1.   Apologies. Dianne Scolari

2.   Review of the minutes of the meeting on 22.07.24. These were accepted as accurate.

3.   Matters arising from the minutes of 22.07.24. None.

4.   Review of the minutes of the AGM on 04.11.24. These were accepted as accurate. These will need to be approved at the 2025 AGM.

5.   Matters arising from minutes of the AGM on 04.11.24. None. To be discussed at the 2025 AGM.

6.   Financial report. Given by David Horne. David reported that the balance in the bank was £1321.15. Most of the transaction since the last meeting were linked to the 2024 Xmas lunch. Transactions as follows.

7.   Walks programme.

8.   Membership. Current membership is 249 which is a decrease of one since the 2024 AGM in early November. From the membership database in the 3 months from 6.10.24 we have had 13 new members join the group and one rejoining member. During the same period, we have had one member deceased, two have moved to another group, 9 have resigned and 6 have lapsed membership. The numbers do not add up to a membership reduction of 1 but that is what the spreadsheet shows. Membership levels are steady, 247 in January 2024, and we are successfully replacing members that leave or move to another group.

9.   Publicity. Report presented by Peter Rowsell.

The UK Government has abandoned the 2031 cut-off date for recording historic rights of way. Should we announce this on our website, in order to get non-walking members to get involved?

Residents rally against huge solar farm near Doncaster as consultation set to be held
A couple of FB posts have asked if The Ramblers will be supporting this campaign on environmental grounds? Does The Ramblers have a policy regarding solar farms, battery parks or wind turbines?

Lorraine Shields writes on FB about A New Year Clumber Meander

“Lovely walk and very friendly group. Feet and legs ached a little on Sunday 🤣 cannot commit every week but will definitely like to do again soon. Myself and Sarah Shields would like to thank you all for your warm welcome. Happy Rambling xxx”

FB Page overview last 28 days

Was hoping to give up-date on “Get Doncaster Moving” campaign but the meeting is not until 29.01.25.

It was decided during the meeting that we did not need to notify Doncaster Group members of the abandonment of the 2031 cut of date. The membership has already been advised by email communication from Central Office.

During the SYNED (Area) AGM on 19.01.24 this question was raised by PR to the Central Office speaker. Central office is still considering their position on solar farms bearing in mind the climate crisis and environmental issues. It was agreed that Doncaster Ramblers only concern is that any footpaths affected, are maintained and correctly diverted during construction, and that we do not express an opinion on the potential construction.

10.  Rights of Way Maintenance. Report presented by Stuart Twell and Pete Smith.

Stuart Twell, Pete Smith and Dianne Scolari attended a meeting with the Rights of Way Department of The City of Doncaster Council (CDC). Julie Guest and Stuart Horrocks of CDC attended. During the meeting Julie Guest expressed thanks for the work carried out by Doncaster Ramblers in monitoring and maintaining footpaths within the city boundaries. During the meeting it was explained to DCC we have the skill to carry out most repair and maintenance tasks required. It was explained by DCC that there are certain tasks that for legal reasons we cannot get involved with, for example the placement of steel marker posts, these have to be done by DCC direct labour. It was agreed that square checkers/footpath monitors and our general membership need to be advised of what DCC consider is reportable to them as a fault. For example, it is reasonable to expect a wooden way marker on a footpath where there is a significant change of direction but not at say every 100m along its length. It was agreed a document would be prepared indicating what faults to look out for and what should be reported and this would be distributed by MailChimp to our membership. The current list indicates 25 to 30 faults on the network, some of which are longstanding. STw, PS and DCC will produce a priority list rating the faults so they can be tackled in order of priority. STw confirmed that DCC are over the next two years going to add the Public Rights of Way which pass through the city centre onto the definitive map, they have previously been excluded. PS said that he has taken over the role of advising Ramblers Central Office of members and nonmembers who square check and/or help on maintenance so they are covered on the insurance policy. This was previously carried out by Tony Marsh. PS also advised he had carried out a audit of the tools held previously by Tony Marsh and recommended we purchase a couple of crow bars and a post hole auger, anticipated cost £100. The meeting approved the expenditure and PS and STw to arrange the purchase. PS also explained that DCC provide certain tools such as wheelbarrows and store these.

11.  Rights of Way Monitoring. From information previously provided by DS it is confirmed that all footpaths within the City of Doncaster boundaries were inspected by Doncaster Ramblers footpath wardens/square checkers in 2024. We currently have a footpath warden/square walker for all the squares but always looking for new volunteers. DS is trying to arrange a get together with all footpath wardens and City of Doncaster Council CDC) Rights of Way team where light refreshment will be provided as a thank you for everybody’s hard work etc.

12.  Any Other Business.