As I write my Regional President’s message for April we have just celebrated Easter, a time of new beginnings and feelings of renewed hope for the future.
This is also the time when as clubs we take on new roles following changes at our AGMs. We should embrace these opportunities and fresh challenges as we evolve and move forward. We can learn so much from one another not only within our individual clubs, but by sharing good practice and supporting other clubs within Midland Chase Region.
As Regional President I am here along with my very able team of executive members to support and encourage every single club and every individual member as much as possible. Just a reminder that I am looking forward to meeting with new club presidents and their members as soon as possible please.
I have recently had the privilege of attending SI Burton’s AGM by zoom where I spoke about my personal journey as RP as well as my thoughts on the future of MCR. Although there are now only ten members in this club, I was given the warmest of welcomes by Sue McGlynn and the rest of her members. Their enthusiasm and total commitment really shone through which was so refreshing. Jackie Bannister also spoke in her role as Membership /Development Officer which provided fresh encouragement for this small but dynamic club. Burton work closely with SI Lichfield their daughter club on PA and for social events.
On Saturday 23rd April I took part in Lichfield’s quiz evening which was great fun. I was given a warm welcome and Angela Reynolds made an excellent job of compering and producing the questions. The evening raised over £400 for ‘Lichfield Talking Newspapers.’
My plan was also to attend SI Bilston’s quiz on Friday 29th April too, but this has been cancelled as a mark of respect for the sudden death of Elaine King which is so very sad. Elaine’s death is the third within Bilston club which is devastating for the members. Thank goodness we never know what is ‘round the corner,’ but all the more reason to value and treasure all members within our clubs.
I do hope you have all had the opportunity to read the SIGBI News Briefing with dates for webinars including an update on the Meru Women Garden Project four years on as well as a PR and Marketing session. Information is also available regarding Federation Vacancies as well as the chance to spend money in the SIGBI shop.
Congratulations to Midland Chase Executive & Lichfield Club Member Nichola Balmer, who has recently been appointed as a Director of SIGBI Trading Limited. SIGBI Trading’s task is to raise additional revenue for SIGBI to help support central activities – more important than ever in an era of declining membership. 
One of their focus areas is to help clubs maximise the funds they can raise via the EasyFundraising Partnership, so if you need any input on this, don’t hesitate to contact Nichola. You might also like to hear from one of the most successful clubs in doing this – SI Tamworth – who made this video on their EasyFundraising activity…
The SIGBI day of action is 16th July where we focus on climate change through removing single use plastic from our environment. As Three Regions we are celebrating this significant day by meeting all together for a picnic at the National Memorial Arboretum. Do come to this if you are free – a 
great opportunity to meet up with friends old and new. We are hoping too that our sculpture will be back in place by then.
I know I do repeat myself, but I do hope you are coming to my Regional Conference at Brocton Hall Golf Club on Saturday 14th May as well as to my garden party on Saturday 2nd July. Everyone is welcome.
In conclusion, let’s continue to be kind to each other and to celebrate all our many diverse talents. Every member needs to have a purpose from the oldest to the youngest. We are all doing our best to work together and to focus on the word PROGRESS.
Progress not Perfection……
In friendship
Judith