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We start the year with a trip to Bowness on Windermere, there will be 3 excellent walks to pick from as usual. This destination is an ideal opportunity to visit one of our premier destinations, even if you dont fancy a walk in January this is still a great day out and a great chance to visit Bowness with its all year round facilities, including great shopping with the January Sales, then relax in one of the many pubs, tea shops & restaurants, plus you can take a cruise on Windermere, or rent a boat, all open, so come and join us and beat the January blues with a great day out. So remember its not compulsory to do one of the organised walks if you fancy a trip to the Lakes with plenty to keep you occupied during the day in the fabulous Lakes.
FRESHFIELD RAMBLERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2025 – 8.00pm (doors open from 7:30pm) at Formby Cricket Club
Note of the meeting
The Chairman opened the meeting by asking for a minute’s silence as respect for two leading members of the club who had died during the year, John Hodgson and Lindsay Page.
The Chairman welcomed the over 30 members in attendance on what was a “filthy” evening. The names of 15 members sending their apologies were noted. The chairman gave a brief report saying he was resigning from his post as following his stay in hospital he felt he had not been as dynamic and active as he used to be and the club deserved better.
There were no matters arising on the minutes of the last AGM on 12 November 2024 that were not on the agenda.
Financial Report and Adoption of the 2024-25 Accounts. The Treasurer introduced the accounts showing a loss of approx. £1500, combination of increased coach charges and volumes of walkers. This level of loss was not sustainable and was an existential threat to the group. Proposed by committee increasing Subs to £20, coach fees £16, The treasurer walked round the room answering questions on the accounts. The mood of members comments was to increase the subs and the coach fare further. The meeting decided with one vote against to increase subs to £20 per annum and the coach fare to £18 a trip. To be implemented immediately. This level of contributions was still significantly lower than most other local walking groups.
Appointment of Club Officers, The Chairman explained that the committee did a lot of work on the group’s behalf, mostly unseen. He encouraged volunteers to help out either by joining the committee or in other ways.
Following the Chairman’s resignation Brian Kneale was elected as the new chairman. The Chairman thanked his committee and said all were willing to stand again. In the absence of any other volunteers the committee were all re-elected Honorary Treasurer Honorary Secretary(s) Walk Organiser Membership Secretary The Auditor was also re-appointed
The Chairman introduced the proposed 2026 walk program (attached) by first thanking all the walk leaders for all their hard work and commitment. He explained that a lot of thought goes into the walk planning and we listen to comments and try to take them on board but it’s nigh on impossible to please everyone. Derek ( the walk organiser) explained we tried to keep winter walks as local as possible and have as many venues with good facilities suitable for the less able to still enjoy. After some discussion and ideas for future walks the program proposed was accepted.
Update from social committee. Liz explained what the social committee was doing. Organising the successful weekend hotel trip to Caernarfon. Planning a pre Xmas event probably at a pub in Formby and a post Xmas local walk. There were only two people now on the social committee and we would like to encourage volunteers to help with certain tasks.
Any Other Business
How can we improve communications? Derek explained he was trying to improve the website and the group’s Facebook pages. He had also produced a new poster that has been e-mailed to all members and we hope it will be put up in many suitable venues. The new poster was seen as well thought out and a marked improvement from our existing posters,
The current Coach leaving times were confirmed as; Nov-March 4.00-4.30pm, Apr-Oct 5.00-5.30pm. Subject to possible changes if events require. Decisions to be agreed by walk leaders and announced on the Coach.
Safety issues. Richard has agreed to monitor the first aid kits. We need to review all Health and safety issues that might affect the group.
The new chairman thanked everyone for attending and for joining in discussions. A vote of thanks was proposed to the now ex-Chairman and this was well applauded.
Following the AGM Membership and Coach fare has had a small increase as outlined below.
Club membership subs are now due at £20, prompt payment would be appreciated thank you.
Coach fare = £18
AGM - Formby Cricket Club - 111125 - 7.30 PM
FRESHFIELD RAMBLERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2025 – 8.00pm (doors open from 7:30pm) at Formby Cricket Club
DRAFT AGENDA
1. One minute silence re John Hodgson and Lindsay Page
2. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of the last AGM on 12 November 2024 (link from Admin notes on website) Matters Arising – covered in following agenda
4. Financial Report and Adoption of the 2024-25 Accounts
a. Level of subs and coach charges. b. Proposed by committee, Subs £20 , coach fees £16, c. Background loss made this year £1500, combination of increased coach charges and reduced volumes of walkers. Existential threat to group.
5. Appointment of Club Officers, volunteers welcomed
a. New Chairman b. Honorary Treasurer c. Honorary Secretary(s) Coach numbers, membership minutes, website etc d. Walk Organiser e. Auditor f. Appointment of Committee background all committee standing for re-election. Any other recommendations welcomed
6. 2026 walk programme (attached)
7. Update from social committee
8. Any Other Business , possible discussion topics
a. How can we improve communications, b. Encourage volunteers to help with certain tasks c. Coach leaving times, Nov-March 4.00-4.30pm, Apr-Oct 5.00-5.30pm .
If travelling by car, please check before the day of the walk when & where to meet the walk (details on this webpage - Next Walks - Please avoid contacting on the day as we are likely to be busy organising the trip & walks). Please ensure you pay the £7.50 fee either by BACS or by paying your walk leader on the day with the exact fee.
(4/12/2024) The 2024 AGM was held on 12 November. Minutes can be found here. < (9/9/2024) Last Sunday's trip to Barbon was cut (very) short at Ince, by a problem with the transmission. The committee met last Thursday to discuss our response to this. A note of this meeting and the outcome of subsequent discussion with Timewells will be circulated as soon as possible. (1/3/2024) Following some inconclusive discussion at the AGM on walk booking arrangements, the committee met to discuss the issue. A revised procedure to apply to booking for the April and subsequent walks was agreed. Initially this will be on a trial basis, with a review after 3 months. The proposed revised arrangements were set out in a general email sent on 29 Feb and can also be found under the "booking information" link above.
(21/11/2023) Our AGM took place on 14 November 2023 at 8pm at Formby Cricket Club. Minutes are available here