Author: Gillian Masters
Last saved by: Diane
Company: Microsoft

Minutes of 31^st Annual General Meeting held Tuesday 22^nd October 2013

Present: Gillian Masters, Jeff Watson, Nigel Williams, Alan Whitlow, Brian Congreve, Digna Liepa, Vic Chambers, Martin Bye, Nancy Hooper, Roma Whiteley, Michael Bell, Graeme Miles, Nigel Clifton, Dave Willock, Jane Willock, Gareth West, Mike Norris, Val Hamilton, Robin Hamilton, David Moorcraft, Pat Simpson, Wyn Rosser, Polly Ashfield Watt,Leighton Hill, Robert Jewels, John Newton, Kath Morris, Kathryn Bennett, Gwyn Lewis, Rob Wilkinson, Jan Aplin, Mair Bevan, Linda Hall, George Baugh, Paul Hobbs, Mike Dean, Mike Kohnstamm, Glenys Afia.
Apologies: Diane Davies, Jen Richards, John and Brenda Isaacs, Alan Parry, Margaret Wallis, Jeff Hobden, Rhiannon Havard, Glenys Rugman, Claire Edwards

Roma Whiteley gave a talk on her and Jeff Watson's travels in Patagonia this year illustrated by some beautiful slides of the region and its wildlife, which was well received.

After refreshments including cakes made by Jane Willock, one with 30 spelt out in walnuts to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the group, John Newton chaired the meeting.

John spent a few moments talking about the lack of a permanent chair and how he felt this was detrimental to the committee's functioning.

1(a).  Minutes of the previous AGM were accepted.
1(b). Matters arising: The Welsh Council in Cardiff went well.  There was no support for a 30th anniversary dinner so this had not happened.  Gillian apologised for the non-walk on October 6th which had been planned to replicate one from the first programme; it was sabotaged by the half-marathon lock-down.

2. Officers' Reports 
(a) Rob Wilkinson (Publicity): Thanked Paul Davies, his predecessor, for his hard work, noted our difficulties in engaging outside the white middle class demographic, thanked helpers at the One Cardiff meeting and explained that a banner and tabards were now available to advertise the group.  He asked for people to check their libraries to see our leaflets were present. 
(b) Kathryn Bennett (Membership and Family Walks): Family walks, now termed 'family-friendly' walks, are going well and have themes to attract all ages.  She thanked her helpers for getting the programmes out.  The October membership stands at 650. 
(c) Gwyn Lewis (Rambles and footpaths):  Thanked walks' co-ordinators and walk leaders and stressed the need to be more proactive in getting more leaders, especially for the Wednesday leisurely walks.  Coach trips had good weather and no one was left behind-leaders were thanked and a request made for anyone willing to lead the May and/ or August 2014 trips.   He suggested that anyone with internet social networking skills who could use them for the benefit of the Group should make themselves known to the committee as this is becoming a more important means of communication and thanked all who helped with hosting the Area and Welsh Councils this year.   On footpaths, we have a tendency to be reactive rather than proactive. Much of what we receive is gating orders from the council: eighteen in total of which we objected to six.   There were five stopping up orders (one objection), four diversions and two creation orders.  There have been four planning applications and we expect more.  Three obstructions were reported and dealt with. 
(d) Secretary's report:  John read this, which was largely as reported in Glamorgan Rambler and she was thanked for her hard work. 
(e) John Newton (Treasurer) John’s report was printed and distributed.  Detailed notes were issued which John explained. There were no problems with the accounts, but they had yet to be submitted to the examiner.  In view of the tight timescale he suggested in future the AGM might be put back into November.  The report was accepted by the meeting.  A new examiner will have to be found as Margaret Wallis does not wish to continue.  Both she and John were thanked. 
(f) Mike Kohnstamm (Publications): He demonstrated the Cardiff Group website and publicised our Facebook page as a site to upload group walk photos. 

3. Honorary President:  Michael Belton was made Honorary President for the year.  He said that he was humbled when he saw who he was following and expressed his thanks to the Ramblers for introducing him to many interesting places.

4. Election of officers: Nigel Clifton volunteered to join the Committee as Chairman and was enthusiastically accepted.  Other committee members were elected without opposition and members who had agreed to continue another year were named.  A new examiner for the accounts will be required.

5. AOB: Publicity was given about a booklet of footpaths in and around Lisvane, available from Mike Dean for a small sum.  There was a question about Eric Markland, who was said to be taking it easy at present: the meeting wished him well.