FatTracks SGM update: NO QUORUM = NO COMMITTEE, What’s next?

The Special General Meeting held on 25 July 2025 at Walmer Golf Club highlighted a concerning reality for the future of FatTracks and the Baakens Valley as a well-maintained space for MTB, running, walking and family activities.

Despite having over 400 members, only 20 individuals attended this crucial meeting – falling significantly short of the required 30% quorum (97 members) needed to conduct formal business.

The Baakens Valley trails that we all love to use – exist because of the tireless work of volunteer committee members. Without fresh leadership and broader member participation, we not only risk losing FatTracks club, but a vital community asset that has been carefully nurtured over many years.

The stakes could not be higher.

The current committee, comprising just seven dedicated volunteers, has been shouldering the enormous responsibility of maintaining and managing the FatTracks trails for years.

However, with key leadership positions becoming vacant and current office bearers stepping down, we face an urgent need for more FatTracks members to step up and raise their hands to help ensure the Valley remains a spectacular gem in the middle of our City.

The trails don’t maintain themselves. Managing the trails team, coordinating annual events, liaison with authorities, and the day-to-day administration that keeps FatTracks functioning requires more hands-on involvement from our membership base.

What’s next?

The committee will be meeting next week to review the valuable feedback received from those who did attend the SGM. We will plan the way forward for the critical four months leading up to our November AGM.

However, the harsh reality remains: without significantly increased participation and genuine interest from our broader membership, the future of the Valley hangs in the balance.

We call upon every member to reflect seriously on what FatTracks means to them, their families, and our community. The good work built up over years of dedication can continue and flourish – but only if we come together.

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The detailed minutes of the SGM can be downloaded below:

We encourage every FatTracks member to read these minutes carefully and consider how they can contribute to ensuring our Valley remains the vibrant, safe community space it has always been.