February 2004

With Easter already being hyped by the supermarkets and a reminder from Dairy Crest to order our hampers for Christmas 2004 now we could be excused for being confused about the time of year. Even the seasons can’t make up their minds whether it’s winter or spring with temperatures ranging from minus 7C to plus 17C in the same week. So don’t be surprised if this newsletter encompasses last year’s brilliant bonfire night and TIRA’s up and coming AGM in the spring.
BONFIRE PARTY
The support of many islanders and their families helped to make the firework party great fun and an evening to remember.
The display was particularly stunning thanks to the generosity, in particular, of Pulkeshi and Bob Gonella on Arabian Bird , Pulkeshi’s family, and the father of David Bailey (Point Loma) who donated some spectacular additional fireworks. Thanks to those of you who also kindly brought extra fireworks to the display.
Johnny and Ann Morrice kindly let us use Saraband’s carport for the bar again this year and Dani McLeod’s punch was so popular the bar staff had a job keeping up with demand for the deceptively innocent tasting brew!
TIRA’s decision to buy superior burgers and hot dogs this year was obviously appreciated judging by how little food remained at the end of the evening. Thanks to the chefs, the bar staff and to everyone involved in making it such a fun night and, as always, thanks to Dave Raven for supplying the great music.
The tremendous generosity of many of you when the collection bucket did its rounds ensured that the cost of the evening was more than covered this year. For the first time in many years we actually made a profit, just over £75.00. However if the real cost of all the wonderful fireworks that were donated is taken into account then we would have made a loss.
It is always difficult with November 5th, because if the night is cold, wet and miserable no amount of bangs and wooshes will make it a success. The new type of fireworks has meant that for the first time we can orchestrate the display, as you probably noticed this year. It would be excellent if for 2004 we could co-ordinate all the fireworks into one big presentation. If you would like to become involved, see your TIRA committee member.
TRUE GRIT

During the recent ‘big freeze’ most of you will have noticed that the bridge and the island’s roads were gritted first thing making driving conditions on and off the island safe to all of us. This is thanks to the diligence of Mike Robb and Mike Kleyn who braved the elements on our behalf. Their work to ensure our safety is much appreciated by the islanders.
Lady Simba in the snow
SLOW DOWN

Please be considerate towards each other when driving on the island. The speed limit of 5mph is there for everyone’s benefit. It is also essential to park your vehicles considerately and to avoid obstructing the road in any way. The Fire Brigade have mentioned on a number of occasions that, in the event of an emergency, access is sometimes hampered by careless parking or by dustbins protruding on to the road.

ENCHANTING ENVIRONMENT

The reason the overwhelming majority of us have chosen to live on Taggs Island is for its enchanting environment. A frequently voiced observation from islanders is that they feel like they’re going on holiday every time they come back over the bridge on to the island.

We are, indeed, very lucky to be surrounded by so much beauty and to be privileged to observe Nature at such close quarters.
Sandra, Etcetera & cygnets from Riverine

With so many of us owning digital cameras and most of us having an interest in our environment it would be lovely to put up on the Taggs Island website any special images of the island and it’s wildlife that you’d like to share. If you don’t own a digital camera but have a good quality print that could be scanned Dave and Suellen Raven on Koraki will happily do this for you.

Please e-mail your images to dave@raven.dj or phone Koraki on 020 8783 0994.

Malcolm Walker on Riverine kindly supplied this photo of the only cygnets on our stretch of the river last year. It’s a sad photo in many ways because SDR & ETC (Sandra and Etcetera), the island’s dominant swans, have lost their cygnets over the weir for the last 6 years and now ETC is probably too old & frail to maintain a territory and has joined the Hampton flock. Meanwhile SDR has taken up with a younger man - who said swans mate for life - and hopefully they might actually manage to raise a family this year!
COMINGS AND GOINGS

Welcome to Philippa Rose on Clipper, Peter Smith on African Queen and Anita Fox and Ian Lancaster on Orrington and farewell to Andy and Nicola Green & baby Helena, Angela Bachfeld, Neale Bryant and Laurie Atkin.

WE NEED YOU

The island regularly needs new members on the committee and this year will be no exception. David Bailey has already had to step down due to pressure of work; Bo Duff, who took on the role of ‘Chair’ this year and Maggie Rae will also be standing down at the AGM. I’m sure all the residents would want to express their thanks for their hard work. If you would like to offer your services as a TIRA committee member this year please speak to your TIRA rep in advance of the island’s AGM in the spring.

FUTURE NEWSLETTERS

Those of you who have given TIRA your email address will already have received this newsletter electronically as well which means that the quality of the photographs is far better than it can possibly be when reproduced on ordinary paper. If you haven’t given TIRA your email address yet please do so and if you have recently changed your address please let us know.

AND FINALLY . . .

If you’re new to Taggs Island, you might like to give Nature a helping hand in the spring. Suellen Raven can supply these specially designed rubber rings for ducklings!

There are only 320 shopping days to Christmas, Easter is a mere 9 weeks away and this newsletter will self destruct in 45 minutes if our Government is to be believed!

Happy Valentines Day

 


 © 2001 Taggs Island