Area Secretary: Alan Rugman, Perth y Bu House, Mochdre, Newtown SY16 4JX
T: 01686 626366 M: 07732 787651 E: secpowysramblers@gmail.com
MINUTES OF ZOOM AREA COUNCIL: TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2025

Attendance
Graham Taylor (chaired this meeting), Alan Austin, Alan Rugman, Geoff Beilby, Emlyn and Shirley Williams, Richard Tyler, Susan Havard, David Rees

Apologies
None were received

The minutes were agreed and will be signed at a later date.

Matters arising
40/24 Elan Valley walks booklet: Successfully launched at a well-attended meeting in November 2024. Photos should be included in the video for the Ramblers Cymru AGM.
41/24 Brilliant Basics: Five routes had been funded, including Rhayader to Elan Valley, Heart of Wales Walk, and at Llanwrthwl and Presteigne.
43/24 Early payment to Welshpool Group had enabled walks programme printing.
45/24 Ramblers Cymru: The Cardiff office has been closed. Staff were now working from home, using short-term meeting places when necessary. Staff are Angela Charlton, Director; Rebecca Brough, Policy and Public Affairs; Heather Martin, Community Development Officer; David Rees, Facilities Coordinator; Alice Smith, part of Ramblers GB Communications Team.

Powys AGM: matters arising
1/25Key points:
o	A Ramblers GB energy policy was in production to ensure consistent responses and taking account of differing situations in Wales and Scotland.
o	The proposed new National Park in NE Wales had been supported.
o	Ramblers governance review: Discussion ongoing, but likely to include composition of the Board of Trustees, using one person one vote and more co-option; future of the Area/Group structure; and a new supporter membership category. Devolution arrangements meant that the Area/Group regime in Wales could be determined independently. The existing membership system already enabled children of family members to have a membership card. AA was concerned that the outcome could reduce the voice of members relative to that of staff. A final report would go to General Council and a future AGM.

Ramblers Cymru AGM, 22/23 March 2025, Llandrindod 
2/25 Powys Area was entitled to four voting delegates, two for the Area and one each for the Groups. No motions had yet been submitted. The Powys President, John Jones of Oysterband had been invited but could not attend.

General Council, NEC Birmingham, 5 April 2025
3/25 DR would confirm the Powys delegates entitlement. [DR now confirmed that the entitlement is two.]

Footpath Secretary’s report
4/25 Key points:
o	Planning applications affecting PROWS were no longer being sent. GT would pursue at member level.
o	Public Path Orders: an objection to an Order at Ystradgynlais had been withdrawn but was still being pursued by the Open Spaces Society in relation to common land. Powys CC’s proposed moratorium on PPOs had not progressed.
o	Volunteering: Proposals by PCC to make better use of volunteers were awaited, following a survey of existing volunteers. A meeting would be held shortly, attended by E and S W and GB. Phil Stallard, the volunteer coordinator, was currently unable to drive but an assistant had been appointed.
o	Reporting path problems: GT was taking part in trials of PCC’s a new system, to be introduced in 2025.
o	Fold Farm, Presteigne: PCC had interviewed people using the DMMO route in recent years. 
o	Monk’s Trod: Proposals by PCC for use of Levelling Up funds were awaited.
o	Storm damage to trees: Numerous public paths had been blocked by fallen trees, with Elan Valley particularly badly affected. There had been many temporary path closures as a result. A large number of footbridges also needed to be replaced, placing further demands on PCC resources.
o	Access Improvement Grant: Funding would be available for 2025/26 and 2026/27.
o	Sustainable Farming Scheme and Tourist Tax: It was still hoped that the SFS would provide for cross-compliance in relation to public paths. The tax might provide funds for local path improvement, given the number of visitors who use paths.
o	The UK Government proposed to abolish the 2031 deadline for claiming public rights of way.
o	GT had attended Area AGMs in North Wales and Shropshire. Issues raised were similar to those in Powys.

Trails Officer’s report
5/25 RT had liaised with the Harvey map company who were producing strip maps of the Cambrian Way for publication in 2025. Details of the Mortimer Trail were on Facebook.

Treasurer’s report
6/25 The closing balance at 31 December 2024 was £2121.80. £367.90 provided by Welsh Water for the Elan Valley walks booklets remained unspent. It was agreed that the money should be used for purchase of booklets for future distribution.

Membership Secretary’s report
7/25 Current membership was 262.

Any other business
8/25 A consultation on a regional transport plan for mid Wales had been circulated to AC members. Closing date was 4 April 2025. GT had been contacted by Rail Rambles. The fiftieth anniversary of the Wye Valley Walk was being celebrated by a series of walks along the route.
Date of next meeting

The Area Council will next meet over Zoom on Tuesday 13 May 2025