Minutes of BEG AGM held on Saturday 15th February 2025 at Greenhill Library
18 members were present
1 Apologies for absence
Michael and Gill Stern
2 Minutes of last AGM held Saturday 10th February 2024
Read by Secretary Carol Behagg. Acceptance proposed by Gavin Johns seconded by Jon Smith
3 Chairman’s report
Chairman Diana Holland showed illustrations of the year’s activities which covered a wide range of sites and tasks. Most were carried out on Monday mornings, but we also led an Environment Weeks walk to identify wild flowers which followed an opportunity to look at tasks being carried out by the Monday Group. We also enjoyed a visit by Sorby Natural History Society to look at flowers on the Nature Park. It was also pointed out that there had been an enjoyable quiz night arranged by Annie & Steve Wilkinson at the Abbey pub on 11th October 2024.
4 Treasurer’s report and presentation of accounts
Copies of the accounts were distributed and explained by Treasurer Gavin Johns. He explained that BEG will be changing its bank from Lloyds to Metro Bank to avoid charges. The accounts had been audited by Kay Rollings and signed as correct. The accounts were accepted by the meeting, proposed by Clive Jacques and seconded by Mike Bloy. Thanks were expressed to Kay Rollings and it was proposed by Jon Smith and seconded by Diana Holland that she be asked to carry out next year’s audit.
5 Secretary’s report
Carol expressed thanks to Diana for her work on the Newsletter, to Michael Gagan for his work on the BEG website, and to the members who hand deliver the Newsletter. She then told the meeting about a new meeting to which BEG has been invited, of the South LAC (Local Area Committee). This consists of local volunteer groups, local councillors, and Council Officers whose decisions and policies directly affect us. This has already proved useful, with a possible solution to the power tools problem in the pipeline.
6 Election of officers
Diana, Gavin and Carol were willing to continue as Chair, Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
7 Election of Committee
In the absence of other proposals, Michael Gagan, John Gilbert, David Hunt and Jon Smith were willing to continue.
8 Constitution
Some small amendments have been made and the resulting constitution has been circulated to all members. Mike Bloy proposed acceptance of the revised constitution and Liz Jacques seconded this. The meeting was in favour.
9 Update on Abbey barns
John Gilbert outlined the actions taken following last year’s AGM. Many signatures were collected on the petition and it was submitted before the meeting of the Council on 12th March 2024. John was invited to speak at the meeting, which he did. He subsequently received assurances that the barns would be made safe. However, although a small amount of work has been done by contractors, there remains a great deal to be done. Access to our storage barn has been difficult due to the fencing and the need for supervision ordered by the Council. It is now proposed to put a container on the Nature Park to house our tools and materials. Tom Collier the ranger will help.
Carol said she has written to Historic England about the state of the barns, since they are Grade 2 listed and in a conservation area. She has not had a reply. It would be difficult to make a case for a grant, since there is no public access and no obvious use apart from by the golf course, who don’t want it. She will write again.
10 Any other business
Diana mentioned Environment Weeks which will be 26th April to 5th June. To be included in the website programme we need to have an event sorted before 27th March. Caroline Hobart mentioned mothwatch and batwatch possibilities. Greener Greenhill are doing a batwatch in September so BEG will support that. If a mothwatch can be arranged it would be good. Caroline will look into arranging this.
Robbie Goodrum raised the need for notices in the wood behind Beauchief Hall to appeal for people not to trample the growing flowers or move the brash barriers. Clive offered to print notices and laminate them. Diana will design them and Monday group will put on posts.