www.berkskfa.org.uk

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BERKSHIRE KFA 57th AGM - 7 May 2011

What a fantastic turnout to the Annual General Meeting of Berkshire KFA!
71 members showed their support by attending this event.

Current County Team Producer, Donna Ward started off the afternoon with a lively session which soon had everyone warmed up and asking for the doors to be opened to let in some air!!

Berkshire Executive Committee now consists of five officers who run the local Association. We also have invaluable assistance from Shirley Stallwood, the Webmaster who keeps the Berkshire website current. At any event we put on we are always grateful to those who offer to help with refreshments, the raffle, putting out the chairs, etc. This keeps our events running smoothly, so thank you to everyone who helps in this way.

For many years Jean Stallwood was President of Berkshire KFA and in 2010 vacated this position to Carole Williams who was elected as President. Jean stayed on Vice President but this year decided the time was now right to retire. Jean was presented with flowers and we thank her for her commitment to Berkshire KFA. A nomination was received to elect Maureen Maude as Vice President and the members confirmed their agreement to this nomination. Maureen is a well respected Berkshire teacher, former trainer and an ex Chairman of Berkshire KFA. We are delighted to welcome her.

During the meeting Berkshire KFA proposed an amendment to the Berkshire Constitution. This amendment related to Section 9 – Accounts. The amendment was agreed by the members. Click here to view a copy of the Constitution and the amendment.

We were given the opportunity to watch Jeanette Hughes’ Championship Team perform. This was a visual delight of a well rehearsed team working to very dramatic music. Congratulations to all the team and to Jeanette as Producer.

Berkshire County Team gave their first performance in Berkshire of their new item. Producer, Donna Ward had put the team through their paces to perform to “Scott and Fran’s Paso Doble” with music from Strictly Ballroom. Well done Donna and her team - we definitely saw lots of Spanish fire with all the stamping, posturing and cape work.

Last but not least, the final session of the afternoon was taken by Shirley Stallwood who taught a "team demonstration style" routine to "The Flood" by Take That. Much laughter and enjoyment was had by all.

Our thanks to the session teachers, Donna and Shirley, for giving their time and expertise to make the afternoon go with a swing.

If you've never been to one of our AGMs, do think about coming to the next one. As you can tell it is not all serious. It is also an opportunity to meet up with friends and other members. Friendships are formed that endure for a long time.

For the Committee, the nicest thing is to hear someone say, “That was a good afternoon. I really enjoyed that - thank you”. The work that goes beforehand is well rewarded by these remarks, so thank you all for your support of Berkshire Keep Fit Association.

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SOUTHERN COUNTIES KFA "Tap & Fling Your Way to Spring" - 5 March 2011

The Southern Counties KFA Spring Rally is the first event when all counties meet up in the New Year. It is the time to meet up with friends and to see new county display teams perform. Hampshire KFA was the host county this year and the venue an old favourite, Barton Hall, Horndean.

Berkshire’s new County Team, produced by Donna Ward, had been rehearsing since January 2011 and gave the first performance of their new item. The music was "Scott & Fran’s Paso Doble" from Strictly Ballroom - the title says it all. Very Spanish, with outfits to match.

Barton Hall is an excellent venue for performers and audiences. Each county within the Region was represented. We also had the chance to watch some of the Championship items.

There was a good variety of sessions taken by teachers from across the counties - including one by Berkshire teacher Shirley Stallwood. There was also tap dancing and a Highland Fling session - YES there was a man wearing a kilt!! And NO we did not ask!!!

A long day, but most enjoyable.

The next Southern Counties event will be the AGM on 8th October 2011, hosted by Berkshire KFA. Make a note in your diary. We look forward to seeing you there.

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KFA CHAMPIONSHIPS - February 2011

The Floral Ballroom at Southport Conference Centre was the new venue for the KFA Championships which took place in February 2011.

Would this measure up to the atmosphere and excitement of Blackpool? Yes, the excitement was there for all involved, whether as part of a team or watching and cheering on your favourites. Southport has beautiful buildings and long streets where you can indulge in shopping. The sea front and site upon which the Conference Centre is built is relatively new as a seaside town, being reclaimed from the sea some 200 years ago. We did “see” the “sea” just!!

The venue itself was excellent, very well laid out with seats on three sides, looking onto a beautiful sprung wooden floor and stage.

The Championships took place over Saturday and Sunday and on each day the seats were fully booked.

Southern Counties KFA region were represented by seven team entries and three solo performances. Each year the standard of performance has improved and everyone who took part should be proud.

Berkshire entered a “local” team in the Movement and Dance section, produced by Jeanette Hughes. The team consisted of teachers and members. Mary Whatley's team from Hampshire achieved second place in the Movement and Dance section.

The Movement and Dance solo section had ten entries and Jane Capers, Mary Whatley’s daughter came second and Jane Capers’ daughter, Sam Tear, came third - keeping it in the family!!!

We are looking forward to going to Southport again in 2013.