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The trouble with having a quiet time through the winter is that it's not easy to get going again. One of the reasons we stopped having dances and social events was that we had difficulty in getting people to attend. We might have around 40 people book to go, but that isn't enough. To get a good night in the hall we need to have 80 to 100 people. Then, whatever the event, it goes with a swing. Part of the problem is that most of the committee members have been there a long time, holding the same type of events and people have got bored with them. Secondly, I think people have come to take Playing Fields events for granted, and have forgotten that the reason for us holding them is to raise money for the upkeep of the hall and the equipment on the playing field. Thirdly, nowadays people have money in their pockets, TV entertainment at home every night and transport to get away for their nights out. Generally, they don't seem to want nights out at the village hall. BUT - we have to keep trying, just to keep the hall and equipment in good repair. It is still the BEST hall in the area, and we should try to keep it that way. We do try, as a committee, to put on events that people enjoy and are interested in - so please, do try to come along to the functions this year - I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised and have a really good time. Anyway - enough of the lecture - I'll tell you what all these events are: Firstly the car boot sales - there's a whole range of people living in the community that love them!:We have booked a Race Meeting on Friday 19 April, under starters orders at 7.30pm in the hall. This is always a good night - you can have a flutter and cheer your horse home. You can also be the proud owner of a racehorse and name him yourself (of course you'll have to buy him, but they come very cheap at £5 each!). Where else could you buy a race horse for that sort of money? If you would like to come along, let me know - you can arrive on your own, in pairs or ten at a time! If you can arrange a table of friends (8 or more) it's really good fun - see you there! We are also looking at the arrangements for the Golden Jubilee Weekend. We haven't finalised our day yet, but will be doing our celebrations on Monday 3 June. It's a Bank Holiday, so no excuses! Some of you may remember the VE Day celebrations we had, it was one of the best days I can remember, we thought we may hold something similar in June - a children's tea party on the field (with everyone bringing a plate of cakes, sandwiches, sausage rolls, jellies, etc.). races and sports for the youngsters in the afternoon, followed by a tea dance for the older folk in the hall, and then a dance later (maybe a 1950's theme?). As I said, it's not finalised yet, but keep that day free - I'll keep you posted on the plan of the day. I don't know whether other organisations in the village are planning tocelebrate the weekend, but it would be nice to see co-ordinated events throughout the weekend if they are. The Playing Fields Annual General Meeting will be on Monday 4 March at 7.30pm in the hall. Ian Venables, our Treasurer, had informed us that he will not be continuing after the AGM - so we will be on the lockout for a new Treasurer. Grateful thanks go to Ian - he has been on the Committee for several years, and has very ably undertaken the Treasurer's post. He will be missed by committee members. As I mentioned earlier, we need new people on the committee, to bring new life to it, and help with new ideas. If you are interested, please either let me know, or come along to the AGM to express an interest. One thing that I have forgotten to mention, and should have done so earlier, is the committee's position with the booking of 18th birthday parties. This has arisen as an issue lately, and I need to make it clear that we do not book 18th Birthday Parties in the hall. We have not done so for some years now and this rule still stands. The reasons are:
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