THE chairman of the Abergavenny and District Tourism Association says a lack of attendance leaves her in doubt over the group's future.

Jenny Taylor expressed her opinions at the AGM of the Abergavenny and District Tourist Association at the Angel Hotel last month.

Mrs Taylor led the meeting and welcomed Abergavenny Mayor, Councillor Norma Watkins and guests to the meeting, courtesy of the William Griffiths. 

She said she was "extremely disappointed" at the lack of attendance from the members of the ADTA and the committee as a whole is now left wondering whether the association can continue. 

"Whilst our membership numbers 110, fewer and fewer members are coming through to serve on the committee. Some of the committee are becoming beyond their sell by date and new blood is essential," said Mrs Taylor

"It is obvious from the amount of publicity the ADTA generates with 30,000 brochures and our ever current web site, visitabergavenny.co.com, the ADTA is necessary to promote tourism, but we need help."

Mrs Taylor reported on the season as a whole, pointing out that the many festivals and this year's Eisteddfod boosted the economy of Abergavenny and were a vital link to employment and prosperity. 

She said. "Although the Ryder Cup will have benefited Wales as a whole, the position of the cameras will have been advantageous to say the least! Abergavenny did not particularly benefit.

"We must not be disappointed, we can only hope that golf will become a 'first' in the mind of golfing tourists to our area as we do have some super courses locally!' 

The guest speaker this year was Sandy Greenslade of Adventa who said she was desperate to promote the 'Monmouthshire' brand name and promised help from to all areas including financial assistance.

The Tourism Award this year was presented to the Beavan Family from Llanvetherine for their participation in the 'Lambing Live' programmes. 

In presenting the award Mrs Taylor said that the Beavans, almost unwittingly, gave so much pleasure and fascinated so many people in the UK they almost 'family-handidly' brought Abergavenny and the area to the attention of tens of thousands of people. 

Trevor Beavan spoke on behalf of the family and said it had been such a pleasure doing the series but really had no idea that it would become so popular. " 

Councillor Watkins gave a succinct speech outlining her life and love of the area and gave thanks to the ADTA for the promotion of Abergavenny.

Mrs Taylor is retiring this year as chairman and Gwen Jones, of Penydre Farm, Llanvihangel Crucorney, was unanimously voted in as new chairman, Sue Trumper will continue as treasurer and Mary Davies has agreed to stay as secretary until a new one is found.

When an emotional Mrs Taylor was presented with a huge bouquet, she agreed to take the roles of vice chairman and publicity officer.

She added, "Please, please we need old and new members to help keep this vibrant tourism association alive - if you need tourists for your business - we need you!"