Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog
The BreconBeaconsPark Society
Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held at The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell,
on Tuesday,5th September at 5.00pm.
Present:Jim Wilson (Chairman), Charles Henderson, Ben Sladen , Elizabeth Gibbs, Wally James, Richard Chandler, Anthea Scott, David Thomas, Chris Barber, Janet Callear, William Gibbs, Nic Groombridge
1. Apologies:Martin Buckle.
2.The Minutes of the Last Meetingon 4th July 2017 were approved and signed.
3.Matters arising:(i) 4.1 Done, (ii) 4.1 Done – see later, (iii) 4.2.1 AGM decision deferred, Dates for Future Meetings not covered, List updated?, (iv) 4.2.1 Done, (v) 4.2.2 Done see item below, (vi) 4.3 New system awaits implementation – see item below, (vii) Replacement for FS in progress, (Viii) 4.4 Done, (ix) 4.5 See item. (x) 4.9 Commemoration plaque in progress, (xi) 4.16 Continues, (xii) 4.20 Done, (xiii) 4.20 All done, (xiv) Done
4. Reports:
4.1 Financial and Membership – See Ben’s report, circulated previously. Also see David’s notes on raising Members Subs – it was discussed and agreed that we would make no decision now, until we knew what secretarial volunteers support we had (see below) and that we would discuss it at the next meeting. Action: Jim/All. It was also agreed that we would proceed with the Anniversary Dinner. Action: Richard
4.2 Secretarial Matters (taken before 4.1)–
4.2.1 Division of Secretarial Duties to Exec members– Jim to look at list of potential helpers to see who could be approached o help with secretarial duties and also to assess how the tasks cold be re-allocated. Action: Jim/Janet
4.2.2Trustees/Exec Members and The best legal structure for the BBPS – see 4.9
4.3 Guided Walks and Events Programmes –. The Walks Programme is proceeding well – see report. However, the new reporting system for walks leaders is still not in place ACTION : David/Wally. 7 new walks leaders have been added. Anthea reported that to get a grant for training it wold have to be something new to the Society – she suggested Navigation Courses. It was agreed that she should apply for funding. Action: Anthea. First Aid Course is set for 18/19 November and the Leaders get-together for the 5th November. We should now publicise the Anniversary Walks on 23 Sept Action: Nic and Jim should “cut the starting ribbon (or equivalent!) Action:Jim
4.4 The Beacon – Latest issued published
4.5 Website –David reported problems with getting hold of Alwyn. He will make one last try.ACTION : David. Liz may know of another web designer who might take on the support role. Action:Liz
4.6 Beacons Way Steering Group – No report. The Llandeusant Hostel is up for sale and may close. Need to get a meeting arranged. Action:ChrisB
4.7 Planning and Development Control – See report by Liz. She said that she had decided not to contest the Gilestone application. No updates on Glanusk or the luge at Cantref.
4.8 Walls of Llangynidr – Working on a wall at Glaisfer – problems sourcing stone. There is a wall done at Buckland and William would like reports of the damage/destruction of other drystone walls.
4.9 Brecon Beacons Trust –closed. The best legal structure for the BBPSSee Charles’ papers on CIOs. After much discussion it was agreed that to change the status of the Society to a CIO would be beneficial, but that we would take no action until Charles was able to advise on a the issues facing another charity doing the same things. Action: Charles The decision needs to be agreed by all members at either the AGM or an EGM. It was suggested that, if the latter, it could be at/after a talk. We need to check quorum numbers for both. Action Ben
4.10 Rights of Way –See David D’s report. The report on the issues on Strawberry Hill with cyclists crossing the path at high speed has been referred to the BBNP.
4.11 Communications/Publicity/Press Releases – Facebook and Twitter numbers are up and Nic continues to publicise the Society. Any news to be sent to him Action: AllAnniversary Dinner to publicised Action: Nic.
4.12 GeoPark Management Group – Nothing to report.
4.13 Alliance for National Parks Cymru/ Welsh Government’s Legislation Programme – See Jim’s notes circulated earlier. The Alliance is now renamed the Alliance for Welsh Designated Landscapes. It is working on responding to eh Future Landscapes Programme and the consultation on the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. It was noted that the WG proposals could affect the international recognition of Welsh National Parks by IUCN.
4.14 BBPS /CPRW – There is a new chair – Jonathan Colchester
4.15 BBPS / BBNPA Relations – Continue to be very good.
4.16 Dark Sky –web site needs updating. ACTION : JimReport going to DSA.
4.17 Fundraising & Business Planning – Nothing to report.
4.18 Gunpowder Works . Proceeding
4.19 Potential Projects – Nothing to report.
4.20 25th Anniversary –To go ahead Action Richard
5. Any Other Business –The meeting noted that bank signatories are Jim, Charles, Ben and Martin.
6. Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday, 115th October at 5.00pm at The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell.
The meeting ended at 7.00pm.