South West Coast Path Association AGM papers 2022

South West Coast Path Association Notice of Annual General Meeting 2022 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the South West Coast Path Association (charity number 1163422) will be held virtually on Friday 10th June 2022 at 15:30 AGM AGENDA • • • •

Update from the Association Chair Bob Mark Minutes of the previous meeting held 11th June 2021. To be agreed and matters arising.

Reports and accounts. To receive and consider the accounts for the year-end 31st December 2021 and the reports of the Charity Trustees and auditors.

Appointment of Charity Trustees. To receive the proposal, nomination, and vote on the appointment of:

Ken Carter

Eve Bampton-Wilton

Lucy Daniel

Martin Davis

Hilary Dinsdale

Carol Grant

Graham Keene

Bob Mark

David Morris

Philip Spencer

Read more about our trustees by visiting www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/trustee-bios Members of the South West Coast Path Association can register now to join the virtual AGM by visiting the online link as follows: https://tinyurl.com/SWCPAGM PAPERS Papers for the AGM will appear on our Key Information page of our website in the coming weeks www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/key-information In accordance with clause 22 of the constitution, if you would like the papers posted to you, you can request so, in advance of the AGM, by calling us on 01752 896237. Please bear in mind our offices are still not open full time and phones are being monitored between 08:30 and 14:00, so if you would like papers posted, please allow plenty of time.

COMPLETERS At previous AGM events, we have held a 'Completers Presentation' to celebrate those individuals who have completed all 630 miles of the Coast Path.

As this year's AGM will be virtual, all those completers who featured in our 2021 Trailblazing magazine editions will be featured in a slideshow at the end of the AGM. EVENTS Other events happening on the 10th and across the weekend are as follows:

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Friday 10th June 14:00-15:00 - we will be hosting our virtual South West Coast Path Forum, with speakers presenting the latest work along England's longest national trail. Details on how to join will appear here shortly www.southwestcoastpath,.org.uk/agm

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Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June from 10am – we will be hosting 4 member walks in Minehead, Carbis Bay/St Ives, Portland and Mount Edgcumbe/Rame Head. You can find out more about these walks by visiting www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/member-walks

Further details regarding the AGM event, the member walks and the SWCPA Forum can all be found at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/AGM If you cannot join the meeting and would like to send an apology, you can do so by emailing hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk In order for us to send you information such as this via email and so that you can keep up to date with all the latest news and projects happening on the Coast Path, please feel free to let us know your email address by calling us on 01752 896237 or by emailing us at: hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

South West Coast Path AGM 2022 – Trustee Biographies Trustee Biography: Ken Carter Proposed: Christopher Leigh Seconded: Malcolm Elliot

l have been walking the South West Coast Path since the mid -eighties when l moved to Devon to become Heritage Coast Officer which included managing the path and ‘filling the gaps’ between Brixham and Plymouth. l retired in 2011 after 35 years experience working for local authorities dealing with Landscape Conservation, Countryside Recreation and Land Management issues in a range of locations around the country including National Park, Country Park, AONB and Urban Fringe situations.

Much of this work involved deve loping partnership funding packages for landscape and environmental initiatives that benefited nature, heritage, people and local tourism. When l finished my career l was Head of Landscape and Leisure, serving on South Hams Council’s Corporate Management t eam dealing with strategic management and budget challenges that involved looking for alternative ways of providing public services through partnerships. When l retired l was able to walk the path most days of the week and so became a member of the Associa tion. l helped organise the Great South West Walk in 2013 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Association and raise funds for path improvements. l have served as Association Chair

and Vice-Chair in the recent past and am currently the Independent Chai r of the SWCP Trail Partnership.

Trusteee Biography: Eve Bampton-Wilton Proposed: Luisa Skinner Seconded: Martin Davis

I am currently a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Practice Lead working for the TALKWORKS team, in the Devon Partnership NHS Trust. Currently , I lead a workforce of around 160 people. As a service, we also run a selection of educational groups and workshops which need coordinating, and we offer an online therapy program package as well. My workforce often needs t o signpost or refer to other services as we see people with such broad needs so we must have really good up -to-date local knowledge of what other services are available. Another role I have is working closely with our marketing executive, which involves de veloping and maintaining good working relationships with the other parts of the NHS, but also voluntary and charitable organisations too. I often do a lot of talks to other services to raise awareness of mental health and how our service could help them – and vice versa!

I am hugely organised and motivated, having overcome serious illness and managing long-term side effects, to remain on my ever -evolving journey to wellness. As someone whose brain has to work pretty hard in my day job, I am very aware of my personal experiences of using exercise as a way of giving my brain a much -needed rest, but also as a way of managing anxiety. I am very used to actively participating in discussions, whilst working towards targets and clear objectives, balancing individua l, team, and wider organisational needs. I am skilled in identifying areas of concern but providing constructive feedback or suggestions and have good working relationships with my existing team. My marketing experience means I am good at proactively building up positive relationships quickly, even when tricky conversations are required. I fit well into existing teams, either as a peer or manager, but my job role means I must be confident to work independently and autonomously, using my own initiative.

I have good working relationships with colleagues within the NHS in mental and physical health, but also with external organisations and charities in Devon. The marketing role means I am used to identifying harder to reach groups and actively adapting to provide a more accessible and equitable service. If I were re-elected, I would use my particular set of skills, rooted in mental health, can help the organisation as a whole, the board, staff , and volunteers! I can provide a refreshing, new angle to support the charity’s aims and objectives and feel I can genuinely represent a group much under-represented out on the path currently.

Trustee Biography: Lucy Daniel Proposed: Edmund Wilson Seconded: Chris Duffy

I live in Cornwall and I'm very proud of my Cornish ancestry. A lifelong walker and blessed with sons and now a granddaughter who love to walk, I'm happiest with my boots on. I completed the SWCP in May 2021 in unusual but very rewarding circumstances.

I have been a SWCPA Trustee since 2018 and look forward to continuing the challenge this year if elected. I am interested in improving accessibility to the countryside in general and the Coast Path in particular.

I have previously worked in Public Rights of Way and subsequently as an EA usually supporting at Chair/CEO level and have many useful contacts from those roles at senior levels in public and private sector organisations.

For the Association: • • • •

I have been a Path Rep for five years, taking on a second stretch 3 years ago As a Trustee I sit on the Path Committee and Chair the Recruitment Working Group I have also been stand-in as Area Rep for SE Cornwall for several months after our previous Area Rep was obliged to resign due to illness I am a former Business Member and now a Way Maker, with my walking guide business, through which I deal with individuals and other businesses across the South West

In other capacities connected with SWCPA: • •

•

I am Plastic Free Fowey community leader (a campaign of our partners, Surfers Against Sewage) I am Chair of Fowey Chamber of Commerce, which is just relaunching as a CIC, and in that capacity work with many existing and potential Way Makers locally and in our regional affiliation. I also have strong links with our Town Council I run a 5K+ member Facebook Group on which I fundraise for the Association by recommending membership to each new member and by sales of custom lanyards

Trusteee Biography: Martin Davis Proposed: John Harker Seconded: Jenny Wilson

I was a University law lecturer for 40 years before retiring in 2013. I have also served on the boards of a number of charities -mostly legally or arts-based. I have always been passionate about the mental and physical benefits of walking and of the need fo r continual supervision of and support for our unrivalled rights of way network. For a number of years, I volunteered as an Area Officer and legal adviser for a walking organisation in the Peak District. I have walked all or part of most long -distance paths, but the unsurpassable south west coast path has always been my favourite -the one where I felt most ‘at home’. I began walking it in 1980 but have yet to complete a number of sections-perhaps I may set a record for the slowest completion! The trustees of the South West Coast Path Association co -opted me as a trustee in November 2015, and I was subsequently elected as a Trustee at the 2016 AGM at Portland. Initially, I served on the Path Committee helping with its crucial and central role in looking after the path as well as helping the Association on legal matters. In June 2019 the Trustees elected me as Association Secretary. I have found working as a Trustee of the Association challenging stimulating and rewarding. If re -elected my wish would be to conti nue as Secretary. I hope I can continue to bring my skills and experience to bear in helping the Association in its increasingly central role in helping maintain, improve and promote the path.

Trusteee Biography: Hilary Dinsdale Proposed: Helen Tipping Seconded: David Schura

I was brought up on the north Cornish coast and now live in South Devon and over the years have enjoyed walking many different parts of the Coast Path. After studying chemistry at university, I trained as a Chartered Accountant and worked in London for 15 years before moving to Devon. Following my move, I worked in finance for an event management company which, amongst other activities, organised the BT Global Challenge round the world yacht race. More recently I have worked as a se lf-employed accountant dealing with small local businesses in Devon whilst bringing up my daughter. After my retirement in 2020 one of my first projects was to walk the whole of the Path, in order, and I am now just over half way around!

I was co-opted as a Trustee in August 2020 and subsequently elected a Trustee and Treasurer in June 2021, chairing the Finance & HR Committee. As a lifelong walker, sea swimmer and occasional sailor I am passionate about the mental and physical health benefits of our green and blue spaces and if re-elected would be pleased to continue as Treasurer.

Trusteee Biography: Carol Grant Proposed: Martin Davis Seconded: Clare Ryan

I joined the Board of the SWCPA in 2019 as a co -opted Trustee. I am now standing for election at the 2022 AGM. I have had a 40-year career in journalism and public relations and now work part -time with clients in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Before joining SWCPA I was a trustee of a charity focused on health and wellbeing. During my time on the Board, I have served on the Fundraising and Membership Committee and am the current chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee. I am also on the recruitment working group set up to ensure that the Board has a diverse membership with the right skills mix to drive the Association forward.

I am an enthusiastic long-distance walker and trail runner. I am currently walking the SWCP in sections (St Ives to the Lizard this year, postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic). I am an England Athletics -accredited Coach in Running Fitness and a voluntary Mental Health Champion, promoting the benefits of exercise and being outdoors for mental wellbeing.

I love the South West Coast Path and I first came across the Association when I started walking it and joined up immediately. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board for the past two years and I hope I have contributed time, energy, and enthusiasm along with strategic and professional skills. I am motivated by a desire to share the joy of the path while projecting the natural environment and promoting sustainable tourism.

I see challenges ahead for the Association, particularly around funding to preserve th is wonderful natural resource, but also many opportunities to improve access to the Path for all those looking to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.

Trusteee Biography: Graham Keene Proposed: Margaret Bonner Seconded: Susannah Keene

I moved to Devon in 1978 to serve with 29 Commando at The Citadel in Plymouth and to this day I still live in the West Country enjoying everything that this wonderful part of the country has to offer including the South West Coast Path. Following my milita ry career, I returned to university and subsequently started a corporate events company , initially based in Devon, that grew to become an international organisation employing several hundred full and part time staff working from 10 global offices. The business continues today, and I am now able to focus my energy on supporting young entrepreneurs in the region that in clude an education training company, a rock band and most recently with Falmouth University the development of an app that manages visitor distribution to maintain social distancing and maximise on-site spending at tourism venues. In 2008 I walked the Coas t Path in its entirety to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and I continue to climb high in the mountains whilst my knees hold out!

Trusteee Biography: Bob Mark Proposed: Tino Savvas Seconded: Nicholas Franks

My family and I are long-time residents in the South-West and have known and loved the Coast Path for close on 35 years. I have been a member of the Association since 2004. I was co-opted as a Trustee in 2017 and served last year on the Path Committee, Finance Committee, and as Chair. My expertise is in policy, business strategy, management, and coastal hydrography & morphology.

After a BSc in Geology and Physical Geography, I trained as a Royal Navy Hydrographic Surveyor in 1980 and spent the first 17 yea rs of my career as a field surveyor, commanding three Hydrographic ships. I have been responsible for coastal survey projects in the South-West and overseas. Moving to Whitehall, I became responsible for coordinating UK civil, military , and Antarctic hydrographic policy. An MSc degree in management at London Business School followed, and then several years of business management and strategy work with government agencies and trading funds.

Notably, the Hydrographic Office, Met Office and the research agenc ies. I was the Director of Corporate Strategy for the Defence Logistics Organisation for three years, designing the national post-cold war transformation of defense ship, aircraft, and vehicle repair facilities. I retired from the Navy in 2007 to join a gl obal management consultancy. Running projects in business strategy, project management, organisation design, logistics, and enterprise resource planning IT Implementation. I have also served as a non-exec on the National Trust (NT) Wessex Region Committee 2007-10, the NT SW Region Advisory Board 2010 -17, the Castle Drogo Project Board 2015 -20, and the NT National Council 2016 -2019. I retired as a Senior Executive Advisor for PWC Strategy& in 2020.

If re-appointed by the AGM as a Trustee, I would like to con tinue as your Chair. My priorities will be to continue to foster our links at regional level with the National Trust, assist in developing our funding streams; and help drive a strategy to broaden the coastal corridor around the Path to provide space to ad just to climate change and improve nature recovery.

Trusteee Biography: David Morris Proposed: James Hillier Seconded: Mair Williams

I joined the SWCPA when I began walking the path some years ago and joined the Board in 2020 as a co-opted trustee. I am now standing for election at the AGM election.

The recreational value of the path and its wonderfully unique position in relation to the natural world has long been beyond doubt. Like so many others, I know this from each and every one of the days of my own walk from Minehead over several years.

The benefits afforded by the path for personal health and wellbeing are also clear.

These benefits have had a profound significance in times of Covid, especially perhaps for people who are already disadvantaged by disability, mental health problems and exclusion. Since joining the Board, I have focussed on contributing to the Association’s role in these areas, drawing on a 40 year career in mental health, social inclusion and community engagement.

I work (now in a part time capacity) as a university academic, leading a centre concerned with supporting engaged communities in building the community networks associated with wellbeing and civic participation. The work is particularly concerned with tackling issues of loneliness and social isolation, often from an inter -generational perspective with older and young people looking together at the shared challenges and opportunities in their communities. With an early career in local authority social work, I have worked for the NHS in leading mental health and primary care development in a large NHS region and subsequently for the National Institute for

Mental Health in England, where I led the cross -government national social inclusion programme, working across sectors on strategies to address the multiple forms of exclusion faced by adults with mental health problems. In all these roles I have been concerned with the core importance of the community voice and have initiated and managed many collaborative, funded programmes involving partnerships across different sectors, agencies and professions.

Since joining the Board, I have been a member of its Health and Wellbeing sub group and initiated a new partnership development with Devon MIND to advance the SWCPA’s aims in relation to mental health, the launch of which took place at our 2021 AGM. Taken together with the forthcoming work of Exeter University in providing for an assessment of the unique mental health and recovery benefits of the path from an economic perspective, this and other emerging partnerships will serve to further our profile in this important area, setting it in the context of our broader aims for inclusion and equity of access.

If elected, I will continue to advance action on this agenda, from the perspective of strong personal values, and a breadth of relevant professional experience.

Trusteee Biography: Philip Spencer Proposed: Martin Macro Seconded: Peter Scupholme

I have been a joint life member of the SWCPA for the past 20 years, and finally completed the Path with my wife Gillian six years ago, just before our first grandchild was born, as we knew we’d have no time afterwards. We’ve now got five grandchildren, but still make time for other things.

My career has been largely in marketing: running a third of the brands for Procter and Gamble, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at two major international management consulting firms, and then heading up the branding and identity practice for Northern Europe for the world’s largest marketing services firm.

I also have major charity experience – running the commercial side of the world’s largest privately-funded NGO, doubling revenues during my four -year tenure, and later leading commercial development at the Alnwick Garden in Northumberland.

I am currently a volunteer pianist with the National Trust, Polesden Lacey, where I play every week, government guidelines per mitting, and have taken a leadership role on their appeal committee, which has succeeded in raising sufficient funds to refurbish their 100-year-old Steinway piano.

I bring to the board a strong belief that the association needs to grow against a rapidly changing environment – this is ever true, and last year I wrote that the world seems to have become even more complicated since that time - prophetic. I continue to believe that marketing and the SWCPA brand need to be developed in order to compete for new sources of income, and I am encouraging the association increasingly to focus on this. I am currently Chair of the Fundraising and Membership Committee and have recently joined the Finance and HR Committee as well.

AGM Minutes – 11 June 2021 Attendees: Ken Carter (KC), Bob Mark (BM), Michael Tithecott (MT), Martin Davis (MD), Julian Gray (JG) Apologies: Chris Shrimpton, David Roderick Holcombe, Alan Peace, John Rankine, Sally Cadec, Tony Spiers, Timothy & Patricia Penn, Dawn Laver, Julia Money, Geoff Garfield, Tim Watson, Jane & Peter Sillett 1. Welcome: Director, Julian Gray (JG) JG: Welcome to our first virtual AGM and the first AGM in two years due to the covid pandemic. Online poll shows 56% of members had been to a previous Coast Path AGM, 44% hadn’t attended previously.

Welcome: Secretary Of State & Environmental Minister – George Eustice GE: Access to walking and connecting to nature has been vital and helped so many during this pandemic. GE hoped this can soon be behind us so that we may meet each other again, in person.

Welcome to 1st Virtual AGM: Chairman, Ken Carter (KC) KC: 200 people attended G7 Summit World Trail Events, 100 attended SWCP Forum, both held earlier on today. 150 attendees at this 48th AGM (6th one as a CIO). Apologies will be recorded in the minutes.

KC updated on Association’s response early on in the Pandemic, with staff homeworking.

Trustees reviewed Business Plan April 2020, adjusting predictions for budgets and targets.

Decision was made not to furlough staff, in order to respond and adapt to the Pandemic as it evolved. Staff returning to Royal William Yard, Plymouth is being reviewed. Trustees were heartened at the resilience of the Team as they managed working flexibly, whilst adapting e.g. suspending the Business Member scheme for the new Way Maker scheme.

Strong reserves from 2019 into 2020, with a substantial legacy boost, whilst the Business Plan has developed a number of income streams, resulting in a greater capacity for growth, whilst enabling us to become more resilient. Going forward, we hope to move to a more sustainable budget position, using our reserves more effectively than we have currently been.

2020 – We researched into Health & Wellbeing of the Trail. Physical Wellbeing £75 million which didn’t take into account the mental health value. Also, research into economy value showed visitor spend equated to £520 million pounds, supporting 10k jobs in SW.

The past 18 months has shown the value of connecting with nature and free access to Coast, awareness has grown, and we as a charity can respond to this. In Trailblazing magazine, articles provide range of work we are undertaking, and are now looking at representing all types of users not just long distance walkers.

2. Minutes of Previous AGM Falmouth 2019: Secretary, Martin Davis (MD) [5.a1] Richard Walton’s name mentioned twice.

[5.b] Error KC didn’t hand over to MC, he handed to MT (Mike Tithecott), Treasurer.

Minutes Proposed: Lucy Daniel. Seconded: Kevin Thomas 82%: Approved. 18%: Abstained.

3. Matters Arising From Previous Minutes No matters arising.

4. Annual Report & Accounts 4.1 Annual Report, KC [4.1a] Key element from 2020 was the decision not to furlough staff. Partners weren’t able to undertake some maintenance due to restrictions, this led to delays in some projects being funded, but were able to fund £49K of improvements, although down on what we would usually have spent. The pandemic impacted delivery on England Coast Path, although Natural England hope to catch up in 2021/22, but have extended target for completing this to 2023. This coincides with the Association’s 50th Anniversary.

[4.1b] Trustees were concerned with the impact of fundraising, yet Every Mile Matters campaign delivered high levels of donations, gift aid and legacies, generating over £100k.

Encouragingly, we held onto our members, with a strong membership of over 10,000.

[4.1c] A decision was made to reshape the Business Membership, (due to businesses being closed) to the Way Maker scheme, currently in excess of 300 members. Having staff in post enabled us to adapt and continue to work with businesses and working within the industry in the SW. [4.1d] Path condition has been at ‘80% good condition’, due to the Association supporting maintenance of steps, way markers & finger posts through our fundraising. The overall standard has not dropped.

[4.1e] Increased awareness of the value of the Path to everyone during restrictions, being close to nature became so important, helped many through some very difficult times.

[4.1f] We recruited 3 additional Trustees (2 with Health & Wellbeing skills) so the Health & Wellbeing working group was set up in order to deliver further work in 2021.

[4.1g] Towards the end of 2020 the Alliance of National Trails was formed. We received a grant to enable this work to continue. As a result, a development officer was appointed to represent us to work with other National Trails to formalise a body to represent us in Government and secure our maintenance grant year to year.

[4.1h] Communication in 2020 – TV coverage increased due to ‘staycations’, which boosted awareness of the Path, which is encouraging for the charity.

[4.1i] End of year finance results show we’re in a very strong position to invest and grow the charity, to start addressing problems in terms of climate change and storm damage.

4.2 Annual Accounts: Treasurer, Mike Tithecott (MC)

[4.2a] MC explained the process for preparing accounts which starts in Jan each year, when draft accounts are prepared for Bishop Fleming Accountants, onto Trustees to review and finally approval by members.

[4.2b] Performance at a high level, 2020: surplus £41k compared with 2019: £284k (owing to significant legacy in 2019 not budgeted for). Other income increased from 2019 (despite pandemic), from donations, grants & shop sales.

[4.2c] Expenditure is down from 2019 notably on Path Projects (contractors not able to complete works due to pandemic). Money budgeted for will still be spent in 2021 when we catch up with our projects.

[4.2d] Looking forward, due to pandemic and Brexit there is uncertainty nationally and economically with government funding levels, but despite this, reserves have remained strong and at a good level.

Annual Report & Accounts Proposed: Philip Spencer. Seconded: Lucy Daniel Approved: 86% Abstained: 13% No: 1% 5. Election of Trustees [5.1] KC formally thanked Mike for his time, as he steps down as Treasurer. Mike is willing to offer advice to new Treasurer, thank you.

[5.2] During last year three new Trustees were co-opted: Eve, David & Hilary (biographies in information packs). The charity membership doesn’t elect officers, this is conducted by the Board at its first meeting. Trustees have put their names forward: Bob, Martin, Hilary & Peter.

[5.3] KC confirmed he is standing down having been active for past 5 years but will still stand as a Trustee. The new Chair will be considered and proposed at the Board’s first meeting following the AGM. Meeting passed over to Bob Mark (BM) for election process for Ken to continue as Trustee: Proposed: Christopher Leigh Seconded: Malcolm Elliiott 97% Approved Back to KC – thanked those for voting and for support.

KC asked if there were any objections to voting for Trustees on block: Approved: 95% Abstained: 4% No: 1% KC asked members to vote the Trustees on block: Approved: 96% No: 4% KC asked MD if there were any comments made to the poll, MD confirmed in the negative and there were no legal issues to this.

KC thanked all for voting, pleased to say we have a strong board and has confidence that work will be maintained at a high level. Thanks to all for your support.

6. AOB & QUESTIONS [6.1[ Lizzie Wallis: How do you measure physical & mental health in terms of economic value?

KC: We worked with Exeter University – research into physical side of walking and its impact on walkers’ health. This converted into savings to the NHS. Report available on website.

Further work planned in terms of the value of the Path to people’s wider health & wellbeing.

Trustees have set up a Health & Wellbeing Working Group. Health Report (paged 22) explains the methodology.

[6.2] John Harker: Have Natural England given up negotiations for completing new sections of the Path (to fill the gaps) in order to get the Coast Path finished as quickly and cheaply as possible?

KC: No they haven’t given up – they have submitted their proposals to the Head Of State. It looks as though gaps won’t be filled; they believe they have done as much as they can e.g., South Devon estuaries where they have failed to negotiate improvements to cross certain estuaries. As the Association, we have established an approach to try and continue the work to fill some of those gaps.

[6.3] Paul Simmons: Cutting regime should be more, we need a team rather than wait for others to do this. KC: Cutting regime is agreed with different partners, maintenance is paid for by Natural England grant and passed on to National Trust and local partners to deliver the work. Number of cuts is dependent on each area. As far as Association is concerned, we will continue to provide money to deliver improvements and will continue to support with way markers and materials for items like steps and general infrastructure.

Paul Simmons: Re: provision of cutting services Is the solution to provide local teams in order to keep the Path perfect?

KC: A level of responsibility lies partly with Highway Authority and Natural England, so the maintenance cost is covered by Authorities. Our Reserves are in a healthy position due to substantial legacy, which can’t be rely upon. We don’t want to pay for additional cuts but encourage Authorities to do this. Difficult for us to commit ourselves to an annual figure currently covered by Authorities. Our role is to work in partnership with authorities to create greater income for improvements with work that will have a much bigger impact.

BM: One of the challenges is that a substantial proportion of Path is managed/owned by National Trust who have had great difficulty with Rangers and being down on income, and therefore so behind in grass cutting activity. This year the Association is running a deficit budget to make sure we put as much money as possible into improvements.

[6.4] Andy Straw: During lockdowns it has been well highlighted that walking and the Path has been pivotal in helping mental health. Is this recognised by the Government and could a new grant be sought to help actively promote the mental health benefits of the Path.

KC: This is why we now have a Mental Health & Wellbeing working group and new Trustees with skills in this area. It’s not recognised by Government yet but helpful to have the Environmental Minister acknowledge the Path is of such value to the community and visitors, which we can use to go back to Government to suggest work can be delivered through the Association.

Carol Grant (Trustee): Regarding the mental health point raised, our partnership with Devon Mind will allow us the ability to bid for potential funds through local health partnerships and will be a model for elsewhere.

KC: confirmed that David Morris (Trustee) is working on this and establishing a MOU (memorandum of understanding) for working with MIND to see how we can make the most of grants that are available.

[6.5] KC confirmed Board of Trustees will meet to consider the next Chairman and those who have put their names forward to be considered are: BM to Chairman, MD to continue as Secretary and HN to be considered for Treasurer. We are currently uncertain as to the Vice Chairman, PS might take this on, but this will be considered at the meeting.

[6.6] Gary Malpas: Living far away, other than monetary contributions, how else can we assist the charity?

KC: Always great to get support from all ways, so please do email: hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk We are looking into how we can develop voluntary work so please keep an eye on the Trailblazing magazine and through the website.

[6.7] Is the Association replacing RW, National Trails Officer?

KC: Recruitment process has already started, which will take place during July.

KC: Concluded the end of the formal meeting and thanked all members for attending. Also, thanks to all the hard work from MT as Treasurer. We have challenges ahead but securing funding is high on the agenda but through the formation of the Alliance, this will be done.

Thanks to Richard Walton, NT Officer – who is leaving for a new job with Devon Council. We wish him well in his new position.

Special thanks to all the staff who have worked tremendously hard during this challenging year – as well as to Julian Gray who has shown amazing dedication especially following an illness, injury and still managing.

Thank you to all members for continuing to support the Association during the past year.

BM: Thanked Ken for his tremendous effort over the past 5 years, achieving an enormous amount behind the scenes. Proud to have him as Chairman, thank you for continuing as Trustee and as the individual chair for the SW Trails Alliance.

7. AOB Next AGM: 10 June 2022 in Minehead.

End Of Formal AGM 16:30 Completers Presentation Slideshow of all members who have completed the Path over the past 18 months.

BM: completing all 630miles of the Path is such an achievement, especially in such a challenging year. One change in future, offering certificates for partial completions for less abled who aren’t in a position to complete whole path. We want to recognise those people.

Congratulations to you all.