We held our fourth Annual General Meeting earlier this month.
South Downs Social once again made us very welcome. Many thanks to Neil and the team. We hope that the evening was informative and enjoyable.
News in brief
The headline news is that the members agreed in principle that Cycle Winchester should move towards becoming a registered charity, specifically an Association Charitable Incorporated Organisation. We sadly bid farewell as Chair to John Arthur, who has led us valiantly for more than five years. Rob Jordan was elected as Chair for an interim period to see us through to charity registration.
The official minutes of the meeting can be downloaded here. Here is a brief summary of the event.
The formal agenda
Chair’s report: John Arthur presented a summary of his annual report for 2025, which can be read in full on the Cycle Winchester website here (and here in slide format).
Treasurer’s report: On behalf of our Treasurer, Mike Caldwell, Rob Jordan presented a financial statement for the year-ending 31st December 2025, which can be found on the Cycle Winchester website here.
The financial statement was approved by the meeting with no objections.
Motion from the core group: Transition to Registered Charity Status
Proposed by: RJ, Seconded by: JA
RJ presented the Core Group’s proposal for CW to transition to become a registered charity status. His presentation can be viewed here.
Text of the motion:
“The members of Cycle Winchester agree in principle that the Association should move to registered charity status to secure the future of the organisation, specifically access to charitable grants, access to enhanced products and services, exemption from taxes and to enhance public trust.
The Core Group is hereby mandated to take all necessary steps to prepare for this transition, including the drafting of a new constitution that preserves our current aims. It is noted that a subsequent Special Resolution will be required to formally wind up the current unincorporated association and transfer its funds and assets to the successor charity once registration is confirmed.”
The motion was unanimously approved
Elections: JA is standing down as chair after 5 years. Rob offered to stand as interim chair for a period of 4 months to oversee CW’s transition to registered charity status.
RJ was nominated as interim chair for a period of 4 months by AF, seconded by ES, and unanimously elected.
There were no elections for the post of Treasurer and Secretary as MC and AF have both indicated their willingness to remain in post for the transition period.
Motions from members: None
A.O.B.: None
Informal items
Barton Line Progress Report
AK provided an update of the progress made to date on the Barton Line. His amazing Google Earth presentation can be viewed here.
Bike Bus Update
AF provided an update on the Winchester Bike Bus network.
Mass Ride Update
ES informed the group of the progress to date in preparing this year’s Mass Ride (planned for 25 April 2026). Her presentation can be viewed here.
Upcoming Council Elections
Chris Holloway (WinACC) presented the state of play regarding local elections and the path towards the mayoral elections for Hampshire and Solent in 2028. She underscored the importance of these elections (especially the County Council elections this year) for setting the priorities for transport policy under the new authority.