CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

A big welcome to 2009 to all our members both old and new, both young and old. I hope it is a successful and prosperous one for you all, despite the uncertainty of the current economic climate.

A big thank you to you all for the overwhelming support given to the Board of Directors at the AGM in December. All of the motions put to the general vote were approved by an overwhelming majority, and the election of the Confederate commander generated a clear and unequivocal result. That, ladies and gentlemen, is democracy in motion and gives a clear steer to the Directors to continue their policies to bring ACWS back to the forefront of re-enacting where we have always belonged.

As announced at the AGM, we have "lost" three almost certain events for next year due to a combination of factors outside our control, which is unfortunate, but with hindsight not too unexpected. We have also been forced to reduce our fee for the Sheffield event due to lower numbers on the field and the economic climate. However, we have managed to secure a couple of extra events to fill in some of the gaps. In addition, our Crimean and American Revolution groups (now fully accepted and formally included within the ACWS Ltd following the AGM vote) should continue to bring in much needed extra income to help keep the ship afloat for another year. We also have the opportunity for ACWS Members to attend English Heritage's Festival of History at Kelmarsh Hall as Boer infantry and possibly a Victorian Military Tattoo at Nothe Fort in Weymouth as Victorian Civilians. These two possibilities have arisen through our Crimean groups who do try and promote the virtues of ACWS wherever possible .(See separate articles elsewhere in this newsletter.)

We must continue improve all our impressions in order to remain competitive and attractive to sponsors, as well as providing Education, Entertainment and Enjoyment to the public and members alike. We must also look to continue to recruit new younger members especially to go on the field to replace those lost through natural losses or retirement to a more sedate role within the society. Sponsors do generally judge us by numbers on the field and set their expectations by that fact. They don't always see the Big Picture that non- combatants can bring to an event, and we must strive harder to get the benefits across.

We are looking to organise an International Event once again on the weekend of August 7th/8th 2010 at a site near Stratford close to the motorway network and airport. This will be organised differently to our last disastrous attempt at an International at Weston Park. If the costs are looking unrealistic then the event will be scaled down to that of a normal large self-sponsored event. If the funding can be put in place then this event will take place on as large a scale as can be afforded. So please, if you have contacts overseas, please get them to pencil in this date now, and encourage them to visit and spend some time in our country where the Dollar and Euro exchange rates are now very favourable for them!!

Take care now and Keep Your Powder Dry

Mike Bussey
Chairman & Webmaster, ACWS Ltd