Social & Recreation

		What is our Role ?

		What have we achieved so far ?
		Local Clubs & Activities We have contacted existing local clubs and activities and obtained their latest Contact details, times of operation etc. We have also contacted our local venues to understand their availability and whether they are interested in self-promotion through community involvement. All of this information has been added to the Website - under the Clubs & Activities Section. If anyone knows of any Venues, Clubs or Activities which exist and wish to be promoted - please let us know and we will add them to the page. There is no charge for advertising ! Allotments Bill Collier, an OGAFCAP volunteer, has found that allotments are not available to us poor peasants who live out in the sticks. He has therefore come up with an initiative to launch a scheme whereby any householders with spare garden space might offer it to be worked by enthusiasts to provide shared produce for both parties. This sounds like a GREAT idea to us and we hope that volunteers on both sides of this equation will come forward by using the contact button below. Food and Wine Fair - May 2009 On Sunday May 31 we organised a Food and Wine Fair and what a fantastic Day it was ! The sun shone, all the Suppliers and Entertainers turned up and Visitors were treated to some free and fabulous Food, Wines and Ales. On top of this, we raised some money with Collection Boxes for a local Charity - Thames Hospicecare. We organised the Event in the first place as it was one of the most popular types of Social Event which Residents voted for in the Survey at the end of last year. So we set about trying to find a broad range of local Suppliers of Quality Food and Wine and lay on some entertainment. The following Suppliers took part : Ascot Ales, Bryony Humm, Community Plan Tea Shop and Cafe, Eton Vintners, The Fifield Inn, Homefield House Dairy Goats, Italian Continental Stores, John Train Plants, Josh Indian Takeaway, Michael Collins, The Oxford Cheese Company, Thames Hospicecare, Waltham Place Farm, and Wysipig. And then for Entertainment - we had Glitter Face Painting, Matt Lawrence Caricatures and Windsor Community Orchestra. A big thank you to all of the above who supported us and gave generously to our Raffle. Also, a big thank to all the Volunteers who sweated a little (and some a lot), helping us to set up in the searing heat and then clear up at the end. And lastly, thanks to all who turned up and took part. As long as you keep coming, we will keep putting things on ! Community Hog Roast - October 2009 The promised Community Hogroast was held on the afternoon of Saturday October 3rd in Braywood Memorial Hall. We took delivery of the huge hog and the roasting spit from Rooks the Holyport Butchers in the dark at 6:45 in the morning! It was dry but very windy - so because the burners blew out a couple of times, we had to "babysit" the roasting for six hours until it was cooked in time for lunch at 1:00pm. Jim Laflin "volunteered" to carve - and delicious it was. We also had other choices of beef and veggie Burgers (lovingly cooked by Andrew Shenston) along with salads and sauces (provided by Jenny Wigginton and Sandra Annetts). The Fifield Inn provided a cash bar and attendees took time out for lunch, a beer or a glass of wine (or all three!) in between looking at the Community Plan Exhibition in the Village Hall. Community Association Launch and Social Evening with Horse Racing – March 2010 On Thursday March 11 the Social & Recreation Work Group organised a Community Social Evening in Braywood Memorial Hall and it was a great success, partially fuelled by a licensed Bar run by Volunteers. The Event was well supported. First of all, attendees were given an update on the progress of the implementation of the recently published Community Action Plan and invited to join the newly formed Oakley Green, Fifield and District Community Association. Then the entertainment started – in the form of a Video Horse Racing event – back after popular demand after the one we organised in July 2008. At times, you could hardly hear yourself speak as Punters cheered on their Horses to the Winning Line! One lady from Coningsby Lane had the winner in 4 of the 8 races and left very happy. Great fun was had by all and many of us left poorer, hoarse and almost exhausted. 2nd Annual Food, Wine and Ales Fair – June 2010 On Sunday June 27 we organised our second Food, Wine and Ales Fair. And like last year, it was very successful. Unfortunately, because England did not top their World Cup Football Qualification Group, they had to play Germany on the day of the Fair at 3:00 pm. For some who do not follow Football, this Event was a blessing! Thankfully the weather was kind to us. Based on the positive feedback from last year, we decided to organise another Fair based on a broad range of local Suppliers of Quality Food, Wine and Ales and lay on some entertainment. The following Suppliers took part : Ascot Ales, Barbara Frame’s Table Decorations and Gifts, Community Plan Tea Shop and Cafe, Cook Frozen Foods, Crafty B’s Chocolates & Truffles, Eton Vintners, Homefield House Dairy Goats, Josh Indian Takeaway, Kathy Porter Nursery Plants, Nichola Marsh Teas, The Oxford Cheese Company and the famous Windsor Larder Shop, And then for Entertainment - we were treated to performances by Windsor Community Orchestra. A Face Painting Stall was sponsored by The Fifield Inn. We ran a Raffle of Gifts from the Stalls and other Contributions in aid of our chosen Charity this year – the Alexander Divine Children’s Charity Trust. Thank you to all who came along and supported us and helped out on the day. Support for the Fifield Fun Day – August 2010 The Fifield Fun day on August 14 was a great success again and Members of the Social and Recreational Committee and the Association in general helped out in a number of Roles this year – on the Organising Committee, running Stalls and helping out with setting up and dismantling Equipment. A great Team Effort. Third Social Evening with Horse Racing – November 2010 On Friday November 26 2010 the Social & Recreational Work Group of the Association organised our Third Community Social and Horse Racing Event in Braywood Memorial Hall. The Event was well supported. At the beginning of the evening Andy James, who was the Leader of the Fifield Fun Day Organising Committee, came along and thanked local Residents for their support for the Fun Day held in August. The weather was not very kind but despite this, there was a good turnout and almost £6000 was raised. Andy then presented Cheques for £1850 to Representatives of the three Organisations they were supporting in 2010 – Rosie’s Rainbow Fund, Thames Hospicecare and the Community Association. See pictures in the NEWS item of this event or in the PHOTO GALLERY. Andy said that the Committee were looking for new Members and made a plea for local helpers to come forward as early as January 2011. Then the fun started. This time we hired a Company called Paul Boyce Entertainment to run the Video Horse Racing part of the Evening - back after popular demand. There was a licensed bar and as usual, at times you could hardly hear yourself speak as Punters cheered on their Horses to the Winning Line ! Great fun was had by all and many of us left poorer, hoarse and almost exhausted. A right Royal Knees Up ! – Friday April 29 2011 The Royal Wedding Street Party was a great Success. The Fifield Road was closed and we were ready to party from 2 pm. BBQ’s were provided for people to cook their own food and we estimate that about 250 people came along! We re-opened the Road at 6 pm and transferred the Party into the Fifield Inn car park and the Party was still going at 8:30pm! See the 200 pictures on the Website. We had a Prince and Princess Fancy Dress Competition for under 8 year olds. There were lots of great costumes and it was a very difficult decision, but the Judges had to pick just one Prince and one Princess. They chose Tristan Meller aged 4 and Bethany Bennett aged 7. Prizes were very kindly donated by Bill Collier. For the Adults, we had a Quiz of 15 Questions based on local places and history. The Winning Team of Mel / Helen / Barry and Jayne won with a fantastic score of 13 out of 15 points. They won a bottle of pink bubbles – which they very kindly donated for us to Auction. A lot of people helped make the occasion a great success. Special thanks go to Mark Howard (brother of Robin) for his Music and PA System, Norm Sandford for setting up, André for the photos and to Helen and Gary of the Fifield Inn for the BBQs and allowing us to close the road and use their car park. We are already thinking about organising another Street Party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in June 2012 ! 3rd Annual Food, Wine and Ales Fair – Sunday July 10 2011 Based on the positive feedback from the past two years, we went ahead and held our 3rd Annual Food, Wine and Ales Fair in Braywood Memorial Hall. Thankfully the weather was kind and it was a chance to taste and buy some quality products from local Suppliers - have a glass or two of refreshment - and maybe stay for lunch. See pictures on our Website. Participants included Ascot Ales, Crafty B’s Chocolates from Holyport, Eton Vintners, Homefield Dairy Goats from Fifield, Italian Continental Stores, Josh Indian Food, Ye Olde Red Lion from Oakley Green and a Tea Shop provided by Community Association Volunteers. Entertainment was provided by the Windsor Community Orchestra and Face Painting by Jemma (sponsored by The Fifield Inn). For added interest we had other Stalls selling Greeting Cards (Barbara Frame), Jewellery (Ajmal Randhawa) and Plants (Kathy Porter). This year, our nominated Charity was the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust who had their own Stall. We supported them through voluntary donations and a Raffle of Gifts and Hampers made up of products kindly donated by our Suppliers, raising nearly £400. A very civilised way to pass a few hours! Thanks to our Volunteers, Suppliers and everyone who came along, supporting us and our nominated Charity. Support for the Fifield Fun Day – August 13 2011 The Annual Fifield Fun Day was held on Saturday August 13 this year - in a different venue in the centre of Fifield, thanks to Patricia and David Buck. It was a great success again and as usual, Members of the Social and Recreational Committee and the Association in general helped out in a number of Roles – on the Organising Committee, running Stalls and helping out with setting up and dismantling Equipment. Another great Team Effort. Family Social Evening – Saturday October 29 2011 On Saturday October 29 we organised a Family Social Evening during which we played Bingo. It was held early in the Evening and we laid on some Food, with the help of The Fifield Inn (thanks to Helen and Gary). We specifically wanted to try and involve our local Children and it worked ! The bonus was that we saw a few Grandparents for the first time as well. Thanks to Alison Brayshaw who was the main Organiser and who has agreed to organise another one next Autumn. Go to the Photo Gallery to see some pictures. Christmas Fair – Saturday November 26 2011 Our original Residents Survey conducted in 2008 told us that a Christmas Fair should be popular. So Bill Collier took up the challenge and was the main Organiser – supported by the Social & Recreational Work Group. We had a wide range of Stalls selling very high Quality products including - Usborne Books - Phoenix Cards - the Pampered Chef (kitchen items) - The Spotty Strawberry (handmade items, baskets boxes etc.) - Julie Benson (handmade jewellery) - Shedcraft (handmade wooden and china products) - Rowena Kelly (hand crafted items) - Carol Ann Spencer (handmade buttons) - Forever Living (beauty products), Marilyn Embery (handmade scarfs etc.), Night Owls (handicrafts), Claire Breadle (homemade jams, handbags and belts). All very impressive and a good place for Christmas shopping ! Pictures as usual in Photo Gallery. Fourth Social Evening with Horse Racing – Friday March 30 2012 On Friday March 30, 2012 the Social & Recreational Work Group of the Association organised our Fourth Community Social and Horse Racing Event in Braywood Memorial Hall. The ever popular Event was well supported. We hired Paul Boyce Entertainment again to run the Video Horse Racing part of the Evening. Tickets priced at just £7.50 and included a free drink and nibbles and a licensed bar. Once everyone was in and settled, we were off to the Races – 8 in total, with a break at half time. As usual, at times you could hardly hear yourself speak as Punters cheered on their Horses to the Winning Line ! Great fun was again had by all and many of us left poorer, hoarse and almost exhausted. Pictures as usual in Photo Gallery. Another right Royal Knees Up ! – Monday June 4th 2012 After the success of the The Royal Wedding Street Party on April 29, 2011, we decide to organise another Street Party – this time to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. We obtained permission from RBWM Council to close The Fifield Road by The Fifield Inn from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm. Set up was from Noon but people arrived as early as 9:30 am to reserve their spots. We kicked off at 2:00 pm and the Community Association provided 6 BBQs for people to cook their own food. We estimate that over 300 people came along! As last year, after the road was re-opened, we continued the Party in the Fifield Inn Car Park! We had a “Young Royals” Fancy Dress Competition for Girls and Boys under 8 years old and “Best Royal Hat” Competitions for 8 to 18 year olds and Adults. There were lots of great costumes and hats. The “Best Royal Adult Hat” competition was won by David Embery for which he won a chilled Bottle of Prosecco. See the 220 + pictures in the Photo Gallery We also organised a Family Quiz of 15 Questions based on Local and Royal knowledge. The Winner was Vera Heath (aged 89!) with a fantastic score of 13 out of 15 points. The Prize was also chilled Bottle of Prosecco. A lot of people helped make the occasion a great success. Special thanks go to Mark Howard (brother of Robin) for his Music and PA System, Rod Lord for the photos and to Helen and Gary of the Fifield Inn for allowing us to close the road and use their car park. Given the success, we are already thinking about an excuse to hold another Street Party in the future ! 4th Food Wine and Ales Fair – Sunday September 16, 2012 Spring and Summer were very busy with the Queens Diamond Jubilee and our Street Party, then the Olympics etc. So we decided to hold our 4th Annual Food, Wine and Ales Fair in Braywood Memorial Hall later this year – on September 20th. Thankfully the weather was kind (ish) and it was a chance to taste and buy some quality products from local Suppliers - have a glass or two of refreshment - and maybe stay for lunch. There are 52 pictures in the OGAFCA Website Photo Gallery. Participants this year included Charlotte Doherty Sweets and Candies (Windsor), Eton Vintners (Windsor), Homefield Dairy Goats (Fifield), Italian Continental Stores (Maidenhead), Loveacupcake (Windsor), the Oxford Cheese Company and the Windsor & Eton Brewery (Windsor). OGAFCA (Andrew Shenston – Executive Chef) also laid on a BBQ with Burgers kindly donated by Rooks Butchers (Holyport) and Baps / Condiments donated by Tesco. The OGAFCA Tea Shop was run by Sandra Annetts and Doreen Embery. For added interest we had other Stalls, including Crafty B’s Home Crafts (Holyport), Phoenix Greeting Cards and Gifts (Oakley Green) and Kathy Porter’s Plants (Bray). This year, our nominated Charity was the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust again - who had their own Stall. We supported them through voluntary donations and a Raffle of Gifts and Hampers made up of products kindly donated by our Suppliers, raising £200. Attendance was disappointingly down on last year, but we still put on an Event which was a very civilised way to pass an hour or so! Thanks to our Volunteers, Suppliers and everyone who came along, supporting us and our nominated Charity. Family Bingo Evening – Saturday October 13, 2012 It was an excellent turnout at the Family Bingo evening in Braywood Memorial Hall with local families and friends young and not so young joining in all the fun. After a visit to the bar for drinks and nibbles, everyone settled down with bingo cards and pens at the ready as caller Don Maycock, assisted by his wife Mary, ran the show. As the first number was called, it was eyes down and pens scribbling keenly, everyone hoping to get a full line, two lines, a full house or a jackpot and be a winner, which there were plenty of! After 4 games, everyone stopped for a break and a chat and were served delicious filled hot baked potatoes (provided by Helen and Gay from The Fifield Inn), more bingo, more winners and finally a raffle with prizes! Something for everyone hopefully. It was great to see so many people out to support this event and help out. Thank you! Christmas Fair – Saturday November 24, 2012 On Saturday November 24th we organised our second Christmas Fair. Our original Residents Survey told us that this type of Event should be popular. Bill Collier was the Organiser again this year – and we had a wide range of Stalls selling very high Quality products including:- Barbara Frame - Phoenix Cards, Carol Luscombe - Cake Decorations, Ellie Stevens - Dapper Dog, Jean Plumb - Recycled Material Products, Julie Bens - Handmade Jewellery, Keron Nappy - Cakes, Marion Heywood - Forever Living Products, Suzi Bhatti - Hand Packaged Sweets and Thames Hospicecare. All very impressive and a good place for Christmas shopping! Christmas Trees and Christmas Gathering – Saturday December 22, 2012 Now - the more observant amongst you may have noticed that this year, for the first time we put up not one but two Christmas Trees - one on Fifield “Village Green” and the other at the Crossroads opposite Braywood Memorial Hall. OGAFCA and the local Community are extremely grateful to Auto Technics, Blue Acre Horse Rescue, Bray Parish Council, The Fifield Inn, Horler & Associates Estate Agents and John Train Plants, for their help and Sponsorship which enabled us to do this. And for the first time we organised a Gathering round the Christmas Tree on Fifield Village Green on Saturday December 22nd. Over 50 people turned up - despite the wet weather and competition from the Final of Strictly Come Dancing. They they enjoyed some Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and singing Carols. It was great to see so many Children come along and sing too. Fifth Social Evening with Horse Racing – Friday May 3, 2013 We organised our 5th Social Evening with Horse Racing Event in Braywood Memorial Hall just before the early Spring Bank Holiday. For the first time for a Race Night, the numbers of attendees was disappointing. Tickets were priced at £8.50 (£7.50 for paid up Members) and included a free drink and nibbles and a licensed bar. But as usual, once everyone was in and settled, we were off to the Races. During the break at half time we had a bit of a “Sing Song” and “Dick Jagger” aka Gary (ex Fifield Inn) gave us a storming rendition of “Brown Sugar”! Then it was back to the Races and a Raffle. Great fun was again had by all and at least one of us left about £20 up on the Evening! Coronation Day Street Party – Sunday June 2, 2013 Sunday June 2nd was Coronation day – which celebrated 60 years since the Queen’s Coronation in June 1953. We organised our first Street Party in April 2011 to celebrate the Royal Wedding of William and Kate and about 250 people came along. In 2012, we organised one in June to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and over 300 people came along. Both were great successes. So we asked in the Spring Newsletter if we should organise another Street Party – or was two enough ? We had just a few people who contacted us and said lets do it again, so decided not to go ahead. Fifield Fun Day – August 10, 2013 The Fun Day was a great success again this year. Visit the FFD page for more information. Family Bingo Evening – Saturday October 5, 2013 Unfortunately this event was postponed as our Bingo Caller, Don Maycock, has not been well. We wish him all the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery. All Events after the above are covered in individual Reports on the Social & Recreation page.
		What are our plans for future community events ?

		How can you help or become involved ?