Well, we won the skittles match against Wilts and Berks, who
organised a very enjoyable evening for the competition. It will be our responsibility to arrange next
year’s match. We’ve now also been reminded
that there is another match due – Bradford on Avon beat us a couple of years
ago, so will be arranging a date to defend their title – more details to come.
The Annual General
Meeting will be held at 6.30 on Saturday 4th May in the Canal Trust
Café on Devizes Wharf. Please come
if you can. It will be an opportunity to
share what has been going on, and to hear the ideas of members. We will be looking for a new Secretary as Val
Noviss had to stand down last month.
The Cheese and Wine cruise will now follow the AGM. Details
are in the updated Events Diary, available here.
Look out for our Grand Raffle. 1st prize is a week in a
canal-side holiday cottage, and among others there are also a discounted canal
boat holiday, meals in the Trust’s cafes, and the personal charter of Kenavon Venture for a party or a special
event. Tickets will be available in the
Reception and Information area of the wharf building, or from committee members,
and are a good way of all members contributing to an activity of the Branch.
Please try and buy or sell a few!
Alan and Jean Smith have invited us to a Garden Party at
their home in June, and the draw for the raffle will be held during the
evening.
We have been invited to take part in the celebrations of
Devizes Carnival this year. We will be organising an evening Carnival on the
Canal event on Friday 30th August, with music and other attractions,
with a Turkish BBQ and beer tent. If anyone would like to help with a float for
the Carnival Procession the next day, please let us know.
We are about to start an e-mail newsletter for Devizes
Branch members. If you do not receive
it, it may mean your e-mail address on the Trust database is not up to
date. Please let the office know your
current address.
Finally, please note Bank Holiday Monday May 6th
in your diary. Devizes Branch will have
a stand in the Corn Exchange at the Lions May Fair, with a focus on recruitment
and fund raising. If you have
canal-related books, memorabilia or small objects that could also be used as
prizes, or sold on the stand, these would be very welcome. Raffle tickets will
of course be available. Come and have a
chat and share your enthusiasm for the canal with others.
Paul Jakeman
Chairman, Devizes Branch
