Title: Minutes of 19th Annual General Meeting held Saturday 20 October 2001
Author: P18681
Last saved by: Diane
Company: The Patent Office

Minutes of  26^th Annual General Meeting held Tuesday 27^th  October 2009

Present:  Robert Jewels, Wendy Winney, Iris Barratt, Val Hamilton, Robin Hamilton, Nancy Hooper, Digna Liepa, Brian Congreve, Eric Markland, Kathryn Bennett, Gillian Masters, David Willock, Jane Willock, Sue Rayner, Alan Whitlow, John Isaacs, Brenda Isaacs,  Michael Foote, Jan Trinnick, Geoff Trinnick, Nigel Williams, Jan Hill-Tout, Richard Lloyd Jones, Rob Wilkinson, Alan Parry, Jane Parry, John Henn, Margaret Wallis, Pat Simpson, Gwyn Lewis, Richard Garman, Gareth West, Mike Norris, Wayne Morris, Robert Smith, Rhiannon Havard, Claire Edwards, Len Bowker, Jeff Hobden, John Newton, Diane Davies.

Apologies:  Jen Richards, Kath Edwards, Glenys Rugman, Mike Kohnstamm, Paul Davies, Roma Whiteley, Jeff Watson.

Kathryn Bennett gave a slideshow on her trip to the Antarctic which was warmly received.  

John Newton (JN) chaired the AGM and opened the meeting by expressing the Group’s sadness over the passing of Arthur James and John Edwards. 

1.  Minutes & matters arising:  The minutes of the previous AGM were accepted as a true record after correction of “done” to “down” in item 3(d).   Matters arising: (i) Item 7b:  JN explained the committee had considered Thursday day walks but felt that there was no groundswell of opinion for such a move;  (ii) Item 7(c): JN said Family walks were now taking place and thanked Kathryn Bennett for her work in setting them up.

2. Officers’ reports
(a) Treasurer:  A written report was provided to attendees and Jeff Hobden explained that the financial crisis would not have an effect on next years budget but might for 2010-11.  However he was optimistic that Area would take our expenditure needs into account when setting the grant in future years.  The Treasurer’s report was then accepted.
(b) Secretary:  A written report was provided to attendees.  Diane Davies (DD) answered a question on Llanishen Reservoir planning application: WAG had withdrawn the Minister’s decision and a fresh decision would have to be given; in the meantime CADW has listed the reservoirs (WPD has appealed the decision) and this can also be taken into account when the minister comes to a fresh decision.
(c) Rambles: Gwyn Lewis wished mainly to thank walk leaders who make the programme possible.
(d) Publications:  DD read Mike Kohnstamm’s report.  He asked for comments on the new A5 format.  Only one spoke against - finding it too large.
(e) Footpaths:  Gwyn Lewis explained that most order were gating orders which we did not oppose if there was no significant disruption for walkers, preferring to leave it to the local community to decide.  However, where the opposite was true, we did object as with Birdies Lane although we were unsuccessful in fully preventing gating. 
(f) Publicity:  DD read Paul Davies’s report.  The launch of Family walks was a great success with radio and press coverage.  He outlined the places where short walks and family walks leaflets were distributed.  This prompted a question about the Council’s “Walk in the Park” initiative which would be worth providing leaflets for.
(g) Membership:  DD read Roma Whiteley’s report.  We currently have 717 members.  Roma thanked those involved in helping with the March and September mail-outs.
(h)  Countryside:  John Newton said that it had been a quiet year but thought this would now change.  He also asked to keep him informed if they became aware of any environmental issues that might be detrimental to walkers.  

3.  Honorary President
John Isaacs was voted in as the Honorary President for 2009-10.

 4. Election of Officers
The following were elected unopposed:

Secretary – Diane Davies
Treasurer – Jeff Hobden
Membership Secretary – Roma Whiteley
Publications Officer – Mike Kohnstamm
Footpath Officer – Gwyn Lewis
Rambles Officer - Gwyn Lewis
Countryside and Environment officer - John Newton
Publicity - Paul Cornelius Davies

5. Election of Committee: Gillian Masters, Dave Willock & Jane Willock were re-elected.  Kathryn Bennett was elected.  Richard Garman indicated he did not wish stand again and John Newton thanked him for his long service and huge contribution to the work of the Cardiff Group

6. Independent Examiner:  Margaret Wallis was elected.
 
7.  Any other business
(a)  A lively discussion took place on questions of the pace of strenuous walks and on the need for more short walks.  Those responsible for organising the walks programme reminded the audience that such walks could only be in the programme if there were people willing to lead them.   However, the committee would look at the issue.
(b)  Richard Garman reminded people of the existence of VIP walks and the need for volunteers to help out on them.