Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Arun-Adur Group of the Ramblers Association
Saturday 13th November 2021 - Ferring Village Hall, Ferring Street, Ferring – 2.30pm to 4.30pm
21 members and six officeholders were present. Mike Charman, the Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance. He noted the death of three Group members since the last AGM: Paul Sparrow, Jeremy Oakes and “Sheep Dip Charlie“ Batchelor. A minute’s silence was observed in their memory.
Apologies for absence
The Secretary, Neil Clark, gave formal apologies from Tim and Liz Baldwin, Jocelyn and Tony Clasby, Janis Clark, Antonia Shepherd and Hazel Charman.
Erica Biggs added the name of Claire Philips
Minutes of last AGM, held on November 14th, 2020 via Zoom
These had been available to members on the website. They were agreed to be an accurate record of proceedings and were formally adopted.
There were no Matters Arising.
Chairman’s Annual Report
Mike’s report had previously been published and he briefly summarised its contents. The changes to the procedures for the walking programme, necessitated by Covid regulations had led, in his view, to a better system which enabled leaders to post walks at any time, rather than having to plan months in advance.
There had been no social events, outside the walking programme itself, (save for the Cream Tea) during the past year, but he was pleased to confirm that a skittles evening was due to be held in the coming week and that the Christmas lunch had been restored. A quiz evening and/or a tenpin bowling event were planned for the New Year. It is hoped and expected that coach trips will resume in the summer, while the Secretary will explore some ideas for an autumn walking holiday.
Mike reminded the meeting that we still do not have a Social Secretary on the committee and thanked those who were organising events.
There were no queries from the floor about the report.
Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts for year ended 30th September 2021
Martin’s report had been previously published; the financial statement was also available in hard copy to the members in attendance. Martin identified Recce expenses as the very necessary principal expenditure at £139.85.
There had been little activity on the Social Account for obvious reasons, but he also drew attention to the fact that events were still being planned and held, in the absence of a Social Secretary.
There were no questions to Martin from the floor. Chris Cummins proposed the motion to adopt the financial statement and Martin MacKay seconded. It was passed nem.con.
Election of Committee
The Chair expressed his disappointment that no-one had come forward to succeed him, consequent to his wish to stand down after two years’ service. He asked for a volunteer from the floor to take up the chairmanship, but none was forthcoming. Mike announced that he would be willing to serve for a further year, but re-iterated his intention to stand down in 2022, wondering if there might be someone willing to join the committee in the interim, perhaps to facilitate and enable a “reshuffle” of roles. Sadly, there was no response from the floor.
In response to a query from the floor, Mike explained the role of Area Council Representative which he also undertakes, though it is not formally linked to the office of chair. Babette Berry volunteered to fill this post, was proposed and seconded and duly elected.
Members of the Committee who are willing to stand for re-election:
Secretary Neil Clark
Treasurer Martin Oborne
Membership Secretary Lesley Johnston
Publicity Secretary Neil Clark
Webmaster Erica Biggs
Walks Organiser Kate Melville-Brown
The Secretary had received the names of proposers and seconders for each of the above named committee members, which are available on request.
The Chair suggested that the committee be re-elected en bloc; the motion to do so was carried nem.com.
Any Other Business
Chris Cummins expressed her gratitude to the committee for “keeping the show on the road” during a difficult year, to applause from the floor.
Joanne Clarkson asked a question about the determination of funds received from Central Office which had decreased by 50% this year. Martin and Mike explained the formula of fixed sum and per capita payment .The committee had chosen to accept a lesser sum in 2020-21 as our reserves would have been too great had our full entitlement of £800 been requested. It was further noted that no funding had been requested for 2021-22 to keep the reserves at the desired level.
Stuart Clarkson asked the Membership Secretary to give us the total current membership. Lesley told the meeting that we have 359 fully paid-up members, with a further 14 pending.
Martin informed the meeting that we would re-convene in this same venue for the 2022 AGM on 12th November 2022.
Mike initiated a brief conversation about reconnaissance of walks and risk assessments. We are not currently requiring that walk leaders take a log of attendees.
The Meeting closed at 15.05 for refreshments, provided by the committee, followed by a talk on “Sussex at Christmas” by Chris Horlock which was well received by the members.