2005 was naturally dominated by the Victory Bonfire and most of our efforts were directed towards that very successful project. Once again we were able to put Gt.Torrington on the global map and our reputation and the high regard in which we are held throughout the county is second to none.
My congratulations to everybody who was involved in the Bonfire and the magnificent result we achieved.

These last two years has seen a coming together of the main group and The Entertainers and I would like to thank them for their full support during this time. I know that there is a new regime in place , with some of the more seasoned campaigners taking a back seat, but I wish them continued success and am looking forward to working with them ( under Rose Kelly’s chairmanship ) in the future.

So, apart from the Bonfire, let’s remind ourselves quickly of what else we have contributed to during the year.
February saw Daz and Nick’s completion of their door security course. The Torchlight Procession - where we lead the march with Bob’s balloons and provide the firework display.
March – The Black Horse sponsored bike ride arranged by Val (who we send our very best wishes to at this time during her illness), and once she stopped talking presented us a cheque for over £2000. We stewarded the event and some braver souls took to the saddle.
April – saw our first full social night, at The Black Horse, which was very enjoyable.
May – and our usual contribution to Mayfair preparations. The entertainment was excellent, along with the Carnival and our interpretation of ‘ Amarillo ‘ , along with the Entertainers’ HMS Victorrie’, Great fun and well done to everybody. Alan Stacey was awarded the John Howe Plate and our congratulations to him for that.
August – well not much happened in August to speak of…..except for The Pre Bonfire Party in the Torrington Arms ( and again our thanks are recorded to Roger and Sally for all their support in particular ) , The Family Fun Day was a roaring success and ,of course, THE BONFIRE !!

In September Lee, Daz, Steve Blake, Simon and Mark completed their Firework Training and our combined “well done “for all their efforts.

We also agreed to help fund the new bandstand and had a trial run to make sure it fitted, did the Nov 5th bonfire and fireworks , attended the Remembrance Parade, held a fund raising Bingo , The Christmas Fayre , New Years Eve celebrations , and more importantly gave out the cheques from the Victory funds. Our special thanks to Bob Brewer for his help throughout the final stages of the project.
We now also take care of the Bunting and Christmas lights…..a new role for The Cavaliers.

I have represented The Cavaliers on a number of occasions – ‘The Gateways Project ' and ‘Torrington Together’ for example, and our (The Cavaliers) input is often sought and always respected.

There have been some low point as well, in particular Steve Young’s health scare – Brian Pitt’s bad leg break and ex-Cavalier Ron Webster passed away. We are glad that both Steve and Brian were back on board quite quickly and it is always good to see Martin Palmer more involved following all his problems.

So, onto the thank you’s

Everybody has contributed to The Cavalier cause during the year and I thank you all for your support and commitment, You guys really are something!!
Vice Chair – Steve Young – always there with the offer of help (kids permitting!!)
Secretary – Blakey – what a magnificent effort particularly in maintaining the web-site.
Treasurer – Chris Tatts – who has not had the easiest of years, but who has kept the finances in excellent order.
Captain and Acting Captain – Mike and Andy for their massive contributions when called upon.

Finally, I should like to pay a special tribute to Dick Matthews who has been like ‘Yoda’ to my ‘Luke Skywalker’--- always willing to offer his advice and pass on his knowledge when asked. I have had to consult him on many and various matters during the past year and his advice is always very sound. I should like to record my thanks and respect to him for the exceptional way he supports The Cavaliers.

So, thanks again for 2005 – it has been an honour to represent you as Chairman, and I look forward to supporting you as best I can in 2006, in whatever role.

Chris Stacey
Chairman.