Farewell to our Chairman

Yet again, we have had splendid leadership from a chairman. Pat Gomez steps down from her post with our regrets at her going and our gratitude for her service. Her work in committee was superb: efficient, thoroughly prepared, well-organised and never without wit or humour.

If you look back at her reports in the minutes, you will find a record of a heavy workload, endless paperwork, countless meetings with other groups, to say nothing of the banalities of leaflet drops and newsletter deliveries. She has had to cope with the continuing pressures of the Safeway development; the thorny issue of Residents' parking; the disgraceful closure of our library; the decline in local trade and services.

We are, of course, a non-political group and Pat has handled all these situations without compromising that. Her swansong was to organise, publicise and introduce a recent meeting to discuss ways to reinvigorate local businesses. That this occasion was well-attended and passed without acrimony is a further sign, if such be needed, of her powers of diplomacy.

Thanks, too, are due to George Gomez for his constant, unflappable support, whether it be helping with the proof reading of the newsletter, and delivering it, stapling the erratum slips or collecting membership fees. Together with George Farmer, he has brought in £2,600 of much-needed revenue.

Best wishes to Pat and George as they embark on what should be a quieter life.

The Committee