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Bromley Arts Council

Chairman’s report 2007

I am sure many of you have realized my four year term as Chairman of Bromley Arts Council ended in July 2006. Since the case with our previous warden and his wife and the Employment Tribunal was not completed, I was asked to remain in office for one more year. Their appeal against the tribunal’s decision was totally rejected earlier this year and, on legal advice, we were advised to settle his unsupported constructive dismissal claim ‘out of court’ to avoid further expense.

Mr Michael Toomey decided to retire last Christmas and we have appointed Mr. David Gatland to replace him as Assistant Warden. Mr Aldo Ottolina has now completed his first year as Warden and they make a very good team, we also have temporary relief wardens to assist when needed.

Aldo and his fiancée Maria were married on June 24th and we wish them much happiness in the years ahead.

Ripley has had another good year with a further increase in bookings, concerts, exhibitions, seminars, receptions and weddings. 

We begin a series of Film evenings in September. Thelma and Jo work hard in the office and they also make a very good team - well done!

Our Garden party in August was very well attended and much enjoyed. The next one is on August 25th please make a note in your diaries.

The upgrade to the Studio has been delayed because on further inspection more funding was required. The work will now start this August.

During the year we received a lovely new garden seat in memory of our dear friend Andreas Nicolaou, we were deeply saddened by his death.

Bromley Arts Council is administered by the Executive committee and I would like to thank them all for the tremendous support I have received over the last five years. I have to single out Desmond Coulson the Vice Chairman, for his production, three times a year, of our Diary of Events, his work on the Ripley Development programme and fund raising, with the help of Vince Stevenson.

We also owe our gratitude for the work of Timothy Rogers, assisted by Geoffrey   Ellerby, who works hard on our Finances and John Curtis, our Honorary Secretary, who does so much to keep us on the right road.

We must also thank our voluntary workers Judie, Teresa, Maggie and Derrick and all the many kind friends for their help and continued support.