ACE ‘s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the Victoria Hall, Settle on 17 September reported a year of wide ranging activities from regular monthly Green Café meetings, activities around COP26 (United Nations climate talks), work with local authorities, the voluntary sector and other climate change campaigning groups.
The meeting elected a new steering group and officers and expressed its appreciation and thanks to Tess McMahon (photographed) a founder member of ACE who was retiring as treasurer.
It also received reports from its themed working groups on energy, transport, food and biodiversity. The meeting discussed proposals from ACE’s Energy Group for a local energy plan which was recently the subject of public consultation and will be published later this year.
After the meeting Tess said: “It was in spring 2019, just before the start of a crucial decade. We decided locally to make a step change in tackling the climate emergency with others across the world. From three of us, three years ago, ACE now has more than 50 members. Everyone is bringing their own determination, skills and time to playing their part in the necessary actions.
“As outgoing treasurer I am confident that I am ‘passing the baton’ to those in an effective community organisation; democratic, accountable and committed to climate justice. I will continue as an ACE member but now I am looking forward to a grand birthday holiday with my grandchildren. Their zest for life needs to be the context of a world that is beautiful and sustainable.”
The AGM was followed by a wide ranging talk by Beth Thomas Peatlands Restoration Officer for Yorkshire Peat Partnership who spoke about the restoration of Yorkshire’s peatlands, stopping the damage being caused by their loss, and restoring these habitats to their former glory. She reminded the meeting that in other areas of the UK peat was extracted from peatlands for compost and fuel, but this was no longer the case in Yorkshire.
ACE’s next event will be a ‘Give and Take Morning’ on Saturday 8 October from 9.30am – 12.30pm in Settle’s Victoria Hall. Further details email ACE at: acesettleandarea@gmail.com or go to: http://acesettleandarea.org/events/
Photo Tim Smith.
