Secretary's Report

At times being an officer of the CGCA can feel like trying to bail out a leaking boat with a thimble; but then it is particularly satisfying when (against all expectations) the boat doesn't sink. This year we have faced difficulties on a number of fronts, but have come through afloat.

Our financial crisis and its resolution are covered elsewhere in this Report, but it is humbling to see how much the work of the CGCA is valued by its supporters. There is clearly an enormous amount of trust placed in the association by the community, and we do our best to ensure that it is not misplaced.

It is hard to pick out highlights from a busy year (apart from the fundraising), but it has been pleasing to see our local councils being pushed to improve their services to the community, with some measure of success. Those wishing to help should join the Residents & Environment Sub-committee.

Our Staffing Sub-committee has also been reorganised under Douglas Rose, and new procedures put in place which should prove useful as we take on new staff.

We held an "awayday", ably facilitated by John Moulton, and a project for the coming year will be to produce a "Five Year Plan" based partly on our deliberations. For example, we have agreed to seek long term funding from big charitable trusts. Generally, we considered that we need to plan ahead more, both in financial and organisational terms. We need to think strategically as well as tactically; we are good at winning battles, but need to plan to win wars.

Overall we feel a need for new blood and new ideas, and we hope that new volunteers will come forward at the AGM. Membership of the Executive requires commitment, and we need to ensure that an undue proportion of the load does not fall solely on the shoulders of our Chair, Vice Chair and Co-ordinator. If people do not feel that they can commit enough time to join the Executive, they can still do valuable work on sub-committees such as Planning & Licensing, Police or Residents & Environment.

Robert Saunders

 

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