The May Area Conference took place on Sunday May 23rd, there was a very good turn out of delegates and observers. Thanks to everyone who attended and made it such a positive event.

The following Committee positions were elected,

Chairman, John A Smith
Administrator, Janet Rintoul
Treasurer, Robert Jones
General Committee member, Dave Orsler

We're always looking for new ideas and additional hands to help, especially with Area scale events. I'm particularly keen to have one or two General Committee Members on the Area Committee, so if anyone would like to organise a particular Area scale event, or get involved in the Area in a small way then I'd be glad to hear from you.

A visit to a Chinese restaurant followed the Conference; everyone enjoyed the new Jumbo's in Huddersfield. Perhaps we'll make a meal out a standard feature of Area Conferences.

Karen Chaplin was co-opted as a General Committee Member at our first Area Committee meeting last Monday.

July NEC meeting

The next NEC meeting takes place next month, one of the main topics will be the changes needed to ensure the future of 18 Plus. If anyone has any ideas on how things might be improved please let me know.

Inspire

This year's national 18 Plus learning event is "Inspire", this will be of particular benefit as it's held in the North and this year's main subject is Publicity.

Inspire is designed for the Group member, to equip them in running their Group and to assist them in their lives and career. It will also equip them to cope with change.

Notably Inspire will include discussion on the use of the Internet to market an idea such as 18 Plus and the construction of a Group night. The individual will discover about managing projects, time planning, assertiveness and public speaking.

All Committee members and those considering joining their Group Committee are encouraged to attend. The event is tailored to suit your needs.

Those Groups who have difficulty supporting their members to attend Inspire may apply to the Area Committee for a subsidy.

Don't forget that Inspire also includes a Ceilidh dance in the evening, this is open as an event in itself and accommodation can be provided at a very reasonable rate. The links below give more details.

Inspire Learning Event 2004 Information - PDF

Inspire Ceilidh 2004 Letter - PDF

Inspire Ceilidh 2004 Poster - PDF

Area scale events

On Saturday July 10th the Manchester Night Out takes place; click the link below for the details.

Manchester Night Out 2004

Bradford 18 Plus have organized their second annual Treasure Hunt, this year at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park on July 31st starting at 2.00 pm, cost is £2 per person, afterwards a visit to The Black Bull is planned for a pub meal. Click below for the details.

Bradford Annual Treasure Hunt (BATH) 2004 poster - PDF

Rothwell 18 Plus Group are organizing a canal cruise starting at Uppermill, Staleybridge on Saturday August 28th. A BBQ is included and the cost is just £15. The details have been sent out to all the Groups.

September 11th has been set aside for War of the Roses 2004. It is planned to do an event similar to War of the Roses 2000, but we need a very cheap venue, if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Area Committee meeting

The next meeting of the Area Committee is on August 17th at Robert Jones' place starting at 7:30 p.m. If anyone not on the Area Committee would like to attend then please get in touch with Robert.

And Finally.......

Here's all my contact details, post, telephone, e-mail and even a fax number for thise who might want to send me a note by phone (you never know!).

John A Smith
Springfield
490 Manchester Road
Brierley Wood
Huddersfield
HD4 5BW