Dear Woodlanders,

As 2005 draws to a close, like many individuals, groups or companies,
this is a period when we reflect on the previous 12 months and the forthcoming
year. The Woodlanders are no exception to this.

2005, as you can see from the following reports, has been yet another
busy year on the show front, and also in the wood itself, with not only the
coppicing going on, but other woodland management too. Behind the scenes,
there has been important survey work going on and recording of this data by
Malcolm Knight, and on-going construction and maintenance of our website
www.tottingtonwoodlanders.org.uk by Mark Schofield.

Many thanks to the afore-mentioned people, plus our regular volunteers
and other committee members including Brian Stone, Maggie Blake, Phil Knight
and lan Betts.

In 2005, we had to go out and buy a replacement compact tractor, to
ensure that we can carry on our vital work in the woods, and these things do not
come cheap. However, given that the tractor and trailer considerably, lighten the
load on our small but dedicated band of volunteers, I consider the £1200 well
spent.

Even with this large expenditure in 2005, the fact that the group is only
down on the year by £645 is a remarkable achievement This is also a great
credit to the effort put in by our regular contributors who cut timber, make
products and sell at all the shows and other outlets that we have.

2006. however, will see the committee needing to reassess what the
group is doing, and this could include whether or not we carry on producing the
same quantity of newsletters/flyers, what shows we attend and activities we
undertake, unless we see a dramatic growth in the offers of help.

An example of this is that you will notice that the newsletter is normally
written by 2 or 3 people at most, then kindly edited and printed by Peter &
Daphne Turner. Some of these people also do the work in the woods, and
make products to sell and like all of us lead busy hectic lives. So, it comes a
time when choices need to be made and a balance struck.

Tottington Woodlanders has a regular membership of 100+ and the
group was set up to preserve the woodland, the associated crafts and to
educate the public. It is important that this work carries on, the achievements
the group has reached are not lost, and that the momentum continues.

The Wassail is a prime example of an event which has grown,
together with the Woodlanders, and this year's celebrations on 3rd December
will be no different Normal rules apply - 7pm for 7.30pm start, bring a torch,
wrap up warm and be well shod, and please inform one of the committee
members (see contact details later in this newsletter) that you will be coming,
to ensure that no-one goes without mulled wine. Should anyone wish to lend
a hand with the Wassail preparations or packing up, please contact either
Malcolm or myself.

I hope you agree with me, that 2005 has been a very successful and
rewarding year, and may I be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas, and a
happy and prosperous New Year, on behalf of the Woodlanders' Committee.

Chris Burchell Collins
Chairman