THE PORTSMOUTH RAMBLERS GROUP MINUTES OF THE 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Held on 18th November at Liss Pavilion
The AGM commenced at 2.15 with 33 members and 3 guests present
Bernie Tulk, Sheila Doherty, Mary Weston, Barbara Hayers, Mark Page, Fran MacEnri, Janice Bayce, Kathee Pitt, David Nichols, Marion Haly, Alyn Vaughan-Spruce, Nigel Tulk, George Stride, Jasper Stride, Kathy Bolton, Lesley Bement. Sue Chilton, Fay Pearson, Angie Blowman. Ian Chandler, Elaine Dekany, Steve Beckerley, Graham O’Neil, Nathan O’Neil, Ann O’Neil, Julie O’Neil, Roy O’Neil, Liz Marshalsea, John Marshalsea, Norma Jones, Kenny Tiplady, Jennifer Meagan, Peter Chilton, Peter Rush, John Edwards and Ren Peterson.
- CHAIR’S INTRODUCTION
David welcomed everyone to the meeting, saying how pleased he was to see so many members. He explained that this would be his last meeting as Chair as he was stepping down from this role due to hearing loss and other health issues. He hoped however that this would not be his last activity with the group, and once all threat of rail strikes had passed he hoped to lead some train walks, which he recalled had been popular in the past.
With the AGM papers having been circulated to everyone prior to the meeting, to reduce the amount of paper used these would be projected onto the screen behind him for everyone to see.
He advised everyone that some photographs would be taken during todays proceedings. Finally, he thanked Angie for the short walk she had led in the morning, which was enjoyed by all who walked.
- APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Amber Vincent -Prior, Kerry Eames, Steph Merry, Malcolm Hagan, Barbara Cariss and Sue Rugg.
3. MINUTES OF 2022 AGM
The Minutes of AGM on 12 November 2022 were unanimously agreed to be an accurate record.
- MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
- OFFICER ANNUAL REPORTS
The Chairman’s, Treasurer’s, and Membership Secretary’s Reports had been circulated to members in advance with the agenda, so members had a chance to study them, and were shown at the meeting on the screen. Malcolm Hagan, the Programme Co-ordinator could not attend, but his report was circulated at the meeting and projected onto the screen. He once again asked for more walk leaders to please come forward and lead a walk. Support is available for new leaders.
- ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORTS
All the reports were adopted – unanimously agreed. - ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
The Annual Accounts had been circulated in advance with the agenda so members had a chance to study them, and were also shown on screen.
Peter Chilton, Treasurer, explained his report and formally presented the Annual Accounts for adoption.
Agreed unanimously.
- PRESENTATIONS TO RETIRING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The meeting was shown a slide show consisting of photos of Portsmouth Ramblers walks, celebrating the role of David Nichols, Ann and Roy O’Neil who were all standing down from the Committee, with over 100 years of Ramblers Membership between them.
Vanessa Slawson, Reginal Engagement Officer then presented Roy and Ann with long service certificates, for having over 40 years membership of the Ramblers, and their work since being founder members of the Portsmouth Group.
David Nichols then added his personal thanks, recalling some memorable highlights from his time with them in Portsmouth Ramblers, following which a present was also given to them both from the group.
Roy and Ann then gave a thank you speeches, and spoke of their many walks, and some memorable incidents.
David Nichols who was also standing down was then presented by Vanessa with his long service certificate, for 30 years membership and activity with the Ramblers.
Peter Rush then presented David with a present from the group.
Roy said that David has always been the first to volunteer when needed. He is a great organiser and always so helpful “ A right good egg!”
- ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chair (currently vacant) Bernie Tulk nominated Peter Rush, David Nichols seconded – unanimously agreed
Vice Chair Peter Rush nominated Peter Chilton, Bernie Tulk seconded – unanimously agreed
All other current Committee members (listed below) had offered to continue in their roles, and this was unanimously agreed.
Treasurer Peter Chilton
Secretary Bernie Tulk
Programme Co-ordinator Malcolm Hagan
Footpaths/Walking Environment/Access Secretary Mark Page
Membership Secretary Peter Rush
Publicity Officer Vacant
Social Secretary Vacant
Hampshire Area Representative Vacant
Committee Members Angie Blowman, Ian Chandler
Hon. Auditor Richard Moakes
The Publicity Officer and Social Secretary posts remained vacant, and it was agreed to defer this to the next committee meeting.
Hants Area Representative – David announced that he would not be continuing in this role, and proposed Peter Rush. Peter said he would be attending Area Council, in his Area capacity, but felt it would be useful if someone else came too. This will be discussed at the next committee meeting.
- PLANS FOR 2024
It was announced that the Committee had decided to offer an 8 mile walk on Saturday at least once a month, from January, and see how well they are attended.
Angie explained the coach walk, to Avebury and Marlborough, was being planned by her, Bernie and Ian, which will take place on Saturday 14 September 2024. Cost would be c.£20 per person. Full details will be emailed to everyone after Christmas.
The London walks will continue, with David hoping to offer one in June.
Short walks were requested, and Angie said that she hopes to offer some in the New Year. Currently one was planned, the Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Walk on 16th December.
- RAMBLERS NATIONAL UPDATE
Vanessa Slawson gave an update on the current focus of Ramblers work nationally, including the refreshed Ramblers 10 year draft strategy, and the new guidance for walk leaders.
- HANTS AREA COUNCIL
There were no motions proposed for the 2024 Ramblers General Council.
- AOB
The Christmas meal was discussed, and members were asked to provide their menu choices to Ian, and either pay their money directly into our account online, or by cheques made out to Peter Rush who will pay the money into the account for you.
Stiles - Barbara said that the most dangerous things on walks were stiles and that maybe mesh could be put on them to make them less slippery. Peter said to report this, and all other footpath concerns to Hampshire County Council (if in Hampshire) through their online tool.
David asked if walks leave from train stations could walk leaders please take train times into consideration when determining start times.
In case of emergency (ICE) cards were given out and all members were asked to carry them on walks.
MEETING FINISHED AT 4pm