: : February 2008 2008 started well with a New Year’s Day ramble beginning at the car park of the Happy Cheese and finishing at the car park opposite the Beaulieu Road Station. The weather was just right and the fourteen walkers  had no trouble in completing the 3 mile trek in good time. Sausage rolls and mince pies were handed around with hot drinks before the more energetic decided it would be just as nice to walk back to Ashurst. For the rest transport was available back to the cars. Thanks to Belinda, David and Sylvia with Amy who missed the walk but were happy to meet up with the group at Beaulieu Road Station. We could make this a regular annual event! I was also really pleased to see such an excellent turn out for the AGM held at the Empress on Wed Jan 16th. However, before the actual meeting started, it was my pleasure at last to present Malcolm Bailey with the Club Member of the Year 2007 award. It’s nice to know that all Malcolm’s hard work has been recognised and he was delighted to receive the trophy and also a specially engraved clock as a permanent reminder. The meeting proper started with a very respectable 24 members present and apologies from those unable to attend. Linda and I were pleased to be re-elected and happy to continue as Treasurer and Secretary respectively. I am really enjoying my new role within the club and last year's Annual Account Sheet proves what an excellent treasurer we have and how buoyant the club is. The purchases we made last summer means there is just that little bit extra in the kitty this year. Of course the main topic on the agenda was the New Forest Run 2008. It will be the 10th anniversary of the event and all our efforts now will be concentrated on making it one of the best so far. Thankfully the date, together with the start and finish venues, have already been decided and booked ( Start - Copythorne, Finish - Exbury Gardens) The date chosen was Sun June 1st. and although this does clash with one or two other events it is inevitable with so much crammed into such a short period. It was also decided that the two charities to benefit from this year’s run will be HONEYPOT and THE CHILDREN'S FRIENDSHIP LEAGUE. These are very much local charities who will be extremely pleased to receive the extra funding generated by the New Forest Run. A big thank you to all those who volunteered their services. John Anderson is helping Martin with the route, Malcolm Rumsey will liase with our hosts at Exbury Gardens, Malcolm Bailey will handle the entries, Joy and Andy take charge of the raffle while David and Sylvia once again administer the refreshments. We do need to come up with some sponsorship so anyone with suggestions don’t hesitate to let us know. The Scout Hut at Copythorne is also booked for the Saturday night prior to the Run. As it is the 10th anniversary it would be nice to arrange something a little bit special in the way of entertainment with refreshments - open to suggestions! A Barn Dance and American Supper have been mentioned. The AGM concluded with a few suggestions for our mid-monthly meets, starting in February with the Swan at Emery Down on the 20th. Others were The Trusty Servant - Minstead, The Oak - Bank, and Waterloo Arms - Lyndhurst. < Return to previous page