Chairman's Message

It's been a very strange year. In March all our worlds changed with the first lockdown and our working practices had to change. Work parties returned later in the year, but for our branch, executive and trustee meetings we had to get used to the new-fangled technology of online meetings. I have to say this has worked very well. On a larger scale we were unable to hold the normal October WBCT Annual General Meeting. A full on-line webinar AGM meeting was held with pre-prepared videos. My thanks to all those who attended. Even if, as I hope, we return to a physical AGM later in 2021 the experiences of 2020's meeting should help with perhaps an alternative feed for those who cannot attend in person.

Planning Work has carried on various of the larger projects and the formation of internal groups to focus on particular issues under the leadership of our CEO has enabled progress on many fronts.

We have also seen the merger of Abingdon and East Vale Branches and I wish our new Chairman of the combined branch well.

During the year we welcomed the arrival of new Vice Presidents MP Robert Buckland and Fleur de Rhe Philipe, and we look forward to working with them and our other Champions in 2021 as well as our existing VPs.

My (indeed our) thanks go to all the Vice Presidents, Trustees, Executive committee members, our staff and our members/volunteers for the work and support during the difficult year of 2020 and I would ask you to accept my best wishes and hopes of success and good health in 2021

Brian Stovold BSc
Chairman