THE Annual General Meeting of the Malvern Hills District Footpath Society was held in Lansdowne Church Hall on Wednesday, March 26.

Two new committee members were re-elected and the General Secretary, John Barr, reported that the General Committee met six times during the past year. He reminded the membership that a number of committee members would be retiring next year. The Treasurer reported that the Society’s financial position remained sound and carries forward a substantial reserve.

Membership Secretary, Robert Ashmore, reported that the total number of members was 180. The Walks’ Secretaries Ken and Eileen Allcock said the Society offered a total of 116 walks during the year. Rosemary Knight, Leisure Walks secretary reported another successful year. Jim Bullett, the Publicity Officer said that we always try to provide details of our walks to the the Malvern Gazette. He went on to say that the Society also has its own web site (mhdfs.org.uk) giving a full up-to-date walks programme

The Survey and Mapping Section’s report was presented by John Allsopp.

The Rights of Way Section Report was presented by Mike Everitt. He advised that the Section had been consulted on 109 planning and footpath applications that might affect rights of way. The Rights of Way Section Obstruction Report was delivered by Robin Whittlestone. Seven parishes were checked by Mapping section and the walks statistics were delivered by Anne Colwell who said that 737 members had walked from September to January and the walks totalled 413 miles.

On behalf of the Social Section, Sybil Heeks reviewed the social activities that had taken place during the year.

Delivering the Charity Report Lyn Everitt reported that the Society has collected £658.91 bringing the total raised for The Air Ambulance to just over £4,600.

Chairman, Roger Wicker, said that the Society has a major problem in recruiting volunteers for key roles and appealed strongly for people to come forward. This year a vice-Chairman and Walks Secretary/ies are urgently required whilst at the next AGM the Secretary, Treasurer and other key roles must be filled. The bequest (from former member Meriel Glaze) will be used to provide a replacement gate for a stile. It was agreed that the Christmas Carol walk and service at Severn Stoke should continue.

Roger Wicker thanked all those who had turned out especially the visitor, Tracy Sutton of WCC.

JOHN BARR