The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on 17 March. David Hedley (Chair) and Vanessa Lawson (Treasurer) gave their reports on the year, and we found it to have been very successful, both in activities and functions that had been held, and financially - although, of course, these do go hand-in- hand.
The Chairman thanked committee members for their hard work and commitment, particular thanks went to Ray Hannan for the Show, and Terry Victor and Caroline Cousins in the area of entertainment!
Sincere thanks were also given to those people that work behind the scenes - Mrs Lawrence, Newsletter Editor; Jackie Williams, Newsletter Co-ordinator and Michelle Williams, Booking Clerk and Hall Cleaner.

The increased profit that we have made this year will be put towards our project for 2003/4, which is disabled access to the hall and all its facilities. We are in the process of studying architect's drawings and will be submitting our request for grant aid within the next few weeks. The project is likely to cost around £20,000, of which we are aiming for the maximum grant aid of £15,000.
As you can see, this is quite a cost for us and we will need continued support from local people at the functions and events we organise in order to raise the money we need.
Other points that were not so positive were the continued complaints we receive - skateboarders still using the roof of the hall - there is now damp occurring in the storeroom ceiling and if this is found to be caused by damage from skateboalding, people will be charged.
Dog mess on the field continues to be an issue that is difficult to resolve and is down to animal-owner control.

Howevel; the problem of the pic-nic tables being constantly pulled into the hall doorway has been resolved as they have now been bolted down on the patio - thanks to Darren Williams.
We strive constantly to get long-running issues resolved and are hoping during the next year to have more success by trying different approaches. As you will see from the list of committee members many of them remain the same, with a couple of new additions. We welcomed Jackie Davies and Liz Dawson, and said goodbye to Ray Hannan (as I've mentioned before), also to Richard Schrader and to myself.

Having been on the committee for 22 years, I am leaving with a heavy heart but feel it is now time for me to move on.
Nicky Jones has taken over as meeting secretary, with Liz Gardiner being responsible for the newsletter, David Hedley for grant aid and David and Des for the Flower & Vegetable Show in August. I'm sorry to go but I know I'm not indispensable and a little change (and new faces) will liven things up for you.

Now, on to other things... if anyone wants to place a Chocahollcs order for Easter, please contact Leslie Evans on 420327 - the chocolate is beautiful, you won't be disappointed, and the Playing Fields gets commission on all orders made.

Don't forget the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 19 April on the playing field. It's just 50p per child to take part and should be lots of fun.

On 10 May from 8:00 pm we will be holding a dance in the hall, with the live band 'Moonlighting'. They played for us last year and the dance was very successful - let's make it more so this year (what have I said about supporting functions?). Tickets are available at just £5.00 each from Jenny Cox on 421641.

The electrical work in the hall has been completed now, with security lighting installed and general maintenance carried out. The two-minute timer switch at the door has been moved inside the door to allow easier access for people leaving the hall at night. Lighting to the car park has also been increased for those dark winter nights.

Please note that payment for annual membership is due in May, reminders will be sent out before the due date but if you wish to make payment beforehand, please send the £12 fee to Bob Brooks, 7 Canon Lane, Caerwent (01291430972).

Please note: Playing Fields Committee meetings are held on the THIRD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH from now on, at 7:30pm in the hall

Yours sincerely,

Hilary Counsell

CPFA Secretary