AGM Notice & Agenda

To attend the online or in-person AGM, all members must register online by 1pm on Thursday 2nd April 2026. Please register using the link in  the email or on the ballot paper, depending on your communication preference.

There will be time allocated for each item during the meeting for any questions arising from discussions. Subject to timing, in-person questions will be invited for one question per person per agenda item, and virtual attendees may submit questions via the meeting portal to be read out, also limited to one question per person per agenda item.  

The Board has appointed an external provider to support online voting. The votes from in-person attendees will be counted by show of hands.  

• The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Reading station, which connects to the main line from London Paddington. 
• Arrive for tea & coffee: 1:30 pm
• Parking: 40% discount at the Q-Park on Chatham Road, just a 3-minute walk from the hotel. To claim your discounted parking, you’ll need to book in advance. Visit q-park.co.uk, search for Reading (Chatham Place) car park, and enter the discount code PENTA40 when booking. 

Proxy voting: As per Rule 20.10, a member who is unable to attend an annual or general meeting may appoint another member as their proxy, provided only that the member so appointed may not act as proxy for any other member. If you wish to appoint a member as your proxy, please provide us with their name and contact details via email to agm@hfholidays.co.uk by midday on Thursday 2 April 2026. Please note that the proxy shall be an open proxy, which the appointed member may cast as they think fit, having heard the deliberations of the meeting.

Recording: Please note that photography and recording will take place during this event. A recording will be available on our website afterwards. If you would prefer not to be captured, please avoid the filming areas.  

To vote please follow the link in our email or on the ballot paper, depending on your communication preference. The deadline for receipt of postal ballot papers and online voting is 1pm on Thursday 2nd April 2026. 

To read this report visit www.hfholidays.co.uk/agm. 

The minutes are available at www.hfholidays.co.uk/agm. 

Nominators: Mike Wheatley, Elisabeth Bridge 

Summary 

I have 45 years of experience in advising businesses on financial matters, and assisting business owners to make changes to improve profitability where these are identified. 

The Board of HF Holidays wishes to add financial expertise and experience to its membership, which I am qualified to do. I have held a number of voluntary positions, which has given me a lot of governance experience. 

I enjoy walking and seeing the wonderful countryside that is a major feature of all HF Holidays, and this is why I want to provide my skills to support the organisation. 

Occupation 

I am a retired Chartered Accountant. 

Expertise for the Board 

I have worked as an accountant for over 45 years, advising a range of owner-managers on financial matters that impact them and their businesses. These include tax, accountancy and payroll, and the legal requirements for all businesses. My expertise is in financial matters, which includes statutory compliance, business strategy and business planning.  

Other relevant experience & skills 

During the past 25 years, I have served as a Trustee of 2 charities and a Governor of a further education college. I have also chaired the Board of Directors of Essex Chambers of Commerce. In 2003 I was awarded an OBE for services to the East of England Industrial Development Board. 

I am experienced in explaining financial matters to people without a financial background, so that they understand the issues and can make decisions. 

I have held senior positions in accountancy firms in Essex and London. 

Motivation to become a Director 

I have recently retired from accountancy practice, and I would like to use my expertise and financial background to benefit others. As a Director of HF Holidays, I understand that this will be the case. 

Experience of HF Holidays 

I have enjoyed walking holidays (as a paying guest) at five of the hotels owned and run by HF Holidays.  

I am an investment member of HF Holidays. 

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

In setting the future strategy, members’ wishes must be paramount, as well as testing the objectives against the values which HF Holidays has set out. The success of the organisation depends on exceeding members’ expectations. It also depends on quality marketing in all the many ways that are available, and keeping abreast of developments in the travel industry to ensure HF Holidays does not get left behind by its competitors.  

My principal skill is that I understand financial matters. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1979 and I have worked with a large range of businesses since then, both preparing their accounts and helping management teams understand the financial position of their business and the options available to them as a result. 

I can support the Directors by helping non-financial colleagues understand the financial results, and the expected financial impact of future plans.  

As well as understanding financial results, I always like to review progress against strategic objectives by using numbers, because “what we can measure we can manage”. 

Nominators: Timothy Dams, Helen Hughes

Summary

HF faces a fast-moving and competitive holiday market, where guest expectations, travel habits, and economic pressures are constantly shifting. To remain strong, HF needs to broaden its appeal, strengthen financial resilience, and ensure its holidays stand out for quality, value, and experience. At the same time, it must stay true to the principles that guests and members care about; shared experiences, a welcoming community, and its unique co-operative spirit.

HF can differentiate itself by leaning into what makes it special: expertly led group holidays, a genuine sense of belonging, and the chance to connect with people and the outdoors in a meaningful way. Its ethical commitments, beautiful UK houses, and the warmth of its leaders and teams also set it apart in a crowded market.

Occupation  

Retired county education manager and systems analyst. 

Expertise for the Board  

Through my years as an HF leader, I have developed insight into guest needs, volunteer coordination, and the delivery of exceptional walking holidays. Coupled with my professional experience in strategic thinking, evaluating complex information, and clear communication, I can provide the board with a grounded perspective that combines hands-on operational knowledge with professional skills essential for governance and planning. 

Other relevant experience & skills  

My professional background equips me to contribute constructively to strategic decisions, governance, and operational planning. Coupled with my hands-on HF experience, this enables me to provide a grounded perspective that balances practical knowledge with professional expertise essential for the board. 

Motivation to become a Director  

I am passionate about HF’s co-operative spirit, welcoming culture, and high-quality holidays. I want to help safeguard its ethos, support strategic growth, and ensure it continues to deliver exceptional experiences for members, guests, and future generations. 

Experience of HF Holidays  

I have extensive HF experience as a leader, running a variety of holidays across many UK houses. I have also taken holidays abroad since 2016, gaining insight into international offerings, guest experience, and operational delivery. 

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

I can support HF by helping protect what makes it special while also contributing professionally to its future. As a leader, I see how much guests value the warmth, shared experiences and sense of community HF creates. I bring HF’s values to life by building confidence, creating great experiences and ensuring everyone feels included. 

Alongside this, I can support HF in a more strategic and professional way. My background gives me experience in listening, analysing information, understanding people’s needs and communicating clearly; skills that help shape good decisions and support HF’s ambitions. I understand the importance of financial sustainability and HF’s aim to grow its surplus so it can invest in houses, support teams and progress towards net zero. I can offer balanced judgment, constructive ideas and help HF stay focused on decisions that are both value led and commercially sensible. 

HF’s co-operative spirit and heritage matter to me. Through regular contact with guests and members, I can act as a positive voice for them while also bringing an objective viewpoint. I want to help HF remain inspiring, welcoming and financially strong, and play an active part in guiding its development for the future. 

Nominators: Sue Maizonnier, John Flanagan  

Summary 

I have been a committed member of HF for over 20 years and have had the privilege of being a walks’ leader for 12 years. I have a very good understanding of members’ concerns. I have developed managerial skills in the NHS and as board member of an academy trust board, especially in collaborative working, critical evaluation, strategic developments and financial management. 

As a director, I would serve the members, strive to ensure strategic directions have financial stability, seek to support developments which offer continuing and growing value for members and not to yield on the foundational values of HF. 

Occupation  

Voluntary work  

Expertise for the Board 

I was a consultant in the NHS and worked through many managerial changes including development of clinical services and training programmes, and clinical financial management under constant budgetary constraints. I was chair of several national and local professional committees developing clinical standards, audit and educational curricula for postgraduate and junior staff. 

I was a member of a board of governors of a local inner-city school which was just beginning to get to grips with new governance and audit structures and a different academy trust with developing strategic directions. I chaired the education and audit committees.  

I have good insight into the process of strategic development, governance concerns and standards and working under financial constraints. I also have a good understanding of the holiday products and services provided by HF. 

Other relevant experience & skills 

I have been a volunteer ranger in the Peak District National Park for about 15 years, and their concerns are of almost direct relevance to the holidays offered by HF. 

Motivation to become a Director 

In many ways my experience of working in the NHS for patients’ health and welfare and as an academy trustee to meet educational needs of young children aligns with vocational development of HF. I am very invested in the ethos of HF and would like to serve in this capacity. 

Experience of HF Holidays 

My first holiday with HF was on a friend’s recommendation over 20 years ago. It was obvious that this was qualitatively different from other walking holidays I had been on and I was immediately attracted to go on more trips.  

I have also had the privilege of being an HF walks leader for over 12 years and recently, a field advisor. I have led at all the current country houses in the UK. This has given me the opportunity to learn about and discuss the local natural and social histories of the area and listen to a wide range of views amongst guests and members. I enjoy the great variety of the countryside and taking members on “bimbles”. 

The ethos of HF very much mirrors my personal values.  

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

I have a very strong affinity with HF. I support the ethos and values and the great network of volunteers who make the holidays.  

I prefer to work in a collaborative way ensuring members’ interests are carefully considered at all stages of decision making. I would support the continued emphasis on sustainability and environmental concerns and the excellent work that is done through the Pathways’ Fund. 

I have a good understanding of strategic development and governance issues and am adept at critical evaluation of proposals and developments. I would work to support and grow its membership base and ensure financial stability. 

HF has been in the well-being “business” well before it was fashionable to talk about such matters. This clearly matters to members, and I would work for continued growth of the company.  

Nominators: Jerry Gould, Julian Mitchell 

Summary  

Having recently retired from 42 years in public service, mostly in NHS senior leadership positions, I have both the skills and experience to serve. I have and will continue to be a champion for health and well-being in all its guises. 

I discovered HF this year and quite frankly I’m hooked - the locations, the quality of accommodation and service, the use of volunteering to maintain the ethos and create a sense of community. It would be an honour to serve the membership both in governing the society for today but developing it for the future. 

Occupation 

Accountant (qualified in 1991)  

Retired NHS Director 

Expertise for the Board 

I have over 15 years of Board membership having been both a Director of Finance and a Chief Executive, in NHS Trusts and NHS Commissioning organisations. I have been a regional director of a national NHS organisation. Notably, I was the Regional Incident Director for the North West for COVID 19.  

I have experience and have either served on or advised public boards, audit commitees, strategy committees, people committees, remuneration committees.  

I also have experience of commissioning both publicly and privately funded major capital projects, from a new build hospital through to smaller refurbishment projects. 

With accountability jointly to the head of the English NHS and the UK parliament I have held and discharged a statutory responsibility for £6billion of public funds.  I have managed complex organisations some with over 2,000 staff, and the contracting with 350 GP practices (small business in their own right).  

Throughout my career I have been results and outcome focussed and can claim responsibility for improving access and extending life expectancy of populations served.  

As a senior leader I have been both a role model and advocate for equality and diversity, not just in employment but in the use and access to services. 

Whilst not involved in marketing from a commercial perspective, I have commissioned and used marketing approaches to improve access and influence behaviour (eg stop smoking).  

Other relevant experience & skills 

I served for 3 years as a non Executive director on the defence medical services board. A liaison role between the forces own medical services and the NHS.  

I have been a trustee and honorary treasurer of a healthcare related membership association.   

Motivation to become a Director 

Using my skills and expertise to give something back to a movement whose values I share. To seek the personal stimulation and intellectual stretch that will be gained from something different to my career. To enjoy the benefits that will come from remaining active and contributing to society. 

Personal Experience of HF Holidays 

I have attended four HF holidays both guided and self guided: 

Newfield Hall, Thorns Hall, Monk Coniston, and Holnicote House  

I have immediate plans to visit: 

Alltschellach, Derwent Bank and Nether Grange. And intentions to visit every HF house! 

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

At the end of a 42 year career in full time employment, I am looking to achieve a greater balance in my life, whilst still contributing and supporting the things that I love. There is much synergy between a long career in public service, which among other things, focused on creating social value and promoting health and well-being and the aims of the HF society.   

I have the intellectual capacity, curiosity, experience and professional skills to serve on a co-operative board and can support the society in a number of ways, for example: 

• Deploying the principles of good governance, to maintain fidelity to both the goals of the society and the Strategies agreed by the Board. 

• Ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources. 

• Promoting the use of data and analytical capability. 

• Measuring, managing and effectively holding to account. 

• Investing time in supporting and developing the leaders of the organisation. 

• Relentlessly confronting the challenges faced in the current economic climate and supporting the Executive team to address these. 

• Using my experience of working in diversity and inclusion to help the society remain relevant to its current membership, whilst developing an offer that is sustainable into the future. 

Nominators: Gideon Wheater, Helen Venus 

Summary 

HF Holidays is unique with its co-operative society status, mix of characterful country houses, and holiday experiences in the UK and overseas. Whilst the UK operations may have challenges it is a great showcase and recruitment ground, for the overseas business. A board needs a wide range of experience and skills and I believe that my business experience in the UK and overseas – including past Chair of the Chilterns National Landscape, combined with my passion for the great outdoors should enable me to make a positive contribution in both protecting and growing HF.   

Occupation 

I am a Chartered Civil Engineer with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Most of my career has been with Skanska – a Swedish international company with strong social and environmental credentials. I held senior management and director positions, managed country businesses, researched new markets, managed acquisitions, and developed sustainable growth strategies.  

I have been an advisor to the UK Government assisting with international business and the development of Construction 2025, a strategy for the UK Construction industry. 

From 2016 to the present, various consultancy and non - executive roles, assisting private companies, community groups and not-for-profit organisations. 

I am passionate about protecting our heritage, our buildings and our landscape. From 2016-2025, I was a Defra, Secretary of State representative on the Chilterns National Landscape Board, and past Chair of the Board and the Executive Committee.    

Expertise for the Board 

I am an experienced senior executive and non-executive director, with a strong focus on developing sustainable solutions and strategic planning. I have served on and chaired boards in both the public and private sector.   

Other relevant experience & skills 

Strong leadership experience and skills covering: 

• Strategic planning  

• Sustainable development 

• Transformational change and innovation  

• Collaborative working and community engagement  

• Mentoring, challenging and supporting senior executive teams  

• Corporate and social responsibility 

Motivation to become a Director 

My 9 years with The Chilterns National Landscape came to an end in 2025 and I now have more time to devote to my favourite outdoor pursuits. It would be great to channel my skills and experience in helping HF at the same time. 

I believe there is a lot in common with the challenges in managing a National Landscape - not least protecting and enhancing what we have, whilst growing and attracting a wider audience and client base.  

Experience of HF Holidays 

My first experience was in 2012 at Monk Coniston, becoming a member in 2019. Also enjoyed Derwent Bank, Nether Grange, The Peveril of the Peak, Longmynd House and Alltshellach. The latter stands out in my memory for everything that is great about HF. The accommodation, the people – especially the walk leaders, the mix of guests, the hikes on the Munros and into the Lost Valley, and not least the evening entertainment – sampling local food and drink!  Great fellowship and great fun. My experiences with HF in the UK provided the inspiration – and training ground, for many overseas adventures in, the Andes, Alps, Himalayas, Patagonia and more.  

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

Clearly a lot of work has gone in to developing the growth strategy. External factors influencing this are constantly changing – the political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental and more. Keeping abreast of these is important and engagement with our stakeholders’ key in this regard. Understanding local cultures and communities. ‘Think global but act local’ is an important mantra for me and applies equally to the UK as overseas. 

There is major growth reported in the UK health and fitness market – are there new opportunities for HF? We have a strong foothold in National Parks and National Landscapes – is there more we can do together? The Chilterns National Landscape and others hold annual walking festivals enticing new recruits to our great outdoors – possible cooperation?  

I hear comments about group bookings wanting to sit together for dinner on their first night, and the need for more single accommodation. The Boot Room facility is a useful source of members knowledge and concerns. 

A few thoughts, and if elected I look forward to engaging with the Board and Executive team in all sorts of issues, and to both challenging and supporting the Executive team in their endeavours.  

Nominators: Michael Thompson, Janet Hewitt 

Summary 

I have been associated with HF Holidays for over the last 20 years: not only as a guest but as a walk leader and previously as a Board Member. 

These experiences in meeting fellow guests, house staff and leaders, both in the UK and abroad informs me of the desires of individuals seeking leisure activities.  Holidaying, particularly abroad, also guides me in why guests choose a particular holiday company; invaluable in HF Holidays remaining competitive. 

My professional life in the financial and care industries, inform me in strategic management, project management, and the well-being of guests; staff and volunteers. 

Occupation 

I am currently actively supporting numerous voluntary organisations, whilst not in paid employment. 

Expertise for the Board 

With a working life experience in the private sector of financial management: strategic planning, project management and staff management that will support the CEO and Board in identifying achievable targeted goals.  I see HF Holidays having a rolling  dynamic strategy: regularly monitored and reviewed. A subsequent career in the public sector, primarily within the NHS, reinforces my concern for people’s well-being. 

Other relevant experience & skills 

Over the last 20 years, I have actively supported numerous charitable and voluntary organisations; some in my mental health professional specialism.  My financial background has helped to implement strategies to achieve given goals when being a trustee for any such organization. Analysing financial accounts and projecting based on this analysis, provides a particular interest for me and helping in any agenda for change.  The experience of holidaying with other walking companies provides invaluable knowledge of alternative methods in providing similar products whilst understanding why guests choose one company over another. 

Motivation to become a Director 

I am motivated by HF members, staff and volunteers: all contributing to a holiday business model I believe in. However such business models need to be proactive in being competitive and open to change.  Meeting quests on holiday is an exceptional experience, seeing their loyalty, but being aware of the need to keep meeting their expectations.  Guests bring ideas for change.  To develop a good relationship the Board needs to foster a climate of being open and honest in communicating the company’s strategy to its members, staff and leaders.  

Experience of HF Holidays 

Most UK guests I have met may remember me as a proud Yorkshire man with a socially interactive evening activity “Steven’s Bits and Bobs”.  I joined HF Holidays 20 years ago as a walk leader.  Since then I have led in the many UK locations on a variety of activities including: Guided Walking: Bridge: Family, and Sightseeing.  My wife and I holiday abroad, visiting many continents.  I have served on the Board and have kept a close interest in the progress of HF Holidays through Covid and currently. 

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

The future for HF Holidays is dependent upon a proactive strategy that is commercially sound, whilst valuing the wishes of members, leaders and staff.  I am committed to all these aspects of a proactive strategy through my financial analysis experience and that of working in a caring industry. My continued involvement as a walk leader, actively interacting with guests, will keep me up to date with their reasons for holidaying with HF Holidays.  In holidaying abroad, not only with HF Holidays but other walking holiday providers, I am aware of competitor products and why guests choose a particular company. 

My experience of being a Project Manager for many years will aid the Board to plan and identify areas for consideration, through its committee structure. I aim to ensure that a low cost approach does not negatively affect member’s holiday experience. 

From 20 years of leading for HF Holidays, I continue to be aware and committed to its Mission and Values. 

My previous involvement on the HF Board and with other charitable boards will support the governance of HF Holidays. 

Nominators: Frans Ronsholt, Sandra Hadler 

Summary  

As an experienced board member and a keen walker, I would like to contribute to the ongoing and future success of HF Holidays. I am passionate about the philosophy of HF and feel its founding values are as relevant today as they were over 100 years ago. A particular challenge is to sell this mindset to a new generation of holiday makers, in a competitive arena, alongside appealing to the current membership.   

Occupation 

Independent director on various boards, private, public and third sector. Prior to this, a career in international development (as an economist) and financial inclusion.  

Expertise for the Board 

I have served on boards for a number of years, in a variety of roles, and across a number of sectors. I currently chair the board of a small finance company. I am a university governor and serve on the university audit committee. With these various board experiences I will bring a range of skills to the HF board, in particular knowledge of strategy, scrutiny, stretch, stewardship and support (known as the five Ss of high performing boards), and use these to support the CEO and the executive team. 

Other relevant experience & skills 

I have worked in and travelled to a large number of countries, which has given me the opportunity to appreciate a wide range of cultures. Some of this travel has been with competitor travel companies. As HF expands its international market I would work hard to ensure that this experience is helpful. 

Motivation to become a Director 

I am hugely passionate about HF, and delighted that post-covid HF is going from strength to strength, expanding the offer and reaching out to non-traditional groups. HF has a unique offer – a quality holiday experience in a genuinely friendly wrapper. I would like to be part of the next phase of HF’s growth, helping meet the challenges that will inevitably come our way. 

Personal experience of HF Holidays  

I have had a number of HF holidays both in the UK and abroad. Some of these have been taken with a small group of friends, and on occasion as a solo traveler. Whilst mostly guided walking holidays I have also taken HF holidays where other activities were offered. I have also experienced HF as a member of a large group, when we have taken a significant part of a house, with a mixed walking and sightseeing arrangement. All of these experiences have been most enjoyable, and each has given me different insights into the “HF offer”.

Candidate Response: How can I support HF Holidays to develop in accordance with its strategy and values? 

I can bring to HF a combination of an understanding of the firm desire to continue to offer that unique HF holiday experience, with the need to be commercial. In doing this I will be drawing on my working life where I have sought to work for, and be associated with values-based organisations that place social and environmental considerations alongside commerciality. I can also bring my association with a wide cross-section of people to help broaden the holiday offer.