Item No : 9c
Date:16th April 2014
Report:Surrey Hills Society February - April 14
Written by:Chris Howard (Chairman)
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Purpose of Report
To report on the activities of the Surrey Hills Society
Summary
The Surrey Hills Society continues in its main role of promoting and engaging with the public and raising awareness of the issues facing the AONB. In 2014 we are running more events than ever before, to a much wider audience. There are more talks, presentations and more collaboration with the newer “arms” of the AONB- SHE & SH Trust Fund.
The SHS Strategy
The Society is assisting with the Surrey County Council’s review via the Surrey Countryside Rural Enterprise Forum. It is also still working closely with Surrey Hills Enterprises, Surrey Hills Trust Fund and the Board to develop the new Business Plans for each “arm” of the organisation so that they all effectively work together.
Core Funding
The charity is completely independent and currently receives no grants. Most of its funding comes from donations, membership fees and profits from the events programme.
The Trustees have recently agreed to recruit a new paid co-ordinator. This will be 8 hours a week and is currently being advertised. Closing date: Thursday 15th May.
A new sponsor has been found for the next newsletter – solicitor in Godalming.
Communications and Publicity
The 8 page newsletter continues to be created by a group of volunteers three times a year.
The Chairman continues to write a column on the SHAONB for every edition of Surrey Life Magazine.
Shows and Talks
This year we are appearing at the County Show but have taken a smaller and much cheaper stand in the charities tent.
We will be appearing at over 12 shows across the county over the summer. Our talks programme is booked well into 2015.
Membership
Membership continues to grow. At a talk recently, 13 new members packs were sold in just one evening. The Gift Packs continue to be popular.
Events
The summer events programme is now in full swing. May I recommend Chairman’s Day to the Board on Tuesday 20th May. We will be meeting some of the food producers of the Surrey Hills in a full day’s programme of visits and of course, tastings!
The New Generation, 20- 30s group has now had its launch and has one event a month planned through to August. The new “Families” group had its’ launch event at Bocketts Farm on Sunday 6th April which was attended by 20 people and was very successful.
For 2014 we have increased the number of events in the programme significantly. We now have more trained volunteers to handle more events and have also been trying to widen the appeal by launching the “New Generation” and the “Families” projects.
For the first time we held an evening talk/event at Tanyard Hall in Gomshall on Thursday 20th March where the officers from the AONB, Rob Fairbanks and Clive Smith explained the valuable work that goes on behind the scenes regarding the protection of the AONB and planning policy. Cllr Mike Band gave an extremely useful talk on the pressures Councils find themselves in with the new NPPF and the proposed housing numbers, using Waverley Borough Council as an example. Tim Harrold from CPRE also explained the role of CPRE and their views on the NPPF and his role on the SHAONB Board. This was extremely well received by our members- especially the members from Parish Councils.
Recommendations
The AONB Board is asked to note of the report.