Annual General Meeting 2007

The key points from the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

Chairman, Ted Diggins, began by thanking our programme secretary, Theresa Hall, for all her hard work in putting together a series of superb walking programmes over the last 12 months. He thanked all the walk leaders, fellow committee members, and those members who organized the very successful social events. The weekends away, to the Elan Valley, the Peak District and Dartmoor, had been very enjoyable and well supported. He also congratulated Clive Frankham for making our website the Best Recreation and Tourism website at the Hantsweb Awards.

In Geoff Eddy's report as treasurer he stated that our finances were in a satisfactory state.

Kathy Jarvis, our membership secretary, announced that our membership had increased by 4.1% (as opposed to a 2.5% decrease last year). This was well above the national and area figures.

Footpath secretary, Phil Wood reported on the work that both he and Maureen had undertaken, highlighting some of their successes. He asked that all problems be reported to them in the first instance. He added that we now had wardens for all but six parishes, including the recently created parish of Enham Alamein.

Clive Frankham reported on the efforts both he and publicity secretary, Caroline Dodson, had made in raising awareness of the group. These included static displays in the library and at the premises of local employers; newspaper articles and press releases; mentions on BBC radio; a successful day spent attracting new members in Andover high street; delivering information sheets, edited programmes and walking magazines to local surgeries; a mention in a book; the Rambler's Association membership and recruitment team using us as a case study for other groups to follow; and the improvements made to this award-winning website.

The committee including our secretary, Nesta Baird, and countryside officer, Reg Cox, were all unanimously re-elected. Marilyn James was also co-opted onto the committee, whilst John Adams would continue to act as independent examiner.

To obtain a copy of the minutes, please e-mail Nesta Baird, or phone her on 01264 336788.