Minutes of the 58th AGM of The Cookham Society held at the CIM at 7.30pm on Thursday the 6th March 2025.

 

Draft Two

Present: 31 including committee members.

 

Prior to the formal business of the meeting there was a talk and demonstration by Mr B Keene from the Bisham Bird Box Group.

 

1. Notice Convening the Meeting

The chairman, Mr B Perry (BP), opened the meeting, welcoming those present.

 

The notice convening this meeting had been dispatched in early February 2025 by electronic mail and via a newsletter mailed out to members.  The details of the meeting had also been published on the Cookham Society website, and the Society’s Facebook Page.  BP asked if this could be taken as read.  This was accepted. 

 

1. Apologies for Absence

Mr  J Zealley (JZ), Mr J Foord (JF), Mr E Groeneweg (EG)

 

1. Minutes of the 57th AGM

The minutes were unanimously approved by the meeting as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.

 

1. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

1. Reports of the Officers

Chairman: BP put forward a report which outlined the success of the Society during the previous year.  He noted that the Chairman of the Planning sub-committee DS, was being supported by JF, PT and AH.  He drew attention to the highly expert contribution of TD throughout the AL37 application process. He praised the work of LP, SC, MC and BW for their work in their specialist roles.  And finally, he welcomed PT and SCS to the committee.

Treasurer’s Report: MC noted that the Society’s funds stood at £61,608 in December 2024 and that the outlook remained stable.  He was grateful that many members made an additional contribution when they paid their subs and said that following professional advice, the Society was of the view that a fighting fund of £50-60,000 was appropriate for any planning eventuality.

Planning: DS reported that of the 235 applications reviewed by the sub-committee in 2024, objections, or requests for particular conditions to be applied, were made on 20 of them.  The committee put up informed, determined and persistent opposition to the large-scale developments proposed for Cookham and were greatly disappointed that the AL37 scheme, in particular, was bulldozed through.  The Society was frustrated that it had been unable to make representations at the 19th December Panel meeting.  Successes to note were the reduction in housing units at AL38, input to the Neighbourhood Plan and the rejection of the stable block at Warners Hill.  He remained concerned about the Crematorium application.

Environment: DS drew attention to the repeated failure of the Lightlands Lane Pumping Station during periods of flooding.  A strong case was made against the extended licensing hours application by the White Oak, even though the decision went against the Society.  He continued to resist the closure of Lock Island.

 

1. A Resumé of the Planning sub-committee’s work

DS addressed the meeting, giving an outline of the year’s work.  He reminded everyone that the sub-committee only comment on cases that are of public interest and keep cases under review, that might set a precedent.  He expressed concern at the churn of Planning Officers and remained concerned at the frequent inaccuracy of information on the Planning Portal.  He said that often images were misleading and so the Society had to keep a weather eye on all materials.  The sub-committee meet every two weeks to keep ahead of the planning timescales.   He said that taking all the work into consideration, the subcommittee spends up to 200 man-hours a year on the work.  He said that 2024 had presented many challenges.   He noted that pressure from development remains constant and he expected both the Crematorium and the Cemetery field to present problems in the coming year.

Ms J Crabb said that she had experienced difficulty getting her objections registered at RBWM and DS agreed that it was an unsatisfactory system. 

 

1. An Update on Membership

SC informed the meeting that the current membership list represented just over 10% of the properties in Cookham.  He said that natural wastage results in a loss of 4% of members every year.  He asked attendees to encourage their friends and neighbours to join the Society and said that if anyone had any good ideas about how to increase membership could they contact him, or FB.

 

1. To Note the Trustee’s Report and unedited Accounts for 2024

The Trustee’s Reports had been compiled and would be sent to the Charity Commission along with the accounts, once approved by the Trustees (the committee), at its next meeting.

 

1. To Approve the Appointment of an Examiner

MC said that the Society received its income from subscriptions, donations and Gift Aid and whilst the Society’s investments had done well, the membership needed to be expanded to increase revenues.  He reminded the attendees that charities are limited as to where they can invest their capital.  Turning to the appointment of an Examiner, MC explained that Mr R Bridgen had sold his business to Mr P Kothari of HK Accountax Ltd.  He proposed that Mr P Kothari, who, if after investigation and consideration, is considered appropriate, be appointed examiner.  It was seconded by BP and was unanimously agreed.

 

1. To Elect the Officers and Committee for the following year

Chairman:  The Chairman briefly stood aside while TD took the floor.  Mr B Perry was proposed by LP, seconded by TD, and duly elected.

Treasurer: Mr M Chapman, Proposed by LP, seconded by BP, and duly elected

Membership Secretary: Mr S Cooke, was proposed by LP, seconded by BP, and duly elected

Secretary: Mrs L Penston, proposed by TD, seconded by SC and duly elected

The Chair proposed that the rest of the committee be voted en-bloc.

They were: Mr D Scarff, proposed by TD and seconded by SC, Mr B Weare, proposed by LP and seconded by BP, Mrs F Beaumont, proposed by LP and seconded by BP, Mr J Foord, proposed by SC and seconded by BW, Mr A Harle, proposed by LP and seconded by BP, Mr J Zealley, proposed by TD and seconded by SC, Mrs S Courtney-Smith, proposed by SC and seconded by BW, Mr P Thorne, proposed by LP and seconded by TD.  They were all duly elected.

 

1. To Elect a President for the Society

Mr T Denniford was proposed by LP, seconded by BP and duly elected.

 

1. President’s Remarks

TD said that he had been involved with the committee for 20 years and he had never known such a multi-talented committee in all his time.  He said that it should be remembered that the committee members also undertook activities other than those related to planning.

He went on to present an honorary membership to DS in recognition of his extraordinary service to the Society. 

This section was concluded by the Chairman, BP, thanking TD for his expert contribution to the Society’s response to the large project applications in Cookham and especially for his preparation of the instruction to Counsel.

 

1. Design Award Presentation

FB presented Mr E Donald, the owner of The Gantry House, with the 2025 Design Award in recognition of the meticulous restoration and enhancement of a historic property in School Lane. Mr Donald thanked the DA committee.

 

1. Clause 13.8.9

There was none.

 

1. Any Other Business

There being no other business, BP invited all present to join him and the committee for a drink in the bar.  The meeting was closed at 8.50pm.

 

LP 12.3.25