Voluntary staff look to the future
A vision meeting was held in the summer to review the existing Gang programme. Our staff were invited to voice their opinions at the meeting, which were valued and extensive changes were made. Both leaders and staff have been revitalised and membership has increased dramatically. In some cases we are victims of our own success with attendance at some clubs, almost double before programme changes. We also decided that some events should be brought back and “re-invented” and we have re-introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The latter bring very important as it is accredited, and we are endeavouring that many of our young people have the opportunity of some form of accreditation e.g. Record of Achievement, Millennium Volunteers or the European Computer Driving Licence.
Raising the Profile
Harborne Carnival (Britain’s second largest street carnival) is a very important event in our calendar, which attracts over 42,000 people. The Gang has supported this event since its inception in the early nineties. Building our float has become our speciality. We have also held a stall on the High Street to increase funding, however, this year our stall promoted the activities of the Gang. The past two years the theme has been “Victorian”. We are very appreciative of the donation of £6,000 received from the Carnival Committee. It is hard work but all have a very enjoyable day. Thanks must be forward to General Council Member Alex Patrick who organises our large truck and Trevor Franklin our driver.
Our Fundraising Day in June is always hard work and fun. Whilst staff erect the gazebo’s for the stalls, others start the car wash. The afternoon entertainment is the staff v kids football with the highlight being the Guinness World Record Wheelbarrow Race. Well done to Michael and Paul who were first past the line.
Extending our knowledge
Training always plays an important part in the Gang’s programme. Voluntary staff are vital to support the leaders and require basic training qualifications e.g. An Introduction to Play/Youth, First Aid Training and in house training for club nights and holiday schemes. Our professional staff have also attended regular courses e.g. Diploma in Play, training in Health and Safety, Condom Distribution and Anti-Bullying, as well as attending Fundraising seminars. We also reap the benefits of the help of work experience placements. This year we had three and also a graduate from Westhill College.
So this year went to sunny Spain……… again
Following the success of last year’s holiday in Salou, we returned this year to Menorca. Nearly fifty of us enjoyed temperatures of nearly 80 degrees in October. Most of us made the most of the weather and our swimming pool. Others were more adventurous, viewing the local sites and shops.
Our place in the country
Ty Carreg remains as popular as ever with our children, young people and staff. Last year more than a hundred people attended a residential in Wales. Our senior members look forward to their residential in February, where they take sole ownership (with support) of the funding, programme an even the catering. Activities at Ty Carreg in 2006 included a “Cluedo” weekend, as well as Bonfire and Christmas weekends, and, of course, the better weather outdoor pursuits weekends. Everyone enjoys their time at the cottage and it is a valuable tool for the leaders for social education and team building.
Thanks to the support of its committee and a very dedicated work team Ty Carreg is maintained superbly. Our cottage has a very dedicated team who give up their time to maintain Ty Carreg. Jobs since the last journal have included making the cottage comply with newly enforced Disability Act. This involved changing handles, installing new taps and nice new decking that not only levels part of the patio but also more importantly improves access. Painting and general maintenance have all took place, making staying at the cottage, a pleasurable experience.
Remembering Harry Webb
Twenty young people enjoyed “Founders Day” in the Capital in September, which happened to coincide with the 90th birthday of his wife Margery. Some hit the high street, whilst others hit the high spots (the London Eye). There were visits to the park, the Palace (the Queens gowns were fantastic), Madam Tussauds and will they every finish Wembley?…. A long and tiring day but a good one.
