Chairmans's July 2011 Report

Our Annual general Meeting this year generated a lot of ideas and points for us to consider over the coming months. It was very useful to have Councillor Andrew Judge address the audience and share with us the problems of finance that the Council faces. We were also pleased to have Jeff Ward the manager of the Hotel at the meeting and to hear his plans for the Hotel.

The committee were elected for a further year and we all agreed that we would work towards creating partnerships with other organisations and to look at the possibility of extra finance through sponsorship and advertising.

Of immediate concern was the Aviary as the Council have stated that they could no longer pay for the upkeep. We have managed to get help from a local volunteer, thanks to Alison, and will be looking to see if we can get sponsorship from local vets in exchange for advertising through a sponsorship board. We will be approaching other companies as the opportunities arise.

Another area of concern is the Guides Chapel where the Council have had to move the Guides and Brownies out as the building is not safe to occupy. We as the Friends will be working with the Guides and the Council to see what can be done.

In the future we are holding Bat walks in August, a drama workshop for kids in September and our usual Christmas Soiree at the Golf Club.

Chris Mountford Chairman

cannizaro park planting maples