December 2020

14 Buckden Roundabout December 2020 FOBT Well, what a year 2020 has turned out to be. I was elected Chairman by remote vote in a virtual AGM in March, and since then our Committee have yet to meet face to face. But we haven ’ t been idle. We have had several Zoom meetings, and much to talk about. Our primary concern has of course been around the impact thar Covid 19 is having on our fund - raising activities. They have been mostly cancelled in this year, and we cannot yet be cer- tain about what we might be able to do next year. Which of course means we have no revenue for the time being, other than revenue from subscriptions. However, we are fortunate that in previous years our com- mittees have been able to build up a healthy bank balance, so, if we act carefully, we should survive this crisis intact. So, what do we do with the money? Well, we fund the maintenance of the Knot Garden for a start. A dedicated team of volunteer gardeners are doing a wonder- ful job of maintaining and improving this fabulous garden. If you haven ’ t seen it lately, go and have a look. You will be im- pressed. But mainly we support the Claretians in the care and mainte- nance of the Buckden Towers estate. We have funded in re- cent years a contribution to the renewal of the floor in the Great Hall, the purchase of benches for the knot Garden, cur- tains for the Great Hall, the refurbishment of the Friend ’ s Re- fectory and many other items. This year we are making a sig- nificant contribution to the cost of repairing the roof to the Outer Gatehouse. Work will now have started, with funds pro- vided from Historic England, FoBT, and the Claretians. Comple- tion will be early next year. With regard to our fund - raising activities, our annual Plant Sale Day is our biggest source of revenue. We were not able to hold this event this year but very much hope to be able to do so next May. The date is provisionally fixed for Saturday 15 th May. So please support us if you can. Our next biggest earner is from the tours that our team of vol- unteer guides provide. Of course, these have been suspended throughout lock - down, but we have done a few small groups in the weeks before the current lock - down, and we aim to get to get these going again when lock - down is lifted. If you haven ’ t enjoyed a tour of the Towers, do book one. I know you will find it very interesting. So, hopefully this message will help you appreciate just what an important job FoBT is doing. And you can become involved. If you are not already a member, please join up. It costs little. But every little helps. For membership applications contact Frances Farmer, Mem- bership Secretary at “ membershiptowers@btinternet.com ” I hope we can look forward to more freedom to meet each other next year. In the meantime I wish each and every one of you the happiest of Christmas, and a very much more enjoya- ble New Year. Keith Lawrence, Chairman, Friends of Buckden Towers Friends of Buckden Towers Buckden Towers is an important historic monument right here in the village of Buckden .