Kimberworth Park Walking For Pleasure
First Annual General Meeting 26:11:2014
Present: 34 out of 46 members
Apologies: Ann Cox, Sue Mason, Pat Muffett, Kayleigh Paling, Betty Quinn.
An Introduction to Kimberworth Park Walking for Pleasure by Karen
1. We are no longer a member of Walking for Health, so are now on our own and officially called the Kimberworth Park Walking for Pleasure– nothing else has changed – we will still have trained walk leaders, carry out risk assessments for every walk, and arrange training for potential new walk leaders and also first aid. We will still be publicised by the Rotherham Active Always programme, and Colin has sorted out a website giving out our details: We have taken out our own public liability insurance at a cost of £106 for 50 members. The subscription will remain at £1 to cover walk and refreshments. On away days, passengers will continue to give their £1 to their driver.
2. Health Questionnaires – we will still require forms to be filled in so that we are aware of any health problems that members may have. I keep these forms secure but would like to ask members to let me know if there have been any changes since they were first completed. Not only health changes, but changes to address, phone number, e-mail address etc.
3. We have produced a list of rules & it is worth outlining these now. (Go through them) See below-
Guidance and Information (including a few rules)
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the walk, i.e. 9.50 a.m. – we try to leave the church promptly at 10 a.m.
Please wear suitable footwear – walking boots recommended as they provide good ankle support over rough ground.
As most of the walks involve public footpaths, it is recommended that long trousers and long sleeves should be worn to avoid problems with nettles, brambles and tics.
Most walkers find a stick useful to provide extra balance – you are not senile just sensible!
A risk assessment is carried out for every walk – please listen carefully at the start of the walk for full information about possible risks.
If you need medication or use an inhaler, please ensure that you carry them with you on the walk.
Please complete the information required regarding your emergency contact details and carry it with you on the walk.
Carry water and use sun cream and wear a sun hat when appropriate.
Dogs not allowed on walks for reasons of safety.
4. With the help of Pat Michael who is the Community Involvement Officer, Rotherham North Area Assembly, Housing & Communities, we have been awarded £800 from the Community Development Fund in London. We had to tell them what we wanted the money for. We put down stationery requirements, such as printer paper, toner cartridges, water bottles and small rucksacks for each member, if possible, hi-vis vests, first aid and walk leader training. We also had to open a bank account, and we have to submit a statement by next February as to what we have spent the money on. Priority has to be given to the items that we listed, but we welcome suggestions from members of the group, especially if we have money left over.
We have had to put together a constitution for our group and this is available for all members to inspect. Members have to be registered for at least 3 months to be eligible for voting on any matters at the AGM.
Financial Statements - £800 still to go in. Funds are healthy, considering that we have managed to provide a coach trip and a Christmas dinner for everyone. Our auditor has made a valid suggestion that I feel we should adopt, i.e. that in case we apply in the future for funding from any organization, we ought to ensure that the members sign in themselves when they arrive at the church, to confirm that our membership numbers are as stated.
5. Membership – we now have 46 members. There are now four people on the waiting list, all relatively new additions. If anyone asks about joining our group, they can obviously still be put onto our waiting list.
6. We can now proceed to the election of officers – Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer as well as Committee members. Temporarily, I have been designated as Chairman, Colin as Secretary and Val as Treasurer, with Tony, Ron and Malcolm as Committee members. It is now up to you all to nominate, second and vote on who you want to take on these roles for our group.
We will have an AGM every year, and other meetings as and when required.
Commencement of the Meeting
1. Election of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer:
Appointed:
Chairman: Karen Wilkes Secretary: Colin Barnes Treasurer: Val Town
Committee Members: Tony Wilkes, Ron Town, Malcolm Dunn.
Auditor: Marion Paling
Thanks were expressed to Judith Town for previous audits of the group.
2. The future election of a shadow chairman, secretary and treasurer was suggested, in case of unavailability of the first elected. This proposal was accepted. We require volunteers please.
3. A donation to a charity instead of distributing Christmas Cards was suggested. This was deemed as being a successful continuation of the same practice last year. The charity or charities will be chosen by vote at a later date.
4. Christmas Dinner: The 2014 dinner is paid for and arrangements are complete. For 2015 it was agreed that funds would cover the cost of the meal for any member who has a 50% attendance of the number of meetings in that particular year. Members can opt to pay their £1.00 for any week they are not present, and thus achieve the 50% figure.
5. Approval was given for people to bring children on walks, for example grand children during school holidays, providing that they meet the health requirements to participate. Please note that their guardians must take total responsibility for their well being and safety.
6. Langsett Christmas Tree Walk: Approval was given for a buffet at the church after the walk. Each person is invited to bring something along, and a list will be made available to ensure that we have a good variety of foods.
7. Fund Raising: Thanks were expressed to Jim and Tony H. for Spot the Ball each week.
A monthly raffle was approved, charging 50p for a ticket, and £1.00 for three tickets. A prize could be provided by each member in turn or bought out of funds. A start date and organization will be decided in the new year.
8. Ideas and requests for walks and trips: A coach to Skipton, Pugney Park/ Sandal Castle,
a York trip, Wentworth Castle. Requested re-visits: Wigfield Farm at Worsbrough and the cream tea on the Elsecar train.
9. A request for more walk leaders: Tony H. expressed an interest to complete the training.
10. First Aid: Brenda, Val and Tony W. have up-to-date training. Fay and Breda expressed an interest in a training course.
11. A request was made for more people to offer help in making and clearing refreshments at the end of walks. It was agreed that refreshments would be placed on the front table for people to collect and that mugs would be returned to this table.
12. Safety: The standard of road safety was praised and it was noted that walk leaders and members are now coordinated in efforts to ensure the safe negotiation of hazards. It was suggested, however, that we must not be complacent, and that all members should ensure that they listen to the risk assessments, be alert at road crossings and pay heed to warnings.
13. Tolerance was called for regarding the pace of walking and respecting all member's enjoyment of the walks. Praise was given for the high standard of conduct exhibited by all members of what has evolved to be a very successful and sociable group.
14. Any Other Business: A suggestion that walkers could pick up a piece of litter on designated walks. This is for further discussion. There was also a reminder that members are welcome to meet at the church for refreshments and a social gathering when walks are cancelled due to inclement weather or for reasons of safety.
Closure of Meeting.