The future starts here

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As the new Chair of the Fen Edge Community Association, I am really looking forward to working with the Committee in taking the Association forward. I live in Cottenham with my wife, Alice, and three children. We first moved into the village in 1999 – I was involved in the first two Family Festivals but then lived overseas for eight years – and I am delighted to be back.

The immediate priority is to ensure the continuation of the Fen Edge Festival (FEF) in 2017. I can testify that the sense of satisfaction of contributing to a “job well done” will more than repay the commitment. FEF 2017 is at the starting blocks so we really would like to hear from anyone who would be willing to help.

But FECA is not all about the Festival by any means. The Fen Edge villages are a large community and there is a lot of scope for an active community association to enhance the lives of all who live in them. We will turn our attention to the core of our charity: promoting and supporting local groups. Make yours a member of FECA (see below) and then come to us with a plan. A willingness to get involved and our assistance – including financial – could make it happen.

It was gratifying that this year’s AGM was well attended. There was a good energy in the room and that is something we hope to build on. There was a real enthusiasm about the successes of the Fen Edge Twinning Association, Cottenham Theatre Workshop, the Christmas lunch for older residents and many more events – behind each of these activities is a dedicated group of people who give their time and receive grants from FECA. FECA has trustees and a committee and if you are willing to help us reach an even broader range of the community please drop me an email to chair@fenedge.co.uk or call me on 07919 990299.  Come on, get involved!

I would like to thank Eileen for her leadership as Chair and also to Mick Saul as Treasurer, and Caroline Dethridge and Rebecca Cole for their contributions as Committee members.

Neil Gough
Chair – Fen Edge Community Association