Members voted to appoint seven new members to the Trust’s Council at the 2005 members AGM at the Brighton Dome. A vote was also taken on a members' resolution on achieving reductions in the percentage of trips to National Trust properties made by car.

Council elections

Fifteen candidates stood for the seven Council positions that became available this year and under new voting arrangements introduced last year, members have been able to cast their votes by post or by ballot at the AGM itself. The following have been elected to Council:

• Richard Cuthbertson
• John Farley
• Richard Haslam
• William Proby
• Sophie Scruton
• Simon Timms
• Russell Walters

The full election results were as follows:

Member's resolution

Members were asked to vote on the following resolution proposed by Trust members Rupert Douglas, Gill Harrison, Jenny Sheriff, Tim Snowdon and John Thraves:

"We submit that the National Trust should resolve immediately to explore actions and within 12 months implement practical programmes to achieve real, measurable reductions in the percentage of trips to its properties made by car. Because of the importance of this work, it should be championed at Director level."

After an informative debate, members voted against the resolution as it stood.

William Proby, Chairman of the National Trust, commented, "I am delighted to welcome our new Council members and would like to thank all members who have participated in today's AGM and votes".

Voting on the resolutions was as follows:

Resolution 1

Annual Report & Accounts: Passed by show of hands

Resolution 2

Appointment of auditors: Passed by show of hands

Resolution 3

For:          10,696

Against:     39,164

Abstain:     8,309