It would appear that with all the activity on the August 27th bonfire that all our energies over the past year have been directed to that project. A review of the year’s activities though shows again how busy the Cavaliers have been.

We have been a major part of the town events again – The Torchlight Procession in February, the work we put into the May Fair celebrations including taking down the bunting late in summer. The Bush Tucker Trial entertainment was exceptional and kept hundreds in the square to watch. Special thanks to Andy Morris, Dazza, Chris Tattersall and Anthony for their culinary skills and everybody who turned out to help throughout the May Fair preparations. We didn’t enter a float, but we were well represented by the entertainers who again flew the flag for the Cavaliers.

June saw our annual Race Night fundraiser and later in the year Dicks 50/50 auction in aid of TOPS raised considerable sums. The summer in the square was very successful and enjoyed by all as was the Gibraltar trip where 17 of us were able to go.

Later in the year we had the Race Night for Vanessa Tucker wheelchair appeal and the monies needed were quickly raised and there followed the best New Year Eve event ever (thanks to the weather) and of course the very successful November Bonfire and fireworks.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though, and we had some setbacks. The trip to see HMS Victory didn’t happen – probably just as well considering the number of walking wounded who came back from Gib – the Skateboard Park is still on hold but recently interest is gaining momentum, and we are still awaiting our Social Night out with wives and partners.

A number of Cavaliers went down with an assortment of ailments of various degrees of seriousness ( not Gibraltar related!) and it is good to see the clear paths to recovery.

I couldn’t finish without mentioning the terrific work that is going on at the Bonfire Site with such enthusiasm and commitment and that leads me to thank Tony for his administration work, and in particular Dick for the magnificent effort he is putting in to support the bonfire builders. I should also like to thank him personally for his wisdom and council on a variety of Cavalier matters not necessarily connected with the Bonfire.

My thanks to the officers – Vice Chairman – Steve Young who although has had a quiet year due to other commitments always extends his full backing for the Cavaliers.

Steve Blake – Secretary and web site designer who has done an exceptional job in particular on our web-site.

Chris Tattersall – for all his money laundering skills and youthful enthusiasm.

Andy Morris – for his role as acting Captain, his reliable and solid support and daft ideas.

I would also like to pay tribute to all the wives and partners who let their men folk go out and “play boats” and of course all the supporters, businesses, pubs and in particular Roger and Sally at the Torrington Arms, where nothing has been too much trouble in their support of us and raised large amounts to boost our funds and the entertainers who promote our name in their own imitable way!

Finally my sincere thanks to all the Cavaliers who so willingly throw themselves into Cavalier projects without personnel acclaim and do so much to promote the “Cavalier” name. Our new recruits have been exceptional.

It’s been hard work at times, different meetings, presentations, letters and phone calls, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 months and am truly grateful for the camaraderie and friendship from my fellow Cavaliers.