Minutes of second Annual General Meeting held on 24 February 2009 in Wesley Church

1. Minutes of last year's AGM and matters arising.

The meeting agreed to the chair signing the minutes. The meeting expressed its concern at the continued poor state of the common. Alistair Wilson (Greenspaces CCC) reported on progress on what he covered at the 2008 AGM.

1. Wildlife Trust Management Plan. The latest version would be discussed with FoMC. It contained better-defined Streetscene involvement and a role for FoMC.
2. City-Wide Events Framework. This included Midsummer Common and was in the final stages of drafting.
3. The Pindar. Out-of-hours coverage, essential for the cattle, had been retained despite changes.
4. Trench Reinstatement. The recent winter weather had set-back what progress had been made and further work was clearly needed.
5. The Electronic Gate. This had now been costed and further discussions would be held with the trading establishments and Friends Groups to agree a workable system.
6. Greenstat.org. Members were encouraged to use this site as a conduit for comment on Midsummer Common.

2. The Trees on Midsummer Common.

Mr Kenny McGregor (Arboricultural Officer, Cambridge City Council) gave a talk followed by questions. The meeting expressed its appreciation.

3. Financial Report.

The accounts were approved and it was agreed not to levy an annual subscription for 2009. The chair reported the intention to apply for a Council grant to support planned volunteer activities on the Common.

4. Chairman's Annual Report for 2008.

Dick Baxter gave a summary of the year's achievements and disappointments as detailed in his Annual Report that has been posted on the web-site.

5. Election of Officers.

The existing officers were re-elected as follows:

Chair: Dick Baxter: Proposed by Barry Higgs; Seconded by Susan Stobbs.

Treasurer: Brian Smale-Adams: Proposed by Dick Baxter; Seconded by Barry Higgs.

Secretary: Barry Higgs: Proposed by Dick Baxter; Seconded by M Sabry.

6. Election of Committee.

The meeting received the sad news that Milo Keynes had recently died and expressed its condolences. The existing officers and committee were re-elected and Luther Philips was proposed by Dick Baxter, seconded by Susan Stobbs, and elected to fill the vacant place.

7. Footpaths on Midsummer Common.

The Chair explained that in pursuit of consistency FoMC had asked that asphalt be used to re pave the path outside Brunswick Cottages but concrete was again used.

8. The Year Ahead.

The Chair's Report at Item 4 covered also the way ahead. The meeting asked the Committee to consider how it might better harness and exploit the passion and enthusiasm clearly evident at this meeting. Debbie Kaye (CCC) invited FoMC to help formulate a tree strategy for the Common and propose to her officers initiatives that might be included in various broader Council programmes and budgets.

9. FoMC's Constitution.

Members voted to amend section 4 of the Constitution to incorporate an Equal Opportunities Policy:

4. Membership

Membership shall be open to Cambridge citizens who are interested in furthering the objectives of FoMC. It is the policy of FoMC to welcome and treat all members and volunteers fairly and equally regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, age or disability. The Secretary shall keep an up-to-date list of members. Every member shall pay an annual subscription to FoMC – this subscription having been agreed at the preceding Annual General Meeting.

10. Any Other Business.

Luther Philips explained that a campaign to 'beautify' the boats with flowers was underway. He also asked for FoMC's support for the 2009 Cam Clean-Up Day on 25th April. There being no other business the Chair, having thanked those present for the welcome large turn-out, closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.

B Higgs (Hon Secretary)
25th February 2009