Hankelow Amenities Group - Annual Report - June 2011 to May 2012

Annual report from Val Morrey - Chair of the Group

14th May 2012

It has been another busy year for the Amenities Group, and the weather has not always been on our side.

At our Summer Fete on June 12th the wind and the rain played havoc with the gazebos and marquees. It was just too bad for some stalls to go ahead, but we agreed to continue and not let the weather dampen our spirits. The Audley Brass Band played beautifully for us for most of the afternoon and it was wonderful to see how many people supported us. Luckily there was plenty of room in the refreshment marquee where people could gather for a welcome cup of tea and homemade cakes.

Despite the weather we were still able to give a donation of £250 to Christies Hospital and £250 to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre.

We had a cake stall at the Audlem Carnival and provided refreshments at the Festival of Transport on the village green to help with the expenses for the fete. We were also able to purchase a new marquee.

We arranged a visit to Cholmondley Gardens on Sunday September 18th. 46 people attended and everyone enjoyed the afternoon.

As the weather prevented the sports from going ahead at the Summer Fete we decided to have a Sports and Barbecue on Sunday September 25th. 50 people attended and had great fun joining in the variety of games and races.

The Hot Pot Supper on October 18th was held at Brookfield Golf Club. 57 people enjoyed a traditional hot pot and apple pie dessert. During the evening we auctioned a painting and a display of flowers and were able to send a further £135 to Christies Hospital.

We arranged a concert in Hankelow Methodist Church on November 19th and over 70 people enjoyed a lovely musical evening given by the Audlem Voices. After this event we were able to give a £200 donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The weather was very stormy for our Carols on the Green on December 12th but thanks to local support we were able to go ahead with the help of Saxophonie. A collection of £90 was sent to Leighton Hospital for the One in Eleven Appeal raising money for a new neonatal unit.

As soon as we entered the new year we began to plan our events for 2012. On March 24th we held a History of Hankelow evening, which consisted of a display of photographs and a slide and film show with local interest. At the event we also launched a photograph competition. There will be three categories, local scenary, people and wildlife. Judging will take place in September with cash prizes for the winners.

Final plans are now being made for the Hankelow Diamond Jubilee Fete on Sunday June 24th. This year we are supportng the NSPCC. Audley Brass Band will be playing for us again as will the Musicland musicians from Market Drayton. We have also booked the Dig it Dog Display Team and a group of Scottish Dancers. There will be the usual stalls and sports and games for all ages. We will be raising funds for the fete with our cake stall and football game at Audlem Carnival on June 4th.

The fete always has a lovely atmosphere with lots of community spirit and we look forward to seeing you all there.

We will also be providing refreshments at the Festival of Transport on July 29th on the village green.

On June 5th, a holiday to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, weather permitting, we are asking the village to join for a picnic and barbeque on the village green, from 3 p.m onwards. We hope that the villagers will support and come together to enjoy this special day.

With more events to be arranged for the rest of the year we hope for your continued support.