Notes of AGM Meeting held on Monday 4th November 2013 at Bramcote Memorial Hall
20 members present. Apologies from C Bridgwater, M.Curtis, S.Heptinstall, B.Lynes, E.Swetnam, E.Fewkes, D.Dobbie.
Norman Clyde-Watson in Chair welcomed all to the meeting.
1. Matters Arising from AGM 2012
Meetings – Fewer numbers had been attracted than in previous years – possibly due to change of venue, subjects covered by Speakers or just less active members. The Committee had discussed this at length and decided to replace these meetings with a Quarterly Newsletter which will keep Members up-to-date with activities etc. The AGM will still be held on the 1st Monday in November. This decision will be reviewed after a year.
The following Reports were presented – copies are held by the Secretary:-
2. Chairmans Report
Norman began by paying tribute to Walter Grauberg who had died in October at the age of 90. 14 years ago, Walter organised the first meeting and the FOBR was formed with a Constitution and he acted as Chairman for 3 years. The FOBR is a very successful Conservation Group and we record his support, encouragement and friendship which members will remember with affection. A book of his life and work, produced by John and Sandra Appleton for his 90th Birthday, had been much appreciated by Walter and his family and donations had been requested for FOBR and Nottingham Hospital Charity in lieu of flowers at his funeral.
Norman continued with news of other activities:-
- Involvement with young people had resulted in work with local Scouts and Cubs groups, which had proved very successful with more sessions planned for next year. Thanks to Eric and John in helping with this. These activities were in line with the Green Flag judges recommendations for encouraging young persons’ involvement with the FOBR.
- Norman continued to liaise with Broxtowe BC in the development of the ‘Ridge’ and work to restore heathland and a professionally laid hedge is underway. Notices will keep the public and members aware of the benefits of this work.
- The Green Flag Community Award had been rejudged for 2013 and received a higher award than in previous years. Many positive features were listed and recommendations made to improve signage, control Willowherb and to let some areas develop ‘naturally’. Overall it was declared to be ‘A well looked after site that is managed on a day-to-day basis by a team of dedicated volunteers’.
- Norman concluded by thanking the Committee, members of Broxtowe BC and Sandra Appleton for her IT input. He also thanked Geoff Fewkes, who was a founder member, for his continued help from Cumbria in keeping the Web Site up to date and offering other help and advice.
3. Working Groups Report
John Appleton reported that the Work Sessions had been well supported on the whole and had been involved in path restoration, bramble clearing, step construction, bird box cleaning and recently bat box construction. Work is on-going and new members are welcome to participate.
John thanked all involved for their continued support.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Eric Curtis circulated the balance sheet for the year. A copy is on file.
- He continues to maintain the finances of the group, which acknowledged the donation of monies by John Appleton from his gardening activities & a gift from his elderly neighbour for her care by John & Sandra!
- Most outgoings related to the purchase of essential equipment and materials used by the workgroups.
- There were no queries – some wine given to Auditor in lieu of fee!
Note – Membership Subscription to remain at £5.00 per member – now due (Nov 1st).
Cheques, made payable to ‘Friends of Bramcote Ridge’ & passed to the Treasurer, Eric Curtis before the year end please.
YOUR SUPPORT IS VALUED & IMPORTANT.
5. Butterfly & Bird Surveys
John Appleton reported on the 13th year of recording Butterflies. The weather improved enough to bring out a rush after a poor start to the year – 19 species this year including a Clouded Yellow – a first for the Ridge.
For Birds, this was the 14th year of recording - 50 different species were recorded including Finches, Redwing, Fieldfare, Woodpeckers, Tawny Owls and a pair of Pheasants which may have bred. Another first was a Ring-necked Parakeet again maybe from a breeding pair elsewhere in the locality.
John thanked all involved in the recording including Jane and Sheila.
As usual, all results are collated & sent to the appropriate National Bodies.
6. Meetings
In 2013 – February Guest Speaker Peter Hillier gave a talk about ‘The Sunken Church, Bramcote’
June's Guest Speaker Steve Dance from the Planning Dept of Broxtowe BC .gave a talk about ‘The Positive Side of Development’.
These were both excellent talks and were well appreciated by members. Thanks to Geoff Ward for arranging both speakers.
7. Walks
Again, Enid Swetnam had arranged 2 walks – one to/from Strelley and the other Dale Abbey. These had been well enjoyed by those who participated and hopefully will feature again next year. Many thanks to Enid for organising these.
8. Committee
All current Committee Members are willing to continue at present & as no other Nominations were received, were re-elected unopposed.
AOB
- Alan thanked John for the excellent Bird Box, now at issue 65 and also for delivering it!
- It was suggested that the Quartely Newsletter be put into local Libraries etc. if costs permitted. This was agreed as a viable option for increasing public awareness of the activities of FOBR.
- It was noted that Nottinghamshire continued to be a major Community Award Winner again this year.
- Date of next AGM will be Monday 3rd November 2014.
Light refreshments were then enjoyed and the meeting concluded with a Competition arranged by John called ‘Items found on the Ridge’. 20 Photographs were of Flora, Birds and Butterflies and a small prize was awarded to the winner – Jane Hardman.
Photographs were also displayed of work done on the Ridge and of recent involvement with the Scouts.
The meeting closed at 9:00pm.
The Friends are always looking for extra pairs of hands to help out or to simply support their work, so...
- to find out when the next work session will take place, click here, or
- to find out about becoming a member please contact us here, or
- to discover what goes into managing the sites click here.
