Mike Hobbs (Chairman)

MH

Ann Parker (Treasurer)

AP

Drew Down

DD

Roger Newark (Secretary)

RN

Tom Gilby

TG

Graham Waters

GW

Stuart Bennett

SB

Pat Meads

PM

Item

Action

1

Apologies for absence

Mel Vinton

2

Minutes of previous AGM

These were accepted as a true and accurate record

3

Matters arising

Item 6. RN reported that insurance is now in place for Anglian section equipment kept at the Fulbourn Centre

4

Chairman’s report

Mike gave the following report to the AGM:

“We’ve had a good year for our runs, both mid week and our five formal runs.

Barry’s run got cancelled due to bloody awful rain forecast that duly took place so that was a good call and the trip to Hunstanton only got as far as Jenynings Arms at Denver Sluice when in the rain that was steadily getting worse Terry slid off on the bend donking his Triumph and bending his pride somewhat.  Some intrepid riders carried on to Hunstanton and some of us stayed with Terry whilst he waited for the AA to pick him up.  We managed to force a pub lunch down us in the meantime so all was well, and congratulations to the pioneers who made it to Hunstanton!

If we can sneak Barry’s run in before it gets too cold we will, but as a dedicated wimp I will have to find where I have put my Lidl’s leggings!

The first of our formal runs, the John Abraham Memorial Run, is now getting better attended and despite the pub where we were going to have lunch closing and us having to quickly re-do a bit of the route to incorporate another Pub near Bury St Edmunds, we had a good day both weather wise and route wise as we all enjoyed the route to and from Fulbourn set out by Frank.

Roger’s Fenland Gallop was just that, showing us the best bits of the ~Fens and although it tried, the weather was just good enough for us to miss the rain which mainly occurred while we were having lunch.  Drew came up with a lovely route for the Houghton Mill Run and the lunch at the Hemingford Abbots Golf Club was brilliant.

It seems that the Hobbsons Choice Run from Orchard Farm is going from strength to strength.  We had 67 riders signed on and all had a good day.  The Bourn Golf Club let us down at the last minute for our lunch, but, Ricky’s Bar and Grill at Papworth laid on a BBQ at short notice that was really good.  Jan’s cakes were yummy as usual!

The last run of the year, The Arkesden Run was well attended and the weather was kind.  Lovely scenery over there around Essex and Hertfordshire.  A really good end to the year!

Roger is retiring from organising the route next year so we need someone to take over.  However, I reckon that we could use any of the 25 year’s worth of routes that he has organised from Arkesden and not notice the difference!  In fact on the Constable Run in Suffolk we have used the same route for the last 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Around the middle of the year we organise a Norfolk trip to an exotic venue.  This year we went to Ironbridge for a weekend and had a lovely time getting lost on the boarders of Wales.  This year we are going to Derbyshire.  What’s the betting we end up in the Blue John Mine!

This year’s Christmas lunch is returning to the Golf Centre at Hemingford Abbots, just off the A14.  We have been here before at Christmas and they have always looked after us Royally.  I have e-mailed everybody and Drew is waiting to take your deposit tonight.

The Fulbourn venue is working well for us.  We start the John Abraham Memorial Run from here and we will have another Pie Night in January with the usual by now traditional evening events to follow.

Before that Mick Martin is to give us a talk on the development of the Bantam at the mighty BSA organisation and as we all have or have had, one it will be an essential part of our edumacation!

For next year, the program will be more of the same.  I will produce another list around January so don’t plan your holidays until it is published.  As always, that nice Weather Girl from Bristol will be in our thoughts, and I hope that we have a good year weather-wise in 2017.  The electric start is getting more attractive as the years roll on and I look forward to seeing you all on next year’s runs.”

5

Treasurer’s report

Ann Parker gave the following report:

“Firstly on the accounts, the left two columns are the current year’s figures and the two right columns are the previous period for comparison.

Income

The building society has again made £4 interest helped by the fact that the government has said that interest is now paid gross of tax.

Events have again done very well with a profit of £409.

Hire of this hall has again made a small loss of £27.

Raffle has made another profit, but we have had to purchase more prizes as we do not seem to have had many donations this year.  £584.

This makes a total income of £979.

Expenses are as stated on the accounts, total £261.

This gives a net profit of £718 plus profit brought forward £1908.  This made up of balance in Building Society £2406 plus cash in hand £260 and we owe £40 in hall rent.”

6

Secretary’s report

RN reported that this was the first year in which event submissions to Allen House could be made on line, which has removed considerable burdensome paperwork.

7

Election of Officers and Committee

All the existing Committee said they were willing to remain in post. Pat Meads had been co-opted onto the Committee as Website Co-ordinator.The acceptance of these items were proposed by Chris Reynolds and seconded by Chris Arber.

8

Website

PM reported that the new website is now active (www.vmccanglia.org). Photos, videos, news items and articles etc. are still needed to help populate the website.

All

9

Fulbourn Club Membership

All members are reminded that they have the option to take out individual membership of the Fulbourn Sports & Social Club, to obtain discount on drinks, meals etc.

10

Events for coming year

RN brought the attention of the meeting to the fact that we do not have organisers in place for the John Abraham V&V Memorial Run or the 1930s Run from Arkeseden. Unless people volunteer for these jobs, these two prestige events will not take place in 2017.

The following events are now in the calendar for the forthcoming Section year:

All

11

Raffle Prizes

AP and RN reminded the AGM that there is still a need for donated prizes for the raffle, as this is a major income source for the Section

All

12

Xmas meal

To be held at the Hemington Abotts Golf Centre on 15 December at 12.30pm. Drew will administer meal orders and payment from those wishing to take part.

13

AOB

• Toby Reynolds has donated and amplifier to enable our microphone to be utilised for speakers. Thw Section thanked Toby for his generosity.

• Gordon Parker thanked the Committee for their efforts, and to the run organisers for their work. Thanks also to the recovery team.

• Gordon also volunteered a talk for the following season (on Vincents).

• Meeting closed at 8.40pm

14

Date of next AGM – to be arranged