There was a a good representation of BEG members at the Annual General Meeting and social evening, held again this year at Greenhill Library.
The Chairman, Diana Holland, outlined all the year’s activities (mostly work done on Monday mornings), in an illustrated talk showing various tasks, planting the memorial tree in the Nature Park, the autumn nature walk, and wildlife photos. She would welcome more wildlife reports and photos from members for inclusion in the newsletter. The City Council’s refusal to allow the use of the group’s power tools is causing problems, and will be pursued again.
Treasurer Gavin Johns reported that 83 subscriptions had been received for 2023, showing a gradual reduction in numbers. An article in Active8 was proposed to help with publicity. Members do not have to be active in practical tasks; their interest and membership is also valuable. No money had been received from the DEFRA Higher Level Stewardship scheme for 3 years. The Council mowed the Nature Park meadow, using their specialist heavy machinery much more cheaply than the previous contractor. Gulleys Meadow had been mown by Abbeydale Golf Course free of charge. Our members did the raking. BEG member, Kay Rollings, who had independently examined the accounts, expressed her willingness to continue in the role and received a vote of thanks.
The Secretary, Carol Behagg, gave her report and thanked Diana for the regular excellent newsletters, which she felt contributed greatly to the success of the group.
Diana, Gavin and Carol were willing to continue as Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary respectively. Jennie Hinton has resigned from the committee and was warmly thanked for her contribution. The other committee members Michael Gagan, John Gilbert, David Hunt and Jon Smith were re-elected, and Dave Higgins added to the committee.
The subject of replacing the bench overlooking the view above Little Wood Bank was raised under AOB. We have replaced it twice due to vandalism, and hesitate to do so again. A more robust bench, made either from a large tree trunk or maybe stone might be better (Bradway Action Group had been intending to erect a stone bench for some time but the matter is still outstanding).
Finally, the Group was thanked on behalf of the Abbey Committee for all the work carried out around the Abbey precincts, which is very much appreciated.
The formal meeting over, we all gathered for a convivial supper and drinks.