The Chairman’s Annual Report presented at the 11^th AGM of Mawdesley Millennium Green Trust on 14^th April 2009

Introduction

   I’m pleased to report we’ve had another good year, with several new developments installed on the Green and lots of help from our supporters.

   Grateful thanks must again go to all concerned, including our Trustees, Fundraisers, carers, sponsors and loyal teams of Volunteers. This village can be justly proud of the community spirit that has helped make the Green such a resounding success.

Land Developments

   Although installed almost 2 years ago now, the skate park has remained fairly popular and without causing any serious nuisance to others.
Spring has brought us another good show of daffodils this year, thanks particularly to the efforts of our volunteers last autumn. We are also hoping the windflower meadow will soon recover from some recent excavation work.
We also remain pleased with the work of our contractor, Mr David Jones, in keeping the grass cut and looking tidy. We must also thank the members of our Care Team for all their work under the leadership of Joan Kirkwood.
The two main developments over the past year have been a new nature trail and the reinstatement of our main shelter. Emma Morris and her team have done an excellent job in managing our new trail, including the impressive sign which was inspired by various artworks done by local children. In fact, the trail is being officially opened this Saturday.
Meanwhile, with the help of PC Elphick and his grant of £1000, together with the hard work of Sycamore Landscapes, our main shelter has now been reinstated for the benefit of all our visitors. Lighting will also be added, shortly.
As for ongoing developments, we now have a team of 7 people, ably led by Gill Hughes, who are keen to make a success of our bee-keeping facility, after some disappointing experiences last year. Meanwhile, we still have dreams of having a storage facility and toilets on or near the Green and a bridge across the rear of the Green to join up with Mawdesley’s other public footpaths.

Fundraising

   So where does all the money for these things come from?  As you have seen, we now need almost £6000 to maintain and care for the Green, each year. Our chief sponsor remains our Parish Council, which has been particular loyal and supportive since we established the Green in the year 2000. The remainder comes from our 50 : 50 Club, ably led by Debbie Sloan and the sterling efforts of our events team, Mawdesley 2000. We must again say a very big thank you to all those involved in both areas.  This year Mawdesley 2000 is planning another Open Gardens Day, Music Concert, Fun Day, Quiz Night and Bonfire Night.
  When it comes to new developments, we also need the help of grant providers and this is particularly true for our new nature trail, where over £6000 has been awarded to us and duly spent.

Celebrations next Year

   As many of you will know, next year will be the Green’s 10^th birthday - How the time has flown! It doesn’t seem five minutes since we were told we couldn’t do it, or it wouldn’t last.  To celebrate this event we are planning a Super Family Fun Day on the 6^th June 2010 and a Big Thank you Party to follow on 18^th June.
You are all invited to come along and continue to support this much valued amenity.