Our AGM took place on Saturday 18th October and was attended by about 110 members.
Margaret Darvill, the Acting Chairman said 2024 was a year of consolidation as we waited for various permissions to enable us to proceed with work of restorations. The time between application and grant of planning permission has grown enormously in recent years and we have to learn to be very patient, frustrating though the process can be. Having outlined multiple achievements (listed in the draft minutes), Margaret explained that 2025 is proving to be a very different year with good progress made at Rooks Hill and the first phase of the new bridleway at Rye Farm completed. Discussions continue with several landowners which we hope will result in the Trust acquiring further sections of the canal
Two Directors stepped down from the Board at the AGM. They are Julian Morgan and Dennis Gillen. Giles Eyre highlighted their many achievements for the Trust and with Margaret presented a gift to each of them.
Margaret announced that she was stepping down as Acting Chairman at the end of this AGM but that she will continue to be a Board Director. No replacement has yet been identified and the burden on the remaining directors is increasing to ensure the oversight of all the Trust activities is maintained. Margaret asked the AGM participants to speak to any of the Directors if they can provide some assistance.
Margaret Darvill presented the finance report. In 2024, the accounts show a surplus of £117,000. While income was down, expenditure was also down a reduction in staffing costs and the absence of any large restoration project. Income included a generous donation from the MJ Camp charitable foundation.
Margaret also shared the 2025 financial summary to the end of September which showed income and expenditure broadly the same. However we expect to finish 2025 with a healthy surplus despite the increase in restoration expenditure as we have recently received another generous donation from the MJ Camp charitable foundation.
Two cups were presented to volunteers. The Jack King Cup was awarded to Keith Lyall for his work with the Tuesday and Thursday groups, the organisation for our Drive a Digger experience at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair and extensive photography for Wey-South and the 2026 Calendar. The John East Trophy was awarded to Lorraine Feeney for her work as Archivist and in assisting with the monitoring and collection of paperwork from volunteers.
Priorities, Communications & Fundraising Presentation