Loose Leaves January 2010

LOOSE LEAVES

The newsletter of Loose Amenities Association

January 2009

Loose Amenities Association wishes to thank everyone who has continued to support us, whether through volunteering help, attending events or through membership. Since our AGM in October the new committee has worked hard along with the other organisations in and around our area, to try to formulate good working practice to preserve the Loose Valley for future generations.

The work of the LAA has been organised into sub-committees who deal with specific aspects in the running of the charity. We hope this move will make it easier for residents of Loose to contact someone directly who can answer your queries. Under the leadership of Terry Davis as Chairman the sub-committees are:

Events: Chair Andrea Tozer 01622 749954, Viv Davis, Dawn Bristow Smith
Land Management: Chair Catherine Kenny, June Irons, Derek Corbett
Governance: Chair Phil Matthews, Derek Corbett
Planning: Chair Terry Davis, Phil Matthews
Merchandise: Chair Liz Collins, Catherine Kenny, Derek Corbett
We have two other committee members, Elly Nelson and Diane Tyler who is also our Membership Secretary

Website
The website www.loose-amenities.org.uk is regularly updated with news and information. Photos taken at events appear in the Gallery. Please add it to your favourites and catch up with us regularly.

End of an Era (almost) - Loose Leaves Goes On-line!
For many years, our newsletter has been posted through the letterbox of every home in Loose, regardless of whether the residents wanted it or not!
Such a blanket method of delivery is very wasteful of paper and volunteer manpower, so we have decided that this will be the last newsletter delivery, and that in future 'Loose Leaves' will be available via our website www.loose-amenities.org.uk.
However we realise that not everyone has access to a computer, so members will be able to request a paper copy if they prefer by either telephoning 01622 749954, writing to the LAA Secretary at 4 Walnut Tree Avenue, Loose, Maidstone ME15 9RN or via e-mail at info@loose-amenities.org.uk.

Goodbye cows
The last cows will be leaving the valley in early February. At the time of writing there are some packs of beef still available. If you would like to buy some please ring Rita on 01622 743126.

Hello sheep
We have decided to trial conservation grazing of Hebridean sheep in the valley. The decision was taken mainly on ecological grounds but the financial benefits of marketing the lamb (which is delicious) was also a consideration. The breed is tough, docile and native to the British Isles since the Iron Age. More information about this exciting project is available on the website or from the Secretary.

Calendar
The LAA calendar, a fixture on many kitchen walls in Loose and further afield, was alas not produced for 2010 and was sadly missed. But the good news is that it will be back for 2011! Committee member Liz Collins is organising next year's calendar and she plans to base it on the theme of 'Loose - Organisations and Activities'. If you have a photograph which you think might be suitable get in touch with Liz at calendar@loose-amenities.org.uk or our Secretary Andrea Tozer on 01622 749954.

Forthcoming Events
Together with old favourites we are pleased to announce some exciting new additions to our programme of events for 2010. We would particularly like to draw your attention to the Day Trip to Ascot (18th June) and the open air performance of Shakespeare's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' (31st July), performed by the renowned Changeling Theatre Company. Both events are sure to be very popular so we have arranged for members to have priority, however early booking is strongly recommended!

Saturday 20 February Quiz Night at the Pavilion. Starts at 7.30. Tickets are £5 per person including a Ploughman's supper of Cheddar, Brie, Blue, French Stick, Chutney, and Grapes. There will be 10 tables of 6 people.
Monday 5 April Easter Egg Hunt. Details to follow shortly
Saturday 24 April Senior Citizens' Party, St. George's Day themed at the Pavilion. Starts at 2.30.
Monday 31 May Duck Race. Old Loose Hill. First race at 1.00pm
Friday 18 June Ascot Day Trip. Coach leaves the Chequers at 10am. Members priority booking. Tickets £35 each includes admittance to Ascot race track and return coach.
Saturday 31 July 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' by William Shakespeare. Changeling Theatre Company. Open air performance at Vale House. Starts 7.30 p.m. Members priority booking.
Sunday 19 September Loose Village Scarecrow Competition and Harvest Festival. Walking trail around the village.
Saturday 27 November Slave Auction at the Pavilion. Starts at 7.30. Please volunteer your services/talent/craft for auction
Thursday 16 December Christmas Carols around the Tree starts at 7.30

For more information and to make advance bookings please visit our website, or contact Secretary Andrea Tozer on 01622 749954.

Volunteers - LAA needs….YOU

All our events happen because of the efforts of a small group of volunteers who see the Loose Valley as a special place and want to put something back, by helping to preserve and enhance it, for current and future generations. Any time you could make available to help will be much appreciated and would help to ensure the Valley remains a place we can all continue to enjoy and be proud of. We currently need volunteers for:

Tuesday weekly working party to tackle jobs like keeping the brambles under control, removing litter, checking the boundary fences for damage or wear and tear etc. If you would like to help in any way contact Catherine Kenny on 01622 747058 or e-mail volunteers@loose-amenities.org.uk.

Sunday monthly working party meets on the third Sunday of each month to do specific tasks like pond clearance, tree work etc. Contact Catherine on the number above.

We will need drivers prepared to taxi people to and from the Senior Citizens' Party at the King George V Pavilion on Saturday 24 April. It seems a long way off but we need to know how many people we can count on to help. If you can spare a couple of hours please contact Andrea on 01622 749954.

Join-in - Become a Member
LAA is run by local people for the benefit of local people. However like any group we are only as strong as our members.

If you want to ensure you don't miss out on one of our events, (members enjoy priority booking), or are interested in the future of the Valley, or just fancy getting more involved, then why not join us? You'll find a membership form and standing order mandate below.

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MEMBERSHIP AND/OR DONATION FORM
Family membership of the Loose Amenities Association costs a minimum of £5 per year but members on average pay £10.00
Name: _____________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Post Code: __________________________
Telephone number: __________________________
E-mail address: ________________________________
Type of membership (please mark with a cross which you would prefer)
Family: £5.00 (min)
Single: £2.50 (min)
Senior Citizen: £1.00 (min)
Payable by cheque, cash, postal order or standing order. Please accept my membership fee/donation of £_______________
Complete and return to: Membership Secretary, Loose Amenities Association, c/o 4 Walnut Tree Avenue, Loose, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9RN

STANDING ORDER MANDATE
To The Manager;
Your bank or building society name here: ________________________________________________
Your bank address here: ________________________________________________
Please pay HSBC Bank, 1 - 5 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1QW
For the credit of Loose Amenities Association
Account number 91204734
Sort Code 40-31-06
The sum of £___________
Commencing on First day of January 2011 and every year thereafter on the same date until further notice and debit my account accordingly
Your account name: ___________________________
Your account number: _______________
Your bank's sort code ___-___-___
Complete and return to: Membership Secretary, Loose Amenities Association, c/o 4 Walnut Tree Avenue, Loose, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9RN