At the June meeting of Great Aycliffe Community Aid Partnership we saw Joan Mitchie, stand down as Secretary. “As Chairman it is with much regret and sadness to see Joan relinquish the position of Secretary as she has made an outstanding contribution to our organisation since it was formed” said Ron.

Jane Johnson stepped in to take the minutes and we thank her so much and hope she may find the time to take on the position as Secretary.

18 people attended the meeting with the two speakers, who were Inspector Sarah Honeyman from the Newton Aycliffe police force who gave an illuminating talk on her time in the force and the changes in not only the force but the age and experience of those officers coming through. She commended her team including PCO’s and the great job being done with the help of the community but said the police would not be resting on their laurels. Sarah then took a question and answer session from the partners who praised her professionalism.

The second speaker was Paul Howarth in his role as a founder of Aycliffe Radio, on the aims and objects of this new, not-for-profit, community organisation. He informed GACAP of the large number of volunteers involved and the day to day running of the station. He thought it would take 2/3 years to achieve what has been achieved in six months.

Paul covered his past history in the world of music including his time in mobile discos and night clubs; but settled for the family business.

He invited all our partners to visit the studio in the Blue Bridge Centre and even take part in a broadcast to tell everyone about their work and charity. I for one will be taking up that invitation, so why not give Paul a ring if you would like to be on air in any way, no need to be shy!

The main talking points of business were the Management Committee’s decision to apply for charity status and we had set up our first Task Group to look at bringing in income and funding, plus to explore the need for our own stand-alone office.

Ron Mitchie, Chairman