The committee was joined by a small number of members for this AGM, an event required to take place by our Club’s rules.

It was hoped too, that by holding this meeting after a Club walk, more members would be encouraged to attend. Certainly the venue was very close to Long car park, our walk venue; and the hall was large and bright, with a well-equipped kitchen.

However, numbers attending were a little disappointing. Though the walk had been fairly well supported, it appeared only a few members managed to come along. AGMs may seem a little boring, or even a little daunting, but ours are really quite jolly events.

Brian delivered a short, upbeat report, thanking fellow Officers and Committee Member for their past hard work.

He thanked all those members who had joined BHOC, and those who had generously included donations with their subscriptions.

Other committee members with specific responsibilities delivered reports, all of which had laudable brevity.

Hon Secretary Frankie reported that membership presently stood at seventy-six, though, as in previous years, this would gradually rise during the summer season and barbecues, picnics and Fun Day approached.

Derek presented the financial statements (as Treasurer, Jayne, was unfortunately not able to attend). It was agreed that subscriptions remain the same for 2017.

Sue, as Basset Hound Welfare officer, reported re-homing several hounds. Few hounds were presently available. Brian said this was important work.

Your Lowdown editor briefly reported on newsletter matters and thanked the printers for the excellent and very efficient service they provided the Club.

Jean, though absent from some walks due to her bionic knee surgery, reported good attendance to many of them. She said that new owners frequently turned up and joined us.

All current Officers and Committee members were duly appointed to serve for a further year.

Any Other Business gives everyone the opportunity to raise matters not previously covered. Several members requested the Club holds another Basset Camp weekend. This we did a few years ago when members with caravans and tents assembled and had a great few days relaxing with the hounds.

The venue that we then used is now not available, but we resolved to search for an alternative site. The main requirements being a safe, secure site with good access, with a water supply, The Club would arrange a Portaloo. So, if anyone knows of somewhere suitable - or owns vast tracks of countryside - please inform the Committee.

After the end of the meeting we all enjoyed tea, coffee and some lovely biscuits and cakes.