AGM Report

2023 Chairman Meurig Raymond (right) and Vice-Chairman Richard Maunder. accounts and making it possible to start repaying the loan, contributing to the lease renewal fund and investing in small infrastructure projects.

Proposing the election of Meurig Raymond as 2023 Chairman, Club Trustee Tim Bennett said he had known Meurig for almost 40 years. He farms 3500 acres of potatoes, combinable crops, dairy, beef and store lambs in a family partnership in Pembrokeshire and is best known for his long career serving the NFU, culminating in his 2014-2018 Presidency. He is a CBE and Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, and is due to be High Sheriff next year.

Seconding the proposal Trustee Peter Jinman applauded the decision to appoint a busy man – perfect for getting things done! The proposal was approved unanimously.

Mr Raymond responded by saying he looked forward to working with the management team to support the membership, for the benefit of the members. The Club had provided him with wonderful fellowship, hospitality and camaraderie, as his home-from-home for more than 30 years.

Proposing the election of Richard Maunder as 2023 Vice-Chairman, Committee Member Ian Bell emphasised Richard’s readiness to help others within the industry and his outstanding service as Honorary Treasurer, which included the onset of the covid pandemic. He is a trained chartered surveyor, who worked with the family business Lloyd Maunder for over 20 years, becoming joint managing director, and subsequently Chief Executive of Devon Agricultural Society.

Seconding the proposal Committee Member Karen Mercer commended Richard’s clear ability to turn a difficult situation around and excellent leadership. The proposal was approved unanimously.

Proposing Chris Riddle for re-election as Honorary Treasurer, immediate past Chairman Keith Redpath lauded his very successful first year during the covid pandemic. The proposal was seconded by House Committee Chairman Sue Bullock and approved unanimously.

The Chairman and Committee recommended haysmacintyre continue in office, which was agreed unanimously.

Rule 4 – to formally extend the Under 30s group to include Under 35s, following a very successful trial over the past six months, which had seen good attendance and involvement from the more senior group. This was approved unanimously.

Rule 14 – to allow the Club to function by means of virtual Committee meetings (eg Zoom/ Teams). Approved unanimously.

THE 180th Annual General Meeting chaired by Club Chairman John Lee was conducted in the Farmers Suite at the Club on 5 July. The following is a summary of the Minutes, full copies of which can be obtained by email from the Secretary.

The Minutes of the 179th AGM were approved and the Report and Audited Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2021 adopted unanimously. The Chairman thanked the membership for their tremendous loyalty through another difficult year, with more than five months of Covid-enforced Club closure.

He paid testament to the Executive’s strong leadership and the unstinting efforts of the Club team, including tight cost control. This helped the Club rebound strongly, delivering a strong set of