Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

6pm on Wednesday 30^th June 2010

Old Court Room

Lincoln’s Inn

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Amanda Rigby, Peter Dodge, Sue Jenning, Stuart McCracken and Margit Lewis

Minutes of the last General Meeting

The minutes of the previous AGM were accepted as being a correct account of the proceedings and duly signed off by the Chair

Chairman’s report

The Chair stated that the year had been on one of Consolidation, Consultation and Cooperation

FLIF had manifested its presence in the minds of Camden and Westminster.  Once again there had been no marquees in the Fields and if that was the sole achievement of FLIF then it had done its job.

FLIF had been consulted on a number of occasions for events in the park and  had adopted  a positive, yet sceptical approach utilising the criteria we had set ourselves of events being charitable not commercial, limited in scope and beneficial to all the users of the Fields.

FLIF had also been consulted in regard to works and design affecting the exterior of the Fields in regard to de-cluttering signage, improving paving and reducing parking and once again had ensured that the views expressed served to maintain the best aspects of the fields.

FLIF had been cooperative, working with both English Heritage and Camden, and undertaking walk-rounds and meetings with the Parks Management resulting in some of the Bio-diversity work taking place, such as the significant strip of garden left unmowed to allow increased insect life.  FLIF also offered to purchase climbing plants to help hide wire fencing around the tennis court.  This offer will be chased in order to ensure any planting can take place before Michelmas.

One area FLIF have been advising on is in regard to restoration of the Fields. Its comments were that the need for historical accuracy should not be paramount and that the Fields need to remain a green well in a densely developed area.

He then particularly thanked a number of people on the committee for their services, Col. Hill for the Inn’s generous hospitality and most especially key FLIF member Jill Gibson who was a founding member of FLIF and responsible for seeing off the attempted commercial exploitation of the Fields

 Treasurers Report

The Financial situation was similar to last year.  Due to the provision of services in kind, minimal expenditure had been incurred over the past two years and we were building a fund for contingencies

 
There being no questions the Accounts were proposed by Robert and seconded by Marea, and were duly signed off

 Election of Committee Members

The riparian organisations nominated their existing representatives.

Robert, Marea, Noreen and Peter were all proposed and elected by acclamation

 Date of the first Committee meeting

7^th October 2010 at the Royal College of Surgeons

 A.o.B

It was felt that worthy use should be made of the friends funds, perhaps seating for inside the rain-shelter, renovation of the small fountain and a means to increase ivy growth to encourage the return of sparrows to the area.

There was a request to follow up the missing plaque marking the execution of Sir Russell and Babington.

 
The chairman was thanked for all his work over the year and the meeting adjourned.

 
The meeting was followed by a very enjoyable and informative walk around the Inn’s, along with an opportunity to see the Territorial museum, hosted by Robert McCracken.  After that a thank you and farewell dinner was held from Jill Gibson.