I cannot believe how quickly this year that I have been your President has passed! And I just have to say how much of a pleasure it has been.  Gems continues to thrive, providing activities, company and support to all our members.  I am proud of how proactive we all are, sharing the responsibility of running Gems. And I am proud that we actively strive to be inclusive of difference, understanding that everyone has challenges in their lives and seeking to cater individually to members needs.  No wonder we always have a waiting list of people who would like to join us. 

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This month, as ever, we have a full diary of events on offer and lots to put into our diaries for the coming months.  I am particularly looking forward to the Gardening Sale and Coffee Morning that Sheila is hosting this month and to our Summer Barbeque at the Woodman in July. 

 

We will not be holding our Reuse and Recycle at this months All Members Meeting, as this month is our Annual Meeting when we elect our incoming Committee and President, but have to thank Tonia and Sue B for running this as it is proving to be a fantastic way to demonstrate our environmental awareness whilst also raising funds to run Gems and donate to our chosen charity. Reuse and Recycle will resume next month.

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Potters Bar Carnival will not be running this year so we have decided to take stalls at the Family Fun Day which will be held at Elm Court on Sunday 17th August.  This will be a major fund-raising event for us so I would like to think that, as you did last year, as many of you as possible will volunteer to help.  I will be organizing meetings for anyone who would like to be involved before our Monthly Meetings, starting in June.

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This month we will be holding our Annual Meeting when we will be electing your committee for the coming year. Many thanks to all those who have done such a great job on committee over the last year, to those who have agreed to continue to serve and those who have offered to join for the coming year.  We have agreed to alter slightly how committee is run so each member will have a designated responsibility for example to liaising with group leaders. I look forward to working with you all and to an exciting year to come.

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Laura