The latest news and information on developments at the Recreation Centre from its Chairman, Thomas Boyd-Carpenter.

 "The Annual General Meeting of the Recreation Centre was held on 19th July. I thought it was therefore timely to update those unable to attend on what has been going on during a very busy and successful year.

The most obvious new development is the completion of the Multi-Use Games Area, which was formally opened at a very successful event on 24th July, although the surface was well used before this and the footballers involved are gradually learning to keep their shots inside the fence. I would like yet again to express our thanks to Councillor Cole and the Parish Council for their efforts in obtaining the necessary grants to fund it, and to the Parish Council for managing the construction process, and for organising the opening event. I think we now have an all weather surface for a whole variety of sports that will provide an invaluable outlet for the younger people of Chieveley.

In parallel with this we have at last been able to resurface the Northern car park and to put in an emergency exit path from the clubroom. Our ability to do these long-needed external works has resulted from the efforts by Helen Singleton to obtain grants from external funders and in particular to a generous contribution from the Tennis Club towards the cost of the car-park, for both of which we are most grateful. There is still a bit of tidying up to be done to the junction between the two bits of work, but already the overall state of the area has been transformed.

Finally, in this catalogue of external works the Cricket Club have successfully funded and completed a new Astroturf wicket. Both junior cricket and football have continued to flourish, and I think we now offer a far better range of outdoor activities than was the case a few years ago. When added to other long-established activities, such as the Dog Shows and a Firework Display that was voted the best ever, despite appalling weather, our grounds are now heavily used. Obviously, this requires us to keep a balance between the competing interests of all those who value this unique space. In doing so, we in turn need to balance our commitment to serve the interests of all sections of the local community, of all ages, and to keep ourselves financially viable in what are likely to be difficult years ahead. I hope that you feel we are striking the right balances, and if we are not please get involved in the process by volunteering your services.

Internally, also, demand on the use of the various rooms in the Hall continues to be heavy, and we are having to turn away bookings. Our regular users all seem to flourish, yet thanks to the dedicated efforts of Liz Cottrell the building remains looking good - a fact commented on by many of our users. The net result of all this is that despite considerable capital expenditure in the last year we are still financially healthy.

Looking ahead, there are three different projects that we have been considering. The first is the provision of a Skateboard area between the MUGA and the children's playground. We have not yet finally reached a conclusion on this, and there are challenges over the raising of the necessary funds. However, there is clearly a lot of demand for it, and a lot of work has been put into fundraising. Secondly, we are looking at trying to provide toilet facilities for the junior footballers and cricketers that do not involve coming into the building. This is linked to, but does not have to form part of, the wider need to look at the use of the space currently comprising the changing rooms, which are unfit for purpose and which could not economically be made so. We have not got firm plans for this, but are working on it.

Thirdly, we have been thinking about the need to mark both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics in 2012, both in terms of activities and possibly a more permanent memorial. The Centre will not itself mastermind this, but plans to give active support to a special committee which will be set up on behalf of Chieveley residents to establish what can and should be done - and most importantly who will do it. Chris Harrison, who many of you know, has kindly agreed with the Parish Council and ourselves to chair such a Committee, and I hope you will all give him your backing.

A lot has been done, and a lot remains to be done. Sadly, some of the people who have done the work feel that it is time for them to move on to other things. In particular Kimberley Ragousis will be standing down as the representative of the Pre-School, and Chris Vaughan has served notice that this year's fireworks are his last. I would like to thank them and indeed all the members of the Executive for the work they have done for Chieveley and the support they have given me. While the organisations that provide some of the Trustees continue to do so we are always in need of additional volunteers, who do not need to be part of any member organisation to join the Executive Committee. I n particular, we need someone to take on the Communications and PR role that Kimberley has done so well for us - it is not onerous, but it is very important, so if you reckon you have the knack for it please let one of us know. It is only because people have in the past been willing to give a bit of time that we have such a flourishing Centre - might it be your turn to help?"

Thomas Boyd-Carpenter

Chairman