Newsletter - December 2006
Dear Members
Here we are already sending out our third newsletter of the year. Quite a number of items to report on again. This is encouraging, as it is a sign of an active and resurgent association.
This was clearly underlined by the record attendance at the recent AGM. 35 members enjoyed a glass of wine and an olive tasting session, before the business proceedings of the evening. A number of members even celebrated the event with a nightcap at the Bell!! I have to confess to being one of them!
I hope you enjoy the news below as well as a good end of year holiday.
See you all in the New Year and hope you can make it to the Presidents evening.
Annual General Meeting
Following a very successful AGM held in November, the Alresford Twinning Association will be holding a Presidents Evening on Saturday 13th January 2007 to kick off the New Year.
The AGM was attended by over 35 members, who enjoyed a few glasses of wine and tasted a selection of olives supplied by Jan de Filippo.
Jan answered several questions about the olive and how it has been used over the centuries, as well as explaining the variety of recipes he had bought with him. Jan can be seen every Thursday on his stall in Broad street.
Following this the President, Terry Foreman commented on 2006 as a very successful year for the Association. There were many highlights but in particular he referred to the trip to Bricquebec in June and the visit of the Bricquebec Badminton Club to Alresford in October.
2007 is seen as another year for expanding the Association’s activities. The Town will be receiving a visit from friends in Bricquebec in the late spring. It is hoped that this will include a number of tennis players, to kick off relationships between the two towns’ clubs.
The ATA has also been asked to help host a visit of 40 young junior school children from Bricquebec. So it could be a busy year.
ATA Committee
At the AGM Terry confirmed the resignations from the committee of Janet Goodman, Cathy Swann and John Rabjohns. Their support during their time on the committee has been very much appreciated. In particular John has to be thanked for several years spent as treasurer. He will be handing over to Dave Adam, who has agreed to take on these responsibilities. In recognition of John’s help he was presented with a small appreciation of his work at his final committee meeting in December. Also joining the committee are Eileen Cuthbert, Pauline Ward and Claudia Richardson.
AUTUMN WALK
On Sunday the 1st of October, a group of 16 Twinning Association members and friends celebrated the start of autumn with a guided walk, led by local nature conservation expert Charles Cuthbert.
Starting from Arlebury Park (noticing a fairy ring fungus within the first few yards), the route followed the river to the Fulling Mill, striking out past Manor Farm and towards the Abbotstone Road before crossing the hill to look over Arlebury Park and dropping back down into the Drove. Plants, insects and birds that would otherwise have gone unnoticed were pointed out, including some unusual butterflies, skylarks, kestrels, chiff chaffs and a peregrine falcon.
Afterwards, a smaller group enjoyed a Sunday lunch at the Swan Hotel. Despite some inclement weather throughout the morning, this proved to be a most enjoyable event and one that many people hoped could be repeated. (More pictures)
ANNUAL DINNER
The Dinner proved a popular and entertaining event. 32 members and friends attended the dinner at the Alresford Golf Club, where we enjoyed a three course Menu Normande.
Rob, the Chef at the Golf Club is to be congratulated on the quality of the food and the excellent service.
Most people sampled as well a Trou Normande, before the main course…… a little shot of Calvados to sharpen the appetite!
An evening to remember and certainly be repeated in 2007. (More pictures)
The French Badminton Team visit Alresford
The entente cordiale between Alresford and its French twin was strengthened when Bricquebec’s badminton club made a welcome visit. Eleven players from the Normandy town sparred with Alresford’s badminton enthusiasts in Perins Sports Hall and players were mixed together in friendly matches for a competitive and fun afternoon (despite the language barrier). Daniel, the founder of Bricquebec’s club and on his first visit to England, said, “I am very happy with how the weekend went, both from the sporting side and the excellent hospitality of the hosts. We very much look forward to welcoming Alresford’s badminton team back to Bricquebec next year and making this an annual event.” - more pictures
Visits to Winchester and local attractions were organised and new friendships were forged over a meal at the Swan Hotel, followed by a competitive and extremely amusing game of skittles.
Before leaving the French group experienced a breath of fresh air as they were shown around Alresford before leaving for Portsmouth to catch the ferry to Cherbourg.
Members' News
Congratulations to Mark and Claudia who recently visited Las Vegas and came back with the same surname!!Message from Brian Ranger:
Brian says, “I will be staying in Alresford between December 17th and 30th at 2a The Dean, Alresford, Tel: 01962 733940.
Please remind ATA members that they would be VERY welcome to contact me if they find themselves in my neck of the French woods at any time! I live in Mougins, which is 10 minutes drive inland from Cannes (half way between Cannes and Grasse) and my telephone number is 0033.492.92.87.39 from the UK or 0492.92.87.39 from within France.
Life continues happily for me in Mougin,
Seasonal greetings — Brian
DON'T FORGET
President’s Soirée
The President, Terry Foreman and Committee of the Alresford Twinning Association look forward to seeing you at the President’s Soirée.
7.30pm on Saturday, 13th January 2007 at Fiddlers Green, Bishops Sutton
Entry free with a light finger buffet, wine, soft drinks and raffle
More information on forthcoming events.