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Highclere Society celebrates 25th anniversary and new chairman Phil Wrigley takes the reins




Around 120 people enjoyed a barbecue and get together last Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Highclere Society.

After 25 years as chairman of the society Patrick Hedgeland decided that it was time to pass on the baton to Highclere resident, and host of Saturday's event, Phil Wrigley.

And as a thank you for all his hard work the society made Mr Hedegeland Honorary Life President.

New chairman Phil Wrigley and honorary life president Patrick Hedgeland
New chairman Phil Wrigley and honorary life president Patrick Hedgeland

The society was set up in 1996 to allow the Highclere community to enjoy social events, to welcome new people to the village and to provide support over local issues.

The membership has grown from the original eight people to more than 330.

Mr Hedgeland added: "I'm thrilled that Phil has agreed to take over as chairman as I know that the society will be in very capable hands and will continue to thrive. We have a lot of projects lined up, in particular sponsoring more people who would like to develop local activities."

Chris Boulton and Christine Leah at Highclere Society barbecue
Chris Boulton and Christine Leah at Highclere Society barbecue

Each year the society fundraises for a charity. In 2020 it was The Bruce Trust, which provides canal holidays for disabled people, and because of the disruptions caused by Covid they carried over the support of the charity into 2021.

Mr Hedgeland said that last year they were able to hand over £500 to the trust and a further £1200 was raised at Saturday's barbecue from the proceeds of a raffle and auction.

Of his time as society chairman Mr Hedgeland said: "It's been a pleasure running the society and I have enjoyed every minute of it. We have achieved much more than we hoped."

Wendy Howells, Ally Sutton and Tina Skipworth at Highclere Society barbecue
Wendy Howells, Ally Sutton and Tina Skipworth at Highclere Society barbecue
Ron Snipp with Mike & Jill Williams and Ann Harwood at Highclere Society barbecue
Ron Snipp with Mike & Jill Williams and Ann Harwood at Highclere Society barbecue
Ian Skipworth and Jason Sutton at Highclere Society barbecue
Ian Skipworth and Jason Sutton at Highclere Society barbecue
Highclere Society barbecue
Highclere Society barbecue
Highclere Society barbecue
Highclere Society barbecue


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