As we head into spring it is pleasing to say that our membership continues to grow. We are doing all we can to get the message out to the Community regarding the wonderful opportunities membership of HCA offers and have recently started a Fundraising campaign.
We have an ever increasing number of Jigsaws being donated for our inaugural 2024 Jigsaw Festival (more news in the newsletter).
Membership
It is pleasing to report that our membership has increased by > 10% in the last couple of months. Jan and I visited Christchurch Hospital on 9th March and were able to present the HCA credentials to more than 20 staff who varied from Occupational Therapists to Physiotherapists and Community staff. We got a great reception regarding HCA’ position in the community and are hopeful the time spent will bear fruit in the near future.
Fundraising
The subcommittee held their 1st meeting on Friday 10th March. Norma led the way using some information provided by the Treasurer and set out some tasks for the members to complete ahead of the next scheduled meeting (Fri 28th Apr) so she can pursue a number of avenues to which she has already opened gateways.
Highcliffe Parish
Andy Martin, our Parish representative, has kindly offered to come to HCA on Wednesday 5th April at 4:15pm to talk to us about plans for the Parish of Highcliffe and Walkford. Andy is our representative as an Independent Councillor. This will not be a ‘Party Political Broadcast’ although he will be advising on the changes to requirements to vote (voter ID) being introduced by the Government. I will be Chairing the discussion to ensure it is on the subject of our Parish and nothing else. The agenda will be as follows.
- Introductions
- Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Plans
- New voting Rules
- Q&A
Please come along to listen to and discuss plans for the Parish in which HCA (and most members) reside.
Sections
The new church section has now started and welcomed more than 20 people in just its 2nd Sunday meeting. Meetings are @ 10:30 every Sunday. Normal section rules apply.
A new Line Dancing section is due to start after Easter.
A mindfulness section now meets on Monday mornings and a ‘mindful doodling’ group will be starting on the first Wednesday of the month after Easter.
We are looking to set up a ‘chair exercise’ section and a Board Games section shortly.
Watch out for further news in the Newsletter and on posters around the building.
Accommodation / AGM
After many years of stalwart service, managing the Accommodation Trustee portfolio, Pauline Pegram has decided she needs a break. I am pleased to say she has agreed to remain as a Trustee ‘without portfolio’ but this will mean at the AGM we will be looking for a replacement for this vital role. Please consider whether you or someone you recommend would be prepared to take this on. Without this role there will be no flexibility regarding room availability.
100 Club
I am currently looking into the feasibility of starting a 100 Club to raise funds for the Association. Simply put, you pay £12 per annum and are entered into a monthly draw. 50% of the income is paid out monthly with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize each month. Please let me know if you would be interested in joining this simple way of boosting HCA finances whilst giving you the opportunity to win a few pounds.
Graffiti
Finally, sadly I have to report that a promotional poster on our internal notice board has be vandalised by someone who clearly lacks the emotional intelligence or bravery to come and talk to me regarding their views on HCA. The aforementioned poster was regarding volunteering and asked “would you miss HCA if it were no longer available?”. To this had been scrawled “No.” . Frankly I would not expect such action in a school, let alone in an adult community. A very upset member spotted it and passed it to the Trustees, I will say no more than this. If the sad childlike person who wrote this would like to come to me and tell me the reason they would not miss it I will gladly attempt to resolve whatever the issue/s are. Equally, if it was just wanton vandalism and they really feel that the HCA has nothing to offer them I will personally refund their membership fee and send them happily on their way. Sorry to sound so annoyed about what is maybe trivial, but there are many people that give their time to support the HCA to whom such behaviour is completely disrespectful.
I look forward to seeing you at Greystones, in the meantime, enjoy our wonderful facilities.
Cliff Putterford
Chairman
07720 467695
