ROCKVALE REBOUND T.N. 
ANNUAL REPORT 2008/09

    The year 2008/09 has, for the Rockvale Rebound been one in which there has been a steady performance with no major upsets.  The fact that we now have an established central heating system has been a very welcome facet to our premises in West Bridgend and has been favourably commented upon on several occasions.  Whilst the general area within the premises was nice to enter, it was felt by operating members that in the actual recording studio area there was a distinct drop in temperature, so, to alleviate that, the decision was taken to add an extra radiator there which could be linked to the existing system.  This was done and the difference is remarkable and much appreciated. 
    The Annual General Meeting of April 2008 was held in the Choir Room of Riverside Church and, since the room is smaller it gave a much more friendly atmosphere rather than having people feeling somewhat remote from the main proceedings.  All went well and the committee were all re-elected with the exception of Mrs J. Troup, who felt that health restrictions were preventing her from continuing.  Whilst Mrs Troup was thanked very much for her contribution over the years, it was with great delight that we heard from Jenny later in the year to inform us that adequate medical treatment had been found for her condition and that she would be prepared to come back on to the committee.  This was agreed to unanimously.  Also, during the year we have had several approaches from volunteers, two of whom, however, had to relinquish the opportunity of being part of the organisation due to other commitments.  Nevertheless, we were still able to accept the offers from Mrs. Claire Muir and Mr. Stuart Mitchell.  Stuart has taken over the responsibility of the copying of the tapes on alternate Fridays within the despatch set up, and Claire has become a reader on one of our regular teams and is also an active member of the committee.  We also hope to have another new reader introduced to one of our teams very soon.
    On a production and despatch note, we have still been able to maintain just about the same amount of members perhaps even with a slight increase.  Midway through the session, David Dyer arranged to have appropriate information inserted in one of the local papers on a regular basis, and as a result, there have been a number of enquiries for people who wish to receive the tapes.  We also arranged for Margaret Fitzsimons, our secretary to have appropriate information leaflets sent out to every church within the Strathleven area, covering all denominations.
    Also during the year we had two enquiries as to the feasibility of producing church magazines and church services recorded on to tape.  We were more than happy to provide the necessary advice, so it may well be that we become involved in these issues. 
    On a functional slant, last year saw the twenty fifth anniversary of our Summer outings and as a special celebration we headed for the two most spoken about areas in Scotland’s history, namely Bannockburn and Stirling.  The trip itself went very smoothly, with no hitches and we lunched at the King Robert Hotel in Bannockburn.  It was very much appreciated and was served with great cordiality, and, at a reasonable cost.  Being just a few yards from the actual battlefield, some of our nmembers took full advantage of the fact and went off to examine the statue of Bruce on his Garron pony.  Others made for the Information Centre which was a very busy place indeed and where it was possible to make a recording of the various displays.  A short trip then took everyone into Stirling to spend the rest of the afternoon doing whatever they wanted to do.  All in all everybody had a most enjoyable day and the amiable chatter was to be heard all the way home.
    The ASTN Annual Conference was held on October 25th in the Grange Manor Hotel, Grangemouth, which seems to have become the regular venue.  It was very well attended and Rockvale Rebound was represented by Bobby Simpson and Jamie Smith.  The speakers were excellent, covering a wide range of subjects, and, as is usual these days the subject of digital recording and producing information on CD was there.  A full report was made and sent out to our members as an item within the Rebound Roundabout magazine.  Suffice to say that we in the Rockvale Rebound are steadily discussing the subject, but feel that (a) there is a better method than CD’s and (B) the time is not yet here for rushing into anything.  We would much rather get to know all the ins and outs before we commit ourselves.  We have already concluded that whatever method is developed, it must be something which is simple and not too c  omplicated for people to use.  We feel that our discussions are, in fact, taking us in the right direction, and that whichever transition is chosen it will be at no cost to any of our members.  It is anticipated that our readers will be able to utilise the same microphone and mixing system and only the actual recording will require to be altered.  So exciting times are ahead.
    Our annual Sponsored ‘Bobalong Cashaday fund raising event was extremely successful with several pupils from the three local secondary schools taking part.  We are very grateful to Susan Corrigan for designing and producing superb achievement certificates.  As usual the weather was kind and everyone enjoyed the sponsored walk thoroughly.
    Townend Bowling Club once again allowed us the use of their function suite for our Christmas lunch which was not only well attended but was an extremely enjoyable occasion with everything going very smoothly, right from the food and the serving of it to the annual raffle, to which everybody looks forward eagerly. 
    We trecently embarked on a membership monitoring scheme which will give us a more accurate picture of how many members we actually have and who is perhaps not receiving tapes when they should.  Over the years we have been able to help young folk in their quest for a particular level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.  Once again we have just begun to assist another young man to gain this prestigious award.
    So the year has moved gently onwards, but it needs to be said that it could not have done so without the hard work done by all of our operating members.  All seems to go like clockwork but it needs the dedication of those who are involved in all the preparation work, the actual reading and everything which is associated with the system.  We are also very grateful to our supporters who have provided us with the necessary funding in the form of personal donations as well as organisational donations.  West Dunbartonshire Council has also responded in a positive manner to our request for funding.  The Council also provide for our transport needs and our thanks goes to Frances Horan who unfailingly attends to this aspect.
    As Chairman, I extend my personal thanks to everybody who has not only made the continuation of the Rockvale Rebound possible, but ensure it with a great degree of certainty, and that, of course, includes all those people who have allowed themselves to be coaxed, coerced and cajoled into being interviewed so that our members can enjoy as wide a spectrum of information as is possible.  God bless you all.

                       

Bobby Simpson M.B.E.
Chairman, RRTN.