CTC East Midlands Region

 

Annual Report 2007

 

The story so far - From January 2001 the CTC “Divisions” of the National Council were re - aligned with government regions.  Our division therefore brought together Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland -  “The CTC East Midlands Region”  - Division E.  

A constitution (Version 7) was finally adopted at the Annual Regional Meeting in November 2002.  

Anyway on to 2007   - Following national council elections for the region for which there were three candidates John Cutler of Northants was re-elected to serve for a three year term of office from January 2007.  The national CTC councillor is automatically a member of the committee and it was also agreed to invite candidates Lynda Rowe (Loughborough) and Nigel Hamshire (Nottingham) to the meetings.  

Still on national council representations there was a motion at the national AGM in April to merge our region with the Eastern region which would have resulted in three councillors as at present, but all of which could have come from one region, requiring further elections this year  - the motion was lost.  

During the evening that day at the national dinner Ian Hill received the “Volunteer of the Year” award for the region from CTC President Jon Snow  -  so thoroughly deserved and our congratulations (and thanks) once again.  

Our committee meetings (3) have all been held at “The Brunswick”, Derby and the discussions/decisions resulted in another successful year  -  once again I emphasise that our officials wear many other hats on behalf of the CTC when such dedicated members have so many other commitments.  At this point I give a special mention to our “DA” secretaries who have also had the new Policy Handbook to contend with this year and to endeavour to implement it.  These stalwarts are the backbone of our team and meeting up has helped with the handbook and many other issues.  

National councillor John Cutler has been our lead on campaigning issues across the region attending East Midlands,  “Cycle Forum” conferences (Cycle campaigns Network CTC), and EMTAR (East Midlands Transport Activists Round Table) where he is the cycling rep.  He has also supported CTC “Right to Ride” officers at public enquiries and East Midlands Airport cycling meetings.  He is also very knowledgeable with regard to the workings of GOEM  -  (Government Offices for the East Midlands) and the East Midlands Assembly.  

During the Spring Bank Holiday weekend Ray Clay organised for the fifth year our CTC Regional Rally in the grounds of Beaumanor Hall on the Charnwood Forest and despite the persistent rain it was once again a success  - thanks Ray.  

Also for the fifth consecutive year (“2nd Sept) Ian Hill organised our “Six Counties of the Region” (or rather five!) Audax/uk 200K event in conjunction with Mercia CC’s 100K event.  Numbers were down this year due in part to the Paris-Brest-Paris but it went well nevertheless.  Thanks Ian and also members of  Burton CTC for their help.  

Third event, as the previous year was the “Rent-a-Hostel” weekend at Thurlby, organised by Notts CTC member Jonathan Challis in late September for which our region provides the advance booking fee.  The hostel was full plus camping in the grounds – thanks Jonathan.  

All three of these events are being staged again this year by the same organisers although the Audax will be re-badged “East Midlands Forests”.  

Still on woodland themes, Jean and Keith Lakin have represented the CTC at New National Forest meetings in addition to their help and support at events across the region.  

Ron Johnson of Leics and Rutland CTC has for some years represented cycling interests at British Waterways meetings.  BW too have now gone regional – in two halves – North and South.  In Ron’s absence Terry Scott (Nottingham) and Mike Graham (Newark) represented CTC at two of these BW meetings.  

Terry Scott (Notts CTC secretary) continues to produce and update our website – again thanks.  

Last year there was no CTC “Birthday Rides” and Ray Clay and Max Scott offered to look at possible venues (both ‘DA’ secretaries!) and we may offer to put the Birthday Rides on as a regional event.  Max has a distinct possibility with a venue for 2010 – early days yet folks!  

Congratulations to Ian Hill on being elected as President of Mercia CC and Keith Lakin as President of Leics and Rutland CTC – “If you want a job done give it to a busy person!”.  

During the year, National Councillor Gordon Selway died. Although representing the West Midlands Gordon was always on hand to advise on rights matters, particularly with regard to the Highways Agency where he served as a representative for the CTC.  

We moved the date of today’s meeting to avoid clashing with the AGMs in November/December.  

Finally thanks to all the regional team for their support.  

John Allen  

Chairman  26/01/08