/14 grant request we should discuss our financial requirements for 2014/15 in April 2014 so that a strong case can be made to Area and any cuts suggested by Area contested.

4.  Family Walks
KB asked that the emphasis of Family Walks be changed slightly to Family-themed walk so that adults without children would feel able to attend.  This was agreed.  She also asked that the experiment of having two separate leaflets for short walks and Family walks be discontinued.  This was also agreed.  The question of whether this new leaflet should have a colour component was discussed: MK is to look at the cost and let DD know in time for preparing the amalgamated leaflet.

5.  Winter Programme, WalkTalk and AGM
(a) GL reported that Friday and Saturday programmes were ready and that the Wednesday one should be ready by the 11^th.  DW in a written report said that there were still quite a few gaps in the Sunday programme and he had e-mailed out to known leaders asking people if they would like to contribute an extra walk or two.  MK reported that he hoped to send the programme to the printers by Friday 30^th August.  The idea of 30^th Anniversary walks replicating the first programme had not been taken up apart from by GM who had a Sunday walk presented as such; it was accepted that this would be as much as could be done.
(b)  GM reported that she had had two items but required more: the deadline was 23^rd August.
(c)  DD to send AGM minutes and Agenda to MK in good time for the deadline for material to the printers.  RWh agreed to give a slideshow on Patagonia of around 45 mins.  It was agreed that refreshments should include a birthday cake to celebrate the Group’s 30 years.

6. June Publicity events
(a) DD & MK expressed satisfaction at the interest shown by people attending the pre-retirement event at the Heath Hospital.  It was learnt that these take place every three months or so and the next one is likely in October.  Both felt we attend again if possible and DD to contact Gwenda Owen to see if Ramblers Cymru has received notification.
(b)  KB said that the planned stall at the Llandaff festival was not taken up as unfortunately she was away.

7. Officers’ Reports
(a) GL reported that it remains very quiet regarding footpath orders.  The issue of the definitive map and lack of interest by the Council in the Group providing volunteer help was raised.  DD said she would seek to raise these issues when appropriate at a LAF meeting.
(b) KB reported membership stood at 643 and that she had up-dated the welcome letter.
(c) RWi showed the banner and high-visibility jackets that he had purchased for Group use.
(d)  MK in his report raised the issue of out-dated walks on the website, particularly those in More Capital walks and suggested we should recheck to see if they were still walkable.  DD said she had not completed work on one already in the pipeline (Draethen  and Michaelstone-le-Fedw: Walk 12) and said she would begin again on completing it.

8. AOB
GL introduced a discussion on Ramblers Vision for the next 5-10 years.  He explained that he, Vic Chambers and Martin Bye had volunteered to lead members and groups (including outsiders) in discussions to determine what issues they felt might affect peoples wish be outside walking and what should be the priorities for the Ramblers.  The Committee agreed to be a group participant and provide their joint views.  Three issues and three priorities were chosen and ranked.