Essex Area AGM 2025 news
Uttlesford Ramblers were well represented at this year’s area AGM held in Chelmsford on Saturday 8th February. David Radford (outgoing Chair), Alan Goffee (Footpath Secretary) Brian Hayes (Webmaster) and Sylvia Hayes (occasional admin support) were all there in their official capacity along with Joerg Kasprowski (Uttlesford Chair ad Ramblers Trustee). Sadly, the overall attendance well down on last year but sufficient for a few lively debate
With most of the reports sent out in advance the formal part of the meeting was over fairly quickly. We were then introduced to Shirley Anglin from Essex County Council who gave an interesting presentation on how Rights of Way defects are dealt with after they have been reported. She outlined how particular issues are prioritised and when no action may be taken. She emphasised the importance of giving accurate information on the position of the defect and the best way to take photographs to include a landmark to show exactly where the photograph had been taken. All very useful information to those who regularly send reports on the Essex Highways website.
After a short break Ian Glen (Parish Path Adopters Co-ordinator) and Alan Goffee spoke about the development of the Essex Track It system which will allow members to locate and update Rights of Way defects that have already been reported to Essex Highways. The system is in its early stages at the moment with three areas of the county taking part in testing to see how well it works before it is rolled out to the whole county. When it is available to use there will be full information on the Essex Area website.
Finally, Joerg gave a short talk on the role of a Ramblers Trustee and how we all have a part to play in the running of the charity. He explained how he became a Ramblers Trustee following a conversation with a Trustee at the 2024 Essex Area AGM. Joerg outlined the new Ramblers strategy which was approved in late 2023 and is now being implemented. In addition to the traditional objectives of retaining and maintaining PRoW, the Ramblers being a charity rather than a membership club want to make walking in nature more accessible to under-represented groups, such as people living in less well off areas, people with disabilities, and people from ethnic minorities. In early 2025 a governance review was kicked-off. Consultation meetings with Areas and Groups are in progress throughout February in preparation for discussion at the General Council Meeting in April, however a decision is not expected before the 2026 GC Meeting.
In the past the Area’s role has been fairly vague seeming to be mainly an administrative position between groups and Central Office. Following a decision at the 2024 AGM, the Essex Area has effectively become a Footpath Hub with it’s main aim to keep Rights of Way accessible and safe for all users. This can only be achieved with the help of volunteers, so when you are next out on a walk admiring the gate that used to be a dangerous stile or a brand new bridge, think about how this work came about. This is mainly due to the now close relationship with the area and ECC and is a major step forward. David has now stepped down as Chair and Alan will take on the additional role as Area Hub Spokesperson while the position of Chair remains vacant. There has been no area Publicity and Media Officer since Uttlesford member Mike Cannell stepped down in 2024 so the good work being done is not reaching other members, there must be someone in Essex with the skills to take this on.
Please think about volunteering to become part of the area committee. Without their support to keep Public Rights of Way open for all many of the walks we take wouldn’t be so enjoyable.