AGM 2009
Minutes of the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society's AGM
held on the 27th of October, 2009 at 7:30pm in The Moon Hotel, Spondon.
Minutes of the last AGM.
Taken as read by unanimous vote.
Chairman's Report 2008/9.
Chris Madge reported an interesting year, which commenced for him in April when he took over as acting Chairman. Since that time he has been supported by a strong Committee. Judy Flack's retirement at the last AGM had left a substantial gap, but we start the new year in good spirits with a number of new names joining the committee in readiness for planning permission being granted.
Through the year Graham and Doug had been stalwarts throughout and helped the new boy Through. Whilst Paul Birtles had taken a less prominent role he had nevertheless still contributed just as much, particularly on events. Paul Shepherd had stepped in to take over Working Parties and Paul Turner had again offered support from the sidelines. The addition of Julie Parr, who has taken on membership, has also had a major effect and helped us to progressively catch up our membership records, following Dave Russell's need to devote himself to an hectic work schedule.
Highlights of the year included the County Show, The IWA Festival at Redhill and EcoFest at Markeaton Park and the local church walk along the canal path at Wilmorton. In each we spread the word and gained a lot of interest, support and members. We also sold some merchandise and so raised a few pennies and more than covered our costs. At the IWA we also presented to a full auditorium of interested parties.
The Society has also held a number of social meetings with more lined up for next year, withstood the collapse of Gregory's again and relocated to The Moon Hotel in Spondon.
The Working Parties group has been active throughout the year with hedgelaying and grass cutting taking prominence. When we are past planning activity levels should pick up and with that in mind we are looking to undertake path clearance and hedge planting work in Spondon over the next couple of months.
A key achievement during the year has been the development of our communications. With three excellent editions of The Packet produced almost solo by Doug Flack we have seen the quality and size rise. Julie has been working to check and collect members' email addresses so that we can send out updates to members most quickly and cost effectively. Furthermore, working with the Trust we have established a new look website, full of the latest formatting and networking opportunities that can be easily maintained by the Society. Doug has taken charge of this and has produced a site with substantial content that will contain updates on events, minutes of meetings as well as the standard promotional matter designed for unfamiliar browsers, who may wish to help us.
Our thanks also go to retiring committee members this year namely:-
Alec Dodd, whose development of the Derby Arm is a key feature of making our restoration different and exciting to financial backers and city polititians.
Dave Russell who has managed the membership for more years than anyone can remember - more time for the deckchair now Dave?
Helen and Rachel read who covered secretarial responsibilities.
Treasurers Report
Accounts were presented by Graham Eardley, our Treasurer. During the year the society has assisted the Trust and lent money to assist with their activities. At the end of the year this loan had been repaid. During the year money was expended on the new website, on Working Party activities and on distribution of The Packet. The Packet represents a substantial cost in printing and postage, but is seen as vital to communicate with members . It is hoped that greater reliance on website access to The Packet will reduce costs in future.
With expected expenditure on insurance, Working Parties and The Packet we will need to raise further funds to support this expenditure. A lockwheel is planned for May and Chris & Doug will attempt tp obtain grant funding through Awards for All.
Appointment of Committee Members
A call for new committee members was requested by the chairman. After this the following current members of the committee were re-elected:-
Chris Madge as Chairman
Graham Eardley as Treasurer
Doug Flack as Editor/Webmaster
Julie Parr as Membershship and Monthly Draw Secretary
Paul Birtles and Paul Turner will continue as General Committee Members
The following new appointees were agreed:-
Ann Madge/Eileen Holland together covering social meetings
Barry Boole to cover Fund raising and particularly the Lockwheel
David Hayes to assist with Planning Permission handling
Membership Fees
The proposal from the Committee that 'with effect from the 27th of October, 2009, no standing order discount will be offered to new members. Fees will be £15 for a family, £10 for an adult and £5 for concessions' was carried unanimously.
Planning Permission Presentation
David Hollingsworth of BWB Planning Consultants presented a summary of actions taken to secure planning permission registration. His presentation will be made available on the website for review. In summary David explained how he:-
1. had undertaken Achaeological and ecology studies in some depth
2. had undertaken negotiation with the Environment Agency to ensure flood modelling was unnecessary at this stage and that the EA recognised the canal as a solution to flood defences in Derby
3. had redrafted the Environmental Impact Assessment in greater detail than the submission almost three years ago (due to increased requirements) and
4. is currently managing the Highways Agency to ensure no objections are raised by them
The final meeting is in mid November which should then see the permission being granted 16/18 weeks later in March/April, 2010. It was apparent to all how much work had been required by the planners to permit this application and how much progress had been made by the Trust.
The Towpath Trail
Jonathan Beasley and david from Gleeds and BWB then updated on the early rationale and progress on the towpath trail. This would run on the East-West section of the canal route. Surveys and costings are currently underway. financed by DDEP/EMDA funding and this would allow an application for funding to build from the 6Cs (3 cities, 3counties) funding source available in the East Midlands. It is unlikely that the whole route will be achieved from the funding available, but it is important to have awareness of the canal heightened and this will achieve that. It will also provide a project with which we can get to know the local public bodies involved better, ahead of larger scale development and canal build later.
The New Website
Chris Bampton of Isoblue presented the new website and explained some of its features and the rationale behind the design. It is essentially a means of better communication and networking between society members whilst being an excellent base for attracting new interest from members and funders alike. It is intended to ensure that event updates, progress reports and material such as The Packet are available on the website for members.
David Johnson offered comments on improvements to the website
1. could the site automatically send updates to his email address? At present the logon/registration is cumbersome and prevents access for potentially new members.
2. could we set up a Contact Us section so that interested parties can send an automatic email to a committee member
3. is it possible to establish contacts to advertisers websites?
These points were welcomed and will be taken up at the next Committee meeting.
The Kate Birtles Shield
This award is presented in memory of Kate Birtles, who was dedicated to the canal restoration ans society before her death. The Award is to the person who in the view of the Committee has delivered the most to the Society over the last 12 months. The Award was made to Paul Shepherd for his unstinting efforts in taking over the Working Parties brief.
Alec Dodd
As a sign off from his committee position Alec provided an update on the Arm. Stockport College had involved 7 students for 35 days to test the design, including 4 students on the hydraulics, with some success. Unfortunately the students had been laid off by their sponsoring employers due to the recession, but had nevertheless produced useful work.
The patent has now been pending for a period of time which normally produces registration, so Alec is hopeful that we may learn of patent approval soon.
Future Meetings at The Moon Public House at 8pm
The November 24th meeting will be a talk on the Royal Train by Phil Ecclestone of the Midland Railwat Trust. Don't miss the 12ft model of the Royal Train and the anecdotes behind the facade.
There will be no December meeting.
26th January will be a talk by John Easter on the Little Eaton Gangway.
23rd February will be a talk on the Canal development at Butterley.
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