Bonchurch Community Association AGM 2026: A Year in Review
Spring sunshine (well, it's the Isle of Wight — let's say "mostly spring sunshine") brought the Bonchurch community together on 15th April 2026 for the BCA's Annual General Meeting. A good turnout of committee members and residents filled the room at the Bonchurch Parish Church.
A Year Well Spent
Chair Chris Gorski reflected on what's been a quietly brilliant year for the village. BCA-organised highlights included the Picnic on the Green, Open Gardens, and the Christmas Carols by the Pond, which drew a record attendance of over 200 people, with a characteristically dramatic entrance from Santa on his sleigh (the sleigh being a nice touch, we think).
The BCA also lent some support to two other popular events: the Bonchurch Presents showcase and a fireworks display at East Dene. Not everything needs to be an official BCA production to be worth cheering on.
Thank Yous All Round
Chris took the opportunity to thank the many people who quietly keep Bonchurch looking and feeling wonderful. Highlights included:
Richard, for his ongoing care of the pond and the Christmas lights
Charlotte, Richard, and Graham for refreshing the village's green signs
Jane Cox and Linda Garforth for their work on the Fairy Glen area
Brian, for the use of his garden and kitchen for the Open Gardens cream teas (a very civilised arrangement)
Anthony, for setting up the volunteers WhatsApp group and leading the work on Daphne's Corner
Brenda, for hosting the band in her front garden at the carols evening, and for the mulled wine.
Ventnor Co-op gets a mention too, for donating mince pies.
Charlotte, for running the popular social club
Katalin, for keeping the website, emails, and social media ticking over
The Village in Numbers
Treasurer Brian Lucas reported a bank balance of around £4,600, up nearly £1,000 on the same time last year. Spending over the year included three new gazebos, replacement Christmas lights, and defibrillator servicing. Brian is in the process of handing over treasurer duties to Jules Hunt, who joins the committee in that role.
Pond, Green, and Volunteers
Richard Walby reassured everyone that the pond's water level — which caused some concern earlier in the year — has returned to normal. New signs have been put up encouraging visitors to throw fish and duck food further into the pond, which should help discourage the rat population. Worth knowing if you're heading down for a visit.
The village green is looking well-tended, with hedges trimmed and grass recently cut.
And the WhatsApp volunteers group now has 46 members — a remarkable community resource that made the Daphne's Corner project possible, with around six volunteers turning out on each working day.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 committee sees some changes in its key roles:
Chris Gorski steps down as Chair after years of dedicated service, with Penny Cameron Watt taking over as chair.
Brian Lucas hands over the treasurer role to Jules Hunt
Mark Streat continues as Secretary.
Ewen Cameron Watt also joins the committee.
There was also a useful update on the coastal defence works from James, and Richard Ferraro brought news that a budget of around £300 million has been approved for rebuilding the current coastal defences, with work expected to start around 2030. Residents are encouraged to submit ideas about amenities via the Environment Agency website.
Ewen also outlined a clarification to the BCA constitution: any surplus funds or charitable donations must now be directed towards Bonchurch specifically. A tidy and sensible change.
The evening ended with Penny presenting Chair Chris Gorski with a beautiful decorative plate made at Bonchurch Pottery — a fitting tribute to his years of service.
The next AGM is planned for mid-April 2027. See you there.