NEWS UPDATE FROM THE COMMITTEE

Plans for our 2020-21 programme have sadly not progressed far. This is due to the delay by the government in giving permission to Community Centres and Halls to hold meetings over two households – or six people if outside. On the positive side, outdoor groups can continue to meet and some groups have indicated that they would operate partially or wholly on Zoom or email. Indoor sports such as Badminton and Table Tennis are also able to restart in England on July 25th and we are keeping a close eye on the advice from Badminton England and Table Tennis England respectively as to what will be possible by September. You will understand that this makes planning very difficult for us.

We sent out a questionnaire to all members which established that around 70% of you would like activities to start in September. We have since established from our group leaders which groups are able and willing to start classes in September, and which not until January. This is subject to government regulations having eased and to both venues and groups complying with requirements in regard to Covid-19. It looks as if only about 50% of our groups would be able to run in September – and this may depend on our venues being willing to open. In general any group which involves singing, dancing or sharing equipment (such as indoor bowls, chess, card and board games) will not be started until January. We also have to await advice from the Third Age Trust on restarting indoor groups.

But we are ready and poised to book venues as soon as we are permitted.

The programme of monthly meetings and the AGM are also in doubt. The AGM planned for the Autumn will if necessary reconvene when lock down ends at a monthly meeting.

Meanwhile we hope you are all keeping well. We look forward to meeting you again as soon as it is possible.

John Wingfield
Chairman