Sell-out AGM for ARS

There cannot be many organisations locally, or even globally, that have a waiting list to get into their AGM just in case any of those lucky enough to have a seat drop out. But that's the situation with an ARS (Audlem Ramblers Society) gathering at The Lord Combermere each year.

Chair Christine Johnson reported on another successful year that had seen Mid-ARS walks added to the programme that now means 29 hikes a year are laid on. Membership has grown to over ninety, a revelation that was attributed, or perhaps that should be blamed, on AudlemOnline! Or so it was alleged.

ARS started twenty years ago in 1996. For its first decade it was an informal group that enjoyed a monthly walk. Only when AudlemOnline started to feature the walks and activities did membership soar with the resulting necessity for insurance, a constitution, AGMs and officers like a chairman and secretary.

Christine paid tribute to founder member and secretary Andy Davidson who has decided to stand down from his role. He was presented with a gift and, under some duress, accepted the role of Honorary President, so there will be no escape from committee meetings. Jean Stainthorpe has volunteered to take on the secretary's role.

Not only that, Jean was declared this year's ARS Member of the Year as she has organised Long-, Mid- and Short-ARS walks, as well as arranging last year's weekend away in Bridgnorth.

Following an excellent dinner, guest speaker Andrew Down, entertained and informed the group with a splendidly illustrated talk on safety in the mountains based on his own experiences across the UK, in the Alps and Pyrenees and even further afield in New Zealand.

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