Another year has gone and I feel it has been successful for the BRA Gozo Group.
I would like to thank you, the membership, for your continued support at the Coffee Mornings and events held throughout the year. A special thank you must go to the Committee who has worked tirelessly throughout the year to make things happen. We have been without a Social Secretary for yet another year, but have continued jointly to fulfil that position so that events, outings and lunches may happen. I would like, in particular, to thank Peter for his work with The Oracle. Unfortunately he has decided to call time as editor, so we hope he enjoys his retirement and finds plenty to fill all that spare time he will have.!!
Mary and Dee continue to man, or should it be woman(?) the library for us. Thanks to those of you who have donated raffle prizes over the year. We are always grateful for such gifts to help keep costs down.
Our membership has grown throughout the year and as I write stands at 212, which includes many newcomers to the island, or new comers to the BRA. To them all I say welcome and I hope you enjoy our activities. As an association we offer friendship, help and information so that you may lead as stress free a life here on the islands as possible. We can only offer advice what you do is your choice. However living in a foreign country has its requirements. Remember you need a current card to attend and vote at the AGM which will be held in March.
I would like to thank Alan, our Treasurer, for his work keeping us under control and to Bob Armour for acting as our auditor. We start the New Year with a healthy balance. It was agreed to make a donation to ARKA of 100 euro and we topped up the Christmas donation to ERRC thus giving them 100 euro as well.
Trying to decide on activities and outings is an ongoing problem and not always successfully achieved. We have had to cancel some due to lack of interest. We do need your advice and suggestions for the coming year. Do you want a change or continuance of existing lunches? We have been fortunate in those who have been invited to speak to us at the Coffee Mornings, attendance at which has increased greatly especially towards the end of 2013, and I hope those we have arranged for the coming year will be as interesting with the numbers as high.
The quizzes, walks, theatre outings and whist groups continue to thrive and I would like to thank the organisers. As members of the BRA we may go to any event organised by any BRA Group. Yes I know it is an ordeal to go abroad, but if there is sufficient interest then buses or lifts may be arranged. Just let us know if you would like to go to another group’s coffee morning or lunch. After all Mellieha isn’t so far away.
To close I would like to repeat my thanks to you all for your support throughout the year and look forward to welcoming you at our monthly meetings and any event.
With thanks
Jay Jones
Gozo Chairwoman
As Jay mentions, Gozo Group needs your comments, suggestions and ideas – so please feel free to leave your comments here.