Speaking at the recent AGM of the Celtic & Irish Cultural Society, Chairman, John Nolan, explained that it had been a very challenging year for the Society. He said:

“2007 was certainly an eventful if not testing year, but at the same time it has been very rewarding. I think that Crawley is a much nicer place to live and work thanks in part to the CICS working for the good of the community and providing a great cultural experience for us all”

The CICS, which is responsible for the Crawley Irish Festival, the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the Crawley Fleadh, has undergone a number of important changes during the last 12 months including:

1. Becoming a Company Limited by Guarantee – a move which offers protection against personal liability to the committee members/trustees and thus offers them protection when employing people and forming contracts with suppliers and service providers
2. Appointing a new Board of Directors – The new Board is comprised of John Nolan (Chairman), Norah Green (Company Secretary), John Lyons (Treasurer) and Mary Allen
3. Employing its first paid member of staff – something which the Society feels demonstrates a strong commitment to improving its work, both in terms of cultural activities and the events it provides, as well as its ambitions to raise the profile of the Irish community which are an important part of Crawley’s multi-cultural mix
4. Starting the process of registering as a Charity – this will help with accessing additional benefits and funding for the organisation

All the changes the CICS has undergone will leave the society in a stronger position to handle the major events they have planned for the year ahead, including the fast approaching 13th Annual Crawley Irish Festival, which is planned for Sunday 24th August.

In conclusion to the AGM, the Chairman concluded by saying

“We should not forget our supporters, the big and the not so big. They provide funding and loan us equipment so we can organise our events. We could not survive or get to where we are today without their help. In particular we would like to thank Crawley Borough Council, West Sussex County Council and the Town Centre Partnership for their support. Also, this busy year could not have been achieved without the assistance of the many volunteers and helpers”

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