Hankelow Amenities Group - Annual Report - June 2012 to May 2013

Annual report from Val Morrey - Chair of the Group

13th May 2013

This time last year we were well under way with arrangements for the Diamond Jubilee Fete on June 24th. The event was a great success and £1000 was donated to the NSPCC.

After paying £150 to the Audley Brass Band we were also able to pay donations of £80 to Dig it Dogs, £30 to Musicland, £50 to Wybunbury School and £100 to Hankelow Methodist Church. We also gave £30 to the residents of Greenbank for the use of electricity.

We helped to fund the fete by having a cake stall and football game at Audlem Carnival and we boosted our funds by providing refreshments at the Festival of Transport on the village green on July 29th.

We were able to fund a visit to Arley Hall Gardens on September 23rd. A coach full of villagers enjoyed a lovely afternoon.

We held a Hot Pot Supper on October 17th at Brookfield Golf Club. The evening which incuded a quiz was a great success. During the evening we also announced the winners of our photograph competition.

About 50 people attended our Carol singing on the village green. Saxophonie provided the music and a collection of £105 was made for the Crewe Women's Aid.

After the long winter, and now that the White Lion is open for business, we thought it would be a good idea to have a social event. Ian Jones kindly agreed to give a talk and slides called "Boyhood Memories" on April 1st, this year. We held a raffle which helped towards the cost of refreshments, and over 60 people enjoyed the evening.

We are having a stall and taking the football game to the Audlem Carnival and we shall also be having a refreshment stall at the Transport of Festival on July 28th

Our Summer Fete arrangements are going well. The date is Sunday June 23rd and the afternoon's programme will include The Audley Brass Band, The Cheshire Academy Gymnasts, Musicland and Forlorn Hope, Scottish Dancing, Audlem School Dancers and Sports for all ages.

This year we are supporting the NSPCC and the LATH group who are a local group looking after the homeless and the needy. We pay a fee for the band, and hope to give good donations to the other performers. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the NSPCC.

We are also having a photograph competition again this year and are hoping to produce a Hankelow Calendar for 2014.

The Amenities Group were thrilled that the village won the Community Spirit Award last year, and I felt honoured to accept the award on behalf of the village at Middlewich Civic Hall on October 4th. Bringing people of all ages together with the feeling of community spirit has always been our aim since the Amenities Group was first formed 18 years ago.

We go forward with the same aims and ask for your continued support.