I was pleased to see so many friends of the Trust in the saloon at the AGM on 14 August.

To have such a backing for the project contributes greatly to the feeling that all our efforts are worthwhile. I salute you all – especially the volunteers.

At the Friends’ AGM both Alan Cox and Vic Knope mentioned that it is perhaps surprising that we all get on so well without any major rows and upsets. I believe this is because we are all working for the same cause. Another factor is our system of communication. Each month we have what we call our ‘consultative meetings’. These meetings comprise trustees and key members of the volunteers. We de-brief on the events of the previous month and fine-tune the next month’s events. Other issues are discussed and comments from the Friends’ sub-committee can be further explored in a wider context.

The last financial year has been very successful. Our educational activities and events have all been well a7ended. Many people should now understand that Copped Hall is active again and serving the local community – instead of the community serving it!

2012 will be an exciting year for all of us. We do not know to what extent we will be visited by members of the Olympic audience or even by the participants. With our excellent guides and enthusiastic volunteers we can cope with all that is expected of us.

Denys Favre

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