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Press Release May 2008 |
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Chairman’s message AGM The 4th AGM of the FHRA was held at the Community Centre on Thursday 27th March. The Chairman announced that the Association had another good year with regard to the events put on in the village, particularly the Christmas event and the Cherry Fayre. Membership was up by 25% on this time last year. The Association lamented that anti social behaviour in the village appears to be getting worse, in line with the nationwide problem. Police and Traffic Group Chair, David Onslow advised that the group is working hard to ensure better coverage of the village by Thames Valley Police. He went on to say it was regrettable that much crime in the village appears to go unreported resulting in the authorities concluding that Flackwell Heath is a low crime area. David urged all residents to report any crime however trivial to the Police on the non emergency number 08458 505505 and to the FHRA on 07871 825201 The Chairman advised that the organisation is looking on the positive side of the youth in the village and is intending to introduce an award for young people that have done something special for the village. Further details will follow in the Autumn. Mike Scullion, Chair of the Events Group, advised that the introduction of a free gate to the Cherry Fayre had been tremendously successful in increasing the popularity of the event. The Christmas event was expanded this year to include a craft fair and parade as well as the traditional singing round the Christmas tree prior to the lighting up ceremony. The Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir evening in January proved popular and helped to raise much needed funds for this year’s Cherry Fayre. Mike advised that the quiz night run jointly between the FHRA and Community Association was once again a sell out and both organisations shared the proceeds. He also advised the introduction of a new event, the race night on November 15th. Mike Scullion was thanked for his tremendous efforts over the last few years as he stands down from chairing the group. Pam Mannering for the youth advised that the skate park had been very popular with the youth despite a few mindless individuals trying to spoil it. Graham Carter for the Planning and environment group reported that the first litter pick had been very successful and a further one was about to take place. WDC Chairman John Savage thanked the committee for their dedication in trying to improve community spirit within the village. Cherry Fayre 2008 The introduction of a free gate for the Cherry Fayre proved very popular in 2007 with everyone except the FHRA Treasurer! The event is budgeted to cost £9,000 this year and to date it has an income of £5,600. The mathematicians amongst you will spot that this leaves a shortfall of £3,400. One criticism levelled at the event last year was that 5 tombolas, numerous food and plant stalls and raffles had not helped any of the organisations running them to make much money. This year village organisations have been challenged to come up with more variety to provide better entertainment as well as reduce competition. Early signs are that this strategy is working but you’ll have to come along on Sunday July 15th to see for yourself! Tombola, raffles, food and plants are always a good money spinners and therefore with the deficit very much in mind the FHRA will be running them to make sure that we can afford to run the Cherry Fayre in future years for the benefit of village organisations and the enjoyment of Flackwell residents and the many visitors we attract.
If anyone has any new item they would like to donate as prizes please phone Grant Foster on 07862 701193 Please telephone Thames Valley Police on 999 for serious crime 0845 8 505 505 for non-serious crime In addition please use our PAT Group Helpline No. 07871 825201 to let us know if you have a problem or with the lack of response. All messages left on our Helpline are discussed with our Area Beat Officer Rob Page Membership Renewals became due on the first of January. If you have not received yours or wish to join the Residents' Association please contact Craig Lewis on 01628 528550. Membership is currently only £5 and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members who've added donations on top. It would greatly assist us if everyone would renew before the end of January. Thank you in anticipation of your continued support!
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