THE PORTSMOUTH RAMBLERS GROUP MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Held on Tuesday, 17^th November 2015 at The City Scout Hut, 70 The Ridings, Gatcombe Park, Portsmouth

The AGM commenced at 8.00 pm with 25 members present.

Apologies for absence were received from David Hance, Bob Colley and Malcolm Hagan.

Minutes of the AGM held on 18^th November, 2014 were agreed to be an accurate record.

Proposed: Roy O’Neil. Seconded: Tricia Byng. Carried.

Matters Arising: Dave Nichols announced that Area has decided that The HampshireRambler will continue to be produced in its current printed format for as long as funds permit.

ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL REPORTS

Officers’ Annual Reports were circulated in advance with the Agenda. Additional information was provided by the Membership Secretary, who informed the meeting that the Portsmouth Group currently has 260 members, an increase of 2 (1%) over the past twelve months. The Annual Reports were adopted. Proposed: Chris MacArthur; Seconded: Paul Harvey. Carried.

ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

Members were presented with a copy of the Annual Accounts, which show that as of 30^th September, 2015 the Group had funds of £1,240.75, with £964.59 in the Main Fund and £276.16 in the Self-Funded Account. The Group’s Treasurer, David Farrow, reported that, as for the previous year, he has applied for a reduced Area Grant of £200. The Group’s Main Fund reserves have reduced from 216% to 177% over the past year, but are still well above the guidelines of 40-80% set by Head Office. The Annual Accounts were adopted. Proposed: Sue Gibson. Seconded: Robert Allbright. Carried.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Peter Chilton, Vice Chair, proposed that David Nichols be re-elected as Chair of the Portsmouth Group. This was seconded by Roy O’Neil and was carried unanimously. As Peter had decided to stand down as Vice Chair and no longer serve on the Committee, Dave Nichols proposed Paul Harvey as his replacement. This was seconded by Lesley Bement and carried unanimously. Linda Prior had also decided to stand down as Secretary and no longer serve on the Committee. Dave Nichols proposed that Sue Chilton be elected as Secretary, this was seconded by Roy O’Neil, and carried unanimously. Ken Peers has relinquished his responsibilities as Web Master. Dave Nichols proposed that Malcolm Hagan be elected as Web Master and to also serve as a full Committee member. This was seconded by Angela Nicholas and agreed unanimously. All other Committee members agreed to continue to serve in their posts and were re-elected en-block. Proposed: Peter Chilton. Seconded: Sue Gibson. Carried.

Details of elected Officers are:

The Hon Auditor, Richard Moakes was willing to continue. Proposed: David Farrow Seconded: Paul Harvey. Carried.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Programme and walking related issues. Ann O’Neil took the floor and presented attendees with a list of questions about walks. Everyone agreed that the layout of the Programme was now excellent and thanked Chris MacArthur for all his hard work. Most people were also agreed that the choice of walks on offer is very good. Dave Nichols explained that where there is a longer walk on a Saturday he attempts to provide a shorter alternative either directly or by co-ordinating with SE Hants. Nigel Tulk questioned the availability of PMR Radios. These are held by Dave Nichols and any leaders requiring them on a walk should let Dave know.

Hi-Viz Vests: The Committee has, in the past, agreed to the purchase of hi-viz vests. For health and safety reasons it was agreed that walks leaders could be re-imbursed for the purchase of two vests (one for themself and one for a back-marker) if they were not already in possession of such equipment.

Social events: Dave Nichols has signed up 41 people for the Christmas Meal on 9^th December at The Royal Naval and Royal Albert Yacht Club, Old Portsmouth. The Annual Meal will be held on 20^th March, 2016 at The Half Moon Pub at Sheet near Petersfield.

Expenses for walks leaders: Barbara Hayers asked if it was possible for walks leaders to claim for expenses incurred in carrying out recces. David Nichols said this would need to be discussed and decided on by the Committee.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.

Linda Prior

November 2014