On March 3rd we are holding the Programme Action Forum which we hope that as many of you as possible will be able to attend. The theme for the morning will centre around the Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating hunger and preserving the environment.The speakers are; Steve Thomson who is the Operations Director for  Garden Organic which is the leading organic gardening charity in Europe. They run a range of programmes and activities to get people growing and gardening organically. Working with individuals, in schools and communities, they bring their expert knowledge and skills to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening and growing, which include it being a good form of exercise, a stimulus to a better diet, a way to improve mental health and wellbeing and a tool for social interaction and behavioural change. Steve is currently responsible for the organisation’s Horticulture, Commercial and Education programmes.

As you are aware from previous notifications, several members of the Region are attending the joint Northern and Southern Conference in Killarney in May. If any of you would still like details of the Conference or accommodation, please contact President Jan or Patricia Weinbren, the MAR website Manager on paweinbren@btinternet.com

Catherine  was presented by Kenilworth Club, and is a self funded GOLD (guiding Overseas Linked with Development), volunteer who was chosen via an intensive selection process from Guiders throughtout the UK.  Through the GOLD project, Catherine is committed to to helping girls in Oman enjoy the same freedoms to express themselves as their UK counterparts. Coventry Club presented a Support Services manager, working in a refuge, who helps support women and children who are fleeing and experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Kidderminster Club presented a candidate who is CEO of the Nightstop Charity.  This charity provides emergency 3 night accommodation for homeless young people through a range of support services. Rugby Club presented a candidate who raises awareness of organ donation (particularly childhood transplantation), supporting families struggling with a child in hospital post transplant. Solihull Club presented a candidate who is a volunteer of 12

Today is December 10th 2016  – Human Rights Day. We were asked to do 10 things in the run up to December 10 so we will have to do all 10 all today: 1) Learn 10 facts: which included: In 2015, 43,000 people were killed or injured by explosive weapons. 92% of those people were civilians. There has been a 45% increase in the number of people injured since 2011. In Syria 53% people injured by explosive weapons. 15% needed amputations. In 2014 children accounted for 39% of civilian casualties. Handicap International has been in existence for 34 years, worked in 59 countries and has carried out 341 projects. They were joint winners of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. They clear landmines and unexploded bombs. They also provide artificial limbs and rehabilitation to amputees 2) Go to SI Solihull’s stand and learn 10 more