Chair’s Report, May 2011

 

Dear All,

It’s been a busy fundraising month for the S&VA! The S&VA’s Bags2School collection raised a marvellous £310 – many thanks to everyone who contributed and to Anne Deane for co-ordinating it. Lorna, Karen, Ali and team followed this up with a wonderful Ladies Pamper Evening which went even further, raising £330, and giving many of us a much-needed chance to shop, chat and be pampered. 

Donations from £20 to £200 have also started to come in towards the new marquee from a variety of quarters – satisfied customers, current and former marquee team members and older – and younger – residents who have seen how valuable the marquee is to the village in so many ways. Please do consider a donation – the marquee is vital for our village Feast Week and other events in the village, as well as being hired out as one of the chief sources of fundraising for the school and village. It also provides a great opportunity for the (mostly!) men to get together (contact Neil Harris to join the team – nrp.harris@gmail.com).

Any donation would be most gratefully accepted – please fill in the form in the newsletter (Back Page) or contact Fleur Clegg (Kendal House, Scotland Road – 789780), Roger Swain (4 Bakersfield), Scottie Hawkes, Neil Harris or Chris Mills. (If you are a taxpayer we will also be able to claim gift aid to increase the amount donated by 25p for every £1 at no extra cost to you).

By the time you read this, the Royal Wedding will have taken place along with our village street party. I’m sure this will be reported on next month – many thanks in advance to all those involved, including the Churches, and in particular, Fiona McLeman for being a driving force.

The next S&VA termly meeting is scheduled for 8.30pm on Thursday 9 June at the School (the later start accommodating the management meeting beforehand).

In the meantime, we wish headmistress Kate Dorrell a restful maternity leave and safe delivery and look forward to welcoming the acting head, Mary Barnard,  at the start of the summer term.

Fleur Clegg

November Report

The termly meeting was held on Monday October 12th at School and we were very pleased to introduce Kate Dorrell, the new headteacher, who spoke about plans and new ventures for the school and pupils. Business included reporting on previous and proposed activities for 2009 and Roger talked through the accounts which showed that the S&VA has so far enjoyed a healthy fundraising year ahead of budget (thanks in no small part to the wonderful Feast Week). Nick Irish gave an update on action following the finalised village plan which should be dropping through our doors soon and Rob read out a lovely letter from Margaret Prosser thanking the S&VA for her retirement gifts and for its support during her time at the School. Along with friends and former colleagues, this month we also welcomed Margaret back to the village for a very enjoyable retirement celebration at The Black Horse, at which we also welcomed the School’s two Zambian Partnership school visitors.

The next meeting date is the AGM on February 25th, 8pm at the School. All are welcome – especially newcomers – to hear reports on the S&VA’s year, the Headteacher’s report and to appoint the Committee (volunteers please!) followed by drinks.

The Bag2School collection on October 15th at the school and village hall brought out a 780 kg pile of unwanted second-hand clothes and other items, raising a wonderful £312. Many thanks to all those who contributed – hopefully you are enjoying the new-found space in your wardrobes! Dates for 2010 collections are Thursdays 29 April and October 14th.

The Roaring Noughties revue on 20 and 21 November promises great entertainment – get your tickets early! Look out for tickets for the S&VA Christmas Raffle – to go on sale late November/early December with the draw in December (date TBC).

Save the date also for the S&VA Christmas Shopping Night on 3rd December at the School – enjoy mulled wine and a chance to stock up locally on Christmas presents from lots of great stalls. Any local residents who would like to have a stall (or need transport) please contact Georgina Mason on 07786 272406 or Fleur Clegg (789780).