THE Hampshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England bade farewell to some high-profile members at its recent AGM.
The group’s president, Admiral Sir Brian Brown, has stepped down and is succeeded by The Earl of Malmesbury.
The branch’s director, Anthony McEwen, announced his decision to step down in February and at the meeting on Tuesday (May 28), he was presented with the CPRE Countryside Medal by Christopher Napier, chairman of their planning and policy group.
Mr Napier said: “We have all admired Anthony’s tremendous energy - put to such good use in the service of CPRE Hampshire - and his great commitment to a role he was perhaps a bit dubious about at first, but I believe came to enjoy, and also to appreciate what we do and what CPRE achieves.”
Sir Brian will continue to be involved with the organisation as vice-president.
“Admiral Sir Brian Brown has been our president for five years, but stands down today. Along with Anthony, in the best traditions of the services, he has done so much more than the role strictly requires. He has always taken a very active interest in the activities of CPRE Hampshire, voluntarily attending and participating in nearly every executive committee meeting, and attending so many of our events - ever giving us his support, the benefit of his extensive wisdom, and making new friends for us.”
Those gathered at the Holiday Inn, Winchester, heard that membership numbers remain a challenge for CPRE.
In 2011, Hampshire branch recruited forty-four new members.
Mr Napier said: “Forty-four new members is below our striking rate of previous years and recruitment is something we really do need to do much better as we lose members each year to death, moving away, and preferring other charities in straightened economic times. It is a tough market, and we need our members to help.”
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