Forty-eight people came along to the club’s flagship social event of the year, the AGM Dinner, which once more was held in the new lounge and kitchen of the Eden Community Church in Mt Eden. We began with the usual mix-and-mingle over drinks, where we were able to browse the finalist entries for the Club photographic competition as well as a display about the Christian conservation group A Rocha. Soon after 6pm we sat down to a dinner of ham and vegies, followed by a dessert of banana cake. The meal was prepared by Linda S and friends from her church. The posies on the tables consisted of tiny floating candles in glasses of water, some tiny flowers, and one of the new ABTC business cards. Before we ate, Sonia gave a brief promotion of her new children’s novel Mission 405, and Phillip D told us about his daughter’s new book. The formal part of the evening began at 7:15pm with Mark announcing the photographic competition winners were announced by Mark Gibson. Phillip then presented a devotions on A Case for Care of Creation. He highlighted (1) The Sanctity of creation. (2) The Sustainability of creation, or the capacity for it to continue long into the future. (3) Stewardship – our task is to work in and take care of the garden. Genesis 2.15. (4) Showing Honour to the Lord by our worship in all spheres of life. Is caring for Creation a way we can honour God? He emphasised this is an act of worship. Kristel van Houte National Director for A Rocha, spoke about the environmental threats to our environment, and her journey reflecting a love of creation. A Rocha is Portuguese for ‘The Rock’ the place it came into existence.  She shared five core Commitments of A Rocha: Christian, Conservation, Community, Cross-cultural and Cooperation: and outlined initiatives in New Zealand such as Karori Biodiversity Restoration and pest control which will assist the grey faced petrel in survival. Steps we could take included attending Creation Camp, sponsoring a trap, joining a local group, donating money, buying an A Rocha t-shirt, and making your lifestyle greener were shared by Phillip D.

The AGM followed at 8:30pm.  Club president Peter presented his President’s Annual Report, highlighting Appreciation, The Programme Committee and Club Promotion, Reflections, Experience in Leadership (Give it a go!), Contributions, Inspirational aspects, Adventure and action out on the tracks, Training efforts, Institutional processes, Opportunities to make a positive impact, and new initiatives this year. John  presented an AV presentation of the year’s Trip highlights. The new executive was elected in by secret-ballot confidence vote: Office Holders: Peter York (President),                          Helena Gane (Vice President)                          June Sinclair (Treasurer)                          Barbara Langridge (Secretary) Executive Members: Michelle Chong, Andrew Lethbridge, David Walker, Rosalind Phillips, Gary Thompson, John McCarthy, Linda Sutton, Nelson Young and David Korff. Demonstrations of the Club’s new emergency fly and bothy bag were given to promote their use. Michelle spoke about the new Club business card she had made to accompany the display banner circulation, and for promotion of the Club. Helena Gane and Barbara Langridge spoke about the coming Summer Tramps to Lewis Pass and Wairarapa regions. Roger promoted the last chance to purchase historical items from the past, including 25th jubilee monograms and books. The meeting finished at 9:15pm.