The association's monthly meetings have been very well attended. Sadly for us we
had to lose our secretary. Rachel, is training to serve with the Ionian
community. Our best wishes go to her. Members have taken on the various
secretarial tasks between them but we have not been as efficient. We look
forward to welcoming a new secretary this year.
Doxey Times has run to 11 editions since last May - and one of those was a
double pager. Through its columns Doxey people have been informed of events and
issues arising in Doxey and in Stafford. Doxey Times has also celebrated the
participation and achievements of several of our young people in the spheres of
music, theatre and service to the community. Thanks to Stephen, Doxey Times'
editor, to Sally and the team of deliverers who get out each edition cheerfully
and promptly. Thanks also to the four new recruits to the delivery team.
It is now almost five years since Pat and John organised the first coffee
morning at the William Sutton Centre. The event is held each Monday morning at
10.30am. It is well attended by between 20 or 30 people each session. Everyone
is welcome and each meeting provides the opportunity for people to meet old
friends, to make new ones and to keep in touch with what is happening. If you
would like to attend but have problems with transport please contact Pat or
John.
The DCA is proud of the youth forum, which it helped to establish, now in its
third year. A separate report details its activities but it should be noted here
that members of the Youth Forum have contributed to discussion at each of the
DCA meetings. We look forward to the progress of the Forum in its quest to
secure facilities for young people in Doxey and have pledged our support.
In January 2004 a drop-in was opened for young people between the ages of 13-17
at the Sutton Centre. Its purpose was to provide a safe and comfortable place
for young people to meet with adults around. This is staffed by 4 community
association volunteers and runs on Thursday evenings. So far between 6 and 12 young
people have dropped in each session. Thanks to volunteers, Gill, Sally, Dave and
Paul. More volunteers are needed to ensure the future of the drop in.
Joan and her team at Doxey House organised a very successful Doxey Day last July. Highlights of the event included the opening by the Mayor, the competition led by the Town Crier and the crowds of Doxey people who supported the event.
A new event - Fun Day- was held in August on the grassed area around the Sutton Centre. This was a games afternoon for children and young people. Pat and John's organisation enabled the children of Doxey to enjoy an exciting afternoon where everyone was a winner.
Two further events, a trip to Walsall illuminations in November and the trip to
the Pantomime in late December, were well attended. There's something special
about being with friends and neighbours, enjoying new experiences. Thanks to
Jane for organising these events. These and the other events serve to bring our
community close and to earn us the reputation of a strong community.
That strong community was up against the might of a national body in December when the Post Office announced its decision to close the Doxey Branch. The Community Association led a campaign to retain the post office and the campaign was well supported by Doxey people, by our MP David Kidney and our County Councillor, Robert Simpson. Sadly the campaign failed. Maybe it could never have succeeded but it is worthy of note here that over 50 Doxey residents wrote to the post office and David Kidney is currently working to secure alternative post office provision in Doxey.
The long standing campaign to have a Doxey Parish Council has met with more success. A petition with almost 600 signatures is to be sent to the office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the next few days. Doxey could have its own parish council in 2005. Thanks here to Pat and John and Stephen for their tireless work in knocking on doors to collect signatures, to our local councillors, Adam Tedstone, Peter Goodland and Robert Simpson and of course to those residents who supported the petition. Having a parish council will give Doxey an official voice in borough and county decisions. It will also give Doxey access to funds for projects to enhance our facilities and our environment.
The environment has again been high on the agenda of the Community Association.
A squad of Doxey litterpickers helped with the clear up in Stafford in
preparation for the judging of Britain in Bloom. The association is represented
on the Local Environmental Quality Group which as well as improving the
environment seeks to improve responsible public access to wildlife sites.
In October the association received a Green Award from the Borough Council in
recognition of litter picking, the Clear Out days and the Garden Sale. The Clear
Out days enable people to recycle their unwanted items by offering them to
others. Thanks to Michele and Richard for organising these events. The latest
Clear Out day was held just last Sunday, organised by Mike. The garden sale held
each spring, gives an opportunity for people to buy plants and garden items,
surplus to the needs of other gardeners in Doxey, at low prices. This event is
very much a joint effort and thanks are due to all those who prepared and
donated plants, those who bought them and to those who helped on the day.
Mikron Theatre
Last June the association arranged for the Mikron Theatre Company to visit Doxey to conduct theatre workshops and to perform their play All Steamed Up, about the steam Pioneer Richard Trevithick. Both workshops and performance were so well received by Doxey people that the theatre director expressed his company's wish to work again with Doxey people. Clearly this was going to involve a lot of organisation, not least in raising funds in the form of grants. The Community Association appointed Jane Essex as its Arts Officer and Jane will give you more details of what is planned.
Photographic Exhibition
In May 2003 Dan Yates, a student photographer, from Greensome Lane offered to take and collect photographs around Doxey. His efforts, supported by the association culminated in a display in the church in September. His 40 or so photographs were enjoyed by the 40 or so Doxey people who visited. This was no ordinary art gallery. The hall was alive with conversations as people exchanged information and reminiscences about the village.
Film Festival
We were approached by the Stafford Arts Council with a request that Doxey host the launch of their Film Festival Roadshow. The launch took place early in March in the church hall and was attended by many Doxey people as well as by the Mayor, his entourage and other Staffordians. Throughout the day films and videos of Stafford, and notably of Doxey were shown. As an outcome of the launch three student filmmakers are currently busy making a film about Doxey and its people.
That is a summary of the work of the Community Association in the past year. We have taken on new challenges as well as developing the initiatives begun in previous years. We have been fortunate in recruiting active members. Being an active member can include: attending meetings; contributing to or delivering Doxey Times; organising an event or helping someone who is doing so; taking on secretarial or financial responsibilities.
We still need more active members.
Come and join us.
The Doxey Community Association is alive, flourishing and
working in the interests of Doxey.