AGM Minutes 2026

CHESS VALLEY BRIDLEWAYS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday 14th April 2026

The Parish Room, St Paul’s Church, Chipperfield

Attendees:                                  Claire Carpentier – Chairman

Nicky Park – Deputy Chairman

Penny Powell – Secretary

Gaynor Barrett – Treasurer

Sue Hughes-Thomas – Membership Secretary

Jenny Element – Social Events & Quiz Organiser

Caroline Geary – Bridleways Officer

Val Sceats

Tessa Baylis – Member

Apologies:                                  Annabel Heathcote

Ann Maisel

1.        Chairman’s Report

Thank you for attending the AGM, it is a shame not more could make it.

The priorities that I see for this coming year are to not hold on to money that has been raised but to spend it on the off-road tracks that we maintain and advise on.  Last year alone we spent almost £3,500, a big, but vital undertaking, on clearing and repairing tracks.  However this was down a little bit from the previous year, probably explained by the fact that it is now part of an on-going programme.

With this in mind, our second priority is to fund-raise and to raise awareness of what the CVBA does.  Our quiz is always popular, and our Autumn Ride garnered a small turnout.  Already organised for this year we have held a wine tasting evening, which will have raised approximately £400, our Spring Ride is happening in May, and our Quiz will be taking place in September.  Other ideas are welcome.

I would also like to see the CVBA become more influential in local matters that effect our members and local horse riders, such as the impending water pipeline that is being built between Rickmansworth and Bovingdon Airfield that will cut across Flaunden along bridleways and through grazing land, a role that the CVBA have had before.

2.        Treasurer’s Report

Paper reports are available, but the important figures are that Income was similar to last year at £7,158.44, despite a small rise in income raised from Membership Subscriptions.  Expenditure was down by about £600.00 from last year, in part explained by a decrease in maintenance of tracks costs, and one outstanding invoice for catering for the Quiz.

As of 28th February 2026 the Current Account balance was £836.00, and the Business Reserve Account balance was £3,013.21.

3.        Retirement of the Committee

All the Committee retired.  Debbie Couchman and Christina Coltrini-Magowan stepped down prior to the AGM.

4.        Appointment of the New Committee and Roles.

All the committee were re-appointed, nominated and seconded, into their previous positions, bar Debbie and Christina who decided not to rejoin the committee.

The Annual General Meeting closed at 8.32pm.