AGM 2024

Minutes of AGM 2024

Friends of Histon Road Rec (FOHRR) AGM

Friday 1 November 2024

St Augustine’s Hall, Richmond Road

Convenor: Richard Footitt (RF)

Secretary: Leonie Isaacson (LI) (for the meeting only)

Attendance: 40, 39 confirmed eligible voting members. Each confirmed member received a voting card for use at the meeting

Agenda:

Welcome: RF – Welcome and opening remarks

- acknowledged 2nd AGM in 2024, with 1^st AGM 7 May 2024
- FOHRR membership now 154
- Report from Steering group – since last meeting membership rules clarified, policies updated including safeguarding data, and proposal for an amended constitution drafted subject to review by new steering group;

Introduction – RF introduced current steering group: Malc Frew (MF), Richard Footitt, David Bailey, Leonie Isaacson
Apologies: 6 apologies received: Alison Thomas, Neil Mathur, Sarah Howlett, Helen Barker, Christine Thwaite, Carlin Dick
Minutes of meeting of 7 May 2024 – approved: Proposer: David Bailey, Seconded: Robert ??
Treasurers report: LI presented report.

Balance in FOHRR Co-op Bank a/c remains £252.34

Election of Officers & Committee
Chair: Applications:
Katyuli Lloyd (KL)

Proposed by: Charlotte Call, Seconded: Chloe Timms

Malcolm Frew (MF)

Proposed: Alicja Barton, Seconded: Hugh Barton

Each applicant was invited to address the members for 3 minutes providing a supporting statement

Voting: Katyuli 13 Malcolm: 26

Malcolm Frew elected as Chairperson for 1 year

Treasurer: Applications: Leonie Isaacson – only (currently in post)

Proposed by: Malcolm Frew, Seconded: Richard Footitt

Leonie Isaacson elected as Treasurer

Secretary: no applications

Committee: Candidates: Richard Footitt, David and Carol Bailey, Hugh and Alicja Barton, and either of Chair candidates not elected as Chair

Committee all duly elected on block;

Committee Members are therefore: Richard Footitt, David and Carol Bailey, Alicia and Hugh Barton, Katuyli Lloyd

Proposal for adoption of amended Constitution: RF & LI explained that the existing constitution was out of date and needed clarification particularly around membership. The existing and proposed documents was circulated to members prior to the AGM. The proposed constitution was drafted considering constitutions of other local Friends groups and similar local groups.

RF – agreed that the new committee will consider and sense check before adopting

Membership subscription: RF advised that the steering group was giving consideration to introducing an annual membership subscription to cover costs incurred in the running of the Friends group. LI outlined the costs to be budgeted for included:

Any printing or publicity
Website development, domain name and ongoing management
Hall hire for any meetings
Software applications for Laptop (donated)
Possible contributions to support any partial grant funding obtained
Independent examiner/audit costs

A number of members raised their concerns about the introduction of a mandatory subscription, favouring either no subscriptions, a voluntary scheme or one permitting exemptions.

RF agreed that the new Committee would review the options and advise members

AOB

Thanks given to RF for convening.

Malc thanked Katulyi for her efforts in raising concerns regarding the impact of residential development plans adjacent to HRR on the Rec & LI for her support contributing to drafting of revised constitution

NB It is acknowledged that the AGM Meeting took place during October half term holidays. The Steering group recognised this and sought to find an alternative date. However no other date was available due to the hall being extensively booked during term time. The introduction of online voting and attendance options for future meetings will be considered by the Committee.