I open my newsletter with the Officers’ meeting which was actually held at the very end of June at the Bridge Inn. I can’t believe that it was the last one that will fully Chair as the President Elects will take over from me at the October meeting as much of the content will relate to their forthcoming year. It was a very positive get together- it never ceases to amaze me that we have such a depth of creativity in the region.
I hope that you will have all received the booking forms for the September RCM. Please try to attend if you are able. The theme is The Region and we will be showcasing the best of Programme Action in Yorkshire.
I was pleased to be able to participate in the Regional Friendship Walk at Cannon Hall on the 18th. Eighteen members (plus two dogs!) participated which was super. The weather was gorgeous and we had an enjoyable amble along the riverbank and then wandered our way back up towards the house. A tasty lunch was followed by an interesting look around the museum housed in the Hall. In addition to the permanent exhibits there was an exhibition of costumes from film and TV Series. I was able to purchase a pie from the excellent farm shop before I made my way home.
On the 22nd I attended Garforth Elmet’s meeting where Bjorn Risi – Regional Programme Delivery Manager – spoke eloquently about The Princes Trust. This remarkable charity was founded by the King in 1976. It aims to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those facing adversity. It supports them to build their confidence so that they are able to learn and ultimately earn. He explained about the programmes delivered in schools which aim to encourage positive role models and to build self-esteem amongst vulnerable students. The Enterprise Challenge scheme encourages pupils to develop business models and the winners can even go forward to national judging.
Away from schools there are team programmes which enable personal development in partnership with other bodies, for example the fire service. The Get Into programme allows participants to work for a company knowing that there is a real employment opportunity at the end of the training. The programmes that I have previously heard of are the Enterprise Programmes which are available to 18-30 year olds. The Trust works with them to nurture their business ideas and they can offer grants up to £5000 and access to larger loans.
I was delighted to hear from my fellow club member Jane Walton who has been a mentor for the Trust for many years. She spoke eloquently and emotionally about the positive outcomes with which she has been involved. She should be justifiably proud of the young people she has mentored and supported. The last speaker was Carrrissa Kai, who was helped to start up her own business ‘Keep Me Curvy’ – which promotes good mental health, a positive body image and enables women to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Her story was remarkable as having had a successful career, circumstances changed and it was the support from the Prince’s Trust that enabled her to turn her life around and to help others. She is now quite rightly a Young Ambassador for the Trust. A thought provoking and poignant evening.
On the 31st I was honoured to be invited to the Afternoon Tea 100th Birthday Celebration for S I Dewsbury and District’s member Hilda Wood. What a remarkable lady she is. On behalf of the Region I send you our congratulations once more.
In Friendship
President Susie