Moving on and moving forward: our 2019 Annual General Meeting
More than 50 staff, trustees and members gathered together last Saturday for the Snowdonia Society AGM at Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig.
After seven years of service, during which the Snowdonia Society has first stabilised and then flourished, David Archer stood down as Chair before the new Chair Julian Pitt made his introductory speech to members in both Welsh and English. Both incoming and outgoing Chairs stressed the need to recruit new trustees; people with a passion for Snowdonia willing to give some time to help keep the Society moving forward.
Staff presented the achievements of the year 2018/19 in figures, showing encouraging increases in membership, volunteer hours and reserves. Harder to quantify but equally important is our partnership working across Snowdonia, which is becoming more and more established. Examples highlighted included:
- Carneddau Landscape Partnership
- Snowdon Partnership litter project
- Conservation work in the south of the National Park
- The MaD Make a Difference Weekend
Trustee Question Time gave members the chance to quiz trustees on contemporary issues such as drone use in the mountains and the challenges facing farming and biodiversity.
After a hearty Plas y Brenin lunch delegates reconvened for guest speaker Mike Alexander’s thought-provoking lecture titled ‘Progress or greenwash?’. Referring to conservation across Snowdonia and beyond, Mike illustrated the history of greenwashing and the risks attached to the use of new and trendy language, from ‘natural resources’ to ‘rewilding’. Simple answers to complex challenges are rare for good reason and a hands-off approach is not that simple, he concluded, in a peopled and cultural landscape such as Snowdonia.
The day was rounded off with an autumnal walk under vibrant tree canopies with Rob Collister, including a pit stop at Caffi Siabod for a pot of tea and a mammoth scone.
Delegates agreed it was positive and stimulating day, reflective of the strength of the Snowdonia Society in 2019.
With thanks
The Snowdonia Society would like to give special thanks to Mike Alexander for his talk and for donating his prints to the Society; to Netti for her beautiful autumnal bouquets; to Rob for leading the afternoon walk and to all of our members for their outstanding commitment and continued support.
