Following our AGM, the following were elected as your new committee:
Chairman – Sarah Perry
Vice Chairman – Paul Toogood
Treasurer – Peter Mullens
Secretary – Mark Callow
Folk Group Rep – Mark Callow (Deputy: Anna Mullens)
Southern Region Rep – Richard Perry (Deputy: Mel Toogood)
Site Offices (elect, starting 2023) – Mel and Paul Toogood
Committee Members – Stella Callow, Mike Goodall

We celebrated May Day in suitable Wessex style with a visit to Wildhern – our place of birth! We had several music sessions, two nights of dancing in the hall – one of them even had a live band! We held our AGM and successfully formed a committee. Anna Mullens retired as Secretary, whilst Mark Callow has stepped into her shoes. We even filled one of the vacancies we have by welcoming Mel Toogood to the committee.

Our next meet is in a couple of weeks’ time at Awbridge,near Romsey. On Saturday, nearby Romsey will hold its annual Beggars Fair music festival – a day of music, dance and so much more! Expect to see, hear and enjoy over 90 acts spread across more than 20 venues – and all for free! The Beggars Fair will bring local musicians offering an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, blues, soul, rock and classical music, together with colourful dance displays and children’s entertainment – definitely worth a visit! If you prefer something a little quieter, then Mottisfont National Trust is close by, with the house set in beautiful riverside gardens. Whether it is the Stable Cafe, the riverside walk or the beautiful rose gardens, there is plenty of peace and tranquillity to be had.

In August, we will be back at Fordingbridge for a weekend of relaxation. The field is a very short walk from the centre of Fordingbridge, a small town on the banks of the River Avon. The Great Bridge, spanning the river with its seven graceful arches, was built in Medieval times. We have easy access into the New Forest – a vast area of woodland, heathland and river valleys, with deer, ponies, donkeys and cattle roaming free – they get the right of way on the roads! We will be holding our annual penny fair at Fordingbridge, with games to take part in – who can resist the competition waged over the shove ha’penny board, or the “who can fork marbles into an upside-down flowerpot the quickest” contest? All proceeds from the penny fair will be donated to our annual charity – the Castle School in Newbury.

Sarah (Chairman)