Minutes From the Broadclyst Environment Group AGM

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Friday 14th November 2025
Broadclyst Pavilions, 7pm – 9pm

Summary

We had a strong turnout of around 16 attendees, including several new faces interested in the upcoming Repair Café on Saturday 24 January 2026 at Westclyst Primary School. We are still seeking additional volunteer repairers—please get in touch if you can help.

Holly Daniels gave us an opening talk on her photography linked to her volunteering at National Trust Killerton and brought along some delightful hazel dormouse nests and a few other curiosities.

We then had the AGM (minutes below), followed by a focus session on the Repair Café. We ended the evening with an informal celebration of the year’s achievements over a drink at the Red Lion.

AGM minutes

The following are minutes from the AGM, with lasted around 20 minutes, followed by a repair café focused discussion.

Chair’s summary – Paula

Paula reviewed the group’s achievements over the past year, including:

Treasurer’s update – Rachel

  • Opening balance: £229
  • Fun Day stand income: £450
  • Bank fees: £4.29 per month
  • Parish Council litter-picking kit grant: £850 (now mostly spent)
  • Insurance: £125
  • Pavilion hire for AGM: £20
  • Closing balance: £436

Plans for next 12 months:
Investigate switching to a new bank account, possibly with Virgin Money.

Treasurer succession:
Rachel announced that she wishes to step down after serving since the group’s founding. She is happy to support a handover. Volunteers are invited to contact her.

Election of committee

The existing committee was re-elected en masse:

  • Chair: Paula Fernley
  • Deputy Chair: Bill Martin
  • Treasurer: Rachel Elliott
  • Secretary: Rob Neal
  • Safeguarding & Health and Safety Officer: Alex Moorhouse

Rachel again noted her intention to stand down soon. No replacement came forward during the meeting. Alex offered to provide interim support if necessary, although he already holds another committee role.

New Committee Member:
A separate vote approved the addition of Colin Rea – General Committee Member / Events Coordinator. Colin played a key role in organising the BEG Fun Day stand and has contributed throughout the year.

Constitution Update

With the new committee post in place, it was agreed to amend the constitution to: (1) Add the additional committee role; (2) Clarify that the Chair has the casting vote in the event of a tied vote at committee
meetings (outside the AGM).

Repair Café – Paula

Facilitated by Paula | Notes by Rob Neal

Our new Repair Cafe logo (with thanks to Josh Beadon at Toco Creative)

Key points:

  • Event date: Saturday 24 January 2026
  • Location: Westclyst Primary School
  • Volunteer roles to be confirmed, including:
    • Welcomers / reception
    • Refreshments
    • Repairers
    • Set-up and pack-down team
    • Bakers for cakes
  • Bike repairs: Joe (Ride On volunteer) discussed bike maintenance support.
  • Electrical safety:
    • Ian (PAT tester) advised PAT testing items before repairs begin, then
      re-testing before returning them to owners.
  • CAG Devon support:
    o We will use their support pack, including visitor disclaimers.
  • Duration: 2–3 hours (to be finalised).
  • Booking system:
    • Possibility raised, though challenging without suitable tech.
  • Additional volunteer offers:
    • David: general electrical and mechanical repairs.
    • Anna: will ask National Trust rangers if they can attend with tools.
  • Communications:
    • Alex: will ask the school to email parents to increase visibility.
    • Paula will design a new pop-up display.
  • Toy repairs:
    • Discussed likely needs—glue, clamps, and other small tools
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