The Ramblers Association

Derbyshire Dales Group

Annual General Meeting

Minutes of the 37^th Annual General Meeting held on Friday 21st November 2008 at the Imperial Rooms, Matlock commencing at 7.30 pm.

A total of 53 members attended.

1. Welcome

The Chairman, Frank Ogden, welcomed all members and guests, President Arthur Osborne and his wife Joy,Acting Chairman Keith Walkerdine and Stephen Bell, the speaker for this evening.

2. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from John Stone, Janet & Tony Byrne, Mary & Brian Hill and Iris Wright.

3. Minutes

Minutes of the 36th Annual General Meeting were accepted and duly signed.

4. Matters arising

Walk Joining Points – Sue Weatherley`s proposal at the last AGM was raised and discussed again. It was agreed that it would be better for the arrangement to continue as an informal one arranged between individuals, rather than involving leaders, since many of those at the meeting were not in agreement if they were to be involved in the scheme. It was proposed that Sue could have a list of suggested meeting points (free of charges) included in `Footprints`.

Miles or Kilometres for the lengths of walks in the programme?

Kath Cartlidge raised this question at the last AGM and it was agreed then to use only kilometres. This decision has irritated many members who wanted to reintroduce the use of miles. Some discussion took place on this matter before a vote was taken and the option to again use miles and kilometres was carried.

5. Annual Reports

Only the treasurer’s report was circulated prior to the meeting and the chairman apologised for this and briefed members of the contents of the 2007 minutes.

Geof Cole read out his report (attached at the end of these minutes) and thanked members who helped with footpath surveys.

6. Treasurer’s financial statement

The treasurer referred members to her report and the accounts which have now been signed off by Martin Pape. She reported that DDRA could have managed with half of the £1500 from the Area funding and therefore there will be a surplus for the next financial year. Low attendance at socials has created financial problems for these events, which have to be self funding, and it may be necessary to increase entrance charges for these evenings.

Lynne France reported that one expected, but not reported, expense would be for the purchase of additional plastic envelopes for programmes.

• 7. Election of Officers

The Chairman reported that all members of the committee, except the post of Programme Secretary, were prepared to stand again next year and were re-elected. He mentioned that there is still no Publicity Secretary but this post is not essential as Jennifer Marshall takes a programme to the Peak Advertiser. Frank Ogden reported that Nick Stevens has expressed a wish to join the executive committee.

The Chairman announced that John Stone (who is unable to attend tonight due to illness) has decided to retire after 17 years in the post of Programme Secretary. Frank Ogden announced that Pat Hancock has agreed to be a nominee for this post and that John Stone is prepared to give her any help he can in connection with the transfer.

The Chairman commented that he is prepared to carry on next year but does not want to continue as chairman for more than another two years.

8. Appointment of Honorary Auditor

Martin Pape agreed to continue as honorary auditor and he was duly re-elected

9. Any Other Business

Frank Ogden described to members the contents of the Ramblers’ Association Group Constitution for Derbyshire Dales and explained that the changes, made to comply with its charitable status, had been approved by the Area Council.

Letter from Dave Williams (attached at the end of these minutes) The contents of this letter and the views of Geof Cole to it, were described to members by Frank Ogden. After some discussion among members a vote was taken and a majority preferred that the AGM should be held on a Saturday morning or afternoon rather than a Friday evening.

Finance of Socials Rosemary Keily explained that because Socials have to be self financing there are no funds available to continue them for the present entrance charge of £1.50 per person because to cover the charges for the room a minimum of 19 people are required to attend. No objections were made to an increase of this charge to £2.00.

The Chairman informed members of the very recent death of Brenda Mason.

A vote of thanks was proposed, by Irene Yarnell, to Jennifer Marshall and others who have provided refreshments at AGMs over many years.

With no further business from the floor the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.40pm

After an intermission for refreshments a talk was given by Stephen Bell on Wild Life in the Peak.