Northern News Index Page

Newsletter of the Northern Area

Hello again - I'm back!

Well, a fair bit to get through, so let's get on with it.

AEC

Last Sunday, the AEC met in Northwich - the main points to come out of it were :-

The venue for the second Round of the Linda Street Trophy has been booked. It is the L A Bowl in Leeds, so get your teams ready for September 8th - John Smith will be getting posters out by the end of the month (thanks John).

War of the Roses WILL return in 2003, as an old-style 'silly event' competition (and no, I won't do my Stuart Hall bit!).

You should have posters for the Midland Area Pitch 'n' Putt - Bekki and myself are going down to it, to get some info (hope to see you down there). It is very likely we will have an Area Pitch 'n' Putt next year (if you're no good at golf, don't worry - you'll be well handicapped!)

The Area Beach Party is still being looked at, but is unlikely to be this year.

A 5-a-side Football tournament IS going to be organised, hopefully for Jan/Feb - watch this space.

We have now found someone to produce the Ofiicial Northern Area Newsletter, so watch your doormats!

And finally, posters and booking forms will be going out with the next bulk posting for the National Narrowboat Holiday next June (yes, it's going ahead!). The price has gone up slightly, but as the Premium Search ad puts it, it's still 'extremly good value, I think!'

Finance

Yes, money. You will be getting invoices for your next Affiliation Fees - make sure you get them sent off good and quick. Just one thing - that money DOESN'T go to Area, it's to help National operate, to make sure National events run (remember that).

Publicity

A couple of weeks ago, Northwich Group held a 'Publicity Night', which basically involved sending hundreds of business cards with posters to all libraries within their catchment area - we think this is a brilliant idea. At the moment, we're getting costings from the printers - as soon as we're ready, order forms will be going out to you. Do it - it works for Northwich, it'll work for you.

Events

Linda Street Round 1, July 28th.

You should all have your teams ready - so where are you going? Our House! To get maps, log on to www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the postcode, then print the small and medium maps off - you'll need them. The format is a Treasure Hunt with a twist - you'll see when you get hear. Please arrive between 1-2pm - parking is available at the Doctor's surgery 50m up the road from our house, and it'll take about 2 hours to complete.

Area Forum, August 4th.

Has had to be moved, owing to the venue now wanting money from us. It's now in Bradford. To get maps, stay on the Streetmap website and enter the postcode. We'll be starting about 2pm, bring beer!

Leeds Group Treasure Hunt, August 18th.

Just to remind you that Leeds have given all groups an open invite to this event - it's free! Contact John Smith for more details.

NEC

The NEC meeting is this weekend - if you do have anything you wish me to raise, let me know.

Quest

Next week, Stockport Quest opens for business, with Lincs Quest to follow at the end of August. Could I ask you all to give the second tier Groups their full support, and this extends to events you'll be running. One thing - the rules state that second tier Groups can attend events by invitation ONLY, so please make sure they get invites to anything you're putting on.

National Directory

Oh dear, bit of a cock-up at the printers.

Just to put things straight; you should have a slip with the Northern Area Committee on it - if not, let Head Office know: DON'T PANIC, we havn't done a deal with NT&C, we love you all (honest): Grimsby & Cleethorpes IS closed: Lincs and Stockport Quest havn't opened yet, are only going to meet twice a month, and I'm NOT Stockport's Group Chairman (I'm too young, honest!).

Right, that should do it for now. See you in Bradford and keep positive, we're on the up!

Mark Randall (Nprthern Area Chairman and proud of it)

northern.18plus@btopenworld.com