Bradford CHA Newsletter Spring 2011

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Bradford CHA R A M B L I N G

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S O C I A L

C L U B

S P R I N G

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CONTENTS Obituary, Frank Fay.…………………………………………………………….2 The DalesBus….………………………………………………………………….2 Material for inclusion in the next newsletter can be sent hand-written, typed or e-mailed.

Please send contributions for the next Issue to the Editor: Mick Melvin 35 Northfield Grove Wibsey, Bradford, BD6 1LD admin@bradfordwalking.org Mobile Phone Number 07504066476

Keeping your computer safe...……..……………………..…………………...2 Holiday Apartment in Bulgaria………………………………………………..3 Saturday Secretary’s Report..…………………………………………………3 Cockermouth Weekend………………………………………………………..4 Tenby Holiday Update………………………………………………………….4 A Circular Walk From Todmorden….……………………………………….5 Summer Chinese Special……………………………………………………….6 From the Membership Secretary.…………………………………………….6 From the Sunday Rambles Secretary…………...…………………………...6 CHA Annual General Meeting….....………………………………………….9 Nominee Forms………......………………………………………………...10-11 Minutes of the 2010 AGM…………………………………………………12-14

President’s Message Ten years ago the terrible outbreak of foot and mouth disease was widespread on British farms causing a dramatic impact throughout the countryside.

We are most fortunate to have access, once again, to our walking trails.

Many thanks to all our members who turned out to support the walks during the recent long spell of inclement weather. Support for the coach walks has gone from strength to strength and our weekends away are proving very popular.

Once again, from the beginning of April to the end of July, is the period when ground nesting birds on the moors are vulnerable to disturbance. Please keep to the designated footpaths and keep dogs under close control.

Meryl Social Secretary's Report Hi folks Just to let you know Wednesday at the Old Pavilion Carvery was another success with 25 enjoying the roast beef, ham and turkey and ice cream included as a few of us pulled the offer from the internet so we were all included.

Retiring to a quiet corner of the bar for a chat and catch up a very pleasant evening.

Look out for the evening rambles with suppers arranged if required in May, June and July and support Jean, Jackie and Mike. Book with Jean and Jackie for their meals I shall collect Mike‘s money Looking forward to some sunny evenings.

Bye for now Sheila

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Obituary: Frank Fay It is with sadness that we learn of the death of Frank Fay. Frank was a regular Sunday walker with the CHA during the 1990s and early 2000s, and I have happy memories of him on a number of the club holidays taken abroad. In the evening Frank could be found in a local bar having a pint with his good friend Arthur Fox discussing the day‘s walk.

Frank was always very generous with his time and I have good reason to be grateful to him as he gave me a great deal of his time and advice. Frank was a craftsman Joiner working for the Bankfield Museum in Halifax where he made the wooden cabinets used to display the exhibits. He spent some time with me during the 1990s passing on his knowledge of the timber trade, and was never slow to give me his guidance. He will be missed by many in the CHA. Mick Melvin

Keeping your computer safe from the internet criminals.

It is difficult to imagine cyber-vandals and thieves climbing into your computer via your internet connection, but this can really happen, electronically at least. Fortunately it is easy and cheap to stop the hooligans with a few simple steps, the details of which can now be found on our website. You can even safely use your bank online!

First, have a look in a mirror where you may find the biggest computer threat of all! Clicking spam attachments, using illegal software and visiting gambling or porn websites are a fine way to infect your computer! Reducing Windows security settings to make the computer a bit easier to use is also a good way to help criminals! The man or woman in the mirror should be making regular backups so that if anything goes wrong all those precious photos and email addresses are not lost forever.

From time to time you will see media articles saying that some programme, browser or even your antivirus programme has been hacked and is unsafe. Do not panic! If you have made your computer secure when something goes wrong you will have defence in depth, and you should not succumb to one or two things going wrong. No computer can be perfectly secure, but if you follow the advice our website you would have to be very unlucky to fall victim to computer criminals.

Ray Wilkes

Catch a train and bus to the dales The most convenient way to get to the Dales on a Sunday is on our club coach, but on a weekday, when our coach is not running, the buses and trains are much more user friendly.

If you are retired travel is quite cheap, as well as free bus fares you can used a retired persons rail card. These services give are ideal if you like to check your route before leading a walk.

The Settle Carlisle Railway is a great way to visit the western dales. There is a bus service from Settle to Kirby Lonsdale which gives extra opportunities. Ribblehead, Horton and Settle have excellent waiting rooms in the form of pubs for the trip back.

There are buses from Skipton Station, 10.00 Monday to Saturday to Grassington and Buckden, 09.45 Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Malham. Both routes allow good walks over to the Settle Carlisle stations.

There are other bus routes from Skipton, to Bolton Abbey, Blubberhouses and the Pendle area. It is easy to check out the details on www.dalesbus.org . The website includes a Dalesbus group membership form.

Ray Wilkes

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Thinking of planning a walking holiday abroad this year?? Then come to Bulgaria!............

Our apartment is situated within the Forest View Complex which is centrally located in the Chamonix style village of Govedartsi.

One bedroomed with an additional sofa bed in the lounge area and full self catering facilities makes this ideal accommodation for friends, couples or families (maximum of four). The complex also has a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, swimming pools and bar on site.

The apartment is perfect for a summer holiday, with its lovely summer climate. Private beaches and water sports activities can be found at the nearby Iskar River. The village of Govedartsi also lies at the foot of the Rila Mountains, which is the starting point for many walking/mountain biking routes into the mountains including the famous Seven Rila Lakes. There is a wealth of natural beauty to admire and enjoy and lovely, easier walks for those not so energetic amongst us. Only a short drive away from two excellent ski resorts - Govedartsi and Borovets, also makes this the perfect holiday destination for ski lovers. Rentals are between ÂŁ160 and ÂŁ225 per week depending on time of year (for the apartment not per person). Direct flights to Sofia, Bulgaria fly regularly from Manchester Airport.

Please visit the following website page http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/borovets/145920 if you would like more information on the apartment or the Govedartsi area or contact Neil Walters, 07772 000082, email neilwalters@hotmail.co.uk. to make a booking.

Saturday Secretary Report Although I quite like walking in winter with its cold fresh air, crystal clear sunny days and snowy landscapes that transform a popular walk into something quite special. I must admit that spring is my favourite time of the year.

Spring brings rebirth and renewal after natures enforced hibernation through winter. In spring the natural world wakes up, grasses and wild flowers begin to grow again, the buds on the trees ripen and open up and new leaves emerge delicate filmed like new spun silk. The birds invigorated by the warmer weather and the more plentiful supply of insects, turn their minds to love and begin to build nests to accommodate the fruits thereof.

In fact the whole of nature is young and foolish once again and no matter how old and weary you are, you would have to be very cynical not to admit that, when you walk through the countryside on bright sunny day, with the wild flowers in full bloom and the birds flitting about feeding their young, some of the renewed energy of spring has not found a way into your heart. Nature has started a new year, and I too, feel that I have the year ahead to look forward to with optimism and hope.

The Walking Song The road goes ever on and on From the door where it began Now far ahead the road has gone And I must follow if I can Pursuing it with weary feet Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet And wither then I cannot say.

J.R.R.Tolkien Stuart Blaylock

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Cockermouth Club Weekend 7th/ 9th October 2011 This Autumn we shall be visiting the North West region of Cumbria to stay in Cockermouth, which whilst just outside the Lake District National Park, is ideally situated for our needs. The fells, hills and ridge walks in this area are situated between the four lakes of Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Buttermere and Crummock Water. There are walks to suit all tastes and Keswick is only 13 miles distant.

Cockermouth is an ancient market town with fine buildings, a castle, a brewery (Jennings), William Wordsworth's home and birthplace, also the birthplace of Fletcher Christian made famous by the mutiny on HMS Bounty.

Accommodation will be at the Youth Hostel or bed & breakfast of your choice. The Youth Hostel is situated on the banks of the River Cocker, 10 minutes walk from the town centre. It is self catering but good food is available in nearby restaurants and pubs.

The booking form will appear in the summer issue of the CHA newsletter but to secure a place on the coach please send a £10 deposit to Frank Starr using the deposit booking form below. The YHA and coach costs are not yet finalised but are not expected to be vastly different to those of recent trips.

——————————————————————————————————————————————— Deposit booking form for COCKERMOUTH club weekend 7th/ 9th October 2011 To : Frank Starr, 23 Otley Road, Eldwick, Bingley, BD16 3EB Please reserve me a seat on the coach.

I enclose a £10 deposit, non refundable.

Cheques made payable to Bradford CHA. If a receipt is required, please send a SAE. From: Name(s):................................................

Address:................................................ .................................................. ..................................................

Date; Contact tel. no...................................................

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From the Holiday Co-ordinator Tenby Holiday For those going on the Tenby holiday, there is one final payment due at the end of March. Even though the costs of the coach and hotel have risen we have been able to hold the cost of the holiday to that stated on the original booking form. Therefore the final payment will be £55 each for those sharing accommodation and £110 for those in a single room. An information leaflet and walks itinerary will be issued after the final payment has been made.

Mike Smith

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A CIRCULAR WALK FROM TODMORDEN RAILWAY STATION Length10.5 mile, 2030 feet ascent.. Includes Dobroyd Castle, a standing stone and Gorpley Clough.

Emerging from Todmorden Railway station, follow the road downhill to the left, turning left again passing under the railway bridge. Follow the narrow lane (Doghouse Lane) uphill passed the houses and then take the second signposted path on the left into the woods. Ascend the steep path through the woods following the short signed diversion. As we emerge from the wood we cross a step stile into a field.

Now we follow the wall on our left to arrive at a gate next to a sheep pen. Passing through the gate we turn left along the wall heading directly for a small copse which we will pass on our left, to arrive at a stile in the wall near the top of the copse. Once through the stile, we keep the fence on our left and walk to the top of the field towards the finger post, pass through the gate at the top and turn left along a grassy track. With Dobroyd Castle on your left keep straight ahead at the next junction, and after 150m turn right in front of the iron fence and almost immediately left to emerge in a short distance onto a narrow metalled lane at Stones. Turn right and follow the lane for 30m to see a large standing stone in the field on your right at SD925 235.

Turn back to the junction of the paths and walk down the narrow road towards the telephone mast, turning off to the right after 100m and over a step stile into a field. Pass under the crags and turn left down the steep field, at the bottom turn right through a gateway and walk straight ahead across the next field to cross a deep gully and onwards towards Stones wood.

Walk downwards through the wood, and descend some stone steps onto A681, turn right and cross over the road. Walk up the road for 230m then turn left into Gorpley Clough and follow the stream up. After admiring the waterfalls and crossing about 5 wooden bridges, turn up the stone steps on the right near the top of the clough. At the top of the steps turn right passing the waterworks building on your left. Pass under Electric power lines and at top of the lane turn left onto gravel track passing under power lines again, and take the track going left. When you arrive at a gate across the road, push the button on the left to open the gate: it will close by itself when you have gone through.

Once in the farmyard turn right and pass through a gate then follow the track all the way onto the moor until you cross the Clough near Range Hoyle SD900 228. Set your compass to 218°mag, and walk up the feint left hand path until you reach the broad track near to a spoil heap where you turn left. Keep walking along this broad track taking the right fork at a junction near to an old mine. From the mine follow the continuation of the track, now less distinct, and climb up the hill until you arrive at the trig point on Trough Edge End SD905 218.

From the trig point follow the track SE down through some ruins, where a track comes in from the right which passes Coolham and then down Foul Clough road. Watch for the step stile on the left at SD924 219‖ and follow the path in front of the house. Once passed the house, follow the fence on your right and cross over a stile in the bottom right corner of the field. You are now standing at the top of a steep wood on a narrow track passing from left to right. Turn left on the track and in 50m turn right onto a narrow path which you follow down into Walsden and over the railway bridge.

Cross the A6033 and walk up the road opposite, turning right after 50 yards onto canal towpath. Follow the towpath and at the second bridge turn left over canal and follow the metalled road passed a derelict mill, turning right into a very rough track which cuts the road corner. Emerge from the top of this track and turn right up the quiet lane until you reach North Hollingwood Farm where you take the left hand path along the Pennine Bridleway passing Rake End then turn left at Shurtcrack Farm house to reach the road at SD942 231.

Once on the road, turn right and then first left down a farm track to join the Calderdale Way at the farm. In the farmyard turn left and find the step stile in the left hand corner. Cross the next field and over the stile into the riding stables. Walk through the stable yard and take the track on the left, turn right again within 20m onto another track and after a further 20m look out for the gate in the wall on your left. Cross two fields and turn right onto a rough lane. Follow this lane ―which becomes tarmac‖ to the right, passing some houses on the left, down the side of a steep ravine passed the church and back into Todmorden.

Mick Melvin (Editor)

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‗Trek & trail‘ Saltaire Mill Saltaire ―Trek & Trail‘ outdoor outlet at Saltaire Mill has introduced a loyalty scheme.

Customers who wish to take advantage of the scheme are requested to register with the company.

This scheme replaces the discount previously offered to walkers.

Meryl

Summer Chinese Special Come along enjoy Evening Ramble and Supper Date: Wednesday Evening 4th May 2011 Chinese Meal & Pint of Tetleys Beer/ Pint of Lager/Glass Wine/Soft Drink inclusive price £7.99 Venue: The Brickworks Bradford Road Drighlington BD11 Bus From Bradford Interchange (G) stand at 18.23 to Drighlington Traffic Lights Walk around The Leeds Country Way If you would like to come along please could we have £5 deposit per person (as goodwill, we will return this to you on the night) Note: 6 main dishes will be available including a Vegetarian Dish Thanks Keith & Jackie Hotchen

From the Membership Secretary ‗Hi everyone, as you will see enclosed in this March Newsletter is your reminder letter to re-join our Bradford CHA Walking Club 2011/2012. I hope you all agree that the subscriptions due are very agreeable and reasonable.

It would be really helpful if you would let me have your cheques etc as soon as is convenient, plus of course a SAE for returning your membership cards etc ` Thanks in advance Jackie Hotchen Membership Secretary From the Sunday Rambles Secretary After a run of fairly challenging weather on Sundays we have hit a lovely Spring patch now. After the Wales weekend we soon reach British Summer Time and we shall be leaving our Sunday destinations at 6pm instead of 5pm until the Autumn. This means we can spend a little more time travelling and still have time to do a good walk.

There is quite a different feel to a day out in Summer and it will be interesting to see whether the changeover has any effect on Sunday turnouts, as there are those who prefer longer days and those who don‘t. A couple of ‗full buses‘ lately have challenged our organisational skills. JAK don‘t seem keen on getting a double-decker for us, but they have been very accommodating in helping us to sort out transport for the extras. Thanks go to the car drivers and the flexible walkers. And of course the leaders who keep us going. Continued overleaf...

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Sunday Rambles Secretary Continued...

Now is the time, if you would like, to send walks for the next syllabus- offers to lead or suggestions of places are very welcome. With a good season behind us, we can maybe risk a few more unusual venues amongst the old favourites. Let me know what your favourites are.

Here follows a preview of the highlights still to come in this programme.

I was asked why we call it a syllabus (teachers will know it isn‘t one). Why? Why indeed do we call it CHA when such a thing no longer exists? It was a committee decree. Do you ever get off the bus at Busby‘s? Do you ever call it the Tram Shed? At least the pubco has restored the sense of that one!

3rd April: finishing in Eyam, the Derbyshire plague village. You probably know the story. If not, the plaques on the various houses will fill it in for you and we expect to be back in time to look round. Or, the Miners‘ Arms assures us it will be open.

10th April: guaranteed not to be similar to recent walks in the area, leaving the wild reaches of Westmorland to finish once more at The Moorcock.

1st May: whilst some are away on the final leg of the Pennine Way, Alan has kindly agreed to lead another train walk. The exact route will depend on the day and the party but Skipton is the area.

Over the Late Spring bank holiday, a coach load of the lucky ones will be in Tenby. This I‘m afraid leaves a gap in the programme as lots of leaders and members are away. However, on 5th June there is a public transport walk in Airedale, then back to normal for 12th June: this time start at The Moorcock and finish in Kirkby Stephen; or join the shorter C walk starting at Pendragon Castle.

26th June: a long but quite quick journey to Teesdale or Barnard Castle- it will be very lush and floral at this time of year and absolutely merits the effort of the extra travelling every so often. Alan Prosser loves leading walks there!

3rd July: the final entry this half-year; the Lake District speaks for itself. Be sure to notice the 8.30 start from Bradford, although I think the Patterdale side is quicker to get to.

The Ramblers We get lots of advertising stuff- not all makes it to the committee meeting ‗Correspondence‘ item! People get our name from the ‗clubs‘ database at the Library and think they will double-glaze the club room, or particularly that we are a walking club who will therefore send dozens of people on sponsored walks (on Sundays!). A German B&B has been known to solicit us with ham sent in the post.

That‘s the daft side, this is the serious side: the Ramblers Association, (RA, Ramblers) earlier this year sent leaflets which we passed round the Sunday coach. They had a membership offer to join the Ramblers, although it had only a short time before it expired so you will have missed it now. We are, of course, an affiliated organisation and we also obtain our Club insurance via them. However, we thought it was time to remind our members of the incredible amount that is and has been done by the Ramblers over the years on legal cases of footpath obstruction and path creation and access. To support them with your subscription supports the continuation of the kind of walking we all enjoy. With impending council cutbacks, without the Ramblers we might have nowhere to walk! I‘ve been a member for over forty years and I don‘t think I‘ve ever been on one of their organised walks. The point to me is that in their organisation there are powerful, clever and influential people who are prepared to give up their time for ‗the cause‘ while I‘m out walking as much as I can. I‘m glad that quite a few CHA members see it this way too, and maybe a few more would like to join the Ramblers. If you are one of them, just find the link on our website or give me ring and I will get you a membership form.

DALESBUS 2011 Many but not all services have been saved for 2011; some but not many are easily accessible from Bradford. We shall be losing the direct 66a Keighley-Grassington in April, and will have to change at Skipton.

There are lots of Bank Holidays coming up and if you are around on these (or not with the Club on Sundays) you could try the 883 from Skipton at 10.45 arriving at Malham at 11.25. There is an 883 departure from Malham at 16.30 or at 17.52 on the 890 (Skipton on request). Continued overleaf...

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Sunday Rambles Secretary continued...

If anyone wants to think of leading a walk or trip, dates would be Easter Monday 25th April, Royal Wedding Bank Holiday(!) 29th April, or May Day Holiday, 2nd of May. Jackie Wilkes

CAN YOU LEAD A WALK IN THE NEXT SYLLABUS ?

If so please use the form below (duplicate if necessary) and submit to the relevant Rambles Sec. Thank you to all our leaders who have led walks in the past and present syllabus.

Day

Date

Bus No. And Destination From:-

Dates to Avoid Train

Time

Coach

To:- Where to get off

Name of Walk

Map No

Walk Starts at

Time

Walk Finishes at Circular\Linear Address

Approx Miles Sundays ‘A‘ or ‗B‘

Climbing

Leaders Name Phone

Other Information Coach Fares 2011 At the last committee meeting it was agreed that due to the upturn in the numbers using the Sunday coach the fare to be charged on these journeys would be capped at £12.00.

This was with the proviso that we may have to readdress the maximum charge if numbers reduce or the quote provided by JAK for the next programme, July to December, have significantly increased due to the rise in fuel prices.

If we continue to have excellent turnouts then hopefully we will not need to consider an increase for this year.

Ronnie Wade From the Editor This is the last newsletter that I will produce and I would like to say how much I have enjoyed the work. I have decided to stand down after a year in which I produced four newsletters, because I now have too many commitments. I will still be maintaining the Club web site Bradfordwalking.org.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Club members who provided the material for the newsletters and who offered help and assistance when I needed them to get the newsletters out on time.

Mick Melvin

www.bradfordwalking.org

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Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club for 2011 will be on Wednesday 11th May 2011 starting at 19.30 The meeting will be held in the Mabel Booth Room of Bradford CVS offices on Sunbridge Road (the entrance is just below Tesco Express) It is important that members attend the AGM. This is the one meeting in the year to which all members are invited. Any member wishing to discuss anything at the meeting should if possible let me have the details beforehand This Newsletter contains the following that you should bring to the meeting: the minutes of the last AGM in 2010 and the agenda for the meeting this year.

In addition this Newsletter also contains the Nominee form. This form is to complete in order to nominate the CHA Committee members. The election of these positions will occur at the AGM. Any members can propose and second any of the positions on the committee. Please let me have any proposals. This form will also be passed round the Sunday coach.

Please contact Malcolm Walters for any information or clarification at Malcolm.walters@talk21.com or on 07925187885 Bradford CHA Rambling & Social Club Annual General Meeting Wednesday 11 May 2011 – 7.30 pm – Mabel Booth room, CVS Offices, Sunbridge Road, Bradford AGENDA 1.

Apologies

2.

Minutes of 2010 Annual General Meeting

3.

Matters Arising

4.

Correspondence

5.

Election of Scrutineers (if necessary)

6.

Election of Officer/Committee Posts

7.

Reports



·

General Secretary



·

Treasurer



·

Saturday Secretary



·

Sunday Secretary



·

Membership Secretary



·

Weekend Coordinator



·

Holiday Coordinator (2011 holiday + 2012 holiday)



·

Newsletter Editor



·

Social Secretary

8.

Affiliations & Donations

9.

Subscription rates

10.

Incoming donations

11.

Any Other Business

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CHA RAMBLING & SOCIAL CLUB NOMINEE FORM OFFICER POSTS AND COMMITTEE YEAR 2011/2012

Position

Nominee

President

Meryl Ward*

Vice President

Rita Schofield

Treasurer

Ron Wade*

General Secretary

Malcolm Walters*

Membership Secretary

Jackie Hotchen*

Saturday Secretary

Stuart Blaylock*

Sunday Secretary

Jackie Wilkes*

Weekend Coordinator

Frank Starr*

Social Secretary

Sheila Hogg*

Newsletter Editor

Ben Elahee

Holiday Co-ordinator

Mike Smith*

Proposed by

Seconded by

Signature of postholder

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CHA RAMBLING & SOCIAL CLUB NOMINEE FORM CONTINUED OFFICER POSTS AND COMMITTEE YEAR 2011/2012 Committee Posts 4 places to fill Steve Oake* Patrick Swithinbank James Fellowes* Ian Stainton

*The names listed show the present committee members who are willing to continue in post.

The other names are those who have already indicated an interest in the positions. If you wish to be considered for any of these posts put your name down in one of the vacant rows. There will be an election if more than one person is standing for a post. All members including present postholders have to have a proposer and seconder as well as sign their names in the appropriate column.

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF BRADFORD CHA RAMBLING AND SOCIAL CLUB HELD AT THE CVS CLUB, BRADFORD ON WEDNESDAY 21st APRIL 2010 29 members attended the AGM 1. Apologies. Apologies were received from Patrick Swithinbank 2. MINUTES of the last AGM were agreed as correct. Proposed: Steve Oake, Seconded: Ray Wilkes.

3. Matters arising: None.

4. Correspondence Mr. Barker has resigned as the club auditor.

5. Election of scrutineers Sheila Hogg and Roy Hudson volunteered themselves as scrutineers.

6. Election of Officers and Committee The following were elected unopposed: President – Meryl Ward, Vice President – Patrick Swithinbank, General Secretary – Malcolm Walters, Treasurer – Ron Wade, Membership Secretary – Jackie Hotchen, Weekend Coordinator – Frank Starr, Saturday Secretary – Stuart Blaylock, Sunday Secretary – Jackie Wilkes, Newsletter Editor – Mick Melvin, Social Secretary – Sheila Hogg, Committee Members – Steve Oake, Rita Schofield, Alan Lindley, James Fellowes, Holiday Coordinator- Mike Smith Thanks were expressed to Russell Wilkes for doing the Newsletter and Web site; also thanks to Irene Hudson and Jackie Hotchen for doing the Newsletter during the interim period.

7. Reports: General Secretary Malcolm Walters thanked his fellow committee members and walk leaders for their hard work over the past year and wished the new committee well for the following year. He reported on the attendance of committee members at meetings. The new club leaflet was a great success thanks to the hard work by Mick Melvin and also thanks to CNet who provided a grant for the printing. He also mentioned the new idea of asking for donations as well as the new rules on club safety on the coach.

Treasurer Ron Wade talked through the annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010. All the club calendars were sold which aided club funds as did the profit on the raffles. Cash in hand: £45.10; Barclays Account £11862.89; Alliance and Leicester current account £10; Alliance and Leicester deposit account £9015.99, prepayments £1786.00. Due to the poor interest rates it is not worth looking for a higher paying account though this is also made difficult as the club has a business account. The coach only needed 3 or 4 more people every week to balance the books; however the coach was a great success. Extra costs have been incurred on the web site, printing and stationery. Roy Hudson noted that postage was down.

The accounts were adopted unanimously.

Saturday Secretary Stuart Blaylock thanked the walk leaders for their support over the last year. The average attendance over the past summer was 17. New members were coming out. It was good to see members coming out in all types of weather.

The summer Saturday coach trip was not such a success due to the poor tea. In 2010 there will be a WI meal and the walk will go via the coast. The short and leisurely walks haven‘t proved as popular this past year. The Christmas dinner ramble at the Cleckheaton golf club was a success with an excellent meal and will happen again at this venue in 2010. Stuart thanked all the walk leaders.

Minutes Continued overleaf...

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AGM Minutes Continued...

Sunday Secretary Jackie Wilkes mentioned that she had missed some walks due to a recent operation.

She reported that new members continue to come on the walks. One coach was cancelled in November. On the Pots and Pans walk due to bad weather they were forced to look for a service bus to return to the coach however they were lucky enough to be offered a lift by the local police. She thanked the leaders for being able to adapt the walks when the snow was bad. She was pleased that coach numbers were going up again which meant that new walks could be tried out. Although JAK had a 35 seater this hadn‘t been needed. She was pleased to report that due to demand she would be able to organize a Morecombe Bay walk in July 2010.

On behalf of Russell she thanked the club for their kind gift.

Membership Secretary Jackie Hotchen stated that there are 242 members as at 31 March 2010. A total of 29 new members have joined over the past year. She thanked all members for the speed at which they renewed their membership. 40 reminder letters were sent in July which resulted in 30 members renewing their membership. £1607 was collected in fees including £73 in donations. She also reported that in 2010/11 so far 152 have joined with £110 donations and £1216 banked. 10 new members have joined so far in the new year.

Weekend Holiday Coordinator Frank Starr reported on his first year in the job. He has been responsible for 2 weekends. The first weekend was a joint effort with the retiring coordinator, Jackie Hotchen, when the club had a great weekend at Dufton in Cumbria as part of the Pennine way walks. (Due to the length of the Cross Fell walk, 4 miles was omitted and completed by minibus; a catch up walk has been arranged for the 9 May) There were 20 YH and 25 B&B at Dufton.

At the second weekend in Alston there were 21 in YH and 22 in B&B. There is a weekend planned at Once Brewed on the May Day weekend and another in Keswick in October. . Holiday Coordinator Ray Wilkes reported on the very successful holiday in Torquay in 2009. He also talked about the plans for Aviemore in 2010 where there is a good programme of walks organized. Mike Smith also reported that options are being considered for a holiday in Tenby for 2011 which has great walks on offer.

Newsletter Editor Irene Hudson reported on her involvement until her PC crashed. She thanked Jackie Hotchen for taking over at such short notice.

Social Secretary Sheila Hogg reported on the many evening walks and meals and said about 25/30 people came each time. A new programme has been organized for 2010.

8. Affiliations and Donations Ron Wade reported that the club needed to rejoin the YHA for holiday and weekend use and the Ramblers Association for insurance purposes.

A list of the organisations the club made a donation to as agreed at the last AGM was read out. It was put to the members whether the same amount should be donated to the same organisations this year. It was agreed that the organisations and amount will remain unchanged for this year i.e. a donation of £35 each to – The Ramblers Association, Woodland Trust, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Cave Rescue, Calderdale Search and Rescue, Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and Yorkshire Air Ambulance (a total of £245). This was proposed by Ron Wade and seconded by Mike Smith.

9. Subscription Rates The rates will be £8 for a single person and £14 for two members at the same address for 2010/11. It was agreed that this should remain unchanged for 2011/12. This matter will be reviewed at the next AGM.

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11. Any Other Business a) Ian Ainley agreed to be the club auditor. Proposed by Ron Wade and Seconded by Stuart Blaylock. It was agreed to send a card and flowers to Mr. Barker as a thank you for all the years of service as the club auditor b) Irene Hudson mentioned the Club map reading course. So far 7 members and 2 guests have been recruited.

Thanks were expressed to Andrew Hudson for leading the course c) Steve Oake proposed that the annual accounts include a note on the club coach income and expenditure. This was agreed.

The meeting closed at 20.46.

SIGNED:

DATE