AGM 2026, presentations and your new committee

Nick Lilley, Thursday, 19 February 2026

Firstly, this is not the official report of the AGM, that will be in the meeting minutes, yet to be scribed.

The CWAM AGM is always well attended, whether that is due to the excitement surrounding the election of the committee or the hearty fish and chips supper on offer can only be a matter of speculation. It’s well documented that, despite some challenges, 2025 was a good year for the UK potato harvest which was fortunate because the portions enjoyed by us on Wednesday evening must have severely diminished the national reserves. Thanks must go to Mark for organising this banqueting bonanza.

As has become the custom, we started proceedings with presentations. First up was Glynn Huskins who recently passed his advanced test with flying colours and was awarded his F1RST Certificate by his observer Roger Barratt.

Most, if not all associates find training for the advanced test an exacting challenge. Karl Whatmore came to CWAM as a relatively inexperienced rider with a desire to improve his skills and attain a recognised qualification. He applied himself diligently, riding in all weathers and gaining further experience by joining CWAM’s social rides. He persevered, overcame personal challenges and succeeded in achieving a good test pass. Karl is a fine example to other young riders and a well deserving recipient of CWAM’s Associate Award which was presented to him by Training Officer Andy Spencer.

The Terry White Memorial Training Award recognises the achievements of someone who has gone above and beyond normal expectations to the benefit of CWAM, its members and associates. Joining in 2018 and passing the test the following year, Dave Shakespeare quickly established himself as an active member of CWAM. A regular presence on social rides, it wasn’t long before he was leading some memorable trips, most notably to Wales. Dave joined the committee in 2020 and “enjoyed” a torrid spell as Social Secretary. His decision to become an observer was insightful as the associates he has mentored to date have achieved F1RST passes. Possibly his most impressive feat was to supplement his entertaining and educative talk about “mirrorless truck” with a DAF tractor unit. Andy Spencer took great pleasure in presenting Dave with his richly deserved award.

Andy noted that although the awards are traditionally the gift of either the training team, observers or the committee, proposals from outside those groups are welcomed. So, if during the coming year you think anyone deserves recognition please put their names forward.

Following the presentations the AGM proper got underway. The Chair’s review for 2025 containing details of another successful year for CWAM was circulated prior to the meeting (available at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vMCC_ZQrYl9FAarDcm6tLofaSoEiCjbx).

Ian drew special attention to some members outstanding contributions. (N.B. some of the following are my words because I couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with Ian). John Chivers for his technological wizardry and his continuous enhancement of the website. Mark Ford for all his unseen work as membership secretary which contributes so much to the smooth running of the group. Kenny and Nev for managing the role of social secretary and personally presenting two entertaining and informative Club Nights. Roger and John for leading many social rides and giving the members so much harmless fun. I don’t have it noted down but I’m certain Ian mentioned Andy who as our training supremo is the beating heart of CWAM.

Nick Lilley thanked the select group who undertake car park duties regardless of the weather. As departing group secretary, he was also somewhat embarrassed by the generosity of the Chair’s thanks for service on the committee over the past nine years.

Bob Langford, our treasurer made a welcome return after a long illness and, as ever, exhorted us to spend more money. If anyone has any ideas that will further the aims of the group and fall within our charitable parameters, Bob, or indeed any of the committee, will be very willing to put them forward for genuine consideration.

Following the retirement of Ian Collard from the role, Kieran Scullion was elected as our new Chair. Kieran’s first act was to thank Ian for his dedication to the cause. His vast experience and encyclopaedic knowledge of all things CWAM and IAMRS will still be on call as a member of the committee.

With admirable brevity and no little surprise to everyone else, the new Chair closed the meeting at 20:45

Your new committee is:-

• Kieran Scullion - Chair
• Robert Langford - Treasurer
• Tess Pugh - Group Secretary
• Mark Ford - Membership Secretary
• John Chivers - Website manager and Social Ride Coordinator
• Andy Spencer - Training Officer
• Nev Pugh - Social Secretary
• Mark Lunt - Data Protection
• Geoff Brown
• Ian Collard
• Kenny Kwok
• Phil Mason
• Dave Shakespeare
• Stuart Wadsley

I’m hanging up my laptop after quite a few years on the CWAM committee. It’s never been a chore and I’ve rubbed shoulders with some of the most generous people one could hope to meet. Their dedication is what makes our group so successful. I’ve gained a lot from belonging to CWAM and I hope I will continue to do so for many years to come.

Nick

Postscript (by John Chivers)

Far be it from me to make a slight correction to Nick's account above, but in the interest of accuracy (and due to Nick's modesty), it's only right I point out, as those present will confirm, that Ian thanked Nick too for leading many rides and especially the Sunday ad hoc ones. He's too modest and self-effacing to include himself!

On a personal note, I'll miss Nick's presence on the committee. It's probably not appreciated by the wider membership how integral he's been to the smooth running of things over his tenure. In addition to his active role on committee, dealing with IAM Roadsmart, minuting meetings, leading official club rides and informal Club Sunday rides, and organising car park sentry duties, he's been a stalwart in the kitchen at our club social occasions.

Hopefully, going forward, the Committee can live up to the high standards he's set!