Twenty Central District members attended a workshop in November to improve their Judging Skills. The training was a punchy two and a half hours delivered by a mix of PowerPoint and handouts with lots of two way discussions.

Graham MacLachlan who ran the workshop said the enthusiasm was electrifying and has offered to support Central District members with further workshops in Chairmanship and Evaluation skills. There are 8 clubs in Central and 6 were represented at this event. President Lyn Barron-Ladd was delighted with such positive support. “We had hoped to have 15 delegates, but squeezed 18 in on the day”. Keeping it to a morning session also worked well.

I can’t help thinking that we should do away with the rules that to progress within the ASC we have had to have held other posts. For example if you want to be District President you should have been a Club/Area President.
In the South District this rule has been breached on numerous occasions to to the benefit of the members / Area/ District / National.
It’s a hurdle put in front of the ‘movers and shakers’ who could be fast tacked onwards and upwards. What do you think?

For some years, people have been asking for a return to holding seminars and workshops at Conference. In April 2012 it is intended to do so, but we need to know what people want.

There will be one Development and one Education Seminar. For the Education one, there are two suggestions so far – The Use of Powerpoint or Speaking with Humour. Which would you prefer?

Would you like these to be on Friday afternoon from 4 pm till 5.30 pm or on Saturday afternoon between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm. Have you any other suggestions? Please let us have your ideas.

More information will be in the August mailing.

Suffice to say that we have identified savings, from NEC Meetings costs and travel expenses, to increase the Education and Development budgets by some £2,000.

Any Club, Area or District wanting training sessions should contact the relevant National Officer.