Wap Update Nov 30th 2007 - Proposed Constitution See link in paragraph 5

The Spirit of Randwick Wap  (Runner article for Sunday Dec 2nd)

There are exciting undercurrents running quietly beneath the surface of the community as plans for the 2008 Wap take shape, with lively debate bubbling through as the quest to balance innovation and tradition brings new challenges. From the outset reviving Randwick customs exactly as described in historical documents, such as Fennemore’s 1893 ‘History of Randwick’, was never going to be workable, yet the architect of our current Wap ‘tradition’ the late Rev. Nial Morrision executed such an intelligent interpretation of earlier customs that he captured the spirit of ‘Runnicker’ tradition and at the same time captured the hearts and minds of the 1970’s community.

We’re now hurtling through the first decade of a new century, indeed a new millennium! Our day to day lives would be unrecognisable to Miss Fennemore, and so much has changed even in recent years that for the wonder of the Wap to survive in the modern world we need to ‘see it’ through the eyes of the young, and of those who are new to the festivities, bringing new enthusiasm and commitment. It’s certainly a tall order! So what does it mean in practice?

First and foremost the key to the future is the people, and we are lucky to have a wealth of new faces and expertise amongst the Wap Supporters, and consequently a good mix of ‘traditionalists’ and ‘innovators’ on the Wap Committee and it’s working groups. We have sufficient interest to have several working groups, focusing on the Wap day events, on information and publicity, and on the Wap traditions.

The events group, despite the disappointment of the race night cancellation, remain enthusiastic in their fund-raising and plans for a range of events, stalls and attractions to bring in people of all ages to the Wap. On the information front your beloved Runner Editor, Sheila Bliss and Ruth Rickman-Williams have put many hours into researching and collating important details from the archives of Wap files and documents spanning back to the 70’s. The ‘rules’ and traditions have been written up, along with all the detail organisers and Wap personalities need to make the event happen. Many of the gaps in information have been filled through the expertise of long term Wap enthusiasts, and to complete the picture others will be invited to look over the new documents to give the benefit of their experiences and knowledge. A great deal of work has also been undertaken to update the accuracy of Poll Book entries and create an ‘electoral register’ to make the voting process more manageable.

Other developments on the Horizon include ideas to make voting and ‘Princess Saturday’ announcements more of an event, complete with hustings and polling stations. Thanks to Steve Legge (who conducted the Silver Band last year) there is the chance of a new and specially written ‘Randwick March’ for the band to play in the Wap procession, and a review of the singing of the Mayor’s Song to get people more animated and involved. The current Wap constitution is rather outdated and mixes committee responsibilities with some of the rules of the Wap procedures, so work has begun to update it in line with national Charity Commission guidelines. To see the new draft constitution either follow the link on the Randwick website, or if you would like to see a hard copy phone Calvin on 07870 239077. The adoption of the constitution will be considered at a Special General Meeting in January, after which the full ‘rules and regulations’ governing the Wap will be drawn up for approval.

Activities and attractions are being booked in readiness for 2008, local organisations will be written to shortly to book stalls on the field, and in addition the events group are still keen to hear people’s ideas for entertainments to make the main Wap day a success. The Poll book will be open until late in January with nominations for Wap personalities following in February, in the meantime plans are being hatched for further activities to raise funds and bring a little fun to dark winter months. Keep an eye on the Runner for news and information, contact us if you want to get involved, and please let the Runner know if you have any views or ideas on the future of the Wap: It’s your tradition, get involved and help us keep the spirit of the Wap alive and up to date!

Calvin