Two events stand out, both of which have required persistence and diligence in applying for grants on the part of Lynda Farrena supported by Nigel Emmerson and Roy Johnson. The first, the replacement and reconfiguration of the front entrance, has already been completed with the aid of a grant from the Orchid Trust and the second, the replacement of the pond dipping platform and board walk, will be commenced this summer. We were really thrilled to receive the maximum award of £10,000 from the 'Awards For All' Lottery scheme for this – a great coup! Apart from giving us the funds to improve the specification and safety of these facilities, it also gives us great encouragement for all our work in the Wildlife Area.
Visits by groups of school children, cub scouts and brownies, not to mention families and individuals continue which is very gratifying. Our website (www.foxcornerwildlife.org.uk) receives an encouraging number of 'hits' and our colour leaflet is particularly popular in local libraries. We have been very fortunate to have the skills of Carolyn and Chris Guest who have kept the website updated on a regular basis and Nigel Emmerson whose photographs bring the site to life as the seasons change. Sadly Carolyn and Chris have now moved away from the area and we have lost two very good friends of the Association which we marked at the AGM by presenting them with garden vouchers. Carolyn has been replaced as Secretary by Barbara Carr who has been a very welcome addition to the Management Committee. We also have another very important gap to fill – someone who has the skills to act as our web master. It will not require very much time but it is key to our communications strategy so please contact me if you are interested!
On site management, we are again indebted to the small band of volunteers who keep the green path network mown and the site safe for all our visitors. We have recently planted two trees in fond memory of Dennis Tubb, who was one of our key volunteers, and borough and county councillor Mike Nevins who gave the Association sterling support as a member of the Management Committee for 11 years. Once again in 2011 we have gratefully received funding from Pirbright Parish Council who added the seasonal mowing of the Wildflower Meadow to their paths and greens contract. Due to the necessity of keeping the parish precept increase to 2% in 2012, we have been given notice that this will unfortunately not be available in 2012. We hope that the grant will be resumed in 2013 as maintenance funding is almost impossible to get from elsewhere.
This time last year, we were very encouraged to receive donations of all sizes from Association members, the vast majority of which was gift-aided which adds a significant amount through tax reclamation. Running a Wildlife Area of 14 acres requires some funding in addition to the work done by the Committee and our wonderful volunteers. Our public liability insurance cover, for example, continues to be a significant expense, the mower needs regular maintenance especially as it is now 11 years old and we try to keep some funds in reserve to cover unexpected expenses. Needless to say, your continued support and generosity will be much appreciated. If you are a UK taxpayer, you only need to sign the Gift Aid declaration when sending your donation – we will process the rest.
With all good wishes and thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Catherine Cobley
Chairman