Brookwood Village News

Volume 22   Issue 5   February 2002

The big decision has been made! There will be a fete this year and it will be at the School. Resulting from a good discussion of the various possibilities, ranging from "do the same as last year" to "scrap it!" it was agreed at a meeting of FOBS and other interested parties that the Fete will take place on Saturday, 29^th June 2002 from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. It will be the "Brookwood Fete" organised by FOBS but there will be a number of differences from past years. Firstly, there will not be a procession and floats. It has proved very difficult in previous years to arrange the closure of Connaught Road for this and the number of floats taking part has gradually reduced over the years too. Instead, all organisations wishing to take part in the fete, i.e. have a stall, will be required to dress the stall and themselves in costume appropriate to the theme. The theme will be related to the Jubilee and details will be sent to all organisations after the sub-committee have met early in February.

The School will remain the main beneficiary of the fete and organisations will be expected to contribute to the FOBS overall fete fund. In order to participate, organisations will have to advise the fete sub-committee in advance of the nature of their stall and agree to the general terms and conditions operating for the fete. They must also make someone or two available after the Fete to help clear up the School grounds. This may include a Sunday morning stint This may sound a little heavy but it is important that the organizers know what is going on and can plan accordingly.

In the final analysis, it will not be very different from previous years but minus the procession. It has been recognized that the fete is an important part of the Village’s rich tapestry of life and we must all play our part and do the best we can to make it a success. It is an important event for everyone but especially for the smaller organisations that raise funds this way

So have a think about it. If you want to "register" your organization’s interest in participating, you can call Mac Fryatt. Many of our readers do not have children at the School and don’t get the letters home. We will try to keep you all informed as the fete committee develops the details.

"Investors in People" and "Basic Skills Quality Mark"

Brookwood School was recently successfully reassessed for Investors in People status, having achieved the award for the first time last year. They had to reach an acceptable level on all IiP standards, through submitting written evidence and a series of staff interviews, which took place before Christmas. IiP is about integrating the school's development planning alongside the development of people to achieve improvements in overall performance.

At the beginning of November the school was also successfully assessed for the Basic Skills Quality Mark. This shows that they are committed to improving standards, and focusing on the basic skills of literacy and numeracy throughout the school. Three assessors spent half a day in school observing lessons, talking with children and staff and looking at evidence (planning, assessments and children's work) before deciding to award them the Quality Mark.

By the way, we saw the School production "Blast Off" in December and were impressed by the ingenuity that had gone into the play! All the performers played their parts very well and they and the School staff are to be congratulated for their effort and the success of the show. 2001 A Space Odyssey? Keep a look out for Brookwood School it’s on its way to the Stars!

And Brookwood Children’s Drama Group brought Peter Pan to the Memorial Halls in January as well. Once again Yvonne Craven and her team gathered an excellent cast (including a very vocal audience!) who made it most enjoyable. All the Principals did well. Two special items that impressed were the Mermaid scene – loved the sea effect – and the Indians! They looked good and performed well! Ah! Oh to be young again!

SA-WASH-DEE! Trust you have learned what that means! Our Jamboree Scout is participating in a Car Wash fund-raising event at the Brookwood Memorial Halls on Saturday 9th March. Take your vehicle along for its Spring wash and make a donation to the Jamboree Fund! Starts at 0900 hrs and continues until every car in the neighbourhood is SPOTLESS or 1.00 pm whichever comes first! What’s that? Your car’s not dirty? Well, get it out into the mud! See the smart advert accompanying this Newsletter! See Alex Fellowes-Freeman’s picture in Fulk’s Butchers window if you wonder who the lucky Scout is!

AND HERE’S SHEER BRAVERY! Malcolm Fellowes – Freeman, (Yes! Alex’s Dad!) will be running in the London Marathon on 14th April 2002. Sponsor Malcolm by adding your name and an amount to the list being displayed in Fulks the Butchers. Sponsor money will be split between the Jamboree Fund and Woking Hospice. Keep April 6th clear of appointments. The Scout Group is planning a Quiz night and we want you there! And they are at it again on 20th April with their Annual Jumble Sale. More details will be in the next Newsletters.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH. Crime figures for the end of 2001 were very low, just a broken outside light in Connaught Road but don’t let us become complacent! Remember, burglars don’t all wear masks and striped jumpers and carry sacks labelled "SWAG" so do take note of anyone behaving suspiciously, and be prepared to tell the Police everything.

WHIST DRIVES are held on the first Friday of each month in the Small Memorial Hall starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £1.50 including raffle ticket and refreshments. What more could you want?! Anyone welcome and we don’t take it seriously so trump your partner’s Ace any time you like!

HELP! PAPER BOYS / GIRLS NEEDED URGENTLY! MUST BE MINIMUM 13 YEARS OF AGE REQUIRED TO DELIVER WEEKDAYS AND / OR WEEKENDS. APPLY TUDOR NEWS 138 CONNAUGHT ROAD. CALL IN AND SEE DILIP PATEL OR PHONE HIM ON 474091

(The Editor agreed to include this appeal, as he needs to have his paper for breakfast!).

This month’s sponsors are:

BVA subscriptions for the year 2001 – 2002 will be collected by house calls in February.

Have your £2 ready!

Sponsors for the Newsletter are always welcome. Currently £10 per issue and we will advertise your business, your leisure organisation, your partner’s birthday, your Parents’ Wedding Anniversary or anything legal! Mention of Hatches and Matches is free and we hope we won’t get too many dispatches!

Call Mac Fryatt on 473246 to book your space.

Make sure you contact him before the 23^rd of the month so that the printing can be scheduled in time.