Newsletter Number 10 January 2008Funds in so far We have now reached the figure of £625,000 collected in or pledged towards our target of £800,000 which we need to reach by the 30th June this year.
We will also need some working capital and our ultimate need at the 30th June is probably in the region of £820,000.
If you have any ideas on fund raising, have funds to remit or need contact information for donations please write to us Hillbrow House, Hillbrow Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9NW, telephone no. 01372 461439.
Fund Raising Meeting
The next fund raising meeting is scheduled for 8.00 pm on the 28th February at Cobham Village Hall. Do please come along and help us with ideas, information or suggestions as to how we can fill the gap.
We will be able to bring you up to date with all of the activities that are planned and thoughts on the future organisation of Walton Firs which is an issue we need to now address.
Visit by H.R.H. The Duke of Kent KG
The visit by H.R.H. The Duke of Kent to Walton Firs on the 12th December went extremely well with the weather being very kind to us.
We have received a very supportive letter from the office of His Royal Highness who was impressed by the welcome he received and the ability to meet many of those who have supported us in our aim to raise the money.
Future Management of Walton Firs
The future management of Walton Firs in conjunction with Surrey is now being put in place.
We are also hoping to find expertise from districts close to Walton Firs and from Youth Services in Surrey.
The management organisation will be put in place over the next few months and an update on this will be able to be provided at the fund raising meeting.
Founder Member Districts
I am pleased to confirm that Founder Member Districts who have achieved £20,000 in fund raising towards the objective of buying Walton Firs are: • Leatherhead
• Runnymede
• Spelthorne
• Richmond upon Thames
Walton & Weybridge and Esher are also anticipated to become Founder Member Districts on completion of accepted fund raising activities which were to be completed after the deadline of 31st December 2007.
This will give us 6 Founder Member Districts who we hope will be able and interested in participating in the ongoing advisory management group to ensure that the facilities at Walton Firs continue to improve and enhance the enjoyment opportunities at the Camp Site and Activity Centre.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting for Walton Firs Foundation has been fixed for the 9th September 2008 at Walton Firs.
It has been suggested that this might be organised as a social function to begin to develop the Friends of Walton Firs organisation which we hope will take the support for the operation of the site into a future organisation.
If there is anybody who would be interested in coordinating the establishment of the Friends of Walton Firs membership structure, it would be appreciated if you could contact us.
Fund Raising Events
• 29th February – Fun Wine Night at Laithwaites
Laithwaites, the well known wine merchants, are at their Hersham branch having a fun wine night on the 29th February in support of Walton Firs Foundation, with up to 6 tastings and a wine expert on hand for explanations. Buffet included.
If you know of those who might support and participate in this, tickets are available from the Mayor’s office. Telephone Pam Ling on 01372 474383. Or email pling@elmbridge.gov.uk.
• 7th March 2008 – Concert at Yehudi Menuhin School
On Friday 7th March a concert has been organised at the Yehudi Menuhin School to include a performance by the Weybridge Male Voice Choir.
The profits from which will again be applied towards the Mayor’s Charity for the Year – Walton Firs.
For further details contact The Menuhin Hall Box Office on 08700 842020 or email boxoffice@yehudimenuhinschool.co.uk. Tickets are £15.
Please come along and enjoy the evening. Esher Explorer Scouts have volunteered to assist with the seating of the audience and to sell raffle tickets, again in support of Walton Firs.
• 14th, 15th, 16th March 2008 – Elmbridge Fashion Show
An Elmbridge Fashion Show will be held at the Playhouse, Walton on Thames with two shows per night at 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm, bringing together a new collection of summer fashions from the high street.
This will again be an Elmbridge Charity event to support the Walton Firs Appeal and tickets will be available through the Mayor’s office in the near future.
• 1st – 16th March – Elmbridge Easter Egg Hunt
The Elmbridge Easter Egg Hunt this year will help raise money for Walton Firs and the entry forms sold through Scout groups will be able to be retained for Walton Firs Foundation.
Entry forms can be obtained from Pam Ling at the Elmbridge Council offices, telephone no. 01372 474383.
If groups would like to participate within Elmbridge, this will assist towards raising money for Walton Firs.
• 17th March 2008 – Charity Golf Day
Burhill Golf Club in Walton on Thames is organising a Charity Golf Day for the Elmbridge Mayor’s Charity being Walton Firs.
An Entry form can also be obtained from Walton Firs Foundation or through Pam Ling at the Elmbridge Council offices, telephone no. 01372 474383.
Tee off time is from 9 am to include lunch for all which commences at 3.30 pm.
This is a team event for 4 golfers at a cost of £240 for the team.
• 12th April 2008 - Walton Firs Shooting Day
The second annual Walton Firs Shooting Day is being planned for Saturday 12th April and details on this will be provided at the fund raising meeting on the 28th February.
This was a very successful event last year in raising money for the Foundation and much enjoyed by those who participated.
If you have a team who might like to come along please let us know and ensure that you collect an application form for the event immediately these are available.
• 17th April 2008 – Mayor’s Civic Reception
The Mayor’s Civic Reception is to be held on Thursday 17th April and this is a major event during the Mayor’s year in Elmbridge.
Representatives from Walton Firs will be invited to the Reception where they will have the opportunity to provide an update on progress, and the Mayor will also give the first indication as to the donation she hopes to hand across to the Foundation.
Walton Firs were requested to provide some entertainment designed as a thank you to the Mayor for all of the work which will have gone into raising money towards the acquisition of Walton Firs, and a group called Mosaic will be playing a 10 minute musical interlude.
• 3rd May 2008 – Elmbridge May Ball
On Saturday 3rd May the Elmbridge May Ball will be held at the Tingle Creek Suite at Sandown Park.
This is being substantially supported by Chelsea Football Club and will provide one final opportunity in the Elmbridge Mayor’s year to raise a little more money for Walton Firs.
Tickets for the event are £50 each and tables take 10.
Early bookings are now being taken for tables by Pam Ling on 01372 474383.
• 4th July 2008 – Celebration Dinner
The option to purchase Walton Firs will be exercised for completion on the 27th June.
We are therefore planning a celebration dinner on Friday 4th July at Denbies in Dorking for those who have raised the money and supported us in our objectives.
Please keep the date in your diary.
Other fund raising matters
Chelsea Football Club who have been generous supporters of local charities are being approached to see if they can find some way to assist in this final push to fill the gap in our fund raising efforts.
They are major sponsors of the Mayor’s Charity Ball this year and hopefully we will be able to find a way in which they can assist in a small fund raising event for Walton Firs itself.
Christmas cards are also a possibility and again we are hopeful of finding some photos which might be suitable.
Our first efforts are however to see if we can have them printed at a small cost, and if we achieve this then Christmas cards for next year will be produced.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting on Thursday 28th February.
Please come along with ideas and inspiration.
Please contact us at:
Hillbrow House, Hillbrow Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9NW Tel No. 01372 461439 www.waltonfirs.co.uk
28-01-2008 - more news... |
