Eastern and Midlands Region Workshop

17 April 2008 - Prague, Czech Republic

The CSSC Eastern and Midlands Regions recently held a joint workshop at the Hotel Duo in Prague, Czech Republic. The Midlands Region jetted off to the same location for their 2007 workshop but for the Eastern Region this was a whole new experience as for the last few years they have held their workshop at West Runton on the North Norfolk Coast. The 63 delegates were a mixture of representatives from Area Associations, Departmental Associations, Regional Sports Organisers and Head Office.

Ian Allen and Clive Dennis the Chairmen of Eastern and Midlands opened the workshop and welcomed delegates before Marian Holmes, CSSC Chief Executive presented several Certificates of Recognition to worthy volunteers from each region. Phil Hawkins, Eastern Region Treasurer then conducted an "ice breaker" session where delegates got to know each other and Marian Holmes, a big Liverpool football fan found out an anagram of her name was "Arsenal Hi Mom"! Marian then gave a CSSC update and overview followed by a session on Area Association Development lead by Joe Connolly, Eastern Region BDE and Ian Allen. Before lunch David Hayday, CSSC Director of Operations ran a bingo style session assisted by his glamorous caller Jim Wilson, Midlands Region Treasurer that gave quick timed overviews on various important CSSC issues.

After lunch Mitch Johnson from the Midlands Region gave a presentation on his recent charity trip to the Himalayas that his region had helped fund. Annette Bellairs, Defence Sport & Recreation Association (DSRA) Secretary and CSSC Management Committee Member then spoke about the work of DSRA. This was followed by John Beamish, Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, speaking about "Thinking about Retired CSSC Members". For the final session the delegates were split into two focussed streamed syndicate sessions depending on their interests. One for sports organisers lead by Dave Prince, Eastern Region Secretary and Men's and Team Golf organiser and the other lead by Ralph Baxter, Midlands Region Executive Committee for Area Associations. In the evening delegates let their hair down and enjoyed a meal at the Novomestsky Pivovar brewery restaurant in the centre of Prague.

Feedback showed delegates found the workshop both productive and enjoyable especially the ones who were able to extend their trip and enjoy a few days exploring the beautiful city of Prague. The workshop was also a nice thank you to the volunteers for all their efforts and hard work over the year.