Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Evangelical Baptist Church, Main Street,
Woodhouse Eaves at 10.15am on Saturday, 22nd February, 2014.
1. Seventy-five people attended the meeting and the apologies were received:-
Chris M welcomed members to the meeting and outlined the morning’s business, luncheon arrangements and afternoon walks. Chris also introduced Mr. Steve H who is a guest of the Association and has been largely responsible for informing us about John Flower, Leicestershire artist and former Chairman of our Association.
Chris informed members of a fund raising buffet lunch organised by the Wednesday walkers realising £300 for the LOROS charity.
2. Minutes of the AGM in 2013 were approved subject to the following amendment.
Item 3, penultimate sentence to now read “Roger W asked if existing stiles on the Leicestershire Round would be replaced by metal gates.”
3. Matters arising from Minutes:-.
Further to Bob S questioning whether Leicestershire Round Wardens needed to be covered through Employer Liability insurance, there followed research on the internet and your committee decided this was unnecessary for the following reasons:-
(a) The warden decided when to undertake inspection and if difficulties were found to report these to the Association who would then refer them onto the Local Authority.
(b) No payment was made to the warden for his inspection.
(c) No tools were supplied to the warden. If minor hedge trimming took place this was a decision taken alone by the warden.
4. The meeting accepted the reports of the various officers outlined in the Annual Report 2013. Chris M noticed an incorrect entry under donations in the Financial Statement. Third entry should read “Woodland Trust ‘Jubilee Woods’ Appeal.
Clive F has decided not to offer himself for re-election as Obstructions Secretary And he was thanked for his work during the past twelve years.
Long term committee member David S has decided not to continue as a member of the committee and he was thanked for all his contributions.
5. Election of Officers:-
Chairman:- Chris M proposed Neil B for this position and was seconded by Tony W and as there were no other nominations Neil was therefore duly elected. Neil thanked Chris for the work undertaken during the last three years and in particular arranging the weekly Monday evening walks on the Summer programme..
General Secretary and Diversions and Closures Secretary:- Ken B proposed Brian J and this was seconded by Jenny T and as there were no other nominations, Brian was duly elected.
Minutes Secretary:- Ken B proposed Jennifer MacG and this was seconded by David S and as there were no other nominations, Jennifer was duly elected.
Treasurer and membership Secretary:- Ellie W proposed Dave R and this was seconded by Chris M and as there were no other nominations, Dave was duly eected.
Obstruction Secretary:- Clive Fproposed Cindy W and this was seconded by Val W and as there were no other nominations, Cindy was duly elected.
Committee Membership:- Existing committee members, Roger C, Val W, Ken B, Clive F, Jenny T and Chris M were duly elected – proposed by Peter B and seconded by Chris H In addition Ian S was added – proposed by David S and seconded by Les P.
6. Financial Matters:- Cindy W proposed acceptance of the accounts for 2013 and Ken B seconded this. There being no questions this was carried unanimously.
It was proposed by Tem W seconded by Val W, membership subscription for 2015 should remain at £5. This was accepted by all present.
Our Treasurer then advised the meeting he had successfully applied to the Inland Revenue for our gift aid entitlement for 2012 and 2013 and these figures would appear in the accounts for 2014.
The meeting agreed to continue with our membership of the Open Spaces Society, The Rambler’s Association and the Woodland Trust.
Les P moved a proposition emanating from Bob S for a contribution to be made to the Farmers in the Somerset Levels who had suffered financially from the winter flooding. The meeting recognized the good intentions but were advised this would be against Charity guidance on donations. However, it was suggested Bob could ask for voluntary contributions from members on walks if he should wish to raise money for the farmers.
7. Leicestershire Round:- The Secretary reported the situation at Shackerstone Station was becoming prolonged. In a letter dated 5th February, 2014 from Leicestershire County Council it was said discussions are currently taking place with the neighbouring landowner and tenant. This is an effort to provide a much safer and convenient alternative route for users of footpath S68, while the footbridge is closed. In the meantime, the County Council will be ensuring that Shackerstone Railway Society continue to focus upon the intended objective of restoring the footbridge with a view to it eventually being re-opened along its original route.
Your committee have made an application to the County Council for the the footpath through Thorpe Satchville churchyard to be recorded on the definitive map of rights of way for the County. The committee is also in the process of making a similar application in respect of Station Lane, Leire. Ken Brockway requested members who have walked Station Lane for a period in excess of twenty years to complete the necessary claim form.
David W would like to have a reserve warden list for the ‘Round’. Members who may be interested in joining such a list, please contact David.
8. Any other business:- Martin W announced he was organising a walk on Friday, 22nd August, 2014 leaving Bow Bridge, Leicester at 6.00pm. This would follow some of the outward journey of Richard III to his battle at Bosworth field. Return by bus.
Cindy W reminded members the LFA walking weekend has been arranged for 15th To the 17th August 2014 at Bourton-on-the-Water. Limited places available.
Mary E suggested the Annual General Meeting be moved nearer to Leicester, perhaps at Blaby Bowls Club. Roger C said the Bowls club was not sufficiently large enough to accommodate us all for a sit-down lunch. There was much support for staying in situ. It was recognized some alterations would be need to be made next year as new luncheon providers would have to be found. There was support for a ‘bring and share’ buffet. It was also stated outside caterers might be the way forward. It will have to be left to the committee to make alternative arrangements taking into account the comments expressed above.
David W congratulated Ken B on his excellent handling of our website. David suggested and it was accepted by the meeting, our website address should appear on all official communications appertaining to our Association.
9. Following the formal business Heather MacD gave an introduction to the early history of preservation work done in Leicester prior to 1887. The illustrated presentation included excerpts from the Leicester Mercury dating back to 1840, read by various members present taking on the roles of their early 19th century precursors who had played an important part in protecting the footpath from Sprinney Hills to Thurnby and through Bradgate Park.
Neil thanked Heather for her research and her presentation and the meeting closed at 13 minutes to noon.
10. Neil thanked Judy and her band of helpers in providing an excellent lunch. Each helper was presented with a £15 voucher in appreciation of the work they had done over a number of years in producing excellent food for our consumption.
Following lunch, two walks were arranged with Val W leading a short walk with fourteen members and Chris M led a longer walk supported by eighteen members.