The excitement of the Ashes, starting today between England and Australia, is matched, in my mind at least, only by the start of a new SHTA season. By the time the cricket series finishes in mid-September we’ll have seen our first film and be looking forward to both ‘Le Crunch’ between England and France at the Rugby World Cup on 12th October and also hosting our guests from Honfleur in 2020. News of film dates and the visit to Sandwich further on in this newsletter.

The 2018-2019 year came to a close at the Annual General Meeting on Monday 8th July at The King’s Arms. The meeting was attended by 32 members and apologies received from a further dozen; thanks to all of you. After the Chairman’s Annual Report and Treasurer’s Report & Accounts, thanks were given to former committee members, Siobhan Hughes, Jan and Keith Raes for their hard work, time and commitment to SHTA over the past year and 3 years respectively. The election of new officers and committee members saw the following appointments made:

• Chair: Stuart Jones (re-elected)
• Vice-Chair: David Hammond (re-elected)
• Secretary: Hazel Martinelli (new appointment)
• Treasurer: Steve Laslett (re-elected)
• Committee members: Jan Cooper (re-elected), Lynne Hammond (re-elected), Sandra Jones (new appointment), Christine Ratcliffe (new appointment0, Rick Ratcliffe (new appointment)

The new committee have since held their first committee meeting at which it was agreed to form a sub-committee of four to decide on the selection of films for the coming season. A number of members have already contributed a variety of suggested films, including Linda Bull who has provided enough for the entire season! Sandra Jones will be responsible for liaising with cinema staff, sourcing films and continuing the offer of hiring previous DVDs including some on film night at the Empire. Christine Ratcliffe will be our new Catering Manager and we have agreed to adopt a French style where the buffet will consist of a range of cheeses, breads, gluten-free crackers, crisps and nuts to accompany a glass or two of French wine. The cost for your ticket and buffet remains at £7.50. The bar will continue to serve wine, beer and soft drinks but please note that a bottle of wine will be, as at the end of last season, £12.00, whereas still or sparkling water will be reduced from £1.00 to 50 pence.

For those of you who like to arrange your diary for the film season, the dates of film nights from September to May are as follows:

Wed 11 September, Wed 16 October, Wed 13 November, Wed 15 January, Wed 12 February, Wed 18 March, Wed 15 April and Wed 13 May

You’ll be able to find anything you need to know about SHTA on our website, sandwichhonfleurtwinning.org.uk. It is regularly updated and is now the primary source of information on all matters relating to SHTA, while the website address can be found on all of our published information. Thanks go to Lynne and David Hammond for overseeing this.

Hopefully you’ll be pleased to know that there will be a full range of social events yet again this year. Further news on all of these, of course, in future newsletters. To get the ball rolling and to provide a get-together for those who aren’t sunning themselves on the French Riviera, we’ll be holding a Summer Barbecue on Wednesday 28th August at Sandwich Bowls Club from 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm. Tickets cost £7.50 per head for food and your first drink, and £3.00 for children aged 5-14. If you are interested in coming along, please let me know asap by email, and you can pay on the night.

As I mentioned at the start, we’ll be looking forward to receiving our guests from Honfleur later on in the season. Their visit will be from Friday 29th May – Monday 1st June. Both committees have agreed that, after the amazing celebrations of the 60th anniversary, it will be appropriate to have a relaxed and informal few days. I’ll be asking for volunteers to host our Normandy friends very soon!

In the meantime I hope that you’re all enjoying your summer and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the barbecue.

Best wishes, Stuart and the Committee