South West Conference 2009

Despite a little snow overnight on the Wednesday it did not stop anyone getting to the Annual Conference.

Approximately 50 people attended, representing all Area's, Departmental Associations and Sports Organisers within the South West.  The South West also welcomed Michael Mainon (Chairman, Bolton Area) to the conference.  He was invited as a guest of Torbay Area, and was also spending the weekend in Torbay with his fellow committee members to "Twin" with the Torbay Area.

Ross Wheeler (Chairman) welcomed and introduced our new Chairman, Alan Hall and Treasurer, Diane Spurr.

Before dinner that evening, a speaker from Rotary, Shelterbox gave a very thought provoking presentation.  This also highlights the work of the volunteer.

Day 2 opened with a very important subject in the South West at the moment, the Barbados Challenge.  The Barbados Sub Committee advised that it has not been an easy ride and a lot of lessons have been learned over the organisation of this. However, pleased to report that 63 people at present (including organisers) will be going out to Barbados later on this year.

Peter Fischer then covered the role of the volunteer and how important it is to recognise the role of the volunteer.  A Volunteer Recognition Scheme has been set up at CSSC Head Office.  Awards available are Merit Award, Certificate of Recognition, Volunteer of the Year.  All Area's were asked to think about someone in their area who could be nominated for one of these awards.

It then seemed appropriate that Peter Fischer presented a Certificate of Recognition to Bill Mayling for services to CSSC. Members in organising Tenpin Bowling for the Cheltenham Area and South West Region.  Bill has been involved in Tenpin Bowling for a number of years and was instrumental in setting up a Tenpin club in Cheltenham.  To find out more about Bill Mayling, follow this link: Bill Mayling receives Certificate of Recognition

Ross Wheeler then presented a Certificate of Recognition to Lindsay Clitherow for services to CSSC Members in the Torbay Area and South West Region.  To find out more about Lindsay Clitherow, follow this link: Lindsay Clitherow receives Certificate of Recognition

To round off the Conference, Sports Organisers and Area Associations were split into 2 syndicates. 1 to discuss Services provided to Members, and how this can be improved. The other syndicate were asked to discuss difficulties experienced as a Sports Organiser and how to overcome them.  The Regional Committee will look at what points have come out of this syndicate exercise at their next committee meeting.