The AGM of the Friends of Island Pond Wood Ltd

The 8th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Island Pond Wood Ltd was held on 16 March 2023 in Launton Parish Hall at 7:30pm. As last year, there was an excellent turn out of members, with 20 people attending.

Rob Dowman, FIPWLtd Chair, presented highlights from the 2022-23 Annual Report, which had been an extremely busy year in the woodland. Rob talked through many of the grant applications and projects, including: the new Information Board, creation of the Quiet Area, new footpaths, coppicing work, education boards, and new benches. He also shared project plans for 2023-24 -a new disability gate, replacement pond bench; then went through recent changes to Board positions and committee members.

Richard Peverell, FIPW Fishing Bailiff, provided a written report read out to the meeting. Richard reported that 18 villagers had Fishing Permits, that the pond was in good order and well stocked, with Carp, Tench, Roach and Perch. If other villagers would like to fish, apply to Richard for a permit.

Chloe Bradford, FIPWLtd Friends and Family Committee Chair, provided feedback on the many work sessions (14 in total) and very successful events (3) that had taken place during the year. Chloe also provided information on the various work sessions, projects and events planned for 2023-24. Details of these will be highlighted in Launton Lines and on Facebook over the year. We had 112 members in 2022-23 and it’s now time for membership renewal for 2023-24, and the membership fee would remain at £10 for 2023-24. There was the opportunity to pay membership fees at the AGM by card. It was agreed at the meeting that membership cards would no longer be produced to save cost.

Liz Turvey, FIPWLtd Treasurer, highlighted income and expenditure for 2022-23. As many big projects had gone ahead over the year, expenditure was higher than in recent years (especially during Covid), but the finances for the woodland remained in a very healthy state. Thanks were offered to EWR, TOE and Launton Parish Council for their generous grants.

There was an opportunity for questions, but the only response was a vote of thanks proposed by Lesley Thompson for the continued hard work of the FIPW team.

The next Friends of Island Pond Wood Ltd AGM will be on 14 March 2024 at 7:30pm in Launton Parish Hall.