North Strathclyde Area

Annual General Meeting followed by “Helensburgh Scenic Circular” walk led by a member of Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire Group

st Saturday, 21 January, 2017

CONTENTS OF THIS BOOKLET Page 2 Location map. Page 3 Notice of the AGM of North Strathclyde Area. Page 3 Agenda. Page 4 Notes on Nominations and Motions. Page 5 Annual Report of Area Council 2015/16. Page 12 Treasurer’s Report and Accounts 2015/16.

THIS BOOKLET CAN BE OBTAINED IN LARGE PRINT FROM BARRY POTTLE, 33 BRACKENBRAE AVENUE, BISHOPBRIGGS, GLASGOW, G64 2BW OR [email protected].

North Strathclyde Area comprises Bearsden & Milngavie, Cumbernauld & Kilsyth, Glasgow, Glasgow Young Walkers, Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire, Mid-Argyll & Kintyre, Monklands and Strathkelvin Groups.

It is part of the Ramblers' Association, a registered charity (England and Wales no.: 1093577 Scotland no.: SC039799), and a company limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales (no. 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TW. AGM LOCATION MAP

The location is less than 300 yards along Princess Street from the railway station. Buses to Helensburgh stop across from the station. There is a car park within 100 yards (entrance off Sinclair Street), but parking there is only free for first two hours. The Pier car park, about 600 yards away, is pay and display nearest the town, but free at the far end near the sea.

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Seventh Annual General Meeting of North Strathclyde Area of the Ramblers’ Association will be held in the small hall, Helensburgh Parish Church, Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh on SATURDAY, 21ST JANUARY, 2017 at 10.00 a.m. for a 10.30 start. The Agenda for the meeting is on Pages 3-4 of this booklet. Area Secretary: Mrs. E. Lawie, Burnside Cottage, 64 Main Street, GLENBOIG, Lanarkshire, ML5 2RD.

Please see the location map on Page 2 of this booklet. Copies of the Area Constitution and Standing Orders may be obtained on request from Barry Pottle, 33 Brackenbrae Avenue, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2BW or [email protected]. It is hoped during the meeting to have speakers on the Pathwatch project and Clyde Coastal Path, both of which are referred to in the Annual Report below. It is hoped to follow the meeting with a members’ walk "Helensburgh Scenic Circular" (distance 5½ miles/9 km; height climbed about 300 feet/100 metres). Members wishing to stay for the walk should bring packed lunches. Alternatively, there are cafés nearby where members could have lunch, provided they are able to return to the venue in time for the start of the walk. (The start time for the walk will depend on when the meeting finishes.)

AGENDA 1. Chairman’s Introduction. 2. Apologies for absence. 3. Minutes of the Sixth Annual General Meeting of North Strathclyde Area held on 16th January, 2016. Copies of the Minutes will be available at the meeting, or may be obtained in advance from Barry Pottle, 33 Brackenbrae Avenue, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2BW or [email protected]. 4. Matters arising from those Minutes. 5. Annual Report of the Area Council of North Strathclyde and Audited Statements of Account for the year ended 30th September, 2016. See Pages 5-12 of this booklet for Annual Report and Pages 12-15 for Treasurer’s Report and Accounts. 6. Motions affecting the Area Constitution and/or Standing Orders. See notes on Nominations and Motions on Page 4 of this booklet. If any motions are notified, separate notice will be circulated to members 7. Election of Honorary Officers. Nominations are invited for Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Footpath & Countryside Co- ordinator, Publicity Officer. See notes on Nominations and Motions on Page 4 of this booklet. 8. Election of Representatives of individual members to the Area Council. Nominations are invited for election of Representatives of individual members to the Area Council. The AGM will decide how many representatives it desires to elect, subject to the maximum required to comply with the final sentence of Clause 6(i) of the Constitution See notes on Nominations and Motions on Page 4 of this booklet.

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9. Determination of representation of local affiliated organisations to the Area Council (if necessary). Each local affiliated organisation is entitled to nominate one representative to the Area Council, provided that, where more than two organisations have made nominations, the places are allocated by lot. In the event that drawing of lots is required, this will take place at the AGM. 10. Appointment of Independent Examiner. Nominations are invited for appointment as Independent Examiner, whose responsibility is to check the Accounts prepared by the Treasurer and certify whether they are a true and accurate record. See notes on Nominations and Motions below. 11. Ordinary Motions:  Area motions,  Motions to Scottish Council,  Motions to General Council,  Recommendations to the Area Council and/or to local Groups of the Area. See notes on Nominations and Motions below. 12. Election of Representatives to Scottish Council and General Council. Nominations are invited for:  two representatives of the Area to the Scottish Council of the Association, which will be meeting on 11th/12th March, 2017 (location to be confirmed), and  two representatives of the Area to the General Council of’ the Association, which will be meeting at the University of Southampton on 1st/2nd April, 2017. See notes on Nominations and Motions below. 13. Any other competent business.

NOTES ON NOMINATIONS AND MOTIONS Any motions affecting the present Area Constitution and/or Standing Orders must be notified in writing, signed by the proposer and seconder, to the Area Hon. Secretary by 24th December, 2016. Nominations for election and ordinary motions must be notified in writing, signed by the proposer and seconder, and with the signed acceptance of the nominee, to the Area Hon. Secretary by 14th January, 2017, except that: (a) the requirement for prior notification of a nomination will be waived if there is a vacancy for any post and no other nominations for that post been notified, (b) at the discretion of the meeting, emergency motions may be accepted relating to matters arising at a date when it would not have been possible to give timeous notification. All nominees, proposers and seconders must be individual members of the Area or representatives of local affiliated organisations. (Representatives of local affiliated organisations may not be nominated as, or be proposers and seconders of, representatives of individual members.) If notification of any motion affecting the present Area Constitution and/or Standing Orders is received, notice of the motion will be sent to all members in advance of the meeting. Details of all nominations and ordinary motions notified will be available at the start of the meeting itself.

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REPORT OF THE AREA COUNCIL 2015/16

This is the sixth Annual Report of the Council of the Ramblers’ Association Scotland – North Strathclyde Area, which came into existence on 1st October, 2010. The period covered by this report is 1st October, 2015 to 30th September, 2016. It is stated in a number of places that copy documents can be obtained on request from Barry Pottle. His contact details are shown on the front page of this booklet. Note on abbreviations: AC - Area Council CEC - Scottish Council Executive Committee AEC - Area Executive Committee BofT - Board of Trustees of Ramblers as a whole. CRs – Concerned Ramblers

RAMBLERS GB Chief Executive After four successful years, Benedict Southworth has stepped down as Ramblers’ Chief Executive. Over this time, Ramblers has continued to expand its work opening up more places for walkers across Britain, while defending their rights and promoting the benefits of walking to everyone, everywhere. Benedict has established a new vision and a long term strategy, improved support for volunteers, made internal devolution to the nations work and strengthened the finances of the charity. Natasha Clayton has been appointed as Ramblers’ interim Chief Executive. Her most recent role was interim chief executive at Farm Africa, where she was previously chief operating officer. She has also worked at the Prince’s Charities and Diabetes UK and is trustee of Transparency International. Vanessa Griffiths will be taking over as Chief Executive in November 2016. She comes with a wealth of experience, most recently through her role as Assistant Director at National Trust Wales. Her background in conservation and sustainable development makes her the perfect candidate to lead the Ramblers in an ongoing journey to protect and promote the British walking environment. Ramblers Governance A response was submitted on behalf of the Area to a consultation on Area and Group governance, received from Ramblers Central Office. A copy of the response can be obtained on request from Barry Pottle.

RAMBLERS SCOTLAND Interim Director of Ramblers Scotland Brendan Paddy is interim Director of Ramblers Scotland, covering for Jess Dolan’s maternity leave. rendan previousl worked at the Disasters Emergenc Committee, where he was Director of Communications for almost seven years at their London offices. Originally from New Zealand, Brendan has vast experience with high-profile organisations, including roles at Amnesty International, Save the Children and the Environment Agency. Ramblers Walk About Festival Hundreds of walks took place from 3rd to 11th September, 2016, as part of The Ramblers’ new Walk About Britain festival. The flagship event for Scotland was a day of walks and fun at Balloch Castle Country Park on 3rd September. There were 20 different led walks ranging from gentle 15-minute walks to challenging hill climbs – and everything in between. In the lochside marquee beneath Balloch Castle, activities included a talk from Forestr Commission Scotland’s James Ogilvie, who will describe his journey from regular hillwalker to climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Expert walking advice from Ramblers and partner groups was on hand – as well as games for children and the young at heart! Walk About has been made possible thanks to a generous award from pla ers of People’s Postcode Lottery.

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AREA COUNCIL AC met on 7th November, 2015, and on 6th February, 7th May and 27th August, 2016. As in previous years, it appointed a Standing Committee comprising the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and two others, to take any urgent decisions between AC meetings. Informal AC meetings were also held on 7th March, to discuss business coming up at Scottish Council, and on 29th March, to discuss business coming up at General Council. A list of members of AC, as at 30th September, 2016, can be supplied to any Area member on request to Barry Pottle.

FOOTPATH & COUNTRYSIDE Pathwatch The Pathwatch Project has been launched in Scotland. The Pathwatch technology has been successfully used in England and Wales, but this is the first time it has been updated to include Scottish OS maps to make it available north of the border. The app gives walkers – and others enjo ing Scotland’s outdoors – the opportunity to share their experiences with the Ramblers through an interactive app on their mobile phone. It will help identify any issues which impact upon their experiences, such as missing signs, overgrown paths or busy road crossings. And it will let people celebrate the things walkers value most when outdoors – like views, good trails and interesting plants. Pathwatch is initially being launched in Scotland as a six-month pilot project until Easter 2017, since Ramblers is aware that it has been designed primarily for path-based access which doesn’t entirel reflect the Scottish context. The trial is a great opportunit to gauge demand and guide how Pathwatch is developed in Scotland in future. Not all issues can or will be resolved, but it is hoped that the technology will help the Ramblers work more closely with landowners and access authorities to identify problems and practical solutions. National Park Bylaws The Scottish Government has approved the bylaws to impose further restrictions on wild camping in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, coming into effect in 2017. Ramblers Scotland has expressed its deep disappointment over the matter, but will continue to work towards the non renewing of these when they come up for review in three ears’ time. Scottish Council for National Parks (SCNP) The SCNP AGM on 22nd April, 2016 was attended by Elizabeth Lawie. A copy of her report to AC on the meeting can be obtained on request from Barry Pottle. Access meeting As in previous years, the Area hosted a meeting in November 2015 of Group Footpath Officers, Access Forum members and other interested members of the four successor Areas to the former Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway Area. Matters discussed included Ramblers Scotland draft Manifesto for Scottish Parliament Election 2016, recent areas of Ramblers Scotland work, including land reform, access funding, etc., and coastal access when new housing developments are planned. ‘Cl de Coastal Path’ AC noted this, linking the Ayrshire Coastal Path at Kelly Burn, Wemyss Bay to the West Highland Way at Milngavie. Also, the ‘Cl de Coastal Path’ together with the Mull of Galloway Trail and the Ayrshire Coastal Path form the Firth O Clyde Rotary Trail. Ramblers Inverclyde Group had developed an Inverclyde Coastal Path, which has been incorporated in the ‘Clyde Coastal Path’. Argyll & Bute Mid-Argyll & Kintyre Group have been asked to help with a Heritage Trail used by Catholic Pilgrims.

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West Dunbartonshire The Burncrooks Reservoir was looking good and the section of the John Muir Way Kilpatrick Hills is complete. East Dunbartonshire East Dunbartonshire Outdoor Access Forum has considered Campsie Core Path Project, Kirkintilloch’s Walkers Welcome status; paths flooding at Gadloch and Hayston; Balcorran Wood a new forest at Lennoxtown, Hilton Park Golf Club planting a new woodland, trails & tails; path complaints, etc. Area Footpath & Countryside Co-ordinator Jim Lawson and Bearsden and Milngavie Group Access Officer Imogen Johnstone both took part in East Dunbartonshire’s Access Forum Tour in September 2016. This looked at the rerouting of the Clyde Coastal Path brought about by the expansion of Douglasmuir Quarry and at the potential of creating a path on or near the old Kelvin Valley Railway between Balmore and the Kelvin walkway. Green Network held a Workshop in Kirkintilloch in September 2016 introducing themselves and their aims to create a green linked network throughout Central Scotland and where East Dunbartonshire fits into the big picture. Lenzie Community Council is hoping to produce a Lenzie Walking Map. Over the Winter of 2015/16, there were problems with flooding in Kirkintilloch and on the Allander Path. Strathkelvin Group has provided support to Scottish Wildlife Trust’d bid for mone to improve paths on the Loch Ardinning Nature Reserve. Ongoing issues are Right of Way to Stepps via Auchinloch from Lenzie; from Waterside Road to Twechar; Woodilee blocked RoW. Strathkelvin Group has noted resurfacing and other works to the Strathkelvin Railway Path and new paths created at Woodilee. Glasgow The 2014/15 Annual Report referred “The Magnificent Seven” (Mag 7), a 10 mile walk devised by Gary Linstead, the South East Glasgow Countryside Ranger, which is now being taken forward by a partnership of Ramblers Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the Ramblers Glasgow and Glasgow Young Walkers’ Groups. Parts of the route have been posted on Ramblers Routes, and the remainder will be available once the final route has been decided. Several volunteers’ da s have taken place to undertake necessar repairs, including constructing a bridge and repairing wooden steps. Funding is now being sought for a feasibility study, supported by a report by George Lawrie, Project Officer of The Rural Access Committee Kinross-shire (TRACKS)who had been involved in the Loch Leven Heritage trail and faced similar difficulties and challenges. The Group Committee is grateful to North Strathclyde Area for providing funding from the Group Support Fund to cover the cost of obtaining this report. The Group Committee noted developments re. footbridges and other works along the Rivers Clyde and Kelvin, the effect on access of the demolition of flats near Sighthill Park (also stone circle removed, but will be re-sited when work completed), and Heritage Lottery Funding for works at Seven Lochs Park (between Easterhouse and Coatbridge). North Lanarkshire North Lanarkshire Council have decided not to review the Core Path Plan as a whole, only re-surveying the routes on a rolling basis, and are engaged in their Access Strategy review. The Council applied for funding from SEPA for flood prevention works to take place near to and in the Dumbreck Nature Reserve, but failed to consult on the access implications of this proposal, which sacrificed the existing burnside path alongside the Garrel Burn west of Kils th. The Council’s Access Officers have promised to consult further and separatel on the proposals. Funding has been secured from Scottish Natural Heritage, using Scottish Rural Development Programme funds, to resurface part of a Core Path, north of a pedestrian railway bridge, south of Dullatur, to improve the link to the Antonine Wall and John Muir Trail route.

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North Lanarkshire Access Forum has recommended consultation with the local Community Council regarding a minor path diversion and improvement near Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill. Over the Winter of 2015/16, there were problems with flooding in Colzium Estate and Burngreen Park, Kilsyth. The Access Forum has discussed North Lanarkshire Council’s proposed Dog Walking Accreditation Scheme for dog walking businesses. The North Lanarkshire Walking Festival took place in September 2016. It was felt sufficient interest was shown to hold another Festival next year but it would be in the second week of August when the schools would still be on holiday. The Ramblers will be contacted to see if any of their walks could be part of the festival. Outside North Strathclyde Area Although outside our Area, AC noted issues affecting Castle Toward, on the Cowal Peninsula south of Dunoon, where Argyll & Bute Council had rejected claims that there was a right of way through the property, on the grounds that the evidence was inconclusive, and also a planning application to change the use of the castle to a private dwelling. Helen Todd of Ramblers Scotland office put in an objection, calling for an access plan to be developed as a condition of the planning application being approved.

FINANCE Area Policy on Excess Reserves Reviewing the End of Year (EoY) Returns received so far from the Area’s Groups, the Area Treasurer has encountered a situation which he did not consider when proposing the amendment to the Area’s Polic on Excess Reserves reported in the 2014/15 Annual Report, relating to the Main Account EoY balance and the corresponding in-year spend, namely when a Group has reserves level in excess of the 40% upper limit but a deferral of a portion of the closing balance to be spent in the following Financial Year. In this instance, the deferral both “reduces” the reserves level below the 40% upper limit and reduces the effective EoY balance, i.e. the amount remaining once the deferred funds have been deleted from the actual EoY balance, below the Ramblers £500 trigger point for action against excess reserves. AC agreed to use the ‘effective balance’ (that is to sa , not taking account of funds held for deferred expenditure) in appl ing the Area’s reserves polic , to ensure that the proposed uses for the deferred funds were completed as indicated. Dormant Accounts Ramblers Central Office contacted the Area Treasurer to advise that Unity Trust Bank were reviewing all Bank accounts held with them by the Ramblers, with a view to increasing the charges paid. Currently the Ramblers pays a quarterly fee for all accounts but the Bank would like to charge a fee for each account, which will increase costs considerably. Central Office noted that the Group Support Account had not been used since December 2015, and asked the Area Treasurer to transfer funds from the account, if no longer required, and arrange for it to be closed. After consultation with the Standing Committee, the Area Treasurer replied that, whilst the Area understands the basis for the request to close the account, it is of the opinion that the continued availability of the account is important and permits the separation of the funds held in it from those in the General Account. He intimated that the unanimous decision of the Area’s Standing Committee was that the account should not be regarded as dormant and therefore would not be closed. The Area Treasurer added that the number of accounts held with the overall Unity Trust Bank would be reduced when one of the Groups comprised in the Area closed the Restricted Funds account which it no longer required, the funds in the account having been used for the purpose specified and the balance was zero. The process of closing the account was under way. The Treasurer’s response was acknowledged b Central Office.

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2015/16 External Audit Samples The Treasurer received notification from Ramblers Central Office that, for the year ended 30th September 2016, the Auditors are changing their approach to testing income and expenditure at Areas and Groups level. This will involve identifying the reason for significant fluctuations in income and expenditure year on year, rather than testing individual items by requesting additional supporting documentation from selected Areas and Groups. The intention is that this should reduce the workload for the majority of Groups and Areas as part of this process. The auditors trialled this approach last year in addition to sampling and found that it worked well, allowing them to adopt this fully this year. As such, when Area and Group Treasurers complete their Annual Returns, they are asked to provide additional explanations where total income or expenditure for their Area or Group has changed by more than £15,000 (from 2014/15 to 2015/16 financial year). They also request that explanations be substantiated by supporting documentation. Ramblers don’t select an Area or Group for this exercise. The Auditors request this information and will come back with any queries when they complete their final audit. Central Office hope that this request from information up front should reduce the burden for Areas and Groups. This communication has also been forwarded to Group Treasurers, Chairmen and Secretaries. Mileage rate In the light of the reduction in the price of petrol and diesel, the mileage rate paid for travel expenses on Area business should be reviewed. AC agreed a reduction from the previous 28 pence per mile to one of 25 pence. Request for help re funding of the Magnificent 7 Project The Treasurer received a request on behalf of Glasgow Group and Glasgow Young Walkers, for funding of £220 plus £80 travelling expenses to enable them to invite George Lawrie, Project Officer for the Rural Access Committee of Kinross-shire to help with the Magnificent 7 project (development of a 10 mile walking route on the south side of Glasgow, referred to in the 2015/16 Annual Report). Mr. Lawrie had been the main mover behind the Loch Leven Heritage Trail and it was felt his help would be extremely useful. AC were happy to give approval for the funding.

PUBLICITY & RECRUITMENT Area website Development of this is ongoing. Meetup AC agreed to fund a 6 month trial by one Group of publicising its walks through the Meetup website. The Group concluded that it did not wish to continue with this, principally because of confusion caused by the different systems of circulating information, as between Meetup and the Group’s own Programme. However, it felt that it could still be of use to advertise Ramblers’ Groups, with links to Group websites, rather than including full details of Group walks. The Area Publicity Secretary will be looking into this.

MEMBERSHIP Individual membership figures for Area The membership figure of the Area, as at 1st October, 2015 was indicated in the 2014/15 Annual Report as 1,182. As at 1st October, 2016, the Area membership was 1,220, a net increase of 38 (3.2%) over the year (compared to increase of 1.0% during 2014/15). The 2015/16 changes for Scotland were increase of 2.1% and for the Ramblers’ membership as the whole, decrease of 1.3%.

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Individual membership figures for Groups Individual membership figures for each Group in the Area, as at 1st October, 2016, with changes over the year were as follows: Bearsden & Milngavie 305 (+1 = 0.3%) Mid-Argyll & Kintyre 42 (+5 = 13.5%) Cumbernauld & Kilsyth 166 (+11 = 7.1%) Monklands 89 (+4 = 4.7%) Glasgow 256 (+29 = 12.8%) Strathkelvin 148 (+4 = 4.8%) Glasgow Young Walkers 76 (-2 = 2.6%) Helensburgh & West Dunb.128 (-12 = 9.4%) Not in any Group 12 (+4 = 50.0%) Affiliated organisations The 2014/15 Annual Report indicated that four organisations affiliated to the Ramblers were allocated to the Area as at 1st October, 2015. During the year, on previously affiliated organisation reinstated its affiliation, so that there were five affiliations (four independent walking clubs and one community council) as at 1st October, 2016.

GROUP SUPPORT Group AGMs 2015 As in previous years, AC arranged for visitors to attend each Group AGM in 2015. A summary of the reports from those who attended AGMs can be supplied to any Area member on request to Barry Pottle. Amendments to Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Group Constitution The Cumbernauld.& Kilsyth Group AGM in 2015 amended the Group Constitution to replace references to parts of the Ramblers structure which had been reorganised or renamed since the Constitution had been adopted. AC had delegated power to the Area Chairman and Secretary to approve amendments to Group Constitutions, and the amendments made by Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Group were approved under this power. Walk Leadership Thanks to funding from sportscotland, a new project focused on Walk Leadership has been launched by Ramblers Scotland. This will include reviewing what training can be offerred to anyone interested in learning to lead group walks, or people who would like to build upon existing leadership skills. Katy Robinson has joined Ramblers Scotland staff as a new Project Officer – Walk Leadership, and she will establish a new Scottish Walk Leadership Sounding Board. Groups’ training needs Groups within the Area have been asked to submit to the Area Chairman a list of courses they ran or arranged, and whether they would be willing to open the training up to other Groups, or provide help arranging training. There is the need to identify training required, so Area can look at providing or arranging suitable training to fill the gaps, so Groups were asked to submit a list of their training needs. The responses will be considered by AC.

SCOTTISH COUNCIL 2016, CARNEGIE CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUNFERMLINE The Area’s delegates were Penny Sinclair and Anne Thomson, in addition to whom Janice Forrest attended as an observer. AC members Liz Lawie and Jim Lawson attended in their capacities as members of SCEC and Liz Hunt and Barry Pottle as members of the SC Agenda Committee. Six of the Area’s Groups sent delegates to the meeting. Alison Mitchell was elected Convener, receiving 33 votes to 25 for our own Area's Jim Lawson. Attendees were welcomed to Dunfermline by Alan Paul, Chairman of Dunfermline and West Fife Ramblers. The Director of Ramblers Scotland, Jess Dolan, gave an update, and Alastair Cant, Treasurer, spoke on the role of the Scottish Council Executive Committee. The meeting adopted the accounts and noted a brief summary of the Finance of Ramblers Scotland, as well as a report on action taken on 2015 motions. There were presentation by four Young Walkers Groups.

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Workshops took place on promoting your walks using GWEM (Group Walks and Events Manager), promoting your Group using social media, recruiting and retaining members and improving Scottish Council and SCEC. Alison Mitchell had also been nominated for election as Vice Convener but, as she had been elected as Convener, this meant that the other candidate for Vice Convener, Andy Malby, was unopposed and therefore automatically became Vice Convener. There was no opposition to Alistair Cant's re-election as Treasurer. There were only five candidates for election to the seven available places for ordinary members of SCEC, so all five candidates were automatically elected. These included our own Area's Liz Lawie (re-elected) and Catherine Watt (new member). The other three elected were John Andrews (Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside), Vic Royce (Highlands and Islands) and Siggi Skulason (Lothian & Borders). There were three candidates for election to the three available places for members of the Agenda Committee, so all three were automatically elected. This include our own Area's Liz Hunt and Barry Pottle, as well as Jim Bennett (Renfrewshire, Cowal & Bute). Our own Area's motion, proposing an amendment to the Constitution to provide that Areas and Groups exceeding 500 members would have additional delegates to Scottish Council, got 26 votes to 20 against. However, as amendments to the Constitution require a two thirds majority, that was insufficient, so the motion was lost. A motion, proposing an amendment to the Constitution to provide that candidates for SCEC could be any person who had been a member of the Ramblers for at least 12 months (i.e. not necessarily an existing member of Scottish Council), was passed with no votes against. No ordinary motions were submitted. The report of the Scottish Council meeting, prepared by Ramblers Scotland office, can be supplied to any Area member on request to Barry Pottle.

GENERAL COUNCIL 2016, UNIVERSITY OF YORK The delegates elected at the Area AGM were Karine Davison and Eleanor Peacock, but, as there was uncertainty as to whether Eleanor could attend, Anne Thomson was substituted as delegate in her place. As it happened, Eleanor was able to attend, and it was agreed that she could do so as an observer. AC member Liz Lawie also attended General Council, in her capacity as a member of the Agenda Committee. Ramblers’ Chair Des Garrahan updated General Council on highlights of Ramblers’ activities over the last year. Benedict Southworth the chief executive updated General Council on the previous ear’s progress on the strategic framework, and reflected on the progress since his 100 day review of the charity four years ago. He announced his resignation (referred to above). Delegates took part in an informal governance discussion based on the proposals set out by the Board in January 2015, and were provided with a summary of the results of a survey of Areas and groups undertaken by the BofT. Alex Mannings, Ramblers’ Honorar Treasurer, presented the Annual Report and Accounts. Actions taken to implement 2015 resolutions and outstanding resolutions from previous years were reported. The position of President was left vacant. The previous Vice Presidents were re-elected. Kate Ashbrook became a Vice President automatically as a former President, and Jonathan Kipling, Dave Morris (former Director, Ramblers Scotland) and Brian Reader were elected as new Vice President. The members of BofT are elected over a three year cycle, and the following were elected as Trustees this year: Kate Ashbrook, Roy Hunt and Robert Peel The following were elected to the Agenda Committee: John Esslemont (Chair), Peter Carr, Liz Lawie (from our own Area), Sylvia Popham and Clare Wadd. Following debate, General Council passed the various amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Standing Orders, to correct various anomalies, to make the wording gender neutral, and to make a minor but important addition to introduce measures by which members may have benefits of the charity withdrawn under exceptional circumstances

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Other motions passed were on non distribution of background notes at General Council (late motion submitted by our own Area), several relating to the Governance review, communication and the Rights of Way network. Although the time available for motions was similar to previous years, the following motions were automatically remitted to the Board, due to lack of time for debate: enhancement of Ramblers Policy on Rail Crossings and Rights of Way, Shared Use Policy Guidance – update needed, Lost Ways, Family Membership, and Barcode on membership cards General Council 2017 will be held in Southampton on 1st/2nd April, 2017 An informal report of General Council was previously available on the Ramblers website, but appears no longer to be there. A copy can be supplied to any Area member on request to Barry Pottle.

MISCELLANEOUS Volunteer Development Day The above event took place on 15th September in Edinburgh. There was a diverse programme of workshops, intended to help volunteers expand their existing knowledge and develop new skills. Sessions included walk leadership, challenges on group walks, promoting your group, volunteer management, Scottish access legislation, how to work with the media and also a session about recruiting new members. Kirkintlloch Walkers are Welcome Kirkintilloch has lost its status as a Walkers are Welcome town, as it has not held a meeting (unfortunately, AC member Penny Sinclair, who had organised previous meetings, had been ill, and no-one else had arranged a meeting). The town could apply again, but Penny did not wish to arrange further meetings, and it appeared that there was no-one else willing to do so. Awards to Penny Sinclair and Andrew Summers AC noted that the Provost of East Dunbartonshire had presented awards to Penny Sinclair of Strathkelvin Group and to Andrew Summers of Bearsden & Milngavie Group, and congratulated both. Milngavie Walks Book Andrews Summers, who had previously arranged the publication of a booklet of walks around Milngavie, has now expanded that into a full book. The supply of books already printed had already been sold out, but the Area has provided funding for further copies to be printed.

TREASURER’S REPORT 2015/16

The use of online banking has continued with no issues to report. Main Account With an opening balance of £7859.44, the credits to this account were:- £5,304.00 Area/Group funding from Central Office, in four equal payments. £1,920.00 for Walk Leaders’ Recce expenses pa ments from Central Office, in four equal payments.

£6.75 interest from Unity Trust.

£32.43 returned to the account to repay duplicate payment for Meetup subscription trial period.

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Expenditures from the account were:-

£5,762.00 distributed amongst the Groups as Ramblers’ funding and Walks Leaders’ Recce Expenses. £64.86 as pa ments relating to the Area’s funding of the Meetup trial period. One payment of £32.43 setup in error which could not be cancelled because of the wa Unit Trust’s online banking s stem. This was returned to the Main Account, see credits above. £23.80 for hire of the Paths Officers’ Meeting venue. £926.65 to cover Area Council meetings and Area AGM costs. In the 2015/2016 FY there were two puchase of postage stamps for the Area's AGM mailing. One for the AGM held in January 2016 and one for the AGM to be held in January 2017. The latter purchase was made in this FY to pre-empt a rise in postal prices. £7.70 administration costs. The higher figure in 2014/2015 being as the result of purchasing the new printer. £47.76 as refund of accommodation charges at York University. £300.00 as a donation to the Magnificent Seven Project. The payment being made to the Glasgow Group’s Main Account. The transactions listed above resulted in a surplus of £130.41 for the Financial Year. No cheques remained uncleared through the Bank as at 30th September. Group Support Fund Account During the Financial Year there were no support payments to Groups made from this account.

A total of £1.24 was credited to the account in Bank Interest.

The End of Year balance on the account was £1,498.49

Other Points of Note Main Account funds have been designated for spending in 2016/2017, £4,400.00, and 2017/2018, £3,400.00.

The Area does not hold any restricted funds, fixed assets, investments, stocks or loans.

No self-funded activities were undertaken by the Area during the Financial Year.

Following examination of the Area’s financial records for the 2015/2016 FY, the Annual Accounts have been signed off by the Independent Examiner.

M. McManus, Treasurer, North Strathclyde Area

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RAMBLERS' SCOTLAND NORTH STRATHCLYDE AREA MAIN ACCOUNT INCOME/EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDING 30th SEPTEMBER 2016 GROUP NORTH STRATHCLYDE CODE: SL 2014/2015 2015/2016 INCOME 8,728.00 FROM CENTRAL OFFICE (FUNDING) 7,244.00

8.54 BANK INTEREST 6.75

- OTHER:

(total only) 1. Return of duplicated refunding of Meetup Group initial subs payment 32.43

- 2. -

- 3. -

- 4. -

8,736.54 TOTAL 7,263.18

EXPENDITURE 6,635.00 TO GROUPS (FUNDING) 5,762.00

- TO GROUPS (OTHER) -

- WALKS PROGRAMMES -

720.00 WALKS RELATED -

- WALKS LEADER TRAINING -

14.51 NEWSLETTERS/PUBLICITY 64.86

- PUBLICATION/GOODS COSTS -

23.80 CAMPAIGNS/CASEWORK 23.80

- PRACTICAL WORK -

- FUNDRAISING COSTS -

586.71 MEETINGS (INC. AGM) 926.65

96.88 ADMIN 7.70

12.48 OTHER

(total only) 1. Refund to Karine Davison of accommodation at York University 47.76

2. Donation to Mag 7 Project 300.00

3. -

4. -

5. -

8,089.38 TOTAL 7,132.77

647.16 SURPLUS / DEFICIT 130.41

BALANCE SHEET AT 30th SEPTEMBER

7,212.28 BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 7,859.44

647.16 SURPLUS / DEFICIT 130.41

7,859.44 TOTAL 7989.85

REPRESENTED BY

STATEMENT BALANCE AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2016 7989.85

ADD CASH IN HAND HELD -

ADD RECEIPTS NOT ON STATEMENT -

SUBTRACT PAYMENTS NOT ON STATEMENT -

TOTAL 7989.85

HAVING CARRIED OUT PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AREA AND GROUP INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION GUIDELINES, I CONSIDER THE NORTH STRATHCLYDE ACCOUNTS TO GIVE A FAIR REPRESENTATION OF THE AREA’S/GROUP’S FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2016.

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RAMBLERS' SCOTLAND NORTH STRATHCLYDE AREA GROUP SUPPORT ACCOUNT INCOME/EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDING 30th SEPTEMBER 2016 GROUP NORTH STRATHCLYDE CODE SL 2014/2015 2015/2016 INCOME - DAY WALKS -

HOLIDAYS

(total only) 1. -

2. -

- SOCIALS

(total only) 1. -

2. -

3. -

1.50 BANK INTEREST 1.24

- OTHER:

(total only) 1. -

2. -

3. -

1.50 TOTAL 1.24

EXPENDITURE - DAY WALKS -

- HOLIDAYS

(total only) 1. -

2. -

- SOCIALS

(total only) 1. -

2. -

3. -

- TRANSFER TO MAIN ACCOUNT -

- OTHER:

(total only) 1. -

2. -

3. -

- TOTAL -

1.50 SURPLUS / DEFICIT 1.24

BALANCE SHEET AT 30th SEPTEMBER

1,498.75 BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 1497.25

1.50 SURPLUS / DEFICIT 1.24

1,497.25 TOTAL 1,498.49

REPRESENTED BY

STATEMENT BALANCE AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2016 1,498.49

ADD CASH IN HAND HELD -

ADD RECEIPTS NOT ON STATEMENT -

SUBTRACT PAYMENTS NOT ON STATEMENT -

TOTAL 1,498.49

HAVING CARRIED OUT PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AREA AND GROUP INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION GUIDELINES, I CONSIDER THE NORTH STRATHCLYDE ACCOUNTS TO GIVE A FAIR REPRESENTATION OF THE AREA’S/GROUP’S FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2016.

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Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh. The AGM venue is the small hall of Helensburgh Parish Church, which can be seen in the photo.