The following is my report as presented to Council tonight and will be again to club next week.
President’s Report
14th Jan 09
I am now half way through my year and it is only when I look back at the 42 posts I have put into President’s Jottings on the web that I realise just how busy we have all been. I recommend that all members have a look at the blog occasionally as it helps put things into perspective as it records the ups and the downs plus there are a few pictures as well!
It is good to report that pre- Christmas we had a flurry of excellent fund raising projects which has given our Trust fund a much needed boost. Clare and Maria’s social evening raised over £1k albeit that club support was very minimal. However, I am grateful to those who attended and also those who supported the event financially. The Xmas collection total was up on last year and thanks once again to Chas for arranging it and to those who took part. The Wishing Well and weekly collecting pot continue to bring in regular amounts which help to push the funds up. I am especially grateful to Nic for operating and promoting the online Xmas cards again this year. It raised £240 and was supported by over a half of the club. Perhaps next year we can get a full house.
The Carol Service was another success, thanks to Colin for arranging it this year. We were able to donate £400 to Maidstone Christian Care for the homeless. Our Xmas meal at Sissinghurst was generally well received and I am grateful to Peter for organising the event.
Santa and his elf (alias Terry and Carolyn) kindly did their Christmas bit for Bell Wood School again this year bringing some cheer to the youngsters.
It was good to be able to share a project with the other Maidstone clubs to provide an electric mobility scooter for a local disabled man. Our club donated £150 and we got some local TV coverage from it as well.
Whilst we have made some other small donations and there are some other promises to allow for, it is hoped that we can now give the Kenya project some serious consideration for early payment.
I applied for a District Simplified Grant (DSG) last year to assist in financing a trip to an Ice Show for the Friday Club, a disabled group from Parkwood. I am pleased to say that we were successful in being awarded £500. There were many applications and ours was chosen amongst the few selected as being one of the most worthy.
I am grateful to Keith for organising some excellent speakers this year and the recent presentation from Dave Hatcher on the Life Straw Project has got me thinking about the possibility of taking it on in the Maidstone area. A need for discussion on this one.
Also looking ahead we have a Quiz night and a trip to Parliament planned in March and in May we go to Dordrecht, which includes Martin and myself riding there by tandem. Also that month Malcolm R has organised a sponsored walk in Bedgebury so a lot fitness and fun on the agenda. In June we are sharing the background work with the other Maidstone clubs to support the Maidstone Music Festival performance of Stabat Mater at the Leisure Centre. We will need to sell tickets and help with publicity. All proceeds will go to Heart of Kent Hospice. My year will be rounded off by President’s night at the Grangemoor Hotel. There will be a musical performance by Ross (Clare’s husband) and our very own Maria who will play and sing for us. Please support the event and come along, it will be fun, local and reasonably priced. Lloyd will be organising tickets etc very soon.
I do keep an eye on the Club Plan which I announced at the beginning of the year and of course any plan has to be modified to meet changing circumstances, but it is pleasing to note that by and large the proposals I put forward are coming to fruition so thank you to everyone for their support this year so far.
Clive Bradburn