The AGM met in rather better circumstances this year;  the Reunion last year was held in the aftermath of the terrorist attack, but numbers still held up despite people's anxieties.

Our Spring Reunion at Pilgrim Hall was, once again, a resounding success and this year we welcomed some newcomers to this happy event, swelling the numbers with Iraqi connections.  Bishop Harry Moore's bible study was as stimulating as ever and the talks by Canon Andrew White on his experiences in Iraq were most enlightening.  Thanks again to Mary Banfield for her arrangements and to Michael and Maggie Lee for their hospitality.

Our membership numbers and finances are still fairly good.  Once again we have been able to support Bishop Clive's Discretionary Fund but donations to the Friends have gone down as people had decided to use part of their usual donation money to pay for the lunch instead.  After many years without an increase it has been found necessary to increase our annual subscription to £12.  Everyone is feeling the squeeze on finances and All Hallows has been forced to increase the cost of lunch.  This became known only after Mary had sent out invitations.  The Friends will be making good the shortfall this year but next year we will need to charge more for the lunch.

I would like to thank everyone at All Hallows for their continuing hospitality, to the ladies for the superb lunch they lay on each year, to the Committee for the work they do and all Friends for coming so regularly.

Terry Finney