20/07/2010 16:00:00
YHA’s Annual General Meeting was held in Oxford over the weekend of 9th July. Delegates from YHA’s regions and Governance structure were warmly welcomed at YHA Oxford.
YHA’s AGM is the formal meeting of members of the YHA Council. Decisions are taken regarding how YHA is governed and informs members of the conference about how the organisation has performed over the last year.
The event was held at The Oxford Conference Centre. Chaired by Chris Darmon, the agenda included a presentation of the new Annual Review and Community Spirit film which can be viewed HERE. Richard Cockcroft presented a report on the Council Nominations Panel that has introduced two new Board members; Steven Boyd and Lindsey Fairbrother to YHA’s Board of Trustees.
The two other Trustees elected to the Board were Helen Maurice Jones and Pauline Scott.
Chris Darmon was re-elected as YHA Chairman. Alan Bourne was re-elected as Treasurer and Karl Shepherdson was elected as Vice Chairman.
Chris’ address to conference took delegates through his vision for YHA. He told members that even through the recession YHA would be striving to make sure that opportunities for all, particularly young people, would be available through services provided by YHA. He also said that YHA was committed to improving our facilities and to better represent the needs and aspirations of our members and guests.
The AGM was extremely constructive and although YHA is operating in a difficult economic environment there was a feeling that the organisation can continue to improve our service to society.
In the evening, delegates were joined at Exeter College by Parliamentarians and VIPs including past Chairmen and Vice Presidents.
Rt. Hon Richard Caborn, who was re-elected earlier in the day as YHA President, talked about YHA’s strength and his commitment to our values.
Proffessor Michael Dower CBE, talked about his family connections which extend back to the origins of YHA 80 years ago. Michael also told the conference that by working in partnership with others YHA could remain relevant to today’s society and should continue to encourage and enable all to visit and appreciate the countryside.
Rt. Hon Alun Michael MP gave a rousing after dinner speech about how change was good for YHA and entertained the delegates with political anecdotes.
The meal was followed by an amusing and successful auction of YHA memorabilia which raised £469 for Breaks 4 Kids.
YHA’s AGM 2010 was a great success and forms the foundation for taking YHA forward over the next period of our development.