BBRCC 2012 AGM – Chairman’s Report

Hello, and welcome to my review of 2011 which I am pleased to say has been another good year for BBRCC.

We continue to see the club prosper with membership remaining broadly static. Both properties have seen a lot of use which means that both Nicky and Elspeth, our booking Secretaries have had a busy year. Both continue to provide a great service and I’d like to thank them both for all their hard work for our members.

The Treasurer's report shows finances have been well managed again with a small surplus achieved, allowing an additional reduction to be made to the mortgage.

At the end of 2011 we decided to close the 500 Club as, despite the sterling efforts of the 500 Club Manager, it has seen membership fall to levels where it is just not sustainable. Over the years it has been of great assistance to BBRCC particularly when our finances were tight and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed.

The website remains popular and further improvements have been made to www.bbrcc.org.uk and we have an increasing library of photos from club events, like the 2011 Skye trip and availability for both properties can be seen online. Please use this facility as it does help reduce the work of the booking secretaries.

Raven Crag

Availability online has proved popular with members and Elspeth Howell our new booking secretary at the beginning of the year has fitted well into Bob Kelly's boots. Thank you Elspeth

We now have a new freezer and a second cooker to replace the hob. All the bedrooms were painted early in the month and new curtains put up. In the summer an enthusiastic (and very muddy!) working party created a new stream to the side of the patio which has gradually reduced the dampness in the kitchen and patio area. The outside water tank cover was also repaired.

Top of the list of 2012 is to try and stop the leak in the ladies' shower and look to replace the men's showers.

Again a busy year with key activities including completing the replacement of the final rotten window frames with new UPVC units, and trimming of the large conifers adjacent to the Ladies' washroom. We have engaged the services of a gardener to regularly cut the grass and try and avoid the summer ‘hay meadow’ effect!

All the cutlery and kitchen implements in the units, have been updated and signage updated in the house and units. The ageing Baby Bellings in the units have all now been replaced.

2012 will see further improvements with plans including some major work such as re-plastering and decorating the dining room and kitchen, install extractor fans in showers and replacing the back porch.

Overall, I think you’ll agree we have had another good year which is thanks to the efforts of the Committee and our auditor, David Jukes, who ensure the smooth running of the club, deal with any emerging problems and drive forward improvements for everyone to enjoy. We all owe them a huge “thank you” for the time and effort they put in for the members. In addition, I’m pleased to welcome Osian ab Ifan to the committee for 2012.

Enjoy the properties and have a great time on the hills this year.

Graham Raymond, BBRCC Chairman, 27 January 2012