AGM -Funding -Volunteer Co-ordinator-Studley Grange- Peterborough Arms

Kath, Ken and I seem to have got out of rotation with this blog, what with holidays and accidents, so I find it is over to me again a bit earlier than I expected.
The week kicked off with me having to visit our lawyers to discuss some aspects of the lease we are negotiating with Biffa for the Studley Grange site. In fact there was a certain symmetry to the week, as I spent Friday afternoon with them as well, working on the plan that is attached to the lease. During the week we issued the invitation to tender documents to four contractors, inviting them to tell us how they will do the work of restoring the canal, and how much it will cost. They are on a very tight timescale to respond, but they are already familiar with the site and the job so we are hopeful of good responses.
The evening was spent at the Peterborough Arms; sadly not drinking, but hearing about the first results of the detailed condition surveys. It seems that the basic structure of the building is sound, but the services will require a lot of work to bring them up to acceptable standards.
On Tuesday we had a very interesting Council of Management meeting, with a very full agenda. We are looking forward to updating members at the AGM in a few weeks time on the rapidly developing situation in relation to what is happening at Melksham, in Swindon, and elsewhere. There are also some developing thoughts on how we best organise ourselves to meet these busy times.
Wednesday was partly spent in Melksham, getting a better idea of what is being planned for the Melksham Link.
Thursday was a full day event at which I was representing the Trust; this was followed in the evening by an interesting and useful meeting of some of the branch chairs. It was an opportunity to explore some of the issues we are facing, such as the growing need for maintenance of the bits of canal we have restored, and how we tackle it.
I am particularly pleased to welcome Sam Allen, who has volunteered to be our Volunteer Co-ordinator. We are only too aware that we need to improve the ways in which we find, induct and train our volunteers, as well as making sure that we make the best use of the wealth of skills and experience that is available from them, if only we can find the right way to tap into it. Sam attended both the Council and branch chairs meetings; at the moment she describes herself as a 'sponge', soaking information up, but I am certain that before long she will be making a real contribution.
In the short term we are looking forward to the AGM, where we want to give you a picture of the many positive ways in which we are moving forward. Slightly longer term, there are plans for a significant fund-raising event in November, where every single member (and friends!) can help. More details to follow at a later date..
Finally a reminder from Kath that time is running out to sell and return this year’s draw tickets- the winning tickets will be drawn at the AGM
Chris Coyle