This year the Community Association has built substantially on the progress made last year. Rather than follow a chronological account of the year I have grouped the association’s achievements and activities into areas in which I believe that the DCA has made a difference to the lives of people living in Doxey and in the wider area.

The association's monthly meetings have been very well attended, some 20-30 people attending each meeting. Overall 47 people have attended one or more of the associations monthly meetings. Meetings now begin at 7pm instead of 7.30pm and this seems to suit people. We had a talk from Mr Solly, the retiring headteacher in June. Kate Lee from Stafford College came to discuss FE provision in Doxey in November and in February Mark Gates of the Parish Councils Association talked about the responsibilities of being a Parish Councillor.

Doxey Times has run to 12 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. Thanks to Stephen, Doxey Times’ editor, to Sally and the team of deliverers who get out each edition cheerfully and promptly.

It is now almost six years since Pat and John Perks 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 made 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. In addition to the Monday sessions there has been a Christmas Lunch. 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 fourth year. but it should 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 for the Leisure Barn project which they have planned with guidance from Sue Fox of Staffordshire County Council and a number of specialists.

Doxey Day was held in July. Instead of a fete we had an afternoon when the many Doxey groups and organisations came together to display what they had to offer in the church hall. Dave Marston opened the event which was visited by about 80 residents. There was an interesting mix of activities, Guides, the walking group, Heraldry ad the National Childbirth Trust together with the Friendship Group, the coffee morning, the Whist Drive, the Youth Forum, the playgroup, the Community Association and the Church. Seeing all these organisations together we realise that we live in a very lively community. The decision to opt for such an easy to organise format was based on lack of time in view of other concerns in the community. As it turned out the weather was wet and cloudy and our traditional outdoor fete would possibly have suffered far more.

Pat and John Perks organised a second annual Fun day in August 2004. Many local children took part in the activities and it proved to be a social occasion for parents, children and the DCA members who attended. Prizes were provided by the William Sutton Housing Association. Thank you Pat and John for your commitment to the children of Doxey.

The Doxey Post Office closed in May 2004 but the campaign to secure some post office provision for Doxey continues. Ideas which are being pursued are for a post office van, similar to the scheme being trialled in the South West, a part time post office in non traditional premises a house, pub etc.

The five year campaign to establish a Parish Council has been successful. Eleven residents were nominated and willing to stand for the nine seats. In the event two withdrew and it was not necessary to have an election. However in times when many parishes have difficulty in fielding enough nominations Doxey can feel proud of the interest shown. The Doxey Parish Council has its first meeting on May 18^th at 6.30 in the Sutton Centre. On behalf of the Community Association I wish it well.

The environment has again been high on the agenda of the Community Association. A squad of Doxey litter pickers 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 Mike Turner for organising these events. The latest Clear Out day was held just last Sunday, organised by Mike. As usual lots of items were brought in and most of it went to good homes. We met a number of residents who were new to Doxey and the event was also an opportunity for Doxey residents to meet.

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. The next garden sale will be held this Saturday - 14^th May – on the car park of the Three Tuns. Bring your surplus plants and garden tools etc and get some bargains, There will also be a bric-a-brac- stall.

Until April this year the Community Association operated under its constitution which had been drawn up by those residents who had set it up. However as the Associations has grown so has its business and the amount of money it handles. By registering as a charity the Association safeguards its funds by making itself accountable to the Charity Commissioners as well as to the people of Doxey. An extraordinary meeting in January approved a new constitution for the Association. This was approved by the Charity Commissioners in April.

Our new status as a charity does mean that we must have a membership. In the past any resident of Doxey could vote at meetings, Now only members can vote. However the membership subscription is 50p per year which we hope will not deter anyone from joining. The treasurer will receive subscriptions and maintain a list of members.

Our charitable status does bring benefits such as enabling us to apply to a wider range of sources for funding.

The Village Voices project report is provided on a separate sheet.

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.

Finally, my thanks to those active members who have worked so hard this year. |Barbara Simpson, our treasurer, has not only kept the money in order, she has also guided through the process of registration as a charity. Sarah Jessop, our secretary has been diligent in minuting meetings and in drawing up agendas. Sarah can not by with us tonight – she and Owen are honeymooning in faraway places. We wish them well.