September – Celebrating our 90th AGM

September is a highlight of our year as we celebrate our 90th Annual General Meeting.

On Saturday 12th September we celebrated 90 years of protecting Staffordshire’s countryside at the Staffordshire County Showground.

We marked this significant milestone, with a day of reflection, discussion and planning surrounded by members, supports and friends. From our Countryside On Camera Photography Exhibition and AGM proceedings to a fascinating planning talk and guided countryside walk, the event had something for everyone. We want to thank all our members and supporters who attended the day.

Countryside Photography Exhibition

Attendees enjoyed a calm start to the morning with tea and coffee while viewing a selection of the photographs submitted to our annual calendar competition.

Prizes for first and second place were awarded to the photographs that best capture the beauty of Staffordshire’s countryside. Winners were announced at our AGM.

1st prize: Judith Ward, Hollinsclough

2nd Prize: Jane Jones, Cannock Chase

AGM

Our AGM was chaired by Sarah Cooke, where we elected and re-elected our trustees and committee members.

The buffet lunch was provided by Staffordshire Meats.

Planning Advice and Community Action Workshop

Many attendees joined us for a practical and informative session on how communities can organise, collaborate and effectively respond to planning applications in their area.
The session included useful signposting, key resources for support, and insights from Dave Evans, CPRE trustee and Chair of the Lightwood Community group, who shared their experiences as successful campaigners. The talk concluded with a Planning Q&A where participants were given an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and build their networks.

Countryside Walk

Some of our attendees join our Chair, Sarah Cooke, on a rainy walk across Staffordshire’s beautiful countryside, as part of ‘Love Your Countryside’ month. The route began at the showground and is accessible from the town centre, showcasing the beauty of the countryside ‘On the Edge’.

We want to thank all of our members and supporters for supporting our work to protect, promote and enhance Staffordshire’s countryside for the last 90 years. Together we have been able to campaign for positive change, creating a thriving countryside that sustains us all. Thank you for being a part of our legacy.