The 1998 AGM: Expand to 10 miles? Trees in Newtown area?

Around 45 members and friends turned up for the Glastonbury Conservation Society annual general meeting, on October 19 at St Mary’s hall. For the fourth year in a row, attendance was up: from 38 last year, 27 in 1996 and only 15 in 1995.

John Brunsdon, in the chair, signed the 1997 minutes (summarized in newsletter 86) and said his latest yearly report had appeared in issue 89. He thanked Jim Nagel for his work on publishing the newsletter and committee members for their support during the year.

Ian Rands reported that he had attended a number of meetings, including the Mendip District Council environment forum, concerned with reducing waste of materials. Saving whales and tigers may not be the Conservation Society’s role, but we can attempt to allay the effects of industry, heating and vehicle pollution by planting trees. This we have done most successfully: requests so far this winter total 4,000 trees.

Dennis Allen, treasurer, circulated copies of accounts for the year ending last July, which the meeting adopted. Ena Allen reported that the society has 148 paid-up members and an additional 45 people receive newsletters.

There were no new nominations for officers. As the committee, except Brian Dicketts, was willing to stand again for a third year, this was proposed and carried unanimously.

Following some discussion concerning the remit of the society beyond a five-mile radius from Glastonbury, Ian Rands suggested extending it to 10 miles. Jan Morland pointed out that this covers towns and villages, which could cause difficulties, although most tree-planting takes place in countryside.

It is important not to clash with other bodies, said Dennis Allen, and any changes to our constitution must be approved by the Charity Commissioners. Any proposal would also have to be on an agenda circulated in advance of an AGM.

John Brunsdon said he would like to plant trees in the Newtown area of Glastonbury — Archers Way was lined with trees until the former borough council removed them about 1969 — and Jim Nagel said Norbins Road marks its centenary this year: planting 100 trees in that area would be appropriate. No firm decision was reached, but the committee will consider representations for planting trees as far away as 10 miles from the Market Cross.

Stephanie Morland offered to arrange a visit, in clement spring weather, to look at the Morlands building designed by Jack Hepworth (see photo in newsletter 89).

The formal meeting finished in just 25 minutes. Then Michael Mathias, editor of the Central Somerset Gazette till retiring in June 1995, showed his collection of slides of the Tor and the Levels taken over many years—in quest of the perfect sunrise shot. See page 2.