Autumn 2020 | Chair’s Report

Dear Members

I trust you are all safe and well and I hope you enjoy this Fen Edge News and it reminds you of all the great things our villages have to offer.  Like many organisations the Fen Edge Community Association (FECA) has transitioned successfully to Zoom meetings.  The AGM went ahead on May 14 and the Members voted to adopt a new Constitution as well as appoint officers and trustees.  The only real difference was the lack of refreshments and nibbles that are usually part of the meeting – it was very much BYO!

This year has been an immensely frustrating and difficult time for community groups and associations. Various events such as the Fun Run have been cancelled which is very disappointing for the people who have put so much into the organisation.  But we have also seen the importance of community groups in keeping people connected and our member groups will have an especially important role in restoring some of the regular activities and community aspects of life in our villages.

The big news for this report is that we have decided to commit to a Fen Edge Festival in June 2021.  I know a lot of people are already looking forward to the event as one that will mark the community coming together in a reassuringly familiar format.  That is the aim.  A lot of planning and work will now take have to take place against the back-drop of continued uncertainty about the Covid-19 situation.  In that context, I would like to put out a general plea for anyone who would like to be part of the Organising Committee to step forward.   It is a great team and it is very rewarding to be part of a group that is committed to giving back to the community.  Please let me know if you are interested via chair@fenedge.co.uk.  We are particularly keen to hear from anyone from Willingham, Landbeach, Rampton and Waterbeach to ensure that those villages are represented and included, and anyone who has any particular skills or passions that could be useful.

Lastly, I want to express my thanks for the ongoing work and support of the Committee. It is a very effective team.  Despite the obvious challenges, the year has been a very satisfying one for FECA. We have again grown our membership. We now have 70 member organisations (which compares to 61 this time last year).  The work on the Fen Edge News, Facebook pages and website means that FECA is able to promote Members’ activities and provide useful information to the community. We are very pleased to be able to support a number of groups and charities with grants this year. We funded grants with a value of £8,462 with several more significant projects in the pipeline.

Thank you for your support.

Neil Gough
Chair – Fen Edge Community Association
chair@fenedge.co.uk