SpoRTA held it’s ninth AGM at Mottram Hall Cheshire on Thursday 12 May, which turned out to be the best ever attended with 79 members attending, representing 53 Trusts.

This is a contrast with the first ever SpoRTA AGM held on 6 June 1997, which was attended by just18 Trusts, and is a reflection of the growth and development of Sporta over this eight year period.

Issues discussed at the AGM this year were of strategic importance for the future development and role of SpoRTA in terms of its structure and what our vision should be for the organisation.

Following a consultation exercise with whole of the membership, key issues were agreed regarding the size and membership of the Executive Committee, the setting up of informal autonomous regional groups and holding of General Meetings in the South, Midlands and the North/Scotland to reflect the UK wide location of the membership.

Stuart Gee, who will be standing down from the role of treasurer, reported a healthy financial balance for the organisation and a business plan for SpoRTA will now be drawn up for the new financial year.

All members will be receiving a copy of the minutes of the AGM in the next few weeks.

After the formal part of the agenda there were presentations by invited speakers on current strategic issues relevant to Sporta, covering the following topics: Towards an Excellent Service, the Gershon Review, Social Enterprise Coalitions and the next stage for Trusts.

The golf competition this year attracted 28 competitors, all of whom managed to get out of bed the next morning in time for their tee off times (including Mark Crutchley). Prizes for the winners in the various categories were provided by Viacom who were the sponsors for this years meeting.