THE KING OF CLUBS

NSW has been and gone for another year and I must congratulate Biggsy, Sean Smith and the whole Brighton Team for a great weekend. My sporting prowess was again tested to the full and I am delighted that my own Area secured third place narrowly behind Areas 2 and 14. Well done to everybody that took part in what is still one of the finest events in RTBI.

So what else has been happening? I am delighted to report that funding has been agreed for the proposed Area Vice Chairman Leadership Days. I am keen to have these days set-up to prepare all Area Vice Chairmen for their important year of managing and directing their Areas. Through this training, they will, in turn, be able to provide greater support to individual Tables and Tablers, which means that everybody will benefit!!

In addition to looking to ‘train’ our Area Vice Chairs I am delighted to report that the format of the annual Joint Liaison Meeting (JLM) – where your Area Officers have traditionally met together with their National counterparts - is to be modified to a weekend of development and will also incorporate the July National Council Meeting. More on this at the meeting…

The Three Year Plan for RTBI is now ready for implementation. We have discovered how we are perceived by the outside world – after all if we are to attract new members it is crucial for us to understand our starting point… Gary, members of Exec and myself will be visiting many Area meetings to present the research findings and to advise you of how we are progressing. Should you want further information or have yet to see the presentation in your Area then please let me know.

A further output from our planning will be the implementation of our PR and Marketing activity – raising the profile of RTBI to the general public – taking into account the learning from the research. This will be a crucial support for every Table as it will include National, Regional and Local activity helping you to raise your profile and, again, attract new members.

You will note that the strap line for my year is Round Table – The King of Clubs. I truly believe that RTBI really has the most to offer – we have the opportunity to make thousands more aware. Working together I look forward to attracting many more new members.

Finally may I welcome you to my Blue Chip Club and encourage you to join. The Club will be limited to just two hundred and fifty members and you will be recognised by your unique RdBI Blue Chip polo shirt and Blue Chip badge. Members will receive a Conference Bag, their uniquely numbered Blue Chip and entitlement to £10.00 discount for the Presidential Ball in March 2007. Additional discounts and offers will also be available on RdBI merchandise. We also plan to have spot raffles and prizes for Blue Chip Members – so keep your Blue Chip with you – you may need it to claim your prize! Membership will cost just £40.00 – all you need do is complete an application form available from my website www.rdbi.co.uk.