St John's Mitcham Fete Update

Hello everyone,

 

I trust this finds you and yours all in good health and soldiering on during these continuing strange times.

 

Following the ‘to fete or not’ discussion at our July Fete Committee meeting it was agreed that I would convene a small group to consider the options for an event in November. The group was to give more detailed consideration to what type of event may be possible to conduct within the prevailing Victorian Covid restrictions.

 

I proceeded to make arrangements for Gerard, Jen, Graham, Shane, Rohan, Matt and myself to meet to consider what options may be feasible. Each invitation acknowledged their area coordination roles and/or detailed knowledge of organising this event over many years. On behalf of us all I thank them for agreeing to assist.

 

Of course, as we now know the pandemic landscape quickly changed once again. Following a number of thwarted attempts to meet in person the current lockdown heralded an attempt for a virtual meeting. As this date approached it became clearly obvious that we were heading into territory similar to the same time in 2020. A longer term of lockdown and/or hard restrictions seemed inevitable.

 

I initially discussed these developments with Dispin and then with each of the members of the small group.  There was unanimous recommendation that with such uncertainty there was no value in planning to hold a Fete in 2021.

 

I have conveyed the group’s recommendation to Dispin and whilst disappointed, as we all are, he has accepted that advice. Appropriate steps will be taken in the near future to formally advise our Parish and school communities. I am sure you will all understand the need to act directly and to not let the uncertainty linger.

 

Since our July meeting, Rob Smith has been beavering away at contacting sponsors and giving consideration to the practical hurdles of conducting a raffle. Rob reports enthusiastic responses from the previous supporters and is keen to push on into the planning. Many thanks to Rob and, as they say, watch this space.

 

Thanks again to you all for your continued support of our communities. I pray that in early December it may be possible for us to gather around a BBQ at Mitcham where we could take the opportunity to reconnect, view the newly completed school project at SJM and to chat about what might be in November 2022.

 

Take care everyone and please remember we are all only a phone call away.

 

Cheers

 

Brendan Mills

Chair, Fete Committee

0412 111 734

bmills@netspace.net.au