CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

What’s the saying when the going gets tough the tough get going. Well at the filming weekend at Weston Park in the cold, the wet and the MUD, ACWS members proved to me that when the going gets tough they all muck in and even find time to laugh and joke about it. Although not while they were filming. What really impressed me was when I asked members why they took part? Was it because they like the thought of being on film? All gave me a similar answer, that was to help make money for the Society and help promote the Societies image. What more can you ask of volunteers? I have never been as proud of such a hard working group or re-enactors that were able to come and take part. I also thought the banter and jibes between Billy Yank and Johnny Reb were brilliant. One incident in particular was when the Rebs were getting up off the ground after being nearly wiped out by ground charges, the federals got out of the ditch and gave them a round of applause which prompted raised HATS and bows in reply. The caterers also did a sterling job. Especially as far as more ACWS members turned up than expected, much to everyone’s delight of the Cromwell film company. They gave the ACWS a big thank you to all those who took part. Also I would like to thank everyone myself and from the Board of Directors of ACWS THANKYOU for coming along and taking part.

I would like to remind you all that this will be your last Newsletter if you have not rejoined. So could you send in your membership forms as soon as possible.

As you already know the ACWS is moving in another direction this season by basically becoming the sponsor of some of the events this year and that is one of the reasons we would like everyone to rejoin as soon as possible. This will help us to have the funds available to help kick start this self-sponsoring season , so to speak. The next season being , The Road to Malvern Hill leading up to Weston Park and the road from Malvern Hill till the end of the season would be the next chain of events, we shall see. I look forward to it in anticipation especially after seeing what we can do when we have to, such as the filming at Weston Park.

Yours,

Nick Richards, Chairman ACWS Ltd