Here is the Chairmans report from our AGM February 2011:

Chairman’s Report February 2011

Much of 2010 was taken up with our castle Bonfire, and as much has been written and said about this event I shan’t dwell too long on this subject. I must comment though on the extraordinary commitment shown by the builders and the invisible, behind the scene workers. We, The Cavaliers, don’t really have to sell ourselves and “large it up” so to speak as I’ve found that others do that for us. I recall the Langtree Re-Unites write up in The Crier for example and the coverage we get from others who sing our praises and Torrington is still the envy of many local towns because of what we achieve.

Our book, ‘Built to Burn’ was launched in April and I applaud Bob Brewer’s magnificent achievement and Steve Blake’s efforts in funding this excellent publication.

I would like to thank Dave Kelly for his support this year too- and some help and suggestions he’s given me when I’ve been stuck. He probably can’t remember them as they’ve been mainly in the pub but it has been useful. My other mentor, Dick, has not been himself this past year but we all hope that he is back on track shortly, the battle won!

The fun-day was a great success – washed out, but smashing fun. I recall Brian Smith commenting that Torrington people just come out for our events and sod the weather! The Banquet, Captain’s Dinner, Jolly Boy’s Outing and the memorable Children’s Hospice visits, both home and away, were true bonding events and very well organised indeed.

The usual stuff too was performed with gusto – The Mayfair afternoon disappointed due to the rain, particularly after all the hard work Andy and Coppy etc put into the race organisation, but luckily the entertainers swansong event and in particular the Dancers carried the morning and were awesome. The Medieval Carnival was very well supported.

Please remember though, that not all the jobs we have volunteered to do (which we have all voted on and agreed to do at some stage) are particularly “sexy” and we still need a decent turn out for these lesser jobs. We mustn’t rely on just one or two regulars covering these jobs and please note Steve Young’s comments reference NYE stewarding at our last meeting. There is usually some fun associated with these minor duties too.
Finally, my thanks, not only to the officers – Steve Young, Nick Hallam, Daz Nudds and Chris Tattersall, but to all The Cavaliers who help us to aim in the right and same direction.

I said at the cheque presentations at the school that the Chairman is only as good as his supporting team – and you guys really do make it easy for me. I pay tribute and congratulate you all on another very successful year.

Chris Stacey. Chairman Great Torrington Cavaliers

2009 has been pretty well dominated by the 40th Anniversary Bonfire and Book and in particular their funding.
We do all the other usual ‘duties’ so I shan’t dwell on these other than to say that they were successful.
The lottery grant was turned down after two attempts. The first was due to them not receiving a copy of our constitution and because Dr Cramp as seconder was deemed unsuitable, and the latest attempt because “it didn’t reach the awards criteria”. I was extremely disappointed considering the amount of time and effort that went into these applications and the very good case we made for receiving lottery funding. We were fortunate that the Great Torrington Almshouse, Town Lands and Poors Charities Trustees offer was on the table, and the first instalment has been drawn down. I am sure that the book will be a success and that The Cavaliers, young and old, enjoyed reminiscing with Bob Brewer.
The Bonfire is progressing very well and the established builders of old, I know, are very impressed with the enthusiasm, attitude and commitment of our new recruits from last year. They have been an exceptional addition to our ranks.
I have been slightly saddened that some of our established colleagues haven’t been available to help and join in. I don’t necessarily mean the Bonfire as reasons were given and understood – but on the other duties and work parties that we all democratically voted on and accepted to do. There are still marquees to go up, Mayfair bunting, lights and other stuff that we have traditionally looked after. I do sincerely hope that we can all get back together again throughout this new year and all help each other for the common cause.
On the Bonfire front I would like to thank in particular the brains behind the build – Daz, Andy, Paul Copp, Paul Tilbury and Damien, as well as all the painters and decorators, labourers and bangers and hammerers. Their contributions have been extraordinary.
My thanks also to everyone involved in another exceptional Mayfair programme, which was enjoyed by all – Cavaliers, visitors and townsfolk alike.
I would also like to thank our officers for the way that they have performed their duties and the professional and cheerful manner they have discharged their duties. Their contributions help so much in the smooth running of The Cavaliers.
Finally I welcome our two new recruits, Neil Batty and Colin Bettis, to the Cavalier ranks. I am sure that they are honoured to accept their full membership to The Cavaliers and the respect that comes with it. I know that, like us, they will be proud to say…
“I am a Torrington Cavalier”

Chris Stacey
25.02.10

… and so, on Saturday 21st June, in a scene reminiscent to the Spartans in the film 300, The Torrington Cavaliers arrived at fortress Weare Gifford to do battle in the annual one day, limited over, 25/25, cricket international test match.

Anxious to avenge the defeats of the last two years and with steely-eyed, firm jawed determination, the Cavalier Spartans strode with purpose through the early afternoon mizzle to the beer tent. Armed only with their pride in being a Cavalier, their grit, courage, beer tokens and a plateful of food for the tea interval, they gathered to view the opposition already out practicing catchy - catch.

The Weare Gifford team of celebrity look alikes – including Victor Meldrew, Shane Warne and Catweazel were an awesome site, but they didn’t instill fear in the Cavaliers, where Father Ted, Joaquin Phoenix ( the baddie out of Gladiator ), High Viz Bananaman, Peter Andre, Deputy Dawg and Mel Gibson prepared to lock horns with the enemy.

The Cavaliers won the toss and chose to bat and after some fine strokes and between the wicket drinking, clocked an admirable 127 in their 25 over allocation. Definitely a target to bowl at. The afternoon tea interval came with the realisation that with some tight fielding, a bit of accuracy when bowling and a firm belief in the leadership of team captain Bernie Wittram – we could actually pull this off!

The Weare Gifford opening batsmen took to the field and then very shortly after found themselves back in the pavilion finishing off the sausage rolls. There were a couple of spirited flourishes, but the Cavaliers were not to be out done, and with committed fielding, a ball that bounced off Ironman Dazza’s chest and a terrific all round performance – we beat all the odds and returned victorious….” Hail the Conquering Heroes”

It was a smashing day and the game was played in a light hearted, good spirited nature with plenty to amuse. Laughter rang out throughout the day.

The evening’s entertainment with Rock and Roll stars “the Atlantics” completed a superb day of song and dance and socialising in the excellent company of the Weare Gifford villagers. They really know how to make you feel welcome.

The battle weary Cavalier Spartans will rest this week – unlike the engraver who will be busy with …..

“ 2008 CRICKET TROPHY WINNERS – THE GT TORRINGTON CAVALIERS”

Hooray!

Chris Stacey – Chairman, Gt. Torrington Cavaliers.

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