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. Report by Officers on the past year and the way ahead.

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. The meeting expressed its concern at the damage to the grass caused be vehicles and at the continued failure to restrict their access to the Common from the Victoria Bridge entrance. Repair of the existing locking mechanism and consideration of a more robust long-term solution were announced by Council representatives. Susan Stobbs presented the accounts which showed receipts of £2,411 and payments of £1,391. She reminded the meeting that the final balance of £1,020 for year-end 2010 included the CCF grant for the orchard (most of which had since been spent). She recommended that there be no charge for continued membership in 2011 but new members should pay to join. This was accepted by the meeting and the accounts approved.

3. Election of Committee members.

The chair thanked Rosemary Davidson for her contribution to FoMC since its inception and to Nick Levine. Both were standing down from the committee but Nick Levine would continue to provide computer support to FoMC. The officers and the other three members of the committee were re-elected. Anna-Louise Lawrence and Simon Bragg were elected to fill the two vacancies.

4. Events on the Comon in 2011.

Strawberry Fair. Justin Argent presented the plans for 2011. The character of the event would change with fewer music stages and encouragement of traditional 'Village Green' activities. There would be fewer food outlets. Three entrances to an inner fenced area would be established where the quantities of alcohol being brought on site will be controlled. Fencing and other measures to restrict nuisance to local residents would again be used and there will be further consultation.

Midsummer Fair. John Thurston of the Showman's Guild explained that it was 800 years since the granting of the first charter and they wanted to celebrate this by encouraging older rides and mounting an exhibition of memorabilia. A small celebratory book would be published.

5. Orchard picnic in 2011.

The Secretary reported that the informal 'bring your own and share' picnic was well received and would be repeated this year probably in late June.

6. Any Other Business.

One member called for the retention of brambles on the Common to provide bird cover. Richard Taylor has provided his own report on the proceedings. There was no other business so the meeting closed.

B Higgs (Hon Secretary)
17 March 2011