CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

I would like to start by saying, I hope the current situation in Iraq is settled by the time this Newsletter reaches you, with the minimum loss of life by all concerned in the conflict.

I would like to welcome all the new members into the ranks of the A.C.W.S. and I hope your time with us will be a long and enjoyable experience for many years to come. Also I would like to welcome back the members who joined last year and the veterans, stalwarts who have helped and supported the A.C.W.S. over the years to make it the GREAT society it is today.

I have seen a good many changes in the A.C.W.S. since I joined as a Confederate over 27years ago. A lot of people are wary of change, I can remember some people being unhappy when we banned the use of ramrods, having women in the ranks (or should I say fighting in the ranks), when A.C.W.S. became a limited company.

In the coming season yet another change and as expected some of you are wary about A.C.W.S. having other attractions at the events we are sponsoring ourselves. With more attractions hopefully more people will come through the gate, more people will see what we do and hopefully more people will join A.C.W.S. The A.C.W.S. grows, makes more money and is able to put on more of it’s own orientated events.

I know it is easy to talk and the weather, heavy rain etc. can reduce the number of people through the gate but I believe with your help and support the A.C.W.S. can leap forward in the coming season, with more finance, more members and much more awareness of Britain’s links with America during the American Civil War.

Yours,

Nick Richards, Chairman ACWS Ltd