A Message from the FELLOWSHIP Chairman, Peter Leake
What a cracking last 6 months we had of 2021! Whilst we battled with the Covid situation, the Fellowship has come out of this remarkably well, which bodes well for an exciting 2022. Let’s reflect and look forward positively, as there is a lot to feel positive about.
As Covid restrictions started to lift, we were able to start our events again, and what a relief that was for everyone! The Golf Day at Woking in May, the trip to Silverstone in June, the Thames Riverboat Trip in August, the Midlands Lunch in September and the Fakenham Races in October all provided the opportunity for Fellows to get together and enjoy each others company at very enjoyable locations and venues.
The year closed with myself having the privilege and pleasure of handing over the cheque for £5,000 to BEN. As we are all aware, BEN have been doing tremendous work during the pandemic and they were so grateful for our continued support that Matt Wigginton has asked me to pass on his sincere thanks to all in the Fellowship for our generosity.
This is not all; behind the scenes, your Committee and the Working Group have been gearing-up for the challenges that lie ahead. Tina Steele, Paul Barrett and Tony Ham have decided the time was right to step down from the Committee and on behalf of the Committee, may I say a massive ‘thank you’ to you all for the work you have done and that you are still going to be active with us moving forward. New members have put their hands up to join the Committee, namely John Russell, Ray Sommerville, Denis Chick, Mark Robinson and David Lansdowne. Gentlemen, welcome. This has allowed us to strengthen the Working Group, headed up by our Vice-Chairman David Manchester
Already for 2022 we have a full plan for events being pulled together by the Working Group, an outline of which is included in this newsletter, but plenty more is to come – watch this space!
As I outlined in my introduction letter when I became Chairman, the growth of our membership is one of my key objectives. To that end, the Working Group, through John Russell, have put together a questionnaire that we would very much like you all to complete. It should not take longer than 10 minutes, but the information you provide us will help us develop the Fellowship down lines that meet the current membership requirements, whilst at the same time helping us model our offerings to attract the Fellows of the future. The Membership Initiative I think you will agree is crucial if we are to develop the Fellowship for the future, embracing the changes that are happening in our industry today and remains relevant to all moving forward.
May I finish by thanking you, the Fellowship, for your continued support of our events and of your Committee, and may I wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy and enjoyable 2022.
Peter Leake, FELLOWSHIP Chairman
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