introduction

Here we are again, now on our 8th festival and the big problem that faces everyone on the committee is’ How do we better the last one? What can we do that’s different? And how can we cater for everyone’s taste’?

Last years festival resulted in a few new committee members, Geoff and Mandy Seaforth, Alex and Jackie Masters, and more recently Adrian Gasser, we also introduced a Junior committee consisting of Annabelle, Megan, Aaron Demi and Libby, we value all of their input enormously.

But, we are always on the lookout for new members to take this most successful event forward. Many want to step down after this festival, including myself as chairman.

So unless you, the wonderful people of this great village, want to see an end to this bi-annual event, please give up a little of your time and come and join a group of rather accommodating folk. It may seem a daunting task, but it’s amazing how things begin to fall into place, there’s always help and advice along the way.

In saying that, I would very much like to thank Mrs Pat Taylor for her help, advice and diplomacy during the run up to the last festival.

This year’s beneficiaries are ‘The British Heart Foundation’ nominated by Jill Lungley in memory of Dennis, her husband, who was always on hand to offer help. Dennis actually drew up the plans for the marquee to submit to BDC planning department the first festival we held. We continue to use them.

Also on our list is ‘Help for Heroes’ a charity we supported back in January with a Casino night and Auction at the ‘Five Bells’ where over £7000 was raised. You can find out more about this charity on their web site. http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Not forgetting St Helena Hospice, Colchester. Even more poignant with the passing away recently of Christopher Holmes, taken from our community far too soon.

It just remains for me to thank once again the committee for all their hard work, commitment, laughter, joy and the demon booze, it’s what brings it all together.

Finally, finally, thank you for supporting this important village event once again.

Graeme Hatton
Chairman