A very Happy New Year to you all from the members of the Golden Cap Centre Committee.

2008 was a good year for the Centre. We had some interesting Illustrated Talks (we are still indebted to Tony Wyatt for the current series 2008/9), a very well supported range of Social Events and a good series of Outings, as well as two Holidays. So we certainly enjoyed ourselves but as a bonus we also made some very useful money for the National Trust which can be spent locally.

I want to single out two of these activities for special mention. First, the Outings, which are organised for us by Chris Walliker (ably assisted by his wife Sue) and by Jackie Wood. Those of us who go along just relax and have a good day out. But to make that possible has required research, meticulous planning, good organisation and then the responsibility for the day in question. They do it willingly and I want to say thank you to them on behalf of us all.

Secondly, holidays, when we last went to print in September one holiday was still to come, so I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Marjory and Ron Lee who organised two Holidays in 2008, and in the previous two years. The Committee know how much these trips have been appreciated by our members. Again as you will all appreciate, the holidays don’t materialise by magic! They are the result of much thought and planning and a great deal of hard work. Our most sincere thanks to Marjory and Ron.

Our AGM is coming up at the end of March. This year we are delighted that Robert Rhodes, Head Warden, will be talking to us (Helen Mann is on a richly deserved three month sabbatical in New Zealand) and Rob will be doing a double act with Richard Watson, recently appointed Regional Community, Learning & Volunteering Manager. So we shall enjoy both a local and a regional perspective. We hope to see you there.

Sir William Proby Bt. (Chairman of NT Trustees) wrote to us on 1st October on behalf of the NT Trustees to thank committees and members for all we have done to support the work in 2008. Collectively we have raised £900,000 for the Trust. He also extended his thanks to all those who contribute through their volunteering efforts.

Two Committee Members are retiring this year, so volunteers are needed for the Committee. Although the members of the Committee work hard we also have a lot of fun together. Please do talk to any one of us if you think you might be interested in offering your services. We would be very pleased to hear from you.

Yvonne Welch