Local Groups’ Conference 2007
27 representatives of 16 affiliated groups assembled at YHA’s Matlock head office for the conference on 17th March. The low take-up of places for this event resulted in a much restricted programme in comparison to previous years, but there was still much business for those assembled to get through.
Much of the morning was given over to Dr Andrew Purkis (left), who gave a presentation on the ongoing governance review. In his latest report he had confessed his lack of knowledge about YHA groups, so delegates did their best to bring him up to speed in the ensuing question and answer session. What impression it may make on the outcome of the review we will have to see when his proposals are published in the coming months.
Next, Paul Madge stood up to announce the winners of this year’s President’s Awards. Certificates and cheques were presented by YHA Treasurer Alan Bourne, who was also chairing the meeting.
The next item was a brief discussion of the Coalport meeting, and the list of action points that was subsequently issued. A few queries were raised about these, and staff members undertook to seek clarification/action where applicable.
The organisation of next year’s conference was discussed next. As noted above, this years turn-out had been disappointing and there was some discord about the balance of power between YHA staff and the groups themselves in determining the agenda and other details.
Next year it will be different. Volunteers are being sought from the groups to organise the whole thing, but they will need to attract 30 groups to the event if they are to get much support from the YHA. The initial members of this organising group are:
- John Annett
- Chris Hunt
- Paul Madge
- Alan Summers
Further volunteers would be welcome. I hope this website will play a major part in making next year’s effort into an event that all groups will want to attend.
Now the most contentious part of the meeting began. John Annett had raised four motions for the agenda which are summarised below (I will try to get the full text of them from John):
This meeting very much regrets the unwillingness to allow the election of a ‘Coordinating Committee’ to be placed on the agenda of the National Local Groups Conference 2007 and to engage in a harmonious discussion to agree its terms of reference.
After some discussion, this motion was heavily defeated.
This meeting welcomes the apology expressed by the Board of Trustees in the minutes of its meeting held on 23 September 2006 [ ... but ... ] very much regrets the dictatorial approach that has ensued, on certain issues eg licensing, Group Card
This motion too was heavily defeated.
This meeting is disappointed that the commitment given to the November meeting of Local Groups to review the new hostel booking conditions for Hostelling and Local Groups appears not to have been fulfilled conscientiously
It was pointed out that the staff undertook only to review their policy, not necessarily to change it. Nonetheless this motion was passed 12 votes to 8. Groups with particular points to make about the way the new booking conditions will affect them are invited to get in touch with affiliatedgroups@yha.org.uk by 5th April (no pressure then).
This meeting is very grateful for the support of the National AGM in defeating the attempt to delete all reference to Hostelling and Local Groups from the YHA’s Governance Documents.
However, we are concerned that this has not halted the process and that there is a plan to tamper with the benefits to be gained from a harmonious relationship between YHA and Hostelling and Local Groups.
This final motion was also defeated.
Lastly, five delegates were elected to attend the YHA AGM on behalf of affiliated groups. The five lucky people are:
- Chris Corney (Sale)
- John Fleming (Kendal)
- Chris Hunt (Leicester)
- Alan Summers (Leicester)
- Paul Wright (Ipswich)
At that the conference closed, with a fairly rapid rush to get out of the building before the cleaners arrived. All-in-all it proved to be a more positive and constructive session than many delegates (myself included) feared it would be. Lets hope we can do even better next year.
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