VALE of BELVOIR RAMBLERS
Annual General Meeting 2025
November 23rd
Whatton Jubilee Hall at 1.30pm
1. Present
Rab Bird, Dave & Sue Cobley, Ann & Brian Durant, Alex Ellis (Notts Area Chair), Paul Fenton, Heather Fletcher, Rose De Fusto, Dave & Elaine Hobson, Barbara Jones, Ian Powell, John & Janet Rea, Tina Russell, Scott Saxelby, Jan Tilsey, Angela Turner, Rod Vooght, John & Kim Young.
2. Apologies
Val Moreland, Steve Deacon, Sheila Pedley, Gail Parkinson
3. Minutes of 2024 AGM
These were circulated prior to the AGM. There were no matters arising and they were agreed by those present.
4. Officers' Reports
These were published on the VBR blog before the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
John Young pointed out that the Ramblers Association are not giving groups sufficient funds. He pointed out that the AGM in 2024 cost the group more than one quarterly payment.
Publicity Officer’s Report
Dave pointed out that the January to March 2026 Walks Programme needs walks.
At the meeting, maps and walk leaflets were displayed for potential walk leaders.
Rights of Way Officer’s Report
Paul drew attention to the Great North Road Solar Park which the Rights of Way Committee are involved in. Paul intends to become involved with them in the New Year
12. Election of Officers
This year Elaine and Angela had joined the committee. Sue had agreed to become social secretary and manage Summer events.
It was then proposed and agreed unanimously to elect the following officers:
Chairman: Angela Turner
Secretary: Elaine Hobson
Treasurer: Scott Saxelby
Membership: Barbara Jones,
Walks Co-ordinator: Gail Parkinson
RoW Officer: Paul Fenton
Publicity: Dave Hobson
Social Secretary: Sue Cobley
13. AOB
Weekend Away
Scott reported that he had made enquiries with HF for a group Weekend in September 2026. The only HF house available for the required dates 25th to 28th Sept. was at Church Stretton. The price £425 pp and an extra £5 pp per day for a single room. The deposit on booking had increased to £175 pp.
There followed a discussion on increase in price and alternative accommodation
Scott agreed to email the group with this information and sound out interest.
Walk Leaders’ Training
There followed a discussion on the Ramblers training insisting on all walks to be recced and lack of insurance if rules are not followed.
Gail had reported at the last committee meeting that 7 members qualified by experience and another 7 had undergone training in 2025. Notts Area had agreed that if an untrained walk leader had done a recce they could lead as long as the there was a qualified Walk leader on the walk who was prepared to take responsibility
First Aid
The Committee will organise a First Aid Training Course in 2026 to update all VBR members.
Area Ramblers
Alex Ellis (Notts Area Chair) spoke about her thoughts on the proposed changes in Ramblers Governance. She believes Ramblers need to have a more modern image with reference to the changes in governance. Alex advertised the Area Ramblers AGM at Oxton Feb 1st 2026 and encouraged members to attend and put their views.
The meeting closed at 14.10
13. AOB
Weekend Away
Scott reported that he had made enquiries with HF for a group Weekend in September 2026. The only HF house available for the required dates 25th to 28th Sept. was at Church Stretton. The price £425 pp and an extra £5 pp per day for a single room. The deposit on booking had increased to £175 pp.
There followed a discussion on increase in price and alternative accommodation
Scott agreed to email the group with this information and sound out interest.
Walk Leaders’ Training
There followed a discussion on the Ramblers training insisting on all walks to be recced and lack of insurance if rules are not followed.
Gail had reported at the last committee meeting that 7 members qualified by experience and another 7 had undergone training in 2025. Notts Area had agreed that if an untrained walk leader had done a recce they could lead as long as the there was a qualified Walk leader on the walk who was prepared to take responsibility
First Aid
The Committee will organise a First Aid Training Course in 2026 to update all VBR members.
Area Ramblers
Alex Ellis (Notts Area Chair) spoke about her thoughts on the proposed changes in Ramblers Governance. She believes Ramblers need to have a more modern image with reference to the changes in governance. Alex advertised the Area Ramblers AGM at Oxton Feb 1st 2026 and encouraged members to attend and put their views.
The meeting closed at 14.10