As the DA’s new Chairman I would like to say a big thank you to Jon Mildren for all his hard work in the role over the past few years. Jon and I both started camping with the DA when our families joined as members back in the 1970s. We had a great deal of fun especially when we became old enough to join the CCY and CCJ so it is a great pleasure to be able to follow in Jon’s and all the previous Chairmen’s footsteps. I feel extremely privileged to have been elected to the role and look forward to working with the committee to ensure the continuing success of Cornwall DA.

I would also like to welcome and thank all those members who have joined the committee and those that are continuing their commitment. It is an exciting time for the committee and it is good that there are some young faces with some more experienced members to take the DA forward. A big thank you must also go to all those non committee members who give up their valuable time to help the DA in all its activities. Your support and commitment are very much appreciated. The committee welcome your comments and suggestions. In addition, if any members have concerns or worries we are here to help.

It is with pleasure that I welcome you all to a new season and I look forward to seeing you in the field.
David


CHAIRMANS CHAT JUNE 2009

The start of the 2009 season has got off to a fantastic start and it has been a privilege to start off my stint as Chairman with so many memorable weekends catching up with old faces and meeting new ones and, of course, enjoying the favourable weather. Long may it continue for the rest of the camping calendar!

I would again like to thank the committee and all Cornwall DA members who have helped so far this year from stewarding and selling raffle tickets to organising bookings for Temporary Holiday sites. Also, thanks to all those who help with the many other activities that go on in the background which enable the DA to run.

As some of you may be aware, after a much valued time on committee, Jan Welch is resigning as Secretary due to family commitments at the end of June, and Anne Dunbar has been co-opted on to committee to see out the remainder of this year's post. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jan for the effort and commitment to the DA both in my time as Chairman and for all her previous years' service. Thanks must also go to George for his support. I would also like to welcome Anne as replacement Secretary and thank her for volunteering her time in addition to continuing as Editor of Chough Chatter.

On a sad note I would like to express, on behalf of the DA, our condolences to the families of Brian Jervis who was our first Chairman from 1972-1973 and who passed away in April this year and also to the family of John Crocker, also a past Chairman of the DA (1994-1997) who passed away in June this year. Both made many friends in the DA and have left us many fond memories.

Due to increased pressure of finding sites, the increased number of campers this year and rising cost of site owners' fees per night, the weekend fees will be increasing after the Temporary Holiday Sites to £6.00 per unit per night. In addition, there will be electric fees for normal weekends with fees per night to be agreed for special meets. This is because the DA has subsidised weekends up to 21 June this year at a loss of £1,806.66. Due to the deficit, I hope we have your understanding with regard to this increase.

With the Temporary Holiday sites looming fast at St Ives and Wadebridge, I hope to see you all out in the field in the near future. As always, both myself, and any member of the committee are available to discuss any problems or concerns that you may have.

Again, any help – however small – is always gratefully received so, if any members would like to help or have any suggestions please do not hesitate to come forward!

Happy camping and long may the fine weather continue!

David