Hi everyone - Cara and I have now ‘officially’ taken over from Helen and Julia as of the beginning of 2009. Firstly, Cara and I would like to thank all of those who have sent back our questionnaire – we appreciate that the timing of it - coinciding with Christmas - was not the best, but we have had a fantastic response.
We have recently sent out the Branch news to all Wessex members and would like to give a gentle reminder to those who haven’t yet sent back their attendance forms to do so as we want to make sure that we can cater for everyone on the event days.
Christmas Party 2008 – it seems ages ago now but we were both able to attend the Branch Party at Hedge End with our families and it was a great opportunity to meet more branch members in person. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and are in the process of organising and finalising plans for this year’s Christmas Party.
The Christmas Party was also the last official event for everyone organised by Helen, but whilst Helen has now stepped down as Branch Co-ordinator, she is still very much a part of the Branch and I am sure we will all see her at future events, especially now that she will be able to sit back and relax and enjoy being a part of them without all the organising!
The weekend after the Christmas Party, Helen organised Calshot for the children over 10 years. Feedback from the event from Helen has been very positive - overall it was a very successful day and one which we intend to hold again at the end of the year (probably November). Helen has kindly said that she will organise and run this event again this year (as our children are too young to attend, this is a great help to Cara and me). We will be in touch in due course with further details.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Helen again for all of her hard work and dedication to the Wessex Branch over the past 7 years.
Dates for your Diaries for 2009
Spring Walk and Picnic, Alice Holt, Sunday 19th April 1-5pm
This is an event for all age groups and we thought that it would be an ideal opportunity to meet more of you and also for more of you to meet one another whilst at the same time enjoy a short/long walk along one of the numerous Forest trails where the children can play on one of the many playgrounds.
In order to cater for all weather, we have hired a room (Forest Room) in which we can shelter (should we need to) that has toilet facilities and can be used as a base. We will be at the base at 1pm.
As this is our first event, we thought that it would be easier if everyone catered for themselves so please bring along your own picnic and drinks - you have the option of eating in the Forest Classroom, outside or at a suitable place within the Forest. Both Cara and I will be eating in the Forest Classroom at 1.30pm with our families and, if you would like to join us and have a chat, that would be lovely.
There is no cost to attend this event but please advise us if you will be attending so that we can get an idea of numbers to expect on the day. If there are any other branch members (outside of Wessex) that would like to join us we would be delighted to welcome you and we would request though that you let us know as soon as possible so we have an idea of numbers on the day.
Swimming, Energique, Alton, 27th June, 2-4pm
We have hired sole use of the pool at the Energique Gym in Alton from 2pm to 4pm. The pool is 10 metres in length and the shallow end is 1 metre deep and the deep end 1.5 metres deep. There will not be a life guard on duty beside the pool and parents are advised that they have sole responsibility for their children. Refreshments such as coffee, tea and some soft drinks can be purchased at reception but can only be consumed in the reception area (where there is seating). We will also have use of the grassed area immediately outside the pool but this of course is weather permitting! We can use this area for our own picnics and refreshments. There are both male and female changing facilities, lockers (they require a refundable £1 to use) and showers on site but please be advised that these are shared with the other users of the gym.
There is no cost to attend this event but request please that you advise us of your intention to attend so that we can get an idea of numbers to expect on the day. If there are any other branch members (outside of Wessex) that would like to join us we would be delighted to welcome you and your families along too, we would request though that you let us know as soon as possible so we have an idea of numbers on the day.
Sports Day & BBQ, Wherwell Cricket Ground, Saturday 5th September, 12 – 5pm
This is going to be a great day of fun for all the family so please dress in comfortable clothes and shoes ready to take part in the events!
Events will include: egg and spoon race, three legged race, skittles, pin the tail on the donkey and many more - and there will be prizes for each event.
In order to make it a full family day of fun, we thought that it would be nice to have a BBQ to start the day off. Sausages, burgers and rolls will all be provided along with tomato and brown sauces and mustard. There will also be coca cola, water and orange squash available. Please will you bring for your family any salads or other accompaniments in addition to those mentioned above.
There is a charge of £2 per person for the event payable in advance to Reach. If there are any other branch members (outside of Wessex) that would like to join us, please contact us at wessexreach@live.com.
NB: Please advise us of any special dietary requirements i.e. vegetarian
Calshot – Over 10’s Activity Centre, TBC, November
November – date and full details to be confirmed.
Christmas Party, TBC, December
We are in the process of finalising the details for the party which we are looking to hold on December 5th. Further details will be provided as soon as they are finalised.
In the meantime, we can advise you that we will be holding a raffle at the event and, if you are able to donate any prize, please let us know at any time as we are collecting them from now on!
If anyone has any thoughts, comments and suggestions at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us by email to:
wessexreach@live.com