Annual General Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

Sunday 8th February 2026 - The Duke William, Starkholmes

Apologies - Sid Upton

Attendees - Jim Bosworth (Chair), Rachel Toplis (Secretary), Lavinia Yates (Treasurer), Sandra Butcher & Jerry Bedford (Group Walk Coordinators), Lavinia Yates & Bev Birkett (Event Organisers), Mary Bosworth, Alec Horn

Also in attendance - Dean Leonard, Shaun Clements, Lorraine Wood, Sue Carter, John Whitworth

15:08 - JimB opened the AGM and the minutes from the previous AGM were agreed by all.

Chair’s Report

JimB - A very good year for High Peak (HP), maintained x2 walks a month, new leaders, successful GVC in challenging storm, great progress with the 100, growing membership, personal thanks to Sid, Alec & Pippa.

Secretary’s Report

RT - Confirmed committee meet online but going forward will have the occasional meeting in person as not everyone can make online.  Reminded replies to bulk emails go to Secretary so if sending an email remember to include your email address if replies are required to you.  Website has been updated with new logo but still need GPX files to build database.  Membership - 65 new Primary members since last AGM, 9 of which joined in 2026.  We need to accept people join the LDWA for the benefits rather than the social walks.

Treasure’s Report

LY - Year end = £12,285.  £6,011 in current account, £3,000 reserved for GVC.

GVC Update

LY - Entries will open 1st March.  Price increase for non-LDWA members of £1.  JW suggested a window for LDWA members to have early access to enter.

Walks Update

SB - 3 more walks than last year (27 in 2024, 30 in 2025).  Well attended, good variety and joint walks.  SB thanked leaders, special thanks to Shelly and Shaun for Friday walks.  Less evening walks in 2025 but agreed to continue and aim for 6 this year (start time 18:00/18:30 and 6/7 miles).  ShC suggested a pub crawl walk and a night walk.  All agreed any walks welcome.

JeB signposted the group to useful info on our website, encouraged registers and more details (e.g. packed lunch or pub lunch). Also encouraged briefing, especially for new members.  Future social walks and 100 recce walks are in the calendar until Oct.  All agreed any date will do, don’t worry about clashes.  ShC suggested a longer walk (20+ miles).

Millstone 100 Update

JW - At next Millstone 100 meeting a new name needs to be decided (to avoid clash with a historic Peak Running event).  JW and LW will agree a shortlist and circulate to committee.  JW stressed HP need to have first-refusal of roles.  JW agreed to obtain a list of vacant roles and descriptions to circulate.  BB asked what if not enough HP members volunteer (we only have a core group of around 12 people).  JW will then open roles up to other local groups.  JW would like the route to be finalised this year.  Darren is no longer PDNP & NT Liaison Officer.  Agreed night recce doesn't necessarily have to be done at night, but up for consideration.  Discussion around expenses e.g. Kent should cover expenses of people helping at their 100 and marshal’s walk.

LW - noted only 3 HP members at first recce, and only 1 was a committee member.  LW requested apologises be sent if unable to attend.

AH asked if other local groups will cover CPs.  JeB again stressed we need to help others if we expect them to help us, something LY has been lobbing for many years.  

JimB agreed to contact Kent and Cornwall & Devon to see what help they still need.

Election of Committee

All stepped down and the following were proposed by ShC and second by DL.

• Chair - Jim Bosworth
• Secretary - Rachel Toplis
• Treasurer - Lavinia Yates 
• Goyt Valley Challenge Coordinator - Lavinia Yates 
• Walks Secretary - Jerry Bedford
• Local Long Distance Paths Volunteer - Rachel Toplis
• General Committee Member (GVC support) - Bev Birkett
• General Committee Member - Sandra Butcher
• General Committee Member - Stewart Coote
• General Committee Member - Mary Bosworth
• General Committee Member (100 Representative) - John Whitworth [subject to Primary Group being changed from The Irregulars to High Peak]
• General Committee Member (100 Representative) - Lorraine Wood 

Merchandise/Shop Update

RT has been speaking with PECO, the company who look after the shops for the LDWA and local groups.  All agreed we’d spend the £35 plus VAT to get set up.  Agreed clothing should be green.

Promotion

Discussed how we can promote our local group - suggestions Outdoor Expo at Birmingham, Peak District 75th Anniversary and High Peak Walking Festival (JW agreed to lead a Kinder walk for the HP Walking Festival).  Belper Mills anniversary, Chesterfield Walking Festival (in particular the Chesterfield Round).  RT to contact organisers and introduce us.

Rewards

JW suggested we pay CP volunteers their expenses and pay for set-up team to have a meal on the Friday at GVC.  JimB stressed if we agree on rewards we need to make everyone aware.  JW suggested we donate money to local village halls.  Agreed from 1st Jan HP walk leaders and HP GVC volunteers will receive a raffle ticket, the raffle will then be drawn at the Christmas meal.

AGM closed 16:55.