Minutes from 13th June Meeting

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 13 MAY 2006
Nicole’s house, Radlett

APOLOGIES: Angela, Eileen, Catherine E & Catherine K

GUESTS: Helen & Helena Woolfson

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Nicola B welcomed Helen & Helena to the meeting.

Minutes of last meeting, approved.

As mentioned at the last meeting Nicola suggested we support “Kids Company” which is a charity that was set up to support children who are on the wrong side of the track. It offers invaluable support to young people and helps them back on their feet.

The charity is currently running a scheme entitled ‘Colour a Child’s Life’ for those living in poor housing have a group of volunteers come and re-decorate, replace broken furniture, etc., for a day. Nicola asked if anyone would be interested in taking part. Members agreed this would be a worthwhile cause. Nicola is going to find out a little more and report back. Nicola B Action

Plans are continuing with the SAFARI SUPPER which is on Saturday 15th July and will cost £10 per head. Nicola B will continue to up-date us under separate cover.

RACE FOR LIFE
Amanda & Shirley attended the Welwyn & Hatfield Race for Life on Sunday 11 June at Stanborough Lakes in Welwyn Garden City. They said that it was an extremely hot morning, despite this there were well over 2,000 women taking part. With Chiltern Radio DJ’s supplying a party spirit it was an inspiring event.

The administration tent was able to supply entry numbers to those who had lost them (or in one instance someone’s dog had eaten it!) and answered general queries. We also acted as a security post for people who needed a safe place to leave keys, money, etc. – something that our Area recommended they address last year!

The only merchandise on sale was PINK SHOE LACES. They were very bright and colourful and only £1 donation. However, there were a lot of people who did not bring money because there was no where to leave it while they took part in the race. The other rather suprising thing was that there was NO WATER given out to race goers at the end of the race Apparently this happened last year too!

St Albans Race 4 Life is taking place on Sunday 23 July. A list of helpers has been sent to all volunteers. Quite a few Radlett members are running/walking in this race, so DON’T FORGET TO TAKE WATER, WEAR A BUM BAG for your £1, and don’t let the dog eat your number! GOOD LUCK TO ALL. Any queries contact Nicola B
NEW MEMBER
Nicola asked Helena Woolfson if she would like to join our Circle. She said ‘yes’ - WELCOME. A membership pack will be presented to Helena at the next meeting. Amanda is to update the membership address book and Karina to sort out subs! AH & KW action

VICE CHAIR: Shirley attended the recent Area Committee meeting with Amanda, in their joint role of Area 21 Membership Charities & Publicity officers. Shirley helped at the Welwyn & Hatfield Race for Life on Sunday, selling pink shoe laces and assisting in the admin tent.

WAYS & MEANS:
SPONSORED WALK summary – More than 40 walkers turned up for the event, the rain held off and despite the fact that the ground was quite soft and slippery no one reported injuring themselves. We may look to holding a similar event next year.

Monies were given to Karina to bank. A few last cheques are due before any totals are announced. The whole event was well supported and very much enjoyed.

RADLETT FESTIVAL WEEKEND 17 & 18 JUNE 12.00 – 4.30pm
It has been agreed that we will sell pre-decorated biscuits with a magical theme and or allow children to pay to decorate their own biscuit. Nicole has purchased a couple of packs of rich tea biscuits which the children can decorate easily.

TO DO LIST:-
The following people have agreed to bake double quantities of Nigella’s basic biscuit recipe – Catherine B, Karina, Julie, Nicola B, Nicola G & Amanda. Possible shapes (magical theme – moon, stars, cats, fairies, etc.)

Helen offered a gazebo for Sunday (hopefully complete!)
Catherine B is off shopping (AGAIN!) paper plates, small plastic sandwich bags, childrens wipes (for those sticky fingers).
Amanda to find banqueting roll.
Nicole will ask her lovely son, Ryan, to prepare a large sign to advertise our stall. Nicole will also prepare a price list, and a final rota for the stall will emailed to all members. Nicole Co-ordinate

Christine, ‘Keeper of the Boxes for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 AND 2005/2006 asked if the Ways & Means team could re-home said boxes. Catherine B agreed to look after them – thank you.

SECRETARY:
See AOB.

TREASURER:
Subscription time again! Members gave Karina cheques for subs to the sum of £43.50 each. Members not able to attend the meeting will be contacted so that all the cheques can be sent off before the end of the month. Karina
AREA:
The Area Council meeting is taking place (tonight) 13 June 2006. Because we had already planned to meet tonight Amanda has submitted a summary of what Radlett Circle has been up to. Minutes of the Area meeting will be forwarded in due course. Amanda

Area 21 Sports & Social took place on 18 May and was attended by Harpenden, Letchworth and Radlett members. Fortunately it did not rain, although a strong wind blew - we all played a couple of games of French Boules followed by a delicious meal at The Orchard Tea Rooms in Shenley Park – Very enjoyable. Thanks were received from all participating circles.

The WINNING CIRCLE is to be announced at the Area Rally on 29 June 2006.
“Our lips are sealed” – Shirley & Amanda.

COMMUNITY:
Carolyn has done a taxi service for elderly to the Radlett Luncheon Club.

ENTERTAINMENT:
Last week 10 members went to a Tom Jones ‘look-a-like’ evening. None of us felt obliged to throw our knickers in his direction and we all had a fantastic evening with lots of laughter, wine and plenty of dancing.

Michelle F mentioned that her friend, who joined us at very short notice, is ‘needy’. She has two children who she works extremely hard for but has no social life. She has had a very tough time (physically, emotionally & financially) and had really enjoyed herself - thanks. It was agreed that if we are going out and there is a last minute cancellation then she should be our No 1 guest (no charge if babysitter available).

Thank you very much Michelle for organising a lovely evening. We are all looking forward to the Robbie Williams eve. Watch this space…..

THURSDAY 23 JUNE - Ascot. Michelle informed those going to Ladies Day that she has booked a taxi to pick-up and drive to coach station in Hemel Hempstead. She has also booked one for the return journey. All race goers to liaise on picnics. Michelle

THURSDAY 23 JUNE – Pimms & Puds
Suzanne is taking part in a Race for Life run this Sunday with a friend. Rather than ask for sponsorship they have planned a ‘Pimms & Pud’ evening at Helen's house in Folly Close, Radlett. £10 per head. It will be a great opportunity to get away from the football and have a delicious glass of Pimms and sample a pud or two. For catering purposes Suzanne would appreciate it if you could confirm whether or not you can go. Suzanne
GOOD LUCK FOR SUNDAY!

AOB:
HARDWICK PARKS – WEEKEND Friday 7 – 9 JULY 2006
Families camping – Baker, Taylor, Fromant, Gordon, Harvell, Bigg, Wibrew, Swain and Goulding.

Michelle, Nicki B and Helena have booked stationary caravans on-site.
TENNIS RADLETT v HARPENDEN
Alison Springate would like to reinstate the summer tennis tournament as above. Harpenden said they would provide the strawberries and champagne. In previous years we have played at Phillimore Park Courts. However, Gill A et all advised us that the courts were no longer! Great timing don’t you think? Amanda H will contact Shenley Park where there are 3 courts and perhaps we can have some eats at The Orchard Tea Rooms.

Dates put forward were 19 or 25 July – TBC Amanda action

CHARITY
Nicole reminded the meeting that although she liked the fact we often raised money for children’s charities could we not consider raising money for the elderly too. All members agreed that this would be agreeable.

Nicole also wondered if we could raise awareness to the fact that vascular disease was a greater killer these days than cancer. Perhaps we could raise money for a relevant charity. Catherine B’s husband is a vascular surgeon, and would let us have some leaflets so we could discuss the possibilities at a future meeting. Nicole & Catherine B

SOLEFISH @ VERULAM SCHOOL
Pauline asked if anyone was interested in supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme for children at Verulam School by attending a night out for £12 on 9 September. Very good value and should be an excellent evening. Pauline Co-ordinating

BLONDE OR NOT!?
Julie asked the floor if she should go blonde?
A resounding YES!! Julie action
Andy asked if this could be put forward at next Round Table meeting?

NEXT MEETING:
Next business meeting on 12th July 7.30pm at The Orchard Tea Rooms, Shenley Park Nicola B – tbc


Meeting closed.

THANKS TO NICOLE FOR HER WONDERFUL CURRY AND HOSPITALITY.
THANKS too, to Ryan for the WELCOME SIGN on the door and a very BIG THANK YOU to Louis for the wonderful candle arrangement XX