Minutes of the AGM of Clitheroe Mountaineering Club held on Thursday 16 November 2023 at Clitheroe Cricket Club

1. Apologies

Catherine Mansfield, Ronnie Doctor, Martin Hawkins, Sue Stanton, Alan Cookson, Ellen Darby, Linda Barrowclough, Sylvia Vida, Chris Entwistle, Jackie Gallimore, Tony Wilson, Rob and Chris Smitton

2. Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.

3. Matters Arising

None.

4. Chairman’s Report

Sue reported a satisfying year in which the club managed to keep up their numbers. Climbing events, some very successful walks, weekends and longer breaks had been enjoyed.
Last December, the Keswick meet worked well for the wider membership being in centre of the town. The January Ski trip went to Cervinia but very little skiing took place due to high winds. Instead, members walked, visited nearby towns, and generally made good use of the Italian hospitality industry. She thanked Humph for the photo competition with shots collated through WhatsApp. This had paved the way for further events using a more simplified format. Other Thursday night events included accounts of visits to the Faroes, Alaska and the Munros. The Summer Outdoor Thursday night meets had good weather and seemed to be a popular way of spending a Thursday evening. One walk attracted 20 members. All the hut meets took place and were well attended so the committee feels that restricting the weekends to 4 in the year was justified. An extra event happened in October, when a group stayed at Hartsop in the deer rutting season.

A variety of accommodation was used during a midweek trip based on Kinlochleven/ Glencoe. The timing was moved to avoid the numerous bank holiday weekends in 2023.
For the second year running, members supported Jackie in her bid to complete the Dales 30 and to raise funds for the Christie Hospital. Sue wished there hadn’t been a sad reason for this and thanked Jackie for providing CMC walkers with a focus over 24 months. An ascent of Pen-y-Ghent and a tea party in Settle was a fun and celebratory grand finale. Sue thanked everyone who had coordinated a climb, a walk, or a weekend and those who’ve supported these. The club had buzzed with members wanting to take part in activities.
As a new Chair, Vice Chair and new committee members were to be approved, Sue felt confident that the club’s business and activities would continue to provide the social and mountain activities that members value. Proposed Ann C. Seconded Gill. All in favour.

5. Treasurer’s Report

Frank Taylor reported that this year the accounts were healthier after the disruption of the COVID years. Frank explained the balance sheet entries to members. He thanked Dave Grosvenor for examining the accounts. Frank had received a letter from Bowland Mountain Rescue, thanking us for our donation which they will put towards new waterproof jackets. He advised that in 2025 our Membership fees would have to rise to keep pace with the BMC fee rises. This year it would remain at £26. He asked members who are still paying by BACS a to consider paying via the web shop to standardise procedures. The GDPR requirements will be spelt out in Franks forthcoming membership letter. Proposed Godfrey, Seconded Bern. All in favour.

6. Membership Secretary’s Report

Anne Pickup advised that this year the BMC fee was £23.90 which only left £2.10 for the club. The club have 70 members. 3 new members have joined and 1 returning member. 8 club members are in more than 1 affiliated club and have donated their refund of £22.25 back to CMC. Anne also reported an alteration to the new members form which is to ensure that members wishing to climb with the club meet a required standard. Proposed Peter S. Seconded Michael H. All in favour.

7. Climbers’ Report

Dave Dewhurst reported that all was going well with approximately 7 members regularly climbing. New members may be attracted by a poster that Godfrey puts up at the Preston Wall. Dave is assisted by Linda Barrowclough. Proposed Alison Seconded Anne P. All in favour.

8. Huts Report

Godfrey reported that Glan Dana, High Moss and Little Langdale had been booked for 2024. Proposed Dave G. Seconded Marge Brass.

9. Election of Officers

The following officers were then duly elected unopposed:

  • Chair: Anne Pickup
  • Vice Chair: Allan Cookson
  • Membership Secretary: Gillian Sharpe
  • Hut Booking Secretary: Jackie Gallimore
  • IT/website Coordinator: Dave Grosvenor

The remaining roles were re-elected en bloc as they currently stand:

  • Treasurer: Frank Taylor
  • Hut Meets Planner: Godfrey Metcalfe
  • Evening Meets Coordinator: Humphrey Johnson
  • Climbing Coordinators: Dave Dewhurst/Linda Barrowclough
  • Minutes Secretary: Ann Connell
  • Blogger: Marjorie Brass
  • Adviser: Brian Davies
  • Adviser: Ronnie Doctor

Anne Pickup then took over the meeting. She firstly thanked Sue for her amazing leadership, hard work and commitment, especially through the difficult COVID years She presented her with a Rohan Voucher which Sue really appreciated.

10. Proposed Programme 2024

Peter reported that there were still some proposed walks needing coordinators. Instead of using Dropbox to plan the programme, next year this will be done through the website.
Humph has planned the evening meeting programme.

11. Any Other Business

Keswick Meet 2023
Jane explained what was needed in food terms. Several members offered contributions. Ann C has arranged Lasagne for Friday night from Blueberries. Sue offered to coordinate this meet.

Wooler Meet 17/21 May 2024
Ann reported that so far 24 members had signed up to this and booked their own accommodations. She has booked the Milan restaurant for Monday evening for everyone.

November 25 Meeting
Humph is arranging a hotpot supper and photo competition. The latter is through a Whatsapp group.