Letter from the Chairman – July 2017

The success of our Festival, and of the organisation that runs it, is due in a large degree to the dedication, efforts and enthusiasm of a large number of volunteers.

The Board of AWBF are also volunteers, and the annual general meeting for our organisation will mark the retirement of a long standing Board member, our Treasurer, Peter Benson.

‘Purser Pete’ has been our Treasurer for the last six Festivals. The Treasurer of our event and organisation is extremely important, and carries significant responsibility. Purser Pete has performed this role with diligence and enthusiasm; and with tremendous attention to detail. Whilst his retirement from the Board is well deserved, he will be sorely missed, as will his enthusiasm and passion for our event and organisation.

I would like to extend my personal vote of thanks to him for all of his efforts, and also on behalf of our organisation.

The annual general meeting for a AWBF is to be held at the Festival’s offices on 7 August 2017 at 5:30pm. I would urge all members to attend this important event, and to participate in discussions about the coming Festival.

I also hope to have a meeting with the Premier shortly, the Honourable Will Hodgman, MP. The Premier is a strong supporter of our event, and whilst there are a number of things I want to discuss with him, one important aspect is the provision of improved infrastructure around the port, to assist with future Festivals.

Finally, our General Manager, Paul Cullen and I, will be attending the Wooden Boat Festival at Port Townsend, USA shortly, to publicise our event and the planned presence of the USA at our next Festival. We will report on the outcome!

Steve Knight