Western Area Diary Western Area AGM Wessex Division AGM Mercia Division AGM Southern Division AGM Western Division AGM News Introduction As a beginning to this new venture, it seemed appropriate to reflect the words of two eminent contributors to the fortunes and progress of Western Area. AETF owe a debt of gratitude to both outgoing and incoming Chairmen: both were requested to 'say it in their own words'!                                                                       Ron Roberts, PRO WA. Ave, Mike Linham . . . . A New website - and a farewell from me!  I decided last year that I would be standing down as Chairman of Western area after about 17 years of involvement. The first piece of AETF related paper I can find with my name on it are some minutes from October 1994 when I was named as the New Somerset Representative, replacing David Beach, who I had just replaced as Chairman of the Somerset Fellowship of Drama. I never, of course, organised any Festival but I did oversee and found I believed very much in the benefits of the competition that AETF were responsible for. Slowly I found myself taking on more involvement and in 1999 hosted the first of, I think, 2 English Finals at the Strode Theatre, Street. In 2002 I was elected Chairman of Western Area and got 'heavily' involved at the English Committee level - so much so that I was elected Chairman of England a few years later. I have thoroughly enjoyed most of my time working to promote the benefits of competitive drama and will always continue to recommend and support the AETF's function. It was well worth the effort from my point of view and I wish you all well with your future Festivals.  Thank you to everyone for your friendship and support in my efforts to try to improve the organisation and the way it works. Welcome to the chair, Dennis Dunford . . . . I live in Weymouth and am married to Cathrin, we have two children and one grand-daughter.   I have been involved with the AETF for many years starting when I attended the Dorset Drama League Festival in the Corn Exchange in Dorchester, but not taking an active part until I joined Weymouth Drama Club in 1958.  I have recently directed "The Cemetery Club" followed by "Far From The Madding Crowd" for the Drama Club. In 1962 I directed my first festival play. It was Act 1 of "The Return" and since then I have directed 31 more. We have reached the Western Area Finals thirteen times, starting with Act 2 of "The Kingdom of God" in 1967. Three of those plays went on to the English Final, being "Sufficient Carbohydrate" Act 1, "P.V.T. Wars" and "Effie's Burning". I have been on the Dorset Drama League committee off and on for many years. Likewise Southern Division, latterly as Secretary, and Western Area, latterly as Vice-Chairman and now delighted to be Chairman for what I expect to be an exciting festival season in 2012. My secondary hobby is flower arranging and I was delighted to arrange the four pedestals for the stage at the British Final at Swindon in 2011. Committee Members Chairman: Dennis Dunford 01305 776151 cathrin@dadunford.plus.com Vice-Chair: Martin Clifton 01672 810436  martin.clifton@oneline.net Secretary: Ann Aplin 01454 228243 aplinironacton@gmail.com Treasurer: Alan Cross 0117 985 3631 alanecross@blueyonder.co.uk Email the Webmaster