West Hagbourne Village Association

Minutes of meeting held on 7th March 2016.

 

Present: Val Walton (Chair), June Little (Vice chair)

Margaret Leishman (Secretary), Malcolm Brownsword,

Hazel Rack, Robert Griffiths, Ian Leishman, Eva Pinkava,

Betty Kendrick, Pierre Aller.

Also present were members of the West Hagbourne Parish Council: Mike Butler & Valerie Brownsword.

 

Apologies: Keith Walton (Treasurer), Bridget Pickup.

 

Val opened the meeting by welcoming all those present.

The minutes of the previous meeting (AGM 16/11/15) were approved.

 

Matters Arising: Bus Service-the likelihood of the cessation of the rural bus service covering local villages was briefly discussed. Valerie Brownsword explained that an action group formed from representatives of affected villages are at present in negotiations with Thames Travel.

Marquees- are now all stored together with the tables and chairs. Bookings for the hiring out of the equipment have been handed over to Rob. New contact details will appear in the next village newsletter.

Accounts audit-Ian Thompson has audited the Association’s accounts on 23/11/15. A small gift of thanks will be organised by Val Walton.

 

Treasurer’s report: A statement of account was presented to the committee showing a balance of £1289-30 as at 30/11/15. The balance to date remains unchanged. Val reported that Keith is happy to continue with his position as treasurer at present.

 

Future events: Dragon Weeks 9th - 23rd April 2016. This year it was decided that the displayed dragons should have a birthday theme in recognition of the Queen’s 90th birthday. June will compile flyers to be distributed by hand at Easter time. On Saturday 23rd April, we will again hold an afternoon teas event at Chapel Hayes, 2.30-4.30pm; during which time the prizes for the winning dragons will be presented.

 

1st prize - £30, 2nd prize - £20, Children’s prize - £10.

 

The dragons will be judged on Thursday 21st April. June suggested she could ask her friend, Sharron Jenkins if she would judge the dragons for us (confirmed). Ian will contact the Didcot Herald for local publicity and also, following a discussion with Mike Parker, will speak to Chris Lay about the possibility of situating the dragon on the far bank of the pond, as the depth of the water now prevents it from sitting in the middle. Malcolm has agreed to take photos of all the dragons around the village.

Margaret will contact Sue Totterdell with details to be inserted into the April issue of the village newsletter and also send an advert to be included in the April issue of the St. Andrew’s parish magazine.

 

Arrangements for the afternoon teas are as follows:

The large marquee will be erected on Friday afternoon - meet at York Farm at 5pm-Val, Malcolm and Ian will ask other villagers if they can help.

Tables and chairs can either be transported on the Friday evening or Saturday morning. Tablecloths will be needed.

Tea/coffee and squash will be served along with homemade cakes.

Val will organise the prizes and purchase the necessary provisions for the drinks, which will be served in china mugs (please bring along). Margaret will borrow urns and large teapots from school, and check supplies of paper plates and serviettes. A float will be needed for the stall.

Margaret will make some posters to go up on the noticeboards and at the Horse & Harrow.

 

Queen’s 90th birthday village celebration - Sunday 12th June 2016.

Mike Butler reported that the Parish Council is able to apply for a small grant, which can be used to help finance a village event. It was agreed that the facilities that the Horse & Harrow pub can provide would be the best way forward to accommodate an event of this size. Helen, the landlady has already been approached and seems very keen to be involved. Mike will arrange a meeting with Helen so that he, Valerie Brownsword, June and Margaret can discuss the matter in more detail. Margaret will inform all committee members of the outcome of the meeting in due course. A contribution of funds from the Association and the Parish Council would be necessary to fund the event. Exact figures are not yet known. Val Walton thanked the Parish Council members for attending the meeting and for their offer of help.

 

Madge Trophy. It was decided that judging should take place in August this year. Details will be discussed at the next meeting. The trophy is at present held by Paul Ryman.

 

AOB: Val thanked Margaret for organising the committee social evening at the Horse & Harrow, which took place on 8th February.

 

Date of next meeting: Monday 9th May 2016, courtesy of June at Lenton, York Road. 7:30pm.