On the road:
As chair of the club, I took up an invitation from Denbighshire Council to take part in their LGBT History Month exhibition in Rhyl, North Wales, to promote all that GOC offers to new and existing members. In addition, I am preparing a trip to London to plan the 50th celebratory weekend, when we hope to be at London Pride Day on Saturday 29th June, followed on Sunday 30th June by a walk through the Soho area, covering the ground trodden by our founding members.
AOG 2024 in Northampton:
Full information about our 2024 Annual Outdoor Gathering is now on the website. Many members have already signed up for this exciting weekend when they will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.
Ramblers Association:
In the spring edition of Walk Magazine, I was very pleased to see a short editorial, informing their membership that GOC is celebrating its 50th year.
As a former chair of the Aylesbury & District Group, I am delighted that members of the Ramblers know that we are here to welcome them if they wish to come and join us.
Do you like admin?
Part of my duties as chair of the club is to prepare the club's Annual Report and Financial Statement for the board to approve at the next meeting in April. That report, when approved, is then submitted to the Charities Commission.
I am pleased to say that my report for 2023 contains lots of positive items. GOC is going from strength to strength But we need more help! So if you enjoy administration, please let me know as we will definitely have a job for you!
50th Anniversary Celebrations:
Well. what can I say? Groups around the country seem to be organising lots of different ways to celebrate our great landmark. Some are climbing the highest point in their area, others are holding a celebratory tea, with a canal cruise, a guided tour and a BBQ social also on the planning list. At the club's board meeting in April, I will be submitting a report on all the known activities being prepared to celebrate our 50th year. Please may I ask group coordinators to let me know what their group is doing.
Many thanks and well done!
Jim Cornwell, GOC Chair
