THE 40th annual meeting of the Malvern Hills District Footpath Society was held in Lansdowne Church Hall on Wednesday, March 6, and all existing committee members were re-elected.

The general secretary, John Barr, reported that the general sommittee met six times during the past year and attendance had been excellent.

The treasurer, David Hughes, reported that the society continues to maintain a sound financial position with reserves boosted by a bequest from the estate of a past member.

The membership secretary, Robert Ashmore, reported that the total number of members for 2012-2013 was 186; the total number of members joined so far in 2013-2014 is 148.

The walks secretaries Ken and Eileen Allcock said they wished to express their appreciation to all those members who have offered, prepared and led walks during the year. The leisure walks secretary Rosemary Knight said walks had taken place in all weathers.

Delivering the charity report, Lyn Everitt said that unfortunately we are slightly down on this year’s total collection. Nevertheless, we have still raised £715.11 to send to the County Air Ambulance.

We have now raised a total of £3,959.92 over seven years.

The chairman said a trial to distribute the newsletter electronically will start with the next newsletter.

It was decided that the recently received bequest would be used to purchase a commemorative gate complete with an appropriate plaque to be sited on a footpath.

During any other business, Heather Hayward invited everyone to a Parkinson’s Awareness Week open garden event at her and David’s house on Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm. Eugene Colwell informed the meeting that Dot Morrison had offered to become the MHDFS archivist and the chairman gratefully accepted her offer.

JOHN BARR