Present: Mark Ansell, Molly Atkinson, Patricia Bocca, Mandy Catto, Mark Church, John Coyne, Philip Dean, William Downie, Jean Downie, David Felstead, Susan Gallagher, Maureen Gibson, Mark Hagger, John Mackie, Alexander Melvin, Eric Melvin, Philippa Murphy, Kevin Peace, Jackie Ross, Jim Scott, Ada Sjoberg, Roy Sjoberg, Tom Taylor, Sophie Trafford, James White, and c. 6 other members.
Apologies: John Cooper, Sandy Mieras, Margaret Mieras.
1.
Forest Design Plans:
John Mackie, Forest Enterprise planner, explained the proposals for a continuous cover strategy for the Durris Outliers, using a display of maps and graphics. There followed an interested discussion.
2. Chair’s Report:
The minutes of the last AGM on 2 Oct 2000 were agreed.
Mark Hagger summarized the principal achievements of the past year:
Ø Removal of off road driving, which would be achieved on 22 December 2001.
Ø Hard working Committee, with 9 meetings in the year.
Ø Communication through Newsletters and Website.
Ø New strategy arising from previous AGM of developing the forests as a resource for the community and a wider public, for recreation, education and the environment.
2.
Treasurer’s Report:
Sophie
Trafford presented the report for the financial year to 31 March 2001. The
balance sheet for year to 31 March 2000, examined by Gillian Hare-Scott, was
agreed - see attached report.
3.
Membership Report:
David Felstead reported a membership of 13 life members, 69 annual members and 4 corporate members. A pleasing high level of renewal of membership.
4.
Charitable and Corporate Status:
John
Coyne and Sophie Trafford explained the recommendation of the Committee to seek
charitable and corporate status, in order to achieve a better tax and grant
status, and in order to have the appropriate legal status to enter into a
partnership agreement with Forest Enterprise. This step was not without its
costs, in terms of accounts and annual reports, and in terms of the time and
effort of directors. The proposals were agreed by the meeting.
5.
Constitutional Changes:
Philip
Dean took the meeting through the constitutional changes proposed to establish
the Friends as an organisation acceptable to the charities commission. The
changes were agreed by the meeting.
6.
Election of Committee:
Committee elected: Mark Ansell, Molly Atkinson, John Coyne, Philip Dean, David Felstead, Maureen Gibson, Mark Hagger, Philippa Murphy, Sophie Trafford.
Kevin Peace, James White, Alison Mitchell would continue to represent Forest Enterprise, Durris Kirk, Ramblers Association respectively.
7.
Project Reports:
Cycle Trail – Mark Hagger reported that recent meetings with Alistair Angus and mtb cycle groups from Stonehaven, Aberdeen and Brechin had led to immediate proposals for a sustainable downhill trail behind the Inchloan entrance, to be implemented as an initial trial in the first months of 2001. Further trails planned both for access to relatively inaccessible areas in the forest, and for cycle sport interest.
Kirkton Trail – John Coyne described the low key proposals to link existing viewpoints along the Sheeoch and the project to restore sensitively the old Kirkton Bridge. Kevin Peace added that the felling of scrub trees had already been achieved.
Horse Riders – Philippa Murphy reported a meeting in October attended by 17 horse riders, with an ensuing volunteer day when 6 members had cleared a circular trail by Monthammock. A social ride was planned for next summer.
Map – Mark Hagger reported that a map of the forest had now been created with accurate description of forest roads. It was intended to publish this in some form next year. It was suggested that sale of the map might generate revenue.
Volunteer Activity - Philip Dean reported on the very successful day clearing self seeded sitka from deciduous plantations in Strathgyle. A regular volunteer activity had been suggested.
Story Trail – Jackie Ross of Deeside Storytellers described the proposal for a story trail. Funding had been awarded by Awards for All. The trail would be developed through interaction with local children.