National

Seeks to assist people, commonly but not exclusively, between the ages of 18-35 to develop a personal philosophy and appreciate life through the provision of opportunity for participation in cultural, social and recreational activities

Let World Cup Fever Take Over!!!!

Our annual 5-a-side football competition is open to all members across the UK.

So, if you fancy a bit of exercise and maybe a bit of silverware, get your trainers on, make up a team or join up with another one to take part. Do not worry if your group cannot find 5 people to make a team, just contact me to let us know you want to play and we will sot you into a team. Any team can have up to 2 subs, but cannot play for more than one team. Food in a restaurant nearby afterwards.

Personal and Club pride at stake!!!

WASH 2010 - NEW BEGININGS

Just recently, most people will have received a letter from the WASH 2010 committee detailing the commitment we have made to Searles to enable us to hold WASH this year, namely the guarantee of paying for 250 accommodation places. Those who attended the National AGM in February will also have heard our views on the future of WASH and the importance of the relationship we have developed with Searles after all these years of holding the event at that venue.

It has now been made obvious to us that the management of Searles do not share our views on the importance of this relationship, and that our understanding of the commitment they required from us was incorrect. We have been advised that they now require us to pay them a premium of £4000 (plus the cost of using their PA system at £1200) in addition to the normal accommodation costs incurred.

After lengthy discussions and debate, we have come to the opinion that even if we were able, at a push, to run WASH 2010 on this basis, the idea of basically giving up our reserves from previous years to provide Searles with more profit is not one with which we would feel comfortable. WASH reserves should be there to ensure the continuance of the event and provide members with the best value event with the highest quality entertainment that we can. To pay this amount would effectively bring WASH to an end as far as being self-funding is concerned. In addition, we could not in all conscience ask for funding from Areas knowing that a large proportion of the money given would be going straight into Searles' profits, so this may well have been the last year of WASH.

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WASH 2010
5th to 8th November 2010
Hunstanton, North Norfolk

PAUL CATTERWELL
KING'S LYNN
NORFOLK

IMPORTANT NEWS

Dear fellow Plusser

1. WASH IS BACK TO IT'S TRADITIONAL WEEKEND - BONFIRE WEEKEND

2. PLEASE READ THE STATEMENT BELOW

Last year we had 176 attend WASH compared with 229 in 2008. Following our
de-briefing meeting with the management of Searles we feel it only fair to
bring each and every one of you up-to-date with the situation .

The situation is that Searles have told us that it is uneconomic to continue
with an attendance such as last years, and as such in order to run this
years event we are having to 'guarantee' 250 beds are booked, particularly
as Searles are now taking bookings for the venue all year round.

Our research has shown that the vast majority of members wish to keep WASH
as it is at Searles'. To this end we have negotiated that we will 'buy'
the balance of accommodation not booked by yourselves. For example, if 190
people attend WASH this year we will have to 'buy' 60 berths.

This will come from WASH reserves AND CAN BE DONE FOR ONE YEAR ONLY as this
will effectively drain our reserves. If we get sufficient bookings WASH
will continue next year as we will have the funds intact, but if not this
really will be the last WASH.

In order that we can have a better idea of roughly how much we are going to
have to take from WASH reserves we would ask for your help in getting
deposits in as early as possible. We will be sending out all the paperwork
at the end of March instead of the usual June, so this gives you more time.
If anyone needs to book individually please contact us and we can sort
something out.

We will keep everyone updated as to bookings numbers by personal e-mails
where we have them, the one-list and on Facebook's WASH Appreciation page.

Paul Catterwell

Situated in the southern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera, stretching along a beautiful semicircular bay, and close to the North of the descending ridges of the Balkan Range – Sunny Beach blends sea and mountain in perfect harmony. Lying to the south is the small peninsula on which the ancient town of Nessebur is located - an architectural and historic monument of Bulgarian and world culture.

Anglia and South East Area will be holding a Training Day. This will cover a number of skills which are important for office-holders within Plus, and have a wider application as well.

From Sharon Law, the new Training Officer for Anglia & South East Area:

"My intention is to look at skills such as assertiveness, effective communication and team work and then to split into groups relating to the positions on group and area commitees. Kerry Mann - the new PRO for Anglia & South East - will be looking at effective ways of publicity across groups and across the area."

For more information, please contact Sharon on 07818 065893, or email her at tiny_chicken@hotmail.com

Timetable for the Day

Timetable for the day:

10.30 to 11.00 will be tea, biscuits and registration.

11.00 to 12.00 First session: general skills - depending on numbers may be split in to two groups. This will look at effective communication, assertiveness and team work.

1200 to 1215 Break

12.15 to 13.15 get into groups - this will be related to positions on group and area commitee.

13.15 to 13.30 feedback and what groups would like training fro in future events.

Directions:

By car - up Ilford Lane from Ilford: turn right half way up in to St Lukes Avenue, turn right into Lowbrook Road and follow into Baxter Road.

By car from Barking: the same except turn in left off of Ilford lane. From Ilford station or Barking station an ELT bus will bring you up Ilford Lane - get off bus just past Japanese Motors and walk up St Lukes Avenue into Lowbrook Road and follow into Baxter Road.