The group was established in late 2006, following the purchase by the Parish Council of The Square, in order to consider appropriate designs for the refurbishment of The Square, and to initiate fund raising activities. Its initial membership was determined by invitation of the Parish Council and consisted of Colin Thompson from the Parish Council, Phil Bates from the Grayshott Society, Peter Hatch from Party in Grayshott, Russell Cupitt from Buy in Grayshott, Jenny Gayler a local Garden Designer and Peter White from The Village Kitchen Caterers. During the first fifteen months of the groups existence Russell Cupitt has been replaced by Caroline Kaighin and Phil Bates by Barrie Archer, each having been nominated by their respective organisations. The group meetings are also attended on an invitation basis by Alex White who helps on publicity issues, Peter Harrison on fund raising issues and Liz Pennick who acts as clerk to the group. Colin Thompson chairs the group and Caroline Kaighin is its Treasurer. During the last year, and acting on the advice of Community First East Hampshire, the group has adopted a written constitution and set up a membership scheme which enables anyone with an interest to become a member and for that membership to receive information on the activities and ratify what has become the executive of The Square Group. The group have been assured that this procedure will make future fund raising simpler and more likely to be successful. The Square Group have now opened its own bank account. In order to establish local wishes for design and future use of The Square, a number of initial designs and ideas, many from children attending From the reactions to those designs the group have now drawn up a provisional design brief for submission to an appropriately qualified and connected Landscape Architect. One of the ideas which came out of this consultation was the addition of some sort of sculpture in the Square to provide a focus. The Group have been introduced to the work of a talented young sculptor who was raised in Grayshott, and went to The future name for The Square has also been discussed. Currently both The Square and The Precinct are in use. A suggestion has been made that For the last few months the group have been in conversation with the appropriate department of Hampshire County Council, initially the Hampshire Villages Initiative and more recently the Hampshire Country Towns Initiative, for help in this crucial design stage. The proposals are currently under consideration by Council Officers and Members and a decision is expected in early May. Should this application be successful up to £200,000 might be available which would make any further necessary fund raising much easier to undertake. The Group would like to express its thanks to our County Councillor Sam James for his support in the application. Should we be unsuccessful The Group will need to reassess its next steps. In support of its fund raising brief and to encourage more use of The Square, a hugely successful Party in the Piazza was held last September. Some 140 people were able to sit down to an Italian Sunday Lunch under canvass and spent a memorable afternoon in splendid company. The event raised over £1500 for the refurbishment fund. The Christmas Carol Service also raised over £750 in donations for the fund and was probably the best attended Square event yet. In February this year the group organised a Pancake Race around the Square, and demonstrated how even on a blustery day Villagers will turn out in order to enjoy themselves! This event was not designed to raise money but to encourage diverse use of the Square. A programme of events for the coming year is in preparation which we hope will be well supported and raises further funds for the refurbishment of the Square. On Wednesday 23rd Aril, St Georges Day the group is organising a celebration of the Patron Saint of England. The school will be providing Maypole dancing and Tea Coffee and home made Scones will be available to purchase. All proceeds to the fund. On Sunday 11th May there will be Paella in the Playa. A Spanish variation on last year’s event. Tickets are available from the Bookshop-book now to avoid disappointment! The group are currently negotiating with Godalming Brass Band to perform in the Square on a Sunday afternoon in September and the group will arrange for Afternoon Tea to be available. From October 14th to October 18th, and in association with GalleryOne, it is hoped to arrange an art show for local amateur artists at the gallery, again proceeds to be for the refurbishment fund. The Group is always open to other suggestions on fund raising events and look forward to hearing from you. Finally can I thank the WI who have provided the refreshments this evening and have generously offered to donate their takings to the refurbishment fund. Those of you who have signed membership forms are now asked to: 1) Receive this report. 2) Approve the re-appointment of the members of the executive committee. 3) Receive the financial accounts in simplified form. Namely income £7961.59 Expenditure £2056.98 Balance £5904.61
