It is just coming up to Easter, the weather is appalling and I imagine we are all looking forward to a hot (and dry) Summer. For those people who help with the Gala Week preparations this is particularly important, especially this year and I'll tell you why in a moment, but for now my first thoughts must go to Stuart and Clare Bond and their team who have put together this year's Bridge magazine. I can only say I am astonished by the content each year - I have, unfortunately, had very little involvement this time. Thanks and well done.

Following on to the Bridge magazine is the Godmanchester Web site which Stuart and Clare have produced - it is getting bigger by the day and just look at the memories and comments found in the Guest Book - clearly there are lots of people far afield with fond memories of our small Town.

We are pleased to announce that this year the Community Association has taken on the task of organising Picnic in the Park - the Town Council are still offering most of the funding, but we also have donations from Sainsburys, Phytopharm, Nokia and CV Interiors who are sponsoring the event. For those who came along to this FREE event last year, remember the Free Deck Chairs, Free Boat Rides, Free MUSIC - what a glorious afternoon – so come along again this year and make the most of it, bring a Picnic, have a beer from the bar and just laze around. Oh, and don't forget the Duck Race, that will start the afternoon's fun - buy your duck and cheer him on.

Now, I've jumped a day, if not Gala Week; once again we have a week of fun packed events from Quizes at the Comrades to Skating at the New Skate Park. On Gala Day itself we have the Parade - could it really be any bigger and better than last year? Now that's a challenge for you all! Then we have an afternoon of festivities on the Recreation Ground - this year the theme is Space Cowboys so that should give you Mums and Dads plenty of scope for costumes and floats - make it space, make it cowboy or do a mix of the two. In the arena we shall have some traditional style cowboy entertainment, along with performances by our own local school children and maybe some mums and dads will get pulled into the ring to join in - be prepared.

Do you remember Gala Day last year - the weather was splendid, the stalls were great with lots of garden gazebos adorning the site, and hoards of people - let's hope this year will be as good as this is where we, and the stallholders, raise the majority of our funds for Local Charities. Last year the gross was somewhere in the order of £7,500 which is a marvellous achievement. The Community Association donates the money it raises from the Prize Draw to specific Local Charities and our affiliated groups raise money for their own or their nominated group so in this way we cover a broad range of needs without the need for vast amounts of capital expenditure.

If you have only recently moved to Godmanchester then our first greeting to you really ought to be " come and join us". The Community Association comprises everyone who lives in Godmanchester but only a very small percentage meet at our Committee Meetings to organise this Magazine, Gala Week/Gala Day/Picnic in the Park, Bonfire Night and anything else that comes along. Whilst we have a nucleus of dedicated members this is quite a small team and we would love to extend the numbers - our meetings are quite informal usually over a pint at The Comrades and you are all welcome, you do not have to be a member of the Comrades to come to these meetings - the bar staff will point you in our direction. Just check the web site for the meeting dates, or ring one of the Committee. We had a very good AGM this year and am delighted to report some new helpers who have already developed active and productive roles in this group.

This is my swan song as it will be my last year as Chair of the Association, much as I have enjoyed it, this year has been a real struggle with more calls on me from my own Business I have offered much less support than I should to this Committee and I must commend those others who have done so much to ensure that this Magazine and the year's activities are produced - thank you - I shall continue to be pleased to part of this group and offer my support to next year's Committee.

Remember though, if you are new, or old, to this Town - feel free to come along and join our Association you will be more than welcome Nicola Rule

Nicola Rule - Chairman Godmanchester Community Association 2001

© 2001 Godmanchester Community Association