Apologies
Apologies were received from Rowan Brockhurst. This is only the 2nd meeting he has missed since the inaugural meeting in May 1974. Apologies were also received from the Hon. Secretary.
The minutes of the 2007 AGM were read and accepted.
Matters Arising
Lord Everley’s seat. A donation may be given towards its repair as a suitable site has not been found for a new seat elsewhere.
Cranborne Ancient Technology Centre. The visit took place and was greatly enjoyed. A donation was given.
Chairman’s Report
During the last year the Society has continued to be involved in all matters relating to local rights of way and relevant matters in a wider geographical area. A comprehensive walks programme has been provided.
Membership
Has decreased by 30 as at 31st December 2007. There are 141 single and 162 family memberships (2 people). This gives a total of 465. The reduced number of new members is probably due to the cancellation of the Shows at Fordingbridge and Ellingham.
Walks Programme
The programme listed walks totalling 487 miles (485 last year) plus walks on our holiday. Unfortunately a number of walks had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Walk lengths varied from 3 – 13 miles with some figure of eight. The number of walkers has increased on walks of all lengths. On occasions there have been over 50 on evening and morning walks and over 30 on many weekend ones. As a Society we are walking more miles.
The large number of walkers gives us car-parking problems. Car sharing is encouraged and seems to have increased. It is particularly difficult for large groups to access paths in some of our Parishes.
Walks with special interest continue. Particularly appreciated was the Trig Point annual walk and the Moors Valley visit when 9 children joined us.
Footpath Matters
2007 Rolling Review. This was in the Parishes of Ellingham, Harbridge, Ibsley and Ringwood. 2 paths were found to need a complete overhaul. All problems have been reported to HCC.
Matters of Concern.
1. During the year we have again encountered locked gates – all these seem to have been resolved.
2. Rockbourne Paths. An unofficial diversion to footpath 9 at Marsh Farm continues. HCC are dealing with this. Work is required on others - 2 have “disappeared”.
3. Fordingbridge Footpath 36. This has very poor stiles and a dangerous bridge. HCC have agreed to a makeover.
4. AVP. Badger activity near Fordingbridge Church has increased. Their holes have been encircled by orange mesh to make them visible.
5. Linwood Bog. Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley footpaths 19 & 33 should both cross the bog. The routes are dangerous. Much discussion has taken place with HCC, Ramblers Association, New Forest National Park and Natural England. My concern is that there is a finger post and stile leading directly in to the bog. The use of a “floating bridge” of heather bales has been considered, as has a diversion to the path. Unfortunately there is no obvious route for a diversion. On the 27th March the New Forest Group of the Ramblers Association issued notice to HCC as required under section 56 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires them to maintain the surface, fabric and structure of the path. We will no doubt hear much more about this issue, as there is no easy way to solve the conflict between access and nature conservation.
Treasurer’s Report
The accounts were presented and accepted. It was proposed by the Treasurer that the subs were to remain the same - £3.50 single and £5.00 family.
Proposed by Alison Sherman and seconded by Alex Amos.
Election of Officers
Current members were proposed, seconded and elected.
Pam Ellis resigned during the year and Kelvin Winch was appointed.
Any Other Business
At the present time it is not known which local shows will take place. We intend to have a presence where possible.
The Date of the next AGM is the 23rd March 2009.
The AGM was followed by a Presentation by Ms Alex Lewis of HCC regarding the mapping of Rights of Way. |
