After a week of very variable (and mostly damp, if not wet) weather, Sunday 5 October gave CPREssex members who met in Maldon for this year’s AGM a beautiful autumn day with blue skies and warm sunshine.

30 members assembled in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin and enjoyed a brief tour of part of Maldon’s historic Hythe, led by Chris Harvey of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust. The Trust’s two barges, Pudge and Centaur, were in Maldon and Chris was able to arrange a visit on board which formed an enjoyable and illuminating supplement to the talk which he gave

on the group’s return to St Mary’s. Several other CPREssex members had planned to arrive later in the afternoon, during and after tea, and so were able to join the business of the AGM.

Chairman, Chris Butler, presented apologies and welcomed all present at what was for many their first opportunity to meet himsince his election at the 2013 AGM. Thanks were

expressed to Brian Cook, the retiring Treasurer and to Tricia Moxey, whose term of office as Vice-Chairman had come to end. Chris was able to tell the meeting that John Bloxsome had agreed to take on the role of Treasurer, to which he was elected unopposed.

Chris then outlined the problems facing CPREssex as the current disarray in the planning system has opened the way for an even greater than usual volume of applications. He then introduced speakers from Maldon whose outline of local proposals gave rise to a lively and

wide-ranging discussion. The afternoon concluded with thanks to all involved including all past and present Trustees and members of District Groups for their time and dedication in maintaining and furthering the work of CPREssex.

Recent research suggests that physical exercise, especially walking in the countryside, is beneficial both for brain health and physical wellbeing. Essex has a great number

of ancient monuments, over 500,000 km of protected lanes and an incredible network of footpaths: 38 listed historic parks ands some beautiful villages as well as the UK’s longest coastline! Even on a chilly winter’s day there is no excuse for not getting out into the countryside during the coming months!

Many local authorities arrange programmes of Life Walks along footpaths and there are a wide range of walks organised by the Ramblers’ Association and other societies to help you to explore villages and sample refreshments at pubs or cafes along the way. The Visit

Essex website (www.visitessex.com) provides plenty of information about where to go for some breath-taking views of the Essex countryside and where to eat excellent local food too!

Using a digital camera it is possible to capture that special view as a souvenir of your visit, but why not share your thoughts and photos with a wider audience? Send them to us by e-mail - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - and we will select several to upload to our website so that they can be enjoyed by others.