Dear Members,
It is shocking to think that it is now 2 years since I last wrote to you and we have all faced a protracted period of anxiety and national and personal challenges. I very much hope that this February we can now begin to re-emerge into a more 'normal' life. Where has that 2 years gone in the Wildlife Area? No AGMs to report back of course but as you can imagine, good maintenance work has continued wherever this has been possible both legally and practically. There is no doubt that the Wildlife Area became a place of safe escape and enjoyment for very many people - we could not have asked to do more ...
It won't surprise you to know that we haven't embarked on any major project but I know you won't be surprised to hear that we have been far from idle! Management Committee members plus Nigel and his wonderful team of volunteers from Network Rail have been beavering away whenever possible to undertake a myriad of essential maintenance tasks including keeping the green path network mown and ready for our many visitors. We have also researched ways of replacing the site interpretation boards which have done sterling work but were beginning show their age. We hope you will like the end result which we have managed to achieve at a very reasonable cost. The design and construction is planned to last for many more years! Will they last up to the renewal of our lease in 2050?!
This letter also invites you to renew your membership into 2022. The enclosed membership form shows details of any members listed at your address. As you may recall, our membership arrangements assume that you wish to continue to be a member unless you indicate otherwise. If you wish to discontinue your membership, if the information shown is incorrect or if you wish to add other residents at your address, please make any necessary amendments and send it back to the Secretary at the address shown below.
Every year we are very encouraged to receive donations of all sizes from Association members, the vast majority of which is gift-aided which adds a significant amount through tax reclamation @ 20%. Don't forget that if you are a UK taxpayer, you only need to sign the Gift Aid declaration when sending your donation - we will process the rest. We are so very grateful that your donations have continued through the Pandemic. You have been so generous and we send you a heartfelt thank you! Without your support, the Wildlife Area could not continue to exist at the heart of the Fox Corner community and give pleasure to so many.
We are very glad to say that we've been able to book our AGM after a 2 year gap on Tuesday, 19 April at 8 pm in the Church Room at St Michael's Church. We do hope you will be able to join us and to catch up with some celebrations which we have had to miss for the 20-year anniversaries of the signing of our 50-year lease and our successful application to become a charity in 2000!
With all good wishes and thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Catherine Cobley
Chairman