12 November, Hersham AGM

 The AGM - 12th November

The Arthur Jessop Shield won by Lynda

Getting down to serious business

Lynda  and Fuzz, focus of attention 
of Paul Tuohy, new CEO of the CTC

After the ball was over

A ride of sun and showers to the Hersham Day Centre was rewarded with warm bread pudding and sausage rolls. We thank the volunteers who so kindly provide for us. An even greater reward was to be our Annual General Meeting in the adjacent Hall. Demand for places demanded extra chairs, our number swelled perhaps by those eager to meet Paul Tuohy, our new CTC CEO.

Proceedings opened with Paul giving us an outline of his pedigree, his perception of the CTC and his strategic aims. His approach seemed most promising and refreshing. Priorities were to improve communication with members and cooperate with other cycling organisations,  to squeeze the most sensitive organs of government into funding investment of £10 per head for cycling; not from new money but from the reallocation of priorities and funding from existing transport budgets. David Cameron's 'cycling revolution' has so far regurgitated some £30,000! 

I would love to share Paul's optimism and trust in the weasel words of our elected representatives. If we can hurt them enough where it matters, in their rotten boroughs, with an impenetrable election looming in May 2015, who knows what pips might squeak? We had the chance to question Paul and let him hear the views and aspirations of an active cycling membership. We wish him every success.

Our Chairman, Colin Quemby, then conducted most expeditiously the business of his valedictory CTCSWL AGM. Keen to make way for fresh blood, he has handed over the reins to David Vine, who was warmly applauded by all members. We wish David well in his new rôle in keeping us on the strait and narrow. I'm sure that we shall give him every support.

May we finally express our deepest thanks to Colin Quemby, whose long experience of cycling and of the inner workings of the CTC, has been of enormous value to us. He has steered us successfully through many changes. I'm sure that his wise counsel will still be available to inform the future direction of the South West London District Association of the Cyclists' Touring Club.

Jeff