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

There being no comments or matters arising, the minutes were unanimously approved and signed by the Chair.

2. Guest speakers.

Alistair Wilson and Sarah Tovell from Cambridge City Council gave a presentation on the Management of Midsummer Common. The relevant Council organisation and its relationships with 'Friends' groups was explained. Background covered the 2001 Conservation Plan leading up to the current Management Plan and its objectives. Questions concerned: vehicles on the Common; litter; crumbling path edges; the vulnerability of the new orchard to vandalism; anti-social behaviour near the light-controlled crossing on Maids' Causeway. In reply, Alistair Wilson stated that officials were aware of and trying to address these often difficult issues except the last which he would pass to the appropriate department in the Council.

3. Financial Report.

Acting Treasurer Susan Stobbs presented the accounts which showed receipts of £1,540 and payments of £253. She reminded the meeting that the final balance of £1,873 for year-end 2009 included the grant for the orchard most of which had since been spent. She recommended that there be no charge for membership in 2010. This was accepted by the meeting and the accounts approved.

4. Chairman's Annual Report for 2009.

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 Chair thanked Brian Smale-Adams for his considerable efforts as inaugural treasurer and wished him well. It was Proposed by John Lawton and Seconded by Penny Morris that Dick Baxter as Chair, Barry Higgs as Secretary, and Susan Stobbs as Treasurer be confirmed in office. This was unanimously approved.

6. Election of Committee.

Brian Smale-Adams was retiring and Luther Philips is to stand down as he is now actively involved with Friends of Stourbridge Common. Andy Rankin and Sarah Green had offered to stand and Rosemary Davidson, Erica Hunter and Nick Levine wished to remain on the committee. It was Proposed by Wendy Andrews and Seconded by John Lawton and unanimously approved that these five people be elected to the Committee.

7. The Year Ahead.

Executive Councillor Julie Smith, Alistair Wilson and Sarah Tovell contributed to discussion of the following issues:

1. Strawberry Fair. The result of the appeal by the Police against the licence granted by the Council would not be known until a week before the event. A Stakeholders' Meeting would be held.
2. Trees. Following the hiatus caused by staff sickness, a meeting would be held in June to move matters forward. There was concern that many Horse Chestnuts were afflicted by disease and may eventually have to be felled.
3. Cattle. Angelika von Heimendahl said that she planned to run 10 Red Poll on the Common in 2010. She also explained that the grass had to recover after a big event before the cattle could be returned and grass growth in 2009 had been particularly poor.
4. Vehicular Access. Installation of an electrically controlled gate was still being costed and considered. Running an electrical supply to the site was the major cost. Andy Rankin's offer to advise on the possible use of solar power was gratefully accepted. The need to make-good and prevent further damage to the grass and paving by heavy vehicles posed a particular problem. It would be discussed at a Midsummer Common Management Meeting to be held on 22nd March.
5. The Orchard. The first 15 trees would be planted on 19/20th March.
6. Litter Pick. No Cam Clean-Up was planned for 2010 but FoMC would organise a day when members could 'Litter-Pick' the Common.

8. Any Other Business.

There was no other business so the meeting closed.

B Higgs (Hon Secretary)
18 March 2010