NE&SW Bridleways Committee Meeting
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Date
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Monday, January 14 2008
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Time
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2000 hours
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Venue
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The Plough, Radwinter
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Attendees
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Ray Cleaver, Jane Cleaver, Hannah Collins, Graham Cook, Karen Fisk, Garron Baines, Jan Rennie, Babette Whitehead
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Apologies
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Jo Wardle, David Haylock, Carol Grant, Rebecka Price-Smith
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ITEM
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Action
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Minutes & matters arising
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Mr Hingston had rescinded some of the previously agreed bridleways but had agreed 3 new ones which would now go back to the CC. In the Borley dispute, the owners had now given the original complainants permission to ride the disputed route but this had been rejected unless permission was granted to all riders. Code of conduct was now agreed and was ready to put on the website.
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West Essex Area Meeting
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GB said there was to be a budget shortfall meeting at West Essex Area office on January 21. All interested parties had been invited to discuss the priorities for the year. Committee members discussed various routes to prioritise.
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GB to attend area meeting and present committees priorities
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Treasurer's Report
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GC presented an Income and Expenditure Account for the group which showed a total of 5,874.08 in deposit and current accounts. GC asked that committee members present any receipts outstanding. GB asked whether interest rates could be improved and GC agreed to look at this once all signatory details had been updated. It was agreed that the Income and Expenditure Account would be put on the website.
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GC to submit accounts to website
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Membership Plans 2008
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GB said that CG wished to relinquish the role of Membership Secretary but had agreed to help RPS with the organisation of events. JR had agreed to look after membership for the time being. GB said that he would produce a newsletter for members. KF suggested newsletter should include photos of the long distance ride. The newsletter would highlight the issue of lost rides which was of imminent concern. Livery yards would be sent the newsletter so that members and supporters without internet access could be reached. It was agreed that the group's year would end on March 31 and that subs should be paid by May 1.
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GB to produce newsletter and JR to email to members
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P3
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HC said that the group was now signed up to P3 and that the group were now in possession of the necessary equipment for route clearing e.g. hats, goggles, leaflets etc. HC stated that it would be sensible to start in a small way as compliance with all the attendent rules was complicated. GB said some of the markers could be used for the long distance ride. HC had arranged to give tabards to United Riders.
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Newsletter
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See Membership plans above
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Ride Events 2008
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GB said that RPS had agreed to organise 2 events per year. The next event was scheduled for May 11. Wimbish Hall had agreed to host the event. KF agreed to host the second event of the year (provisional September 25)
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AGM
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It was agreed that the AGM would be held on Apri 17l. GC said that an auditor was needed and HC agreed to ask a client who was an accountant to do this. A speaker for the AGM was discussed and Clare Wild, long distance rider was suggested with Ben Maher or a Newmarket trainer as an alternative.
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HC to ask client to audit accounts. HC to contact Clare Wild, KF to contact Ben Maher if necessary
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Route Claims. Plan of action
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GB said that all Uttlesford claims must be lodged by the end of June. Witness forms needed to be completed together with a signed annotated map. Landowners needed to be informed when claims were made. It was agreed to concentrate mainly on the Beechey Ride route which was now on the website. There were so far a possible 25 witness statements. It the witness was elderly it was necessary that their statement be witnessed by a solicitor. The Hempstead route alongside Hophouse Farm was also to claimed
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GB, KF, and RPS to work on Beechey Ride route. JR to concentrate on Hophouse Farm route
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Permissive Routes
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GB stated that landowners were reluctant to create new bridleways but could often be persuaded to grant permissive routes. It was agreed that if permissive routes could be granted to members, this would be an excellent means of increasing membership. Armbands for members, renewed on an annual basis would be necessary.
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AOB
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GB said that a dispute around access to Rowney Wood had been successfully concluded. Residents and the PC had challenged riders' right to use a footpath into the wood. GB had arranged for a BHS rights of way officer to attend. The Chairman of the PC had wished for riders' rights to the route to be withdrawn but the BHS officer had explained this was not an option.
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Next Meeting
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Next meeting to be end of May. Details to be advised nearer time.
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