Newsletter Number 11 April 2008Funds in so far We have now reached the figure of £700,000 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 for the 30th June when we will take over management and organisation of the site will therefore be a little in excess of this.
Much support has come from Scout Districts in Surrey and Greater London, and whilst Surrey Scouts have not responded positively to the suggestion that there be a formal management structure organised in conjunction with them, we remain hopeful that some financial support for the purchase may be forthcoming from them and from the resources they have derived from surplus income made from the management of Walton Firs over the last 2 years whilst we have been in our fund raising stage.
We plan to operate the Camp Site and Activity Centre on the same basis as hitherto.
Future Management of Walton Firs
The future management of Walton Firs had been anticipated by the Foundation to be organised in conjunction with the Surrey Scout Association.
Since Surrey Scouts have not taken up the proposals for a formal agreement to provide management, the directors of the Foundation have concluded that the ongoing management should be operated and organised in conjunction with Surrey Scouts on an informal basis with participation also from Scout Districts who have supported the purchase together with input from other user groups.
The first meeting to put in place the management organisation is scheduled for the 16th April.
We are delighted that the existing Wardens, Sue and Dave McIntosh, are happy to continue working as Wardens at Walton Firs which we hope will ensure the change in ownership of Walton Firs will pass unnoticed by all of those who use and enjoy the facilities available.
Dave McIntosh will also continue as an Assistant County Commissioner in Surrey which will help maintain the operating ethos.
Founder Member Districts
The Founder Member Scout Districts who have from their resources and supportive donations achieved a £20,000 donation towards the purchase of Walton Firs will be: - Leatherhead
- Runnymede
- Spelthorne
- Richmond
- Walton & Weybridge
- Esher
- Dorking
Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Walton Firs and Walton Firs Foundation has been fixed for the 9th September 2008 at Walton Firs.
We are hopeful that this will provide a further opportunity to develop a supporters group who will continue on with the development of the improvement of facilities at Walton Firs and meet to review progress and the activities of Walton Firs Foundation.
We have been seeking a part time administrative assistant to take on the role of co-ordinating all of the administration organisation for Walton Firs so as to ensure that no greater burden is placed upon the Warden and staff who manage with the day to day organisation of the site itself.
If you know of anybody who might like to assist with the administrative organisation do please let us know.
Fund Raising Events
• 12th April 2008 - Walton Firs Shooting Day
The second annual Walton Firs Shooting Day is planned for Saturday 12th April and the booking form can be obtained by telephoning the number at the end of this newsletter.
This was a very successful event last year in raising much money for the Foundation and greatly enjoyed by those who participated.
Help is also needed with the scoring and if you can assist on this please contact Andrew Leigh on 01483 211744/07703 538958.
• 16th April 2008 – Antiques Roadshow
Curchods Estate Agents in Weybridge are organising an Antiques Roadshow at their premises in Weybridge from 10 am to 4 pm with the presence of some valuation experts. All valuations given will hopefully secure a donation to Walton Firs.
• 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.
Tickets for the event are £50 each and tables take 10.
The evening is being sponsored by Chelsea Football Club and will this year be an outstanding event.
If you would like to participate or can give a raffle prize please contact Pam Ling at the Mayor’s office on 01372 474383.
• 11th May 2008 – Birtley House Open Day Birtley House in Bramley will be opening its gardens again to the public, and Mr & Mrs Walley will be raising monies on that day for Walton Firs Foundation.
The gardens will be open from 12 noon to 7 pm with many activities available.
This event last year was again of enormous help to the Foundation and we hope you will take advantage of this open day and go along.
• 4th July 2008 – Celebration Dinner
The option to purchase Walton Firs will be exercised to be completed on the 27th June.
A celebration dinner is being organised in the Cellars at Denbies in Dorking for those who have helped to raise the money and have an interest in continuing their support for Walton Firs.
This will be an enjoyable evening with some special entertainment and surprises. It is not intended to raise money although no doubt we will have a small raffle on the night. There will be, however, a start from this dinner of the new future for Walton Firs and those there will participate in the foundation of future plans for the site and our ongoing support.
Tickets are £50 per person. Please contact Jan Jobling for a booking form on 01372 461439. Places are available on a first come first served basis and we have a limit on numbers.
Other fund raising opportunities If you have any other ideas as to how we can raise the balance of monies needed for the purchase by the 30th June do please let us know.
We presently anticipate being about £100,000 short, which we will borrow and organise for repayment from fund raising at future events after purchase, and indeed from a first commitment of any surplus income made after the 30th June.
The sooner we can therefore complete the money raising exercise to cover the purchase the sooner we can get on with using monies generated by the site to improve and enhance the facilities that are available.
Robin Hood
Finally, one item of interest which has emerged from all of the contacts which have come to Walton Firs Foundation from the fund raising exercise is information on the filming of the 1950’s Robin Hood television series. Much of this was filmed at Walton Firs.
There is a small article on this website which will be of interest to those who have memories back that far.
Many thanks for everyone’s help so far and we look forward to meeting all of you who have helped in this successful project at the dinner at Denbies on the 4th July, when we hope to confirm that by hook or by crook we have completed the fund raising for the purchase.
Please contact us at:
Hillbrow House, Hillbrow Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9NW
Tel No. 01372 461439
www.waltonfirs.co.uk
08-04-2008 - more news... |
