The Farnborough Society AGM & open meeting – 03/07/08

The Farnborough Society held its inaugural AGM on Thursday, July 3rd at the Rushmoor Borough Council offices. At this meeting the Society formally became a legal entity.  Its constitution was ratified and its officers duly elected. 

Having been elected as Chairman, David Jennings, of Cove, stressed that The Farnborough Society has already come a long way and made great progress in the few months since its inception.

Following the AGM there was a public meeting at which Vice-chairman, Philip Bryant, emphasised the vast array of expertise, knowledge, experience and talent on the Society’s newly elected Executive Committee.

“With all this ability at our disposal”, he asserted, “there is no question that this Society will go on to achieve, and to be proactive in dealing with issues which affect us all.”

The open meeting was of great interest to all who attended.

Each of the Society’s working groups made brief presentations outlining its aims and its achievements to date.

There is probably no finer local historian in the country than Jo Gosney, whose name will be familiar to many. Jo leads the Society’s historically focussed group, and her presentation was gripping and thought provoking.

Diane Fyfe, whose focus is culture, outlined plans for an ambitious culturally oriented festival.

Rob Lane, whose expertise is invaluable to the Society, made a highly professional presentation of the ways in which the Society seeks to influence planning applications in the town.

Brian Fyfe, leader of the business liaison group, pointed out that it is vital that local businesses should actively support the Society, which in turn will seek to encourage links between residents and business.

David Jennings, in his role as leader of the parks and green spaces group, outlined the Society’s views on obtaining “Green Flag” awards for our local parks.
Finally, the Society’s communications group made its impressive presentation, the details of which may be found elsewhere on this site.
Overall, the message to all newcomers was, “Get involved and make things happen!”

One questioner asked, “Do you really think you can make a difference?” The answer was unequivocal: “There’s one way to find out!”