News .. January 2011
Our Christmas celebrations followed the pattern of previous years and despite the wintry weather were again very well attended, thus giving an indication of continued success and need for an active residents association.
The first event was our AGM and Christmas Buffet. This started with a power-point show, ‘A Year in the Life of Clough Hall School', illustrating the various events the school had been involved with during the last twelve months. The presentation, of a very high standard, was given by Scott Lawton and Ella Mason, pupils of the school. Marilyn Cannings, Assistant Head Teacher explained that Clough Hall is a community school which aims to promote community cohesion. The Chairman thanked Mrs Cannings and the students, stating that the Residents' Association was only too pleased to be involved with and to support the school.
Scott Lawton and Ella Mason, Clough Hall School
Our chairman, Graham, then introduced the AGM process stating that an Annual Chairman's Report had been completed as required, and announced that he is to stand down as chairman. Having held office for five and a half years he felt that it was time for a new face and a new approach, to ensure the continued success of the association ... in his newly elected position as vice chairman his expertise won't be far away. He reflected on the numerous achievements of the association since its formation and the issues still outstanding (but not forgotten) and thanked his committee, councillors and various organisations for their help and support. The audited accounts were presented, showing the association to be in a sound financial position and the formality of the election of officers was completed. Chris Brough was elected as chairman and an additional committee member was adopted. A full report is available on our Web site http://www.cloughhall.co.uk/.
Thanks were expressed to our retiring chairman for the work he has done over the past years in making the association such a success and I have no doubt that we can count on his support in the future. Graham was presented with ‘fishing club vouchers' as a gift of appreciation.
Graham and Chris
Our new chairman, Chris, handed over to the Police Consultative Committee, chaired in Mr Vigurs' absence by Inspector Louise Jarvie, who gave an overview of her role in Kidsgrove and the surrounding area. Questions from the floor were taken and answered by the Police committee. Following the business of the meeting the Christmas buffet was held and the raffle drawn.
Our annual Christmas Dinner was held at the Plough, Kidsgrove .. an enjoyable evening giving us a further opportunity to socialise. Carol singing held on ‘the green' was led by the Salvation Army band and despite the cold night thirty or so residents in attendance were in good voice. The mince pies and mulled wine provided by the residents association was much appreciated afterwards.
The start of the New Year is an opportune time to thank those who regularly attend and provide valuable input to our meetings and particularly to the guest speakers who give up their time, providing us with varied and interesting topics.
The final word this month must go to our new chairman, Chris Brough, as an extract from the ‘New Chairman's Message' ... I would like to thank our retiring chairman, Graham, for the five years of hard work, commitment and leadership he has given to the Residents Association. Hopefully, the committee and I, with the help of the residents, will be able to carry on this good work into the future.