Chairman's post

Chairmans Report AGM 2008

Most years I start with the comment that “it appears to have been a quiet year until I have reviewed all the minutes”. This time I didn’t have to check back to know what a busy year we have had.

Apart from the usual bunting, torchlight procession, Mayfair setting up, Christmas lights , NYE and bonfire night duties it seems my comment last year about “lets have some fun in 2007” really took off.

The Tarka 30th anniversary film premier was a sell-out and raised £1500. The Scarecrow competition was a resounding success and I hope we can develop this in 2008. Andy’s pumpkin competition raised a lot of interest and added substantial monies to the fund. Who can forget the fun day with its “War of the Worlds” fireworks and of course Heaths Cream Teas at Drummetts Mill and what about Daz`s flash of brilliance with the Narnia theme for the kids Xmas giveaway.

All these as well as our usual duties, have been taken on with gusto – and it is encouraging to see so many Cavaliers turn up to help out and do there bit. I know the town would be a duller place without us and we are well respected.

At this point I am sure you will join me in wishing Kenny very good luck in the battle he is facing at this time – with our hope for a speedy recovery.

My usual thanks to the officers of the Cavaliers - to Steve Blake our outgoing Secretary for a superb job well done. To Steve Young- for all his support (and my apologies to him for sometimes leaving him out of the loop- a fault I will remedy this year if re elected) To Chris Tattersall for his book keeping skills and bubbly enthusiasm. I think that all the Cavaliers deserve special praise for the endeavours and achievements and the way you promote the Cavalier name throughout the year- but I think you will join me in thanking, in particular, our relative “newcomer” –Nick Hallam- who has been put under fair pressure using his publicity/PA/Electrics and bar management skills during the year and who always rises to the occasion (according to Helen), and to Dave Marker too- Our old trooper- who has worked long and hard behind the scenes on the Christmas lights project. Please don’t give up Dave.

In closing I would like to thank you all for supporting- offering advice and keeping me on the straight and narrow during the past year. Once again Dick has a source of strength and has covered some duties that were really my responsibility. Unfortunately other commitments and chores have overtaken me a little in 2007, and is something I have started to address seriously this year.

So, with a new Bonfire to build for 2010 along with all the other duties we perform look forward to this year and sincerely hope that you have enough faith in me to be chair for the next 12 months. I will give you all my 100% effort.

Chris Stacey. Chairman