Annual Report 17/8/2000

On again it is my privilege to present to you this, the 13th Annual Report of the Taieri Recreational Tramping Club. It has been quite a low key year for the Committee with no extraordinary events occurring that needed drastic action.

It has been quite a sad year for the club, in that we have lost two well liked and respected members. Jack Roy had been a very active participant in club affairs and tramped with the club for many years and his knowledge of the outdoors and all aspects of tramping were well known They won’t be many of us who haven’t asked Jack for information about various tracks around the area when we’ve had to do recces. He is, and will be, greatly missed. Sylvia Williams was a more recent member but during her time with us she merged in the the club and became friends with everyone. Our thoughts are with the families of Jack and Sylvia, and especially Claude, who has continued to be an active member of our group. We must also spare a thought for our past member, Hugh Dickson. Hugh had been a member of the club for many years and it was only recently that he and Judith chose to resign.

On a happier note, I would like to congratulate Peg Chisholm, Joyce Shaw, Dot Taiaroa and Mary Maxwell on winning their battles with inness and we hope their recovery continues to be positive.

I would like to thank the committee, who have always made themselves available to discuss any issues and for organising all events for the club. Thanks again to the track committee for their input. Anyone who would like to serve on this group would be most welcome.

The tramps this year have mostly been enjoyable and interesting – the weather affecting 3 main tramps and 1 alternative. From 22nd Sept. 1999 unti 2nd Aug. 2000, 345 people attended the main tramps, an average of 14 each tramp day. 364 attended the alternative, an average of 14, and 220 attended the monthly combine tramp, an average of 22. These figures are generally equal to lat year’s figures.

There have been 3 camps during the last 12 months. 24 people enjoyed a very pleasant camp at Twizel in November last year. 28 attended and had gret fun at Te Anau in March this year, and another 25 at Pounawea in May. All these camps proving most popular.

46 members enjoyed a bus trip and a day’s tramping at Lawrence, organised by Don Hunter.

40 people were present at our Xmas tramp and picnic lunch at Berwick Forest, courtesy of the Otago Youth Adventure Trues. 40 members ad partners enjoyed our Xmas dinner at Outram Hotel.

The mid-winter walk and dinner at Arthur Daly’s at Green Island drew an attendance of  52 familiar faces, where the highlight of the year took place. This being the presentation of a chainsaw from the proprietor of Arthur Daly’s, Mr McCorrigan, much to the delight of the track-clearing committee.

I have already spoken of our appreciation of the track clearing people, but I would like to make special mention of a real track clearing enthusiast, who not only works along with our own group, but is known to be often out track clearing with other clubs and groups. That peroson,s if cours, Bob Heenan. So Bob, many thanks for all the hours you have contributed tokeeping tracks and pathways open, so others can benefit and enjoy their recreation.

Thanks to Les Wiffen for keeping the roll each Wednesday and organising car rides.

Thanks to Ray Wiggins for maintaining the Library and assisting with publicity. As you may known, Ray is not standing this trm for committee, so thanks Ray, for your contribution.

Our membership stands at 78 and we offer a special welcome to the new members. Don Hunter, Pam Hunt, Evelyn Cooperr and Audrey Kimble, who are having their first year tramping with the club.

I have enjoyed my time on the committee of the club. As Vice-President, and then as President. During that time we have tried always to kep committee business as low key as possible, so I must thank the committee for dispatching with any problems, with the least amount of fuss or aggravation.

Thank you all those who have contributed to make this club the happy club that it is. Thank you. – Les Smith.