Aldwick Preservation Society

Aldwick Preservation Society
http://www.aldwickpreservation.org

Registered Charity No. 295133

NEWSLETTER NO. 130 FEBRUARY 2013

An eventful year with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. It looks like 2013 will be a quieter year. If you have any suggestions for local trips please let the Committee know.

The Society can only continue if the Committee have an active membership. As I have said before a number of members wish to stand down. So please consider joining the Committee and help to keep Aldwick as you want it.

Rebuilding part of the duck pond is expected to take place over January/February. An overhanging tree has been removed as a prelude to the work starting. The duck pond is a recreation pond because of the large number of ducks which are fed regularly and the water source is surface water not spring water. This means we cannot be designated a conservation pond and encourage frogs, toads newts, native fish and other aquatic life. However, we believe the work being undertaken
will improve the appearance of the bank. Longer term we are considering improvements to the whole of the far bank, whilst minimising disturbance to the wildlife.

The Committee

Notice of The Annual General Meeting 2013.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT ALDWICK PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
ON TUESDAY 12TH MARCH AT 2.00 P.M.

This is notification that the Honorary Secretary, Mr Barry Baines wishes to step down from the Executive Committee at the AGM. We thank Barry for his time in this role. He has expressed a wish to continue on the Committee in Membership. Mrs Valerie Smith wishes to be considered for Honorary Secretary. If you wish to be nominated for any position please note the following and submit your nomination.

Members are asked to submit details, in writing, on matters that they wish to be included on the AGM Agenda. These must be received by the Honorary Secretary, Mr Barry Baines, 4 Willowhale Avenue, Aldwick, PO21 4AY, by no later than Tuesday 5th March 2013. In accordance with the Society’s Constitution all officers and members of the Executive Committee relinquish their office each year but are eligible for re-election, if they so wish, at the AGM. Nominations for Officers and Members of the Committee must be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary by Monday, 25th February 2013. Such nominations must be proposed and seconded by a member of the Society and must include the written consent of the proposed nominee. Any additional guidance on this procedure can be obtained from the Honorary Secretary. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served before the meeting which will start at 2.30 p.m. Please put this important date in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there. The draft agenda is shown below, subject to change if additional items are submitted in accordance with the Constitution. A final Agenda, together with a copy of the Annual Accounts and the 2012 AGM Minutes will be available at the meeting. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THIS MEETING.

DRAFT AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the previous AGM 6th March 2012 and matters arising.
3. Chairman’s Annual Report.
4. Presentation of the Accounts for 2012.
5. Election of Officers to the Executive Committee.
6. Election of Members to the Executive Committee.
7. Any Other Business – any items submitted in accordance with the Constitution, in writing, by 5th March 2013.
8. Date of next meeting.

Christmas Fayre 2012

The Christmas Fayre proved to be very popular with over 190 people attending. This was challenging to our
Tea Team who managed to keep the kettles boiling- many thanks to the team. It was nice to see Nick Gibb supporting us again. We raised £642 for the Society’s funds. Our thanks to Jenny for organising the event once again.

2013 Programme of Future Events for your diary

Annual General Meeting Tuesday 12th March, 2pm Willowhale Centre

Summer Fayre Saturday 15th June 10am. Willowhale Centre
Full details to follow.

Social Event at the Duckpond Saturday 24th August at 11am
Details to follow and, as always, is subject to the weather.

Autumn Lunch Saturday 19th October 12am Willowhale Centre
Details to follow.

Christmas Fayre Saturday 7th December 10am Willowhale Centre
Details to follow.

Contact the Committee

Chairman: Tony Smith 01243 827163 Vice Chairman: Paul Bignell 07736 130888
Hon. Secretary: Barry Baines 01243 266140 Hon. Treasurer: John Pressdee 01243 826431
Events Organiser: Jenny Timoney 01243 822674 Membership: Valerie Smith 01243 827163

Dates for you to join us at the pond.

Friday 10.30am 14 th December 2012

Saturday 10.30am 19th January 2013

Refreshments provided. See you there.

Tony Smith

Newsletter No 129 November 2012

Planning is progressing albeit slowly on issues to do with Aldwick Pond.

Nick Kremer has offered his services to maintain the pond edges and the shrubbery around the paths. The Society would like thank Nick for this. However, he will need support from you the members to form a working party to give him a hand, we need more than two who have come forward so far.  A notice will be put up on the board at the duck pond giving date and time when we will meet to undertake any necessary work.  Refreshments will be available.

The Committee are unable to organise and run events, attend meetings and support other events and maintain the pond. We need more members to support your Committee. A number of us are looking to step down so the Society needs you now. Please give this serious consideration because with no Committee the Society cannot exist.

The repair of the bank is entering the decision phase and it has been decided to keep a recreation duck pond instead of developing a conservation pond.  This was the decision of the Committee. We now have to decide the most cost effective option to retain a pleasant looking environment within a realistic budget for the Society. We have up to £10,000 available for the work.

Looking ahead, the Society still has to raise funds for continuing bank repairs and maintenance. This will be even more important if West Sussex County Council decide not to pay us a grant towards the upkeep of the surrounding areas to the pond.  We are in consultation with them and will report on the outcome at a later date.

If we do not have working parties and have to pay commercial rates for maintenance we are looking at around £2,500 per annum. The need to raise funds becomes even more imperative. In view of falling support for fund raising events I am sure you can see the concern.

Think about joining the Committee and bring your fresh input and help grow your Society. You can speak to anyone on the Committee and full details of how to be nominated will be given in the Notice for the AGM in the next Newsletter.

The Committee look forward to seeing you at our final fund raiser of the year the, Christmas Fayre, on Saturday 1^st December from 10am at Willowhale Centre.

The Committee

Event Reports

An eventful year with some of our activities being based around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, as reported in earlier Newsletters.

The visit to Rochester in September for a tour of locations, described by Charles Dickens in his writing, was very enjoyable and our guide Sandi Digby, alias Nancy, made it come alive for all of us. It was a pity we did not make a full coach to celebrate the Bi-Centenary of Charles Dickens.  Everyone who joined us said how enjoyable it was.

In October our Autumn Lunch was not as well attended as in previous years, surprising as we held the ticket price to the same as last year and had a speaker, who told us of his experience in visiting the wreck of the Titanic in a miniature submarine. It was very interesting. We raised £102 for our funds half of the amount in 2011.

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 12^th March 2013

2pm Aldwick Parish Council Office

Look out for full details to join the Committee and the Agenda

in the January 2013 Newsletter  No 130

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – SATURDAY 1^st December 2012 

MAJOR FUND RAISING EVENT AND OPPORTUNITY TO PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS

OPENS AT 10:00 am AT THE WILLOWHALE COMMUNITY CENTRE

ADMISSION, including tea/coffee and mince pie (while stocks last) only 50p

MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR DIARY – COME ALONG AND GET IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

A list of the stalls follows, with information on how to donate items to them.  All contributions will be very much appreciated.  Please note that, to be sure of obtaining the maximum benefit to the Society, it may sometimes be necessary for the organiser to decide the most appropriate allocation of contributions to stalls or, very occasionally, to hold items over for a subsequent event.  Contact telephone numbers are given below.

BOOKS   Please donate your unwanted books, provided they are in good condition.  Bring them along on the day and take the opportunity to pick up another “good read”.

CONFECTIONERY  A range of cakes, mince pies, tarts, jams etc will be on sale.  If you wish to contribute, items can be received on the day of the Fayre.  Jenny Timoney would be delighted to hear from anyone willing to “batch-bake” for this stall.  (Costs can be reimbursed.)  Contact Jenny on

01243 822674 to discuss arrangements.

NOVELTIES AND GIFTS  A range of gift items will be on sale.  Donations of suitable new (including home-made) items will be gratefully received by Meriel Waters (01243 266525)

PLANTS AND FRUIT  Seasonal plants and fruit will be on sale at very competitive prices.  Limited space means that it will not be possible to accept contributions to this stall.  This is always a popular stall and stock sells out quickly so come in good time to avoid disappointment.

RAFFLE  The popular grand raffle is bound to be a feast of many excellent prizes, thanks to the generosity of all you kind people who donate them.  Thank you in advance for your support.  The draw will take place between 11:30 and noon  so, if you cannot stay until then, please leave your tickets with a friend rather than at the stall.  Contact for any queries before the day – Jenny (01243 822674)

TOMBOLA  This stall can only run if we receive sufficient contributions of bottles, tins, toiletries, biscuits, sweets, pens, pencils etc. Please check that none are past their sell-by dates.  If you have any contribution that you would like collected please contact Chairman Tony on 01243 827163.  In the event of insufficient contributions those received will be allotted to other stalls.

WINE SPINNER  A one in eight chance to win a bottle of wine, at only £1 a ticket.  Contributions for this stall will be accepted on the day at the stall.  And who knows, depending on the generosity of our contributors, there may be the chance to win a bottle of spirits or fortified wine.

CHARITY STALLS  As usual, we have offered a limited number of charities the opportunity to set up stalls for their own benefit at our event.  On this occasion St Wilfrid’s Hospice and the RNLI will both be represented.

COMMERCIAL STALLS will be Jewellery and The Redshanks for all occasion cards.

EVENT ORGANISER  Jenny Timoney is the organiser for this event.  For any queries not covered in the foregoing paragraphs please contact her on 01243 822674.

CONTACT US

Chairman:   Tony Smith 01243 827163        Vice Chairman: Paul Bignell 07736 130888

Hon. Secretary: Barry Baines 01243 266140        Hon Treasurer:  John Pressdee 01243 826431

Events Organiser: Jenny Timoney 01243 822674         Membership:  Valerie Smith 01243 827163

Newsletter No. 128   September 2012

Since our last Newsletter a lot has happened.  The successful Diamond Jubilee, Andy Murray reached the Wimbledon final, Bradley Wiggins won the Tour de France and Team GB excelled at the 30^th Olympiad in London (and Andy Murray won a Wimbledon final!) what an event.

Less pleasing was the incessant rain and its long-term effect on Aldwick and the surrounding area.  It highlighted the need to ensure our water dispersal infrastructure needs to be up to standard by the responsible organisations  now and in the future.  Future developments in and around Aldwick will need to be monitored to ensure the present character is maintained.

As a resident you can now have your say, through the public consultation on the draft Aldwick Parish Design Statement prepared by Aldwick Parish Council.  This is now available from the Aldwick Parish Council Offices at Willowhale or on-line.  Your comments can be sent to Aldwick Parish Council by the 1^st October 2012 for their consideration.  The approved Design Statement then feeds into Arun District Council and finally to West Sussex County Council.

The Joint Diamond Jubilee Fete in June, with the Aldwick Green Conservation Society, was successful and is reported in detail along with our other Summer Events.

Stan Gillett has given notice to resign as Pond Manager at the end of September, after twelve years in this vital role for the Society.  We owe Stan our gratitude for his work in maintaining the area around the pond and for keeping the ducks fed.  We are fortunate that Mo Slater, who has been feeding the ducks during Stan’s absence, has agreed to take this over full-time.  On behalf of the Society, thank you Mo for taking on this role.

We aim to set up a working party and if you would like to be part of this group we would be pleased to hear from you.  The group will work to their own timetable and a range of tools and implements are available for their use.  To discuss this opportunity further please contact either Tony Smith  01243 827163, Paul Bignell  07736 13088 or Barry Baines 01243 266140

Tony Smith, Chairman

Event Reports

Coffee Morning, Wednesday 23^rd May. The unexpected sunshine should have spurred members but we had a very poor turn out, fewer than last year.  Those who did attend had an enjoyable time, raising £60.00 for the Society funds.  Thank you to everyone who attended and Jenny and her helpers.  Many thanks once again to Jack Nicholls for hosting this event.

Diamond Jubilee Fete, Saturday 9^th June on Aldwick Green with Aldwick Green Conservation Society.  It was with some degree of trepidation that we gathered on the Friday evening before the event to decide go/no go.  We decided to go for it.

Saturday arrived, no rain but a strong wind.  It brightened up as the morning went on and as the stalls went up an increasing level of optimism prevailed.  The Fete was opened by our local MP Nick Gibb, who proved to be a dab hand with a megaphone.  Our thanks to Nick for supporting us during what was a busy time for him whilst supporting flood victims.

The Miller Men jazz band proved to be very popular and were appreciated by those enjoying their refreshments.

All the stalls and charities taking part were pleased with the results and the numbers of people visiting them.  The people who decided to venture out after all the previous rain-filled days ensured we had a successful event.  The raffle was a big hit and many people stayed on for the draw.  Our thanks to Ted Elliot, for so ably announcing the raffle and wine spinner winners, another megaphone star.

Our membership stall, which showed some landmarks and history of Aldwick, attracted a lot of interest and new members.  The tie-in with Dr. Barnardo’s, through Margaret House and its history, with its connection to the duck pond and the Society, generated a lot of interest.

Congratulations to the members of both societies involved in setting up, running and taking down stalls, to everyone who baked cakes, served refreshments, all contributors and everyone who ran stalls, for what was a very successful occasion.  Special thanks to Paul Bignell for his magnificent plant stall which sold out and contributed £100 to the Aldwick Preservation Society.

We also thank Aldwick Parish Council for their financial support which contributed towards the expenses for the event which raised £680 for the Society’s funds.

Summer Fayre, Saturday 14^th July.  Our regular Summer Fayre was popular but attracted less people than previously which was very disappointing.  Thanks again to Nick Gibb for attending and setting the ball rolling for us.  Surprise guest, Dean Nicholas, held us all spellbound once again with his mind reading skills.  Our thanks to Jenny for her organisation and to all her helpers who were once again up to the mark.  Our supporters, with their various stalls, added their usual enthusiasm for this event which raised £410                for our funds.  Thank you to the people who gave generous donations which is included in the above total.

Programme of Events

Tuesday, 11^th September, Bi-centenary of Charles Dickens.  We are planning a day-trip to the historic town of Rochester (approx. journey time

1 hour 30 mins. – with a comfort stop).  Places are still available so please contact the Chairman a.s.a.p. if you wish to join us.  Tickets £24 each.

Autumn Lunch – Saturday 13^th October.  Our fish and chip Autumn Lunch will be held in the Willowhale Community Centre, doors will open at 1200 (no admission to the hall before this time).  Fish and chips will be served at 12.30, followed by fresh fruit, coffee and biscuits.  We will have a raffle and would welcome new items for this. In this Titanic anniversary year we shall have a speaker, who won a competition to go to the sea bed to see the wreck and will talk about his experience.  This promises to be a not to be missed event. Invite your friends and family, tickets will be on a first come first served basis.

Places at the event, which is inclusive of lunch, wine, fruit juice, tea or coffee will cost £7.50, which has been held at the same price as last year.  Please complete the form below as soon as possible to reserve your place and return it to Mrs Jenny Timoney by Friday 5^th October at the latest.  Please note that no tickets will be issued.  Reserve your place a.s.a.p. and your name will be checked off at the door when you arrive.

Christmas Fayre – Saturday, 1^st December at Willowhale Community Centre  This is your opportunity to obtain Christmas purchases whilst also giving your support to the Society.  The usual various stalls, if you think you can contribute items to any of them Jenny Timoney will be pleased to hear from you.  We will also need various items for the home baking stall, if you think you can contribute to this stall please let Jenny know.  Further details will be given in the November 2012 Newsletter.

TUESDAY 12^TH MARCH 2013, ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

2 pm WILLOWHALE CENTRE

Full Agenda and details in January 2013 Newsletter

………………………………………………………………………………………….

APPLICATION FOR PLACES AT THE AUTUMN LUNCH

I wish to reserve ……. places, at £7.50 each, for the APS Autumn Lunch to be held on Saturday 13^th October 2012.  I enclose a cheque/cash for the sum of £………  made payable to “The Aldwick Preservation Society”.

Name: ________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Post Code: _______________     Telephone No. ____________________

Application forms should be sent to:   Mrs Jenny Timoney                        7 Aldwick Place, Aldwick, PO21 4AD by Friday 5^th October at the latest

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Contact the Committee

Chairman: Tony Smith 01243 827163   Vice Chairman: Paul Bignell 07736 130888

Hon. Secretary: Barry Baines 01243 266140  Hon. Treasurer: John Pressdee

01243 826431  Events Organiser: Jenny Timoney 01243 822674

Membership: Valerie Smith 01243 827163

ALDWICK PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Registered Charity No. 295133

www.aldwickpreservation.org

DICKENS BI-CENTENARY

TRIP TO ROCHESTER

TUESDAY 11^TH SEPTEMBER 2012

IN THIS DICKENS BI-CENTENARY YEAR WE ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO ROCHESTER.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US PLEASE TELEPHONE CHAIRMAN TONY SMITH ON :

                                01243 827163

THE COST OF THE TRIP WILL BE £24.00 WHICH INCLUDES A DICKENS GUIDED TOUR AROUND ROCHESTER (WHICH WILL TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THE PLACES THAT INSPIRED  DICKENS’ LOCATIONS IN HIS WRITING), AND A TIP FOR THE DRIVER.

THE COACH WILL DEPART FROM AVISFORD PARK, ROSE GREEN, AT 9.00am AND LEAVE ROCHESTER AT 3.30pm.

TONY SMITH, CHAIRMAN

4 ROCHESTER WAY

ALDWICK

WEST SUSSEX

PO21 3RD

Chairman’s AGM Report

It has been a challenging, eventful and enjoyable first year as your Chairman.  First, a “thank you” to Barry, as Honorary Secretary, he has been invaluable in his support of my role.

Our programme began in May with our Coffee Morning event at Jack Nicholls home.  Thanks once again to Jack for his hospitality.  We had a very successful Summer Fair in Mid-June at Willowhale Centre and many of the stalls sold out.  “Thank you” to Paul, our Vice Chairman, for obtaining the products for the very successful fruit and flower stall.

July marked a departure from our usual programme when we supported the ‘Love your Parks’ event in Marine Park Gardens, with a stall presenting our work and to generate membership for the Society.  The heavy spells of rain did not dampen the spirits of those who took part.

The rain seemed to follow us to our social event at the Duck Pond but fortune smiled on us and the sun came out for what was an enjoyable time.  Members enjoyed looking at our history of the society display and a DVD.  This event is important, as we look after this area on behalf of WSCC and it gives our members the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of Stan’s, and his helpers, labours.

Our Autumn lunch in October was a sell out.  Dean Nicholas entertained us and amazed every one with his slight of hand tricks, especially his banknote one.

There was no snow to spoil the Christmas Fayre event, after the disappointment of 2010, and the event was a great success, pineapples proving more popular than Poinsettias!

Fund raising events are the responsibility of Jenny Timoney, our Events Organiser, a big “thank you” to her and to all her team of helpers.  Jenny has been a great help to me in arranging these.

Aldwick Parish Council generously gave us two large bags of daffodils, which we planted in September.  The results of the planting could be seen enhancing the verges and copse around the pond.

The Society received a grant of £250.00 from Aldwick Parish Council, which will be used towards funding the renovation of the bank around the duck pond.  The attractive area of

The Duck Pond is down to Stan Gillett, with occasional help of volunteer members.  Stan is there every day cutting, mowing, sweeping and planting, as well as feeding the ducks. “Thank you” Stan, a pity we just missed out on the ‘Environment Award’.

The Committee have discussed the renovation of the bank around the duck pond and over the past year have sought advice on rebuilding the far bank.  I have visited Selsey and Pagham ponds and spoken to the people who look after them. A number of contractors have visited the pond and given us their advice and costs. The most cost effective option for the Society is to use natural resources to build up the bank around the exposed tree roots.  This is currently being pursued.

The committee now meet in the Aldwick Parish Council Office, rather than our homes. We have remained solvent of the year and our thanks to John Pressdee, our Honorary Treasurer, for his input. The full accounts were presented in his report.

Attracting more members and encouraging them to serve on Committee has been a priority. We need to maintain our numbers and ask all of your to look out for opportunities to invite new members to join The Society. If you contact Membership Secretary, Valerie, she will ensure that any prospective member receives a membership form.

The Society attended a number of events, giving talks about The Society as well as keeping an eye on local issues, through attendance of WSCC, ADC and local groups. This is worthwhile and, if necessary, we can be a voice when developments are planned. Attending local events will continue to enhance the profile of The Society and attract new members and to this end we have purchased a projector and screen.

Our links with other Groups have continued and a joint event is planned with The Aldwick Green Conservation Society for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, on 9^th June, on Aldwick Green.

Communications with members is vital and I thank all of our Distributors, who hand-deliver the Newsletter four times a year. The rising cost of postage makes this an even more vital role for The Society.

The Society’s logo was given a make-over and we now have a new banner, which we hope will serve us well when we are presenting at outside events. The wordpress website has also proved useful and attracts more people, who can receive our Newsletter on-line and learn about our events.  If you have a computer please sign up, by going onto our website to receive the Newsletter by e-mail.

The Jubilee Tea Party, in February, was enjoyed by those who attended. We had a competitive ‘Royal Quiz’ and were once again entertained by Dean Nicholas, with his Harry Houdini rope trick.

I take this opportunity to place on record our thanks to Nick Gibb MP for his support at our events, when time allows in his busy schedule, it is very much appreciated.

It has been a full year for the Society and, at the end of my first year as Chairman, my thanks to everyone who served on the Executive Committee and the members who have supported us at our events.

A. P. Smith MA, Chairman Aldwick Preservation Society

Election of the Executite Committee  The following members were elected to the Executive Committee at the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, 13^th March 2012.

Chairman: Tony Smith MA,   Vice Chairman: Paul Bignell,   Hon. Secretary: Barry Baines,

Hon. Treasurer: John Pressdee FCA,    Events Organiser: Jenny Timoney

Committee members: Valerie Smith (Membership Secretary),   Meriel Waters.

The meeting was attended by 29 people. This was a disappointing turnout from 900+ members, especially as we put up posters and placed an advertisement in The Observer to encourage attendance.  After the Annual General Meeting Matthew Smith gave an interesting presentation on ‘Conservation in Madagascar’.

Message from the Chairman

I ask all of our members to consider joining our Committee and also encourage newcomers to Aldwick to join the Society.  We are fearful that, if the committee does not grow, the future for the Society will be bleak which could mean an end of the duck pond and the many other enjoyable events.

Contact the Committee

Chairman: Tony Smith  01243 827163             Vice Chairman: Paul Bignell  07736 130888

Hon. Secretary: Barry Baines  01243 266140     Hon. Treasurer: John Pressdee  01243 826431

Events Organiser: Jenny Timoney 01243 822674   Membership:Valerie Smith  01243 827163

Aldwick Preservation Society

www.aldwickpreservation.org

Registered Charity No. 295133

NEWSLETTER NO. 126 JANUARY 2012

Chairman’s Message

A busy 2011 ended with members of the Committee attending The Observer Community Awards ceremony at Chichester Festival Theatre on Sunday, 18^th December as the Society had been nominated for the ‘Helping the Environment’ Award. The competition was very strong and we were pipped by Chichester Canal Trust. It was an enjoyable event, enhanced by Fred Dinenage of Meridian Televisionas lead presenter. It was encouraging to hear how many volunteers in our Region give their time to various organisations.

A full programme is planned for 2012 with a number of additional events to previous years. As we go to press a meeting with Aldwick Green Conservation Society is being arranged to plan a joint event for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on The Green in the first week of June 2012. Any ideas and offers to help on the day please contact me on 01243 827163 or Jenny Timoney on 01243 822674.  The Society’s Committee would also like hear your views on how to mark the Diamond Jubilee with a permanent reminder in Aldwick.

Rebuilding the section of the Duck Pond is still an issue in respect of what is the best approach to take.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT WILLOWHALE CENTRE

ON TUESDAY 13^TH MARCH, AT 2.00 P.M.

Thank you to David Hilditch for agreeing to be our Hon. Auditor.  I confirm that Paul Bignell was appointed to the post of Vice Chairman in 2011.

Members are asked to submit details, in writing, on matters that they wish to be included on the AGM Agenda.  These must be received by the Honorary Secretary, Mr Barry Baines, 4 Willowhale Avenue, Aldwick, PO21 4AY, by no later than Tuesday

6^th March 2012.  In accordance with the Society’s Constitution all officers and members of the Executive Committee relinquish their office each year but are eligible for re-election, if they so wish, at the AGM.  Nominations for Officers and Members of the Committee must be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary by Monday, 27^th February 2012.  Such nominations must be proposed and seconded by a member of the Society and must include the written consent of the proposed nominee.  Any additional guidance on this procedure can be obtained from the Honorary Secretary.  Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served before the meeting  which will start at 2.30p.m.  Following the formal meeting we plan to invite a speaker (to be confirmed), Matthew Smith will talk about ‘Conservation in Madagascar’.   A fascinating way to top up your knowledge and enjoyment of the BBC Madagascar series.   The Committee hopes you will put this date in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there.  The draft agenda is shown below, subject to change if additional items are submitted in accordance with the Constitution.  A final Agenda, together with a copy of the Annual Accounts and the 2011 AGM Minutes will be available at the meeting.

DRAFT AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the previous meeting (8^th March 2011) and matters arising.
3. Chairman’s Annual Report.
4. Presentation of the Accounts for 2011.
5. Election of Officers to the Executive Committee.
6. Election of Member to the Executive Committee.
7. Any Other Business – any items submitted in accordance with the Constitution, in writing, by 6^th March 2012.
8. Date of next meeting.

Christmas Fayre 2011

The Christmas Fayre on Saturday, 3^rd December was well attended and we had no weather worries. We were pleased to see Nick Gibb and thank him for supporting us again. The Fayre attracted over 130 people and we raised £574 for the Society’s funds. The raffle, home made cakes and fruit/floral were as popular as ever. Having fresh pineapples in December proved to be very popular and were in keeping with the unseasonably warm spell.  In view of the many Christmas events since the end of November and the economic climate, this was a successful event.  Thank you to everyone involved and to Jenny for organising it.

Programme of Future Events for your diary

Jubilee Tea Party  Saturday  4^th February , 3pm Willowhale Centre

A 1950’s style tea party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with friends and neighbours and get the celebrations going. A prize for the best dressed person of the era will be awarded.  A raffle will be run and we would welcome donations.  A ‘Royal Quiz’ will add to the excitement of the afternoon.  Places at the event will be £4.50.  Please reserve your place as no tickets will be issued. Your name will be checked off a list at the door. Apply using the form below by Saturday 28^th January, at the latest, first come first served, as demand is expected to be high.

Annual General Meeting  Tuesday 13^th March, 2pm Willowhale Centre

The AGM will be followed by speaker.

Coffee Morning Wednesday 23^rd May 10.30am  in the garden of 5, Stanbrook Close

Jack Nicholls has again kindly provided his garden for us to hold this social event. Admission will be 50p. We will run raffle and the wine-spinner . Make a note in your diary now.

Diamond Jubilee Celebration Saturday 9^th June, Aldwick Green

A fun filled day full of events and stalls to celebrate the Jubilee. This will be a joint event with Aldwick Green Conservation Society. Full details later.

Summer Fayre  Saturday 14^th July  10am. Willowhale Centre

Full details to follow.

Social Event at the Duckpond  Saturday 18^th August at  11am

Details to follow and, as always, is subject to the weather.

To mark the bi-centenary of Charles Dickens, we plan to arrange a day-trip (if sufficient interest is shown)  on Tuesday 11th September to the historic town of Rochester (approx. journey time 1 hour 30 minutes).  Please let one of the Committee know by Saturday 16^th May if your are interested in such a trip, so that we can confirm numbers for the coach.

Harvest Lunch Saturday 13^th October 12am Willowhale Centre

Details to follow.

Christmas Fayre  Saturday 1^st December 10am Willowhale Centre

Details to follow.

Contact the Committee

Chairman: Tony Smith  01243 827163             Vice Chairman: Paul Bignell  07736 130888

Hon. Secretary: Barry Baines  01243 266140     Hon. Treasurer: John Pressdee  01243 826431

Events Organiser: Jenny Timoney 01243 822674    Membership: Valerie Smith  01243 827163

APPLICATION FOR PLACES TO THE JUBILEE TEA PARTY 4^TH FEBRUARY 2012

I wish to reserve…….places at £4.50 each for the APS Jubilee Tea Party on Saturday 4^th February 2012. I enclose a cheque/cash for the sum of £…….made payable to the Aldwick Preservation Society.

Name…………………………..     Address…………………………………………………………..

Postcode……………………….     Telephone No.  ………………………………………………….

Send to: Mrs Jenny Timoney, 7 Aldwick Place, Aldwick, PO21 4AD by 28^th January 2012.